Moody Girl Syndrome

"It was nice to be alone, not to have to smile and look pleased; a relief to stare dejectedly out the window at the sheeting rain and let just a few tears escape." - Bella, Twilight

I am starting to see a new trend in romantic books and movies; a trend that puzzles me to no end. It seems that now, to be the object of any guy's affection, you have to begin by being cold, moody and distant. Something about the combination of these things makes you an irresistible romantic target.

I love Twilight just like any other girl, but it has always fascinated me how a moody girl that never smiles has to make all these romantic decisions and is being tossed from guy to guy. It's like one scowl from her sends their little hearts beating wildly. Even the human guys can't get enough of her. Must be the way her black hoodie brings out her pasty complexion.

Then, you have movie and book releases like, "The Last Song," in which Miley Cyrus plays a punk teenager with a rough exterior. Though you later find the purple streak in her hair and her bad attitude is masking hurt, guys don't know that right off the bat. But still, cute, smart, thoughtful boy can't get enough of her constant rejection and snappy remarks. It's like the more rude she is, the more he pursues her.

This phenomenon fascinates me. What happened to the cute girl with a polka dot dress and blonde curls that used to occupy this role? She has since been replaced with an emotional, depressed girl who sits in a chair looking out the window as the seasons change.

Another reason this confuses me is because I know so many bubbly, sweet girls that have some tough knocks in the dating field. They go out of their way to be friendly and helpful, but receive no attention. What are they to think when they see movies like these and watch TV shows where girls are hateful and mean?

I can only hope that they don't feel they have to be "mysterious" in order for things to go their way. In fact, being "mysterious" is no mystery at all. If you want to be a real mystery, live a godly life, a life that merits questions like, "She has such a kind spirit. I wonder what makes her different."

Galatians 5:22-23 names the fruits of the spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

I feel like these are the qualities that people in general should be attracted to. Love is patient and kind; not an obsession that sends you into a cocoon that guards you from the rest of the world. It should be a love that attracts people to you like a magnet. Instead of sulking in your room because of your love, go out into the world and show it.

It's time that a new trend starts. Take the hoodie off your head indoors and smile at the person next to you. Moody is out and marvelous is in.