Polls

[norwich36]

So I spent a big chunk of the weekend rereading classic Clex, and although I always enjoy doing that I started wondering about whether these big, romantic sacrifices Clark and Lex end up making for each other in some stories bear any resemblance to real life relationships. Not that they necessarily *should*--that's the joy of fiction--but I did start wondering if I would really make some of the sacrifices they make in many classic stories. So, a poll:


[Poll #866606]

Comments

[sadface.livejournal.com]

I feel kind of like I wouldn't give a lot for love now :/

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

I don't know, I think you chose more options than I did.

My theory going into this poll is that it's easier to think of making the big heroic one-time sacrifices ("I'd die for you") than the little everyday ones. I certainly find it easier to believe I'd die for someone than I'd give up my friends and family for them. (Though when the gun is actually at my head I might change my answer!)

[pepperjackcandy.livejournal.com]

The "change genders" question actually is an agreement that dh and I came to once.

We were watching a program about a woman who was once a man, and her wife dumped her when she came to grips with her transgender status. The wife was all, "I still love him, but I can't become a lesbian for him!"

So we discussed it and decided that we'd become gay/lesbian/male/female for each other if that's what it took.

In a consensual, reasoned-out way, of course. Not if the issue came up as "I want a divorce. And I'm gay," or anything like that.

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Interesting!

I voted that I wouldn't change my gender, and I still think I probably wouldn't, but thinking about it, there was a gay friend I was madly in love with in college, and if it had been a magical option (as opposed to sexual reassignment surgery), I suppose it is possible I would have chosen that.

[skuf.livejournal.com]

I've never had a True Love/soulmate, so I really couldn't say :o)

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Well, me neither--but I'm not sure soulmates really exist outside of fiction, so I voted anyway.

[kantayra.livejournal.com]

If I had a true love/soulmate (which I kind of don't believe exist outside of fiction), presumably they wouldn't want me to change something significant about who I am or make me do something contrary to my nature since, y'know, they'd be my soulmate. :P

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Hey, good point!

And I pretty much agree with the "no soulmates outside of fiction" thing. Alas.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Interesting poll. I voted for no sacrifices at all and am clearly EVIL. Or possibly I've just never experienced true love... I'm all about finding love that fits your life. *nods* I am not a romantic in the real world AT ALL. However, in fiction? Bring it on! That's what it's for. *G*

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Do real people actually *have* soulmates, or is that just in fiction?
I suppose I should have asked that as a question on the poll. Myself, I don't actually believe in soulmates or tragic destined love, though I agree it is fun to read about in fiction. (Just like soulbonds and mindmelding and stuff is fun in fiction, but sort of horrifying to contemplate in real life).

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Heh, yeah totally... I don't really believe in soulmates myself. Though a startling number of guys I've met, and a couple of girls, believe in The One. It baffles me.

[allzugern.livejournal.com]

Heh, me too. We are a rare bunch though :-/

[allzugern.livejournal.com]

I don't believe that love is about sacrifice or that love can survive with sacrifice.

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

I definitely see your point about sacrifice. Lots of types of sacrifice can destroy love in the long run, I agree. But some "sacrifices" are really just compromises. Like going to your beloved's soccer matches when you hate sports. Or as mecurtin points out, avoiding your favorite food because your beloved is allergic. So on that level, I think people sacrifice for love all the time, not just big soulmate-type love.

[allzugern.livejournal.com]

Yup, I don't consider small compromises sacrifice, but anything that cuts off or changes who I am or how I behave is not in the cards for me.

When speaking of sacrifice, the only way I can reconcile that with love is as a parent. You do make sacrifices, every day, but that's a whole 'nother kinda love :-)