Reese Witherspoon believes the difficulties faced in modern dating can be traced to the sharp decrease in romantic comedy movies and television shows. During a recent appearance on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, she argued that without these cultural touchstones, younger generations may be missing key lessons in relationship dynamics.
The Role of Rom-Coms in Teaching Relationship Skills
Witherspoon offered her perspective to host Dax Shepard, explaining,
“Can I tell you I have a theory about it?”
She described how over the past decade or more, the production of rom-coms featuring major stars has diminished significantly. She pointed out that this decline extends beyond films to television shows, which often serve as early guides for young people learning about dating.
“It all has to do with rom-coms and sitcoms. Do you know how there’s been like, the past 10 years – even, I would even say, the past 15 years – this decline in the making of rom-coms, or like legitimate big movie stars being in rom-coms. I think it’s not just rom-com movies, but I also think the rom-com television show — the television show that you watched when you were 11, 12, and 13 that made you practically imagine and visualize dating skills,”
she said.
Witherspoon connected this trend to broader cultural shifts, noting the simultaneous rise of the internet and social media:
“I don’t know what it is, but I do think these 10 to 15 years where the internet started, social media started, and then we stopped – we started kind of going, ‘rom-coms are cringey.’ But it was actually where we learned social dynamics, from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.”
Self-Reflection and Realistic Expectations in Dating
The conversation also turned toward modern dating’s increasing pickiness and high standards. Witherspoon emphasized the importance of self-awareness and reevaluating what people expect from their partners. She encouraged young daters to consider their own qualities before seeking perfection in others.
“I always say to people, the young people dating – you’re looking for a 10, but are you a 10,”
Witherspoon remarked.
“Like, do your own check, you know? And then go, are we really judging people on an appropriate spectrum? We want somebody who’s extremely funny, completely self-made, you know, not arrogant but confident. He’s got to be funny, he’s got to be smart, he’s got to have a good job, he’s got to like his mom. What are we talking about? It’s too much.”
Witherspoon’s Personal Connection to the Genre
As a leading actress in romantic comedies such as Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, and Your Place or Mine, Witherspoon brings firsthand experience to her observations. She links her insight into rom-coms with the broader notion of modern dating struggles lacking the guidance those movies once provided.
This perspective highlights how the current void of mainstream romantic comedies might contribute to confusion and unrealistic standards in today’s dating world, suggesting a cultural gap that influences social behavior and expectations.
