I read Honey Princess and Someone to Watch Over Me over the weekend. The former's a simple fairytale while the latter's a romance.

I used to go crazy over romance. Sidney Sheldon, Judith McNaught, Catherine Lim, Olivia Goldsmith just to name a few. But only McNaught has grown with me over the years. All stories are similar. Tall, handsome, dangerous men with horrible reputations and mountains of gold for wealth. Couragoues, gorgeous women armed with wits and pitiful background. And a happy ending ensues for all.

Funnily, it sustained my interest. Her flow of language, her storylines. I don't know. It's wierd. I was hooked when 13. I'm still hooked at this ripe old age. Perhaps I'm an incurable romantic. But a wide eyed romantic, not the naive girl certainly. Life and book combine produce my outlook on life. I've never given up, simply accept the situation as per my station in life.

As for fairytales, its been quite some time. Kids weren't taught to read the underlying message. Or the author simply didnt mean people to pick up on it. Tales beautify life and love. It portrays an event impossible in reality. Princess Diana married the man of her life, had the perfect white wedding with a crown and title to boot. These assets put her on the road to death.

Honey Princess had her pauper couragous prince to save her. What message is sent to kids? One neednt be poor in order to learn humility. One neednt be rich to be proud. One certainly dont need to come from old money to earn big bucks and right connections. But who told our kids that?

I grew up misleaded. I wonder why. I'm getting a chance (hopefully) to be a teacher. And hopefully I put these subtle hints across to my students.

Every girl dreams of a big white wedding. But not every dream comes true.