Happily NEVER after? Re-thinking romantic love

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  And we’re bombarded with the message that true love means happiness forever after, right?   Sure the message is to sell chocolates, flowers and romantic cards.  But that idea that love equals happiness runs deep and goes way back in history - in literature, art, culture, even politics.  It’s become an accepted belief for many of us.  So is there anything wrong with that?Philosopher Carrie Jenkins thinks so.  She believes THAT romantic ideal can be limiting and even damaging to ourselves and our relationships.  In her new book called “Sad Love:  Romance and the Search for Meaning” she offers a new approach to the “happily ever after” tale.   Info on Guest:Carrie Jenkins is a professor in the Dept. of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia.  She’s the author of “Sad Love:  Romance and the Search for Meaning,” and other books including “What Love Is:  And What It Could Be” and the novel “Victoria Sees It.”  For more info on her research and work, check out these links:  https://www.carriejenkins.net/and https://philosophy.ubc.ca/profile/carrie-jenkins/We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.   And check out our literary podcast, Passage to Wonderland.  Compelling passages from books, old and new, about discovery, insight and revelation. To give you a sense of completion at the end of your busy day.  Our thanks to the Temerty Foundation for their generous support.  We’d really appreciate your support!  Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas.  Support the CRAM Podcast!Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993