I used to think it was the epitome of romance and true love when a man cried at his wedding upon seeing his bride.
When I was naive, I dreamed I would find a man who loved me like that.
It’s only as I got older that I realized how meaningless it can actually be. I’m sure most men that cry at their weddings aren’t being performative but I don’t view romance the same way anymore.
I think my view on this changed after I saw the way this guy’s eyes lit up with attraction upon seeing me for the first time. I did end up seeing his wedding album at some point; he was that guy who cried upon seeing his bride.
Nothing ever transpired beyond that moment where there was this unexpected spark of attraction. I only knew him in a professional capacity and we kept our personal lives private. From what I could tell, he was a really kind, empathetic man who I’m sure adored his wife and would never step out on her.
Of course it’s normal to find people other than your spouse attractive. Nonetheless, my view on romance changed after that. If my husband cried at our wedding, but looked at another woman with those dreamy eyes (even if only for a moment) not even a year later, I think I would still find it heartbreaking in a way.
Now, what I view as romantic are not the cinematic public expressions of love, but the quiet calm private moments where only the both of you exist without an audience.