How to Save Your Marriage Cinema Style
Dr. John D. Moore
Are you looking for some practical information on how to save your marriage? Have you been trying to introduce a new dynamic into your relationship to help create greater intimacy? If so, you are not alone. Let’s face it – being involved with someone takes a lot of work!
In an effort to help support your marriage, we thought we would share some interesting research. In a study appearing in a Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, behavioral scientists discovered that couples who regularly talked about five relationship oriented movies a one month significantly reduced their chances of divorce – by half! That may sound like a wild claim but it’s totally true.
FYI: We are stating here that the sample number was small (174) and restricted to newlyweds but still – a 50% reduction is dramatic! Just so you know … the couples were monitored for a three year period. With a national divorce rate that is sky high, we welcome this kind of news.
How to save your marriage movie style
We’ve talked about movies and couples in the past. As relationship counselors and marriage therapists, we regularly encourage our clients to engage in meaningful dialogue and find pathways that promote intimacy and growth. One way for a couple to become closer is to watch a movie together and then talk about the experience afterwards.
By comparing and contrasting cinematic viewpoints, which are often contextualized through personal experiences, couples are able to connect in ways that might not otherwise be possible.
Movies, Marriage and Therapy
Movies can be a great form of therapy – particularly when they touch upon familiar themes that both parties can relate to. In our experience, the movie doesn’t have to be super serious in order to hold benefits. Light comedies can often do wonders for lifting moods while also providing fodder for discussion.
What follows are five great couples movies for you to consider. The flicks we’ve picked were carefully selected by our staff to help get you started.
Oh and one more thing – all of them can be streamed right to your Pad, TV or computer with Netflix. This way, you don’t have to blow a wad of cash to partake in the fun.
Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!
1) Sleepless in Seattle
This is a classic romance comedy that holds something for all. The movie stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Funny, witty and totally light! It was nominated for an Oscar and Ryan won Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture for her role.
2) While You Were Sleeping
Set right here in Chicago, this funny movie looks at romance through the lens of marriage – just not in the way you might think. Starring Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock and co-starring Bill Pullman.
3) Johnny Suede
Another romance comedy that is sure to get you and your spouse talking. Brad Pitt plays the role of an aspiring rock star whose music career hits the skids. Calvin Levels also in the movie. This is probably one Brad Pitt movie you’ve never seen but likely should!
4) Twilight
Super cute movie that explores what it is like to be in a relationship with a 108 year old vampire! Staring Caesar Award winner, Kristen Stewart and MTV Award winner, Robert Pattinson. Taylor Lautner was also in this flick for all of you Tracer’s fans.
5) Hitch
Very funny romance comedy about a dating coach who helps clients to make a good impression on first dates. But what happens when the coach falls for a news reporter? Starring Academy Award winner Will Smith and co-starring Teen Choice Award pick, Eva Mendes!
Final Thoughts
Don’t restrict yourself to just movies. Often times, a television series can act as a conduit for meaningful discussion. Netflix has several great ones to choose from! Examples include Breaking Bad, Prison Break, and Daredevil.
And if you both want something really interesting to talk about, make sure you check out Cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson (mind blowing!).
Now go grab some popcorn and get your Netflix on. There are movies to watch and experiences to talk about!
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