Home > Twilight Summary & Study Guide > Twilight Group > Discussion Board

does anybody have as good as a relationship as bella and edward???

In a word--no! One of the criticisms I've heard about Edward and Bella's relationship is that it gives girls and young women an unrealistic view of romantic love, painting it as all-consuming and eternal. Love may be eternal, but the intensity of first love mellows with time as reality asserts itself. The relationship between Edward and Bella also suggests that there is only one "true love" for each of us in the world--the idea of a soul mate. This is a very romantic notion, but highly unlikely. Considering that Edward is a vampire, we can't look at this relationship with Bella as being realistic. Edward and Bella's relationship represents the most heightened version of romantic love that one can imagine.

I would say that many people have a much better relationship than Edward and Bella. Mshurn makes some good points and I would like to add to them, but in a different way. Their relationship has not survived the test of time. I can only assume since they are now both immortal that their relationship will last, but who knows? It's still at the stage where their physical attraction/lust for each other seems to rule over those elements like communication and other things that sustain relationships over the long term. As they are vampires this might be enough, but in real world relationships when the newness wears off love, patience, communication, and other elements better be there to sustain a relationship.

In addition, other people have better relationships because they remain true to l while building their relationship. Edward absolutely knew he did not want Bella to become one of the undead, but he allowed her to persuade him. He knew he didn't want to take the chance of consumating their relationship, but he allowed that to happen too. It seems that Edward had strong beliefs, but that Bella was always asking him for something he was against. He had to change himself to give her what she wanted. This does not seem like good relationship building to me. Yes it's fiction. Yes it's meant to be a fantasy/love story, but it is not good role modeling for relationships.

In reply to #2: thanks 4 the info!

I disagree with the above posts. I think the attraction/bond between Edward and Bella absolutely represents the reality of a young, passionate love. Furthermore Meyers incorporates other possibilities of love in the characters of Jacob and Mike as alternatives for Bella. This is much like the reality of dating in the twentieth century. There are many possibilities some seemingly right, some seemingly wrong, but in the end you pick the one who you feel you have the best connection with. Love is not always something that makes sense or fits some formula like your retirement fund. At first Bella and Edward are intrigued by each other, but the intensity develops with their common interests in literature and music. There are so many references within the first three books with discussion about Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, and Wuthering Heights....that takes place between Edward and Bella. This deep dialogue doesn't take place between Bella and her other suitors because they don't have that commonality. I don't know if "soulmate" is the correct term, but there is certainly something to be said for Bella choosing the person who best "fits" her. If Bella were to take an e-harmony quiz, I have a feeling she would have been matched with Edward-esque type guy. I think their relationship had a natural realistic progression to the final book where they both make compromises to sustain the relationship (which is very much like real-life).

Okay, Im sorry but i diagree. It all depends on the relationship. I feel you can have a better or worse relationship than the one in this series. Me for example, I have had better and worse relationship, It also depends on how much/far you want the partnership to go. If both parties in the relationship work on the partnership then it (can) be better then the bond between Edward and Bella.

Reply To Number 4....Sorry...I Have To Disagree As Well..Just because of the fact that i think that bella and edwards relationship is unique..it's different,special and very romantic i might add!! 

In reply to #1:Lol...hard to say their relationship is soooooo awesome and sweet and very romantic..LOVELY