15 Awesome Love Lessons from the Movies

Revisit some of your fave romantic movies to get schooled on dating and relationships. Dating expert Marni Battista says there is a lesson from each of these films that can be applied to your love life.

By Dara Adeeyo

1.The Notebook
Lesson: Try giving someone new at least three dates to find out if there is great chemistry.

Allie (Rachel McAdams) originally blew the love-of-her-life Noah (Ryan Gosling) off when they first met, but by actually giving him a chance, she discovered a love she didn't know was possible. Just because you don't have an instant spark with someone, it doesn't mean you should completely write them off.

2.Sex and The City
Lesson: Learn to love yourself.

After Carrie was left at the aisle by Big (we knew he would do this), she was able to re-evaluate who she truly was. Having that time alone from Big gave her a chance to make over her apartment, get a new hairdo, and even build new friendships. Don't underestimate the time you have to yourself, because once you discover who you are, you can finally let in and accept the love you really deserve.

3.Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Lesson: Keep the spark going.

When shit hits the fan in Emily (Julianne Moore) and Cal Weaver's marriage, Cal (Steve Carell) re-stages a date he and his wife had earlier in their relationship. You two should always make the effort to keep "dating" each other. Treat date night like it's a fifth date and all you want to do is go out, have fun, and be all over each other afterwards.

4.What's Your Number?
Lesson: The right guy is in your future, not your past.

Ally (Anna Faris) takes a look back at the previous guys she dated hoping to find her true love, only to find out why every single relationship ended. It's easy to start looking back over your list of exes to see if anyone could be worth a second chance, but don't do it. You'll start reminiscing about how great everything was until you are reminded as to why the relationship didn't work out in the first place.

5.One Day
Lesson: Relationships have different timelines.

Love can happen overnight, but in this case, a love story takes 20 years to tell. Some people get married within a year of knowing each other, and others can be together for 10 years or more before tying the knot. Remember that your relationship is yours and yours alone. You need to move at your own pace. Don't be concerned with what others are doing around you.

Related: 10 Ways to Change Your Man (Just a Little)

6.Date Night
Lesson: Make time for each other.

Keeping a relationship hot can be tough. But as Claire (Tina Fey) and Phil Foster (Steve Carrell) prove in this rom-com, you need to figure out when you and your guy can have a date night.

7.Going the Distance
Lesson: Long distance relationships are totally doable.

LDRs take work. The most important thing about dating someone you can't see every day is learning to compromise. If you and your guy decide you want to move forward with your relationship, the biggest compromise will result in someone uprooting their life to move closer to the other. Case in point: Erin (Drew Barrymore) got Garrett (Justin Long) to move to San Francisco.

8.Breakfast at Tiffany's
Lesson: Break down your wall and you'll find love.

It can be scary to let love in. Who hasn't been hurt or disappointed? At the end of this romantic classic, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) realizes that you sometimes need to make yourself vulnerable in order to finally find love.

9.Hitch
Lesson: It's okay to get professional advice for your love life.

Hitch (Will Smith) is a "date doctor" who helps dudes sweep the girl of their dreams off of her feet. So whether it's a matchmaker, dating expert, or love coach, sometimes you just need an outside voice to help you put everything into perspective.

10.Love Actually
Lesson: Love doesn't have an expiration date.

This movie proved that you can find love anywhere, and at any age. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, 60s, and etc, just know that the next great love of your life could happen at any moment in your life.

Related: Fresh, Fun, and Sexy Date Ideas

11.He's Just Not That Into You
Lesson: The One could be right under your nose.

Sometimes, your love life can be the exception. There's always the possibility that your guy friend, the one who's been in front of you all this time, is the guy you've been looking for all along. Which is what happens to Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Alex (Justin Long).

12.Bridesmaids
Lesson: Know your worth.

Annie (Kristen Wiig) is hung up on Ted (Jon Hamm) who is a total douche. Sure, dating that bad boy can give you a rush. But if he's not treating you with respect, it's time to put an end to the dysfunctional relationship. Find a guy who doesn't kick you out of his bed first thing in the morning.

13.The Ugly Truth
Lesson: Find someone who loves you for being you.

It's one thing to be put together, it's another to live up to male fantasies like Mike (Gerard Butler) suggests to Abby (Katherine Heigl). Trying to fulfill someone's expectations of who you think they want you to be is exhausting. You won't be able to keep up the facade for long. You'll have a better relationship and feel more at ease when you're being yourself.

14.The Five-Year Engagement
Lesson: Don't give up on someone you really love.

Violet (Emily Blunt) and Tom (Jason Segel) get engaged and keep putting off their wedding, so they can solve all their problems before they get married. They breakup and eventually get back together because they realize that there will always be issues. So when you and your guy get into big fights, don't think it's the end of your relationship. All you have to do is work through your tiffs.

15.Ruby Sparks
Lesson: Get rid of your checklist.

In this indie flick, a writer discovers that manipulating his girlfriend to be his dream partner results in her becoming too dependent, clingy, and naggy-which of course makes him completely frustrated. No one is perfect, and while there are certain aspects of your guy you might want to change, it's important to remember that you can't completely change who he is.

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