10 things we need to stop romanticizing to make our lives better

Very often books and magazines create a beautiful image of things that can be dangerous. For example, we are often fascinated by stories of one-sided love or difficult relationships—we used to believe that strong feelings are always associated with intense pain. Bad boys with cynical jokes always seem very charming, and pregnancy looks like the best time in a woman's life.

Some things seem completely harmless, but according to psychologists, if we change our attitude towards them, our life will become much better. We decided to tell you about some things that we need to stop romanticizing.

10 PHOTOS

1. Non-reciprocal love.

Many believe that the harder the relationship, the more you love that person. However, psychologists say that this is not true, because there is no place for constant pain in a healthy relationship. Experts see a connection between how our parents' marriage was and how we behave as a couple.

2. Sociopathy.

Recently, directors have begun to turn charming sociopaths into the main characters of their films and series. You probably remember the series Sherlock, where a detective who isn't very good at communicating is very attractive: fans love to see him express feelings when they least expect it. But in real life, it would be very difficult to contact them, because sociopaths do not know what compassion, guilt, and love are (this is a psychological disorder when a person is antisocial and ignores social rules).

3. Loneliness.

Loneliness has always been part of the image of attractive book characters. No one in the world truly understands them. This sense of disconnection from the rest of the world can occur even when you are surrounded by people. According to the theory of neurologist John Cacioppo, we need solitude to really have the desire to maintain relationships with other people. But this feeling is good only when it is temporary.

4. Bad guys.

The tale of Belle, who was able to turn the Beast into a prince with her love, and the story of Anastasia from 50 shades of gray, who turned a cold sadist into a passionate man, are very popular stories. Bad guys like Draco Malfoy and Jim Moriarty seem extremely attractive. However, in real life, a relationship with a tyrant partner will lead to a very offensive psychological situation.

5. Bad habits.

Various addictions such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs are currently fashionable. Drinking is even considered part of some cultures. The heroes of many films find themselves in funny situations when they drink. A cigarette and a glass of whiskey seem quite appropriate for a sad person. Even drugs seem romantic to people (because some artists and musicians take them). However, psychologists say that this romance leads to negative consequences, because people no longer understand how dangerous their bad habits are. Even when children try to imitate adults by clinking glasses of juice, this is not a good thing: children get used to the idea that there is no holiday without alcohol.

6. Psychological problems.

Instagram bloggers act like they're depressed. However, there is nothing attractive about depression, anorexia, or any other psychological or eating disorders. Their romanticization in the media has led to the fact that even the smallest mistakes that people make are explained by psychological disorders: a little fear is a panic attack, and a bad mood is a depression.

7. Inability to keep the house clean.

"Creative Mess" is very popular right now. However, the inability to keep your workplace or home clean can cause many problems. Scientists see a link between procrastination and the inability to keep order. According to experts, a cluttered home can cause depression, which only gets worse with age.

8. Pregnancy.

Pregnant women in movies and commercials look so happy, and models and actresses show off their perfect bodies right after birth. However, psychologists warn: do not forget how different reality is from what they show us on TV and in magazines. Every situation is completely different and of course, there are women whose pregnancy is easy. But be careful when you start thinking that pregnancy looks so romantic or that this is the best time in a woman's life.

9. Remote worker and blogger.

Pregnant women in movies and commercials look so happy, and models and actresses show off their perfect bodies right after birth. However, psychologists warn: do not forget how different reality is from what they show us on TV and in magazines. Every situation is completely different and of course, there are women whose pregnancy is easy. But be careful when you start thinking that pregnancy looks so romantic or that this is the best time in a woman's life.

10. Inability to take care of your appearance.

The popular "slight slovenliness" often turns into simple slovenliness, which is justified by the fact that "I am what I am, and I do not want to change myself." According to psychologists, if a person does not want to properly take care of his appearance, this means that he is chronically dissatisfied with his life.