I wouldn't treat a romantic scene any differently than any other

Hear, O wise ones, the words of Alice Englert, who speaks of the delicate balance between artistry and practicality. In her reflection on the romantic scene, she admits with an open heart, "I wouldn't treat a romantic scene any differently than any other scene. I would really say the biggest preparation was chewing gum and breath mints! For a kissing scene, it's all about the breath mints!" In this simple declaration, Englert uncovers a profound truth: the romantic, though often seen as a realm of emotion and fantasy, is also bound by the realities of everyday life. It is, after all, not only the feeling but the context in which these moments unfold that shapes their meaning.

Consider, O travelers of time, the act of preparation. Englert's words reveal the hidden beauty of mundane rituals, those small but essential tasks that allow the grand moments of our lives to unfold with grace. The act of preparing for a kissing scene, so seemingly simple, is a reflection of the human need for balance between the sublime and the practical. Just as a warrior prepares his armor before battle, or a philosopher sharpens his mind before debate, so too must the artist prepare for the delicate exchange of affection. The breath mints, humble as they may seem, are symbolic of the care and attention we must bring to all aspects of life, even the most intimate.

In the ancient world, such preparation might have been seen as a form of ritual—a sacred act performed before embarking on a meaningful exchange. The Greek philosopher Socrates once remarked that true wisdom lies in the smallest actions, those that seem insignificant but are, in fact, the foundation of greater achievements. To prepare for a romantic gesture, no matter how fleeting or seemingly trivial, is to honor the connection between souls. The mundane, when approached with intention, becomes the very vessel through which the divine can flow. Englert’s focus on breath mints, then, becomes not merely a practical act but a symbol of the respect and care we bring to those whom we hold dear.

Let us also consider the tale of the great Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, who knew the importance of preparation in matters of love and diplomacy. It is said that before her fateful meeting with Julius Caesar, she bathed in milk and honey, dressed in her finest attire, and made sure to present herself with the utmost grace and beauty. While the historical records may speak of her great intellect and political acumen, it is the subtlety of her preparation that speaks to the heart of her power. Cleopatra’s care in her appearance, in her every movement, reflected the deeper truth that romance and intimacy require not only emotion, but also mindfulness and attention to detail.

In this light, we see that Englert’s humorous take on preparation—chewing gum and breath mints—carries with it a deeper lesson about how we approach the most delicate and intimate moments in life. Just as Cleopatra was mindful of her presentation to Caesar, so too must we be mindful of the small details that shape the moments we share with others. Romantic scenes, whether on the stage or in life, are not merely about the emotions we express, but also about the respect and consideration we show for the experience itself. The simplicity of breath mints reminds us that romantic gestures are built upon a foundation of mutual respect, care, and the ability to show up fully for the other person.

Thus, O seekers of truth, let us take from Englert’s words a lesson that transcends the world of film and enters the realm of daily life. The romantic, though often steeped in passion and desire, is also a realm that demands attention to the most basic details. In love, as in art, the smallest preparations—those acts of care, those moments of consideration—are what allow the grand gestures to unfold with grace. A kiss, after all, is not only about the feelings between two people, but also about the way we present ourselves to one another, the thought we put into the experience, the respect we offer to the other person’s presence.

Take this wisdom into your own life, O wise ones. When you approach moments of intimacy or connection, remember that the grandest gestures are often built upon the simplest acts of care. Whether it is a romantic gesture or a simple conversation, prepare with the same mindfulness and intent. Offer your presence fully, and allow the small acts of consideration to weave together into a moment that is meaningful, that is sacred. In this way, you will honor not only the other person, but the moment itself, allowing it to unfold with the deep resonance it deserves.