Are romantic novels bad for women?

[MarrickG]

IT'S all innocent stuff: square-jawed boy meets doe-eyed girl, they fall in love, encounter a few rocky moments but ultimately seal their union with a kiss or a vague hint of sex.

Wholesome yarns like this form the heartbeat of romantic fiction, a genre that has been in existence since the mid-18th century and today sells by the bucketload.

But, according to a debate launched on Thursday by a medical journal in Britain, romantic novels are an invisible yet potent threat to women's sexual and emotional health. A commentary blasts these formulaic books for failing to promote safe sex and encourage patience in achieving female orgasm - and for defining the success of a relationship as the ability to crank out babies.

'If readers start to believe the story that romantic fiction offers, then they store up trouble for themselves,' says British author and relationship counsellor Susan Quilliam. 'Sometimes the kindest and wisest thing we can do for our clients is to encourage them to put down the books - and pick up reality.'

Ms Quilliam, writing in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, says that, according to a survey, only 11.5 per cent of romantic novels mention condom use. 'And within these scenarios, the heroine typically rejected the idea because she wanted 'no barrier' between her and the hero,' she notes.

Even the steamier offerings of romantic fiction are dismal failures when it comes to sexual health, she contends. The typical bodice-ripper ends 'with the heroine being rescued from danger by the hero, and then abandoning herself joyfully to a life of intercourse-driven orgasms and endless trouble-free pregnancies in order to cement their marital devotion.' -- AFP

 

[cooleo]

Romantic novels are the most useless books to read. They feed women with illusions of grandeur. Sadly life for them is 50 years holed up in a shitty HDB flat, instead of white picket fence and freshly mowed lawn on a Hamptons house.

 

[Char_Azn]

Romantic novels not that bad. Women Magazines are bad for Women. Whenever I glance through some of the headlines of those mags, it range from the ridiculous to the downright moronic

 

[dankos]

Romantic novels not that bad. Women Magazines are bad for Women. Whenever I glance through some of the headlines of those mags, it range from the ridiculous to the downright moronic

fat ass,

looking at your size/piggy looks and also the fact that u r still lonely without gf, i don't think u r by any chance an expert on woman matters.

how is your latest crush on that new girl? still kena reject by her for lunch dates? trust me pls don't go for makan dates with any of your gf prospects, they confirm will get turn off by your huge appetite.

 

[cathylmg]

Just like fairy tales are bad for children. We all knows that there are definately more to prince and princesses got married and living happily ever after.

 

[KNNBCCB]

Novel is a waste of time.

 

[IR123]

....says British author and relationship counsellor Susan Quilliam.

When I saw the title, I suspected that it is a viewpoint of a woman who wants to change other women into her image.

I am right.

 

[congo9]

Woman love romantic novel becos they love the process of being touched and undress, before making love. Indirectly i am saying, they are turn on by words. Words that will hold their imagination.

But sadly, these woman don't act out to their desire to the man or husband. It all in their brain.

 

[HellAngel]

Almost all women are turned on by money. If the words are said by a pauper, you see they got reaction or not.

Buy your partner an expensive handbag and see if there is a change in behaviour when you have sex that night.

 

[cooleo]

Almost all women are turned on by money. If the words are said by a pauper, you see they got reaction or not.

Buy your partner an expensive handbag and see if there is a change in behaviour when you have sex that night.

What kind of woman are u hanging out with?

 

[HellAngel]

Women who are frank and honest about what matters to them.

 

[HellAngel]

Known some local women who married Ang Mo because they are expats. There is little love involved and the feeling was only slowly nutured after marriage. Of course, they wouldnt never tell the men.

The women's point is simple, what is love without money? In a materialistic world, love cannot sustain without money. The women were once in love with locals but the relationship turned sour and they were heart-broken. So they decided to place their bet on money instead. At least when feeling is gone, they still have money to hold on and have a good life.

Another thing that matter is the size of your tool. If a women tell you that size doesn'e matter, they are bluffing you. Almost all the women I deem to be frank had been asked that question and they all said that size does matter. But of course, the definition of 'size' depends on the women. For some, 4" is enough, for others at least 6". So it is fitting the right key to the right hole.

 

[syed putra]

Known some local women who married Ang Mo because they are expats. There is little love involved and the feeling was only slowly nutured after marriage. Of course, they wouldnt never tell the men.

The women's point is simple, what is love without money? In a materialistic world, love cannot sustain without money. The women were once in love with locals but the relationship turned sour and they were heart-broken. So they decided to place their bet on money instead. At least when feeling is gone, they still have money to hold on and have a good life.

Another thing that matter is the size of your tool. If a women tell you that size doesn'e matter, they are bluffing you. Almost all the women I deem to be frank had been asked that question and they all said that size does matter. But of course, the definition of 'size' depends on the women. For some, 4" is enough, for others at least 6". So it is fitting the right key to the right hole.

Did those women say anything about "the fist"?

 

[jw5]

Why are they bad?

Do you not approve of the "searing fiery throbbing salami being inserted into the hot dark musty oven"?

 

[exobay]

One woman's meat is another woman's poison. Why are we so bothered if it does not harm anyone?

 

[drifter]

all books are nothing compared to the bible ..which makes you give $ every month to church ...talk to yourself before eating ....the lists can go on and on ...

 

[middaydog]

Novel is a waste of time.

Sam's Alfresco Coffee Shop is a waste of time.

 

[cathylmg]

Known some local women who married Ang Mo because they are expats. There is little love involved and the feeling was only slowly nutured after marriage. Of course, they wouldnt never tell the men.

The women's point is simple, what is love without money? In a materialistic world, love cannot sustain without money. The women were once in love with locals but the relationship turned sour and they were heart-broken. So they decided to place their bet on money instead. At least when feeling is gone, they still have money to hold on and have a good life.

So you marry a poor man when you are young and beautiful but when after that what does it left when you are old and deserted for another young and beautiful?

 

[Rogue Trader]

When I read the title, I thought this was another Sumiko Tan column.