Romance Novels

I was talking with my mom this morning and my husband at different times about the benefits and harms of reading romance novels. Is it a good thing or not to read them?

I think this is like most things. Please know that this is just my opinion--one that I've thought a lot about. Anyways, for me, I've come to believe that it's okay to read a few, but if someone was to read them all the time it could be harmful. It is one of those things that may cause struggle for some, but not for all. It makes me think of the Word...

²³"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. I Cor. 10:23

and

⁵One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. ⁶He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. ⁷For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. ⁸If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:5-8

For some, reading romance novels may give them a very unrealistic view of romance and love. I fall in this camp. I find that it is okay for me to read one once in a while, but not regularly. If my husband and I are in the midst of a disagreement, then it isn't wise for me to go watch a romantic movie. Instead of encouraging me, these books and movies can reinforce my wrong self-talk and the lies I may be telling myself. They encourage me to pursue my self, my desires, and what I think I need rather than my husband and my marriage.

I hope that explains my perspective about reading romance novels. =) I do continue to read and review romance novels periodically hoping to find a realistic one!