JoElle Martín

In my last blog I wrote that Dr. Seuss was a favorite author. Another favorite is Shakespeare.

One might think that because I love romance and Shakespeare that "Romeo & Juliet" would be a favorite love story of mine. It isn't.

Some might think this is blasphemy, but I don't think it a great love story at all. It is an "Obsession Story".

To me, the whole "I would rather die than live without you" thing is not about true love. That shows weakness. It implies neediness and a life that would otherwise be without a purpose. I don't think that makes a strong and healthy relationship. And a true love story should be about a love that is strong and healthy.

A true love makes a person strong. A true love does not make a person needy and dependent.

"Titanic" (and again some may consider this blasphemy) was never a favorite movie of mine. I am sorry, but I like for my love stories to have both characters alive at the end ... and go on living happily ever after.

However, what I DID like about "Titanic" was the message of true love. The love between Rose and Jack was a real love. Because it DID make them strong. Had that been Romeo and Juliet in the cold ocean that night, Juliet would have been weak and died right there with Romeo. Romeo would not have told Juliet to hold on and keep living.

Jack gave Rose a beautiful message about love. Rose LIVED for their love. She held on to what they had and BECAUSE of it she had a full life, a fulfilled life. Her life was filled with accomplishment and love.

Living for your lover, not killing yourself over you lover is a sign of TRUE LOVE.