How Fiction Tainted My Expectations

We have all been there, at least once in our lives where there is a certain book with a certain character that has ruined our expectations for a relationship with a person. I'm very aware of the fact that because of my love of novels and I can't tell you how many I've read where so many of them have disappointed me in the fact that I loathed the characters the author created. And when I do find a good book, I almost always develop an admiration for one of the characters.

Over the years my love for fictional characters, much like my taste in men, has changed. As a young girl I was introduced to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and more specifically Mr. Darcy.

First up is Mr. Darcy...
I would go as far as saying most of the women who read Pride and Prejudice fall for Mr. Darcy at least once, sometimes for life. Much like Jane Hayes {Austenland} I often become a little more than attached to certain male characters and Mr. Darcy was one of them.

No matter how many times I read the novel or watch the mini-series {A&E production is the only one I fully approve of as the best adaptation}, I always fall for him a little more each time. Mr. Darcy humbles himself and in the end we see his true colors, that behind the wall he put up, Mr. Darcy gets better with closer acquaintance.

Second is Gilbert Blythe... The sweet and every loyal Gilbert of Anne of Green Gables is definitely a man who is easy to fall in love with. I'm not the only one there are tons of fangirls who dream about one day finding their Gilbert. We have envied Anne for taking her friendship with Gil for granted and cheer at the end {as if this is any spoiler} when she finally admits she cares for her long time chum.
Gil is loyal, caring, thoughtful, and funny to boot. What's not to love about the man who never gives up on a girl reluctant to admit she loves him? Gil Blythe will always have a place in my heart.

Third is Ray Singleton... Very few understand my love for the character, Kalin and I are definitely on the same wave length here. The Magic of Ordinary Day's is not as popular as the novels above, but still Ann Howard Creel created a character that is a diamond in the rough.
Ray marries Livvy to save her reputation and the reputation of her unborn baby. He's selfless, loyal, dedicated, and in the words of his sister, "When he falls in love, it's forever." How can you not love that?

Finally Jeremiah Silverman... There are very few modern novels with decent characters, let alone male characters. My sister had been saying how wonderful Rabbi Silverman is in the Psalm 23 Mysteries is, I just didn't get it...until I finally read the first novel. I was hooked and yes, I fell for the lovable, Israeli Rabbi who is fiercely protective of those he cares about.
Is it too much to ask for an Israeli Rabbi with a great sense of humor who is devoted to faith and family??

From my teen years to early twenties I've dealt with has left me more than discouraged. I went from being a hopeful romantic to a realist. I've encountered mama's boys to perverted jerks, I kid you not. It's no wonder that with the caliber of men, or lack of high caliber of men, caused me to turn to fictional men.
With that said, I leave you with this...

And that is how fiction tainted my expectations.