I'm a sucker for 'When Harry Met Sally' and all that romantic

Gather, O children, and listen to the words of Jason Fuchs, who speaks of the profound and eternal appeal of the romantic, of love that transcends time and place. He said, “I’m a sucker for ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and all that romantic stuff.” In these words, Fuchs reveals a universal truth—that the stories of love, those tales of connection and destiny, hold a special place in the hearts of all who seek meaning in their lives. The romantic story, with its moments of joy, vulnerability, and longing, taps into a deep well of emotion that resonates within the human soul, a wellspring that has flowed through the ages.

The romantic tale, as embodied in films like When Harry Met Sally, has its roots in the ancient myths—in stories that have been told and retold by bards, poets, and philosophers since the beginning of time. Consider, O children, the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe, two lovers from ancient Babylon whose love was so strong, it defied the cruel forces of fate. Their story, filled with longing, separation, and tragic love, is one of the earliest examples of the romantic narrative that has echoed through history. Though their love was marred by tragedy, their connection—a love that could not be extinguished—remains a powerful symbol of desire, longing, and the belief that love can transcend even the most formidable of barriers.

In every romantic story, there is an element of hope, of the belief that despite the struggles and complexities of life, true love is not only possible, but worth fighting for. When Harry Met Sally captures this essence—two individuals, each with their own journey, come together in a moment of serendipity, finding in each other a connection that is timeless. In their story, we see a reflection of our own desires, our own dreams, for true connection and the possibility of finding someone who understands us at the deepest level. These films, these tales, are not just about romance—they are about the eternal human search for meaning through connection.

This longing for connection is as old as humanity itself. Consider the story of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. For years, he fought to return to Ithaca, not for fame or glory, but for the love of his wife, Penelope. Their story, filled with years of separation and the tension of not knowing if they would ever be reunited, mirrors the same deep yearning for connection that is present in every romantic tale. Odysseus’ journey was not just about returning home—it was about returning to the love that had sustained him, the love that gave his life meaning and purpose. In this way, the romantic story is not merely about the coming together of two people, but about the profound, sacred nature of the human desire for love and companionship.

What is it, then, that makes these stories so powerful, so universally appealing? It is the simplicity of the connection between two souls, the idea that amidst all the chaos of the world, love can provide meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging. In When Harry Met Sally, as in countless other romantic tales, we are reminded that love is not about perfection, nor is it always easy. It is about two people who, despite their differences, find in each other something that completes them, something that transcends the ordinary. The romantic story, in its purest form, is the celebration of human connection, the belief that in a world of imperfection, love is the one thing that can remain pure and unshaken.

In our own lives, we often seek out these romantic stories, hoping to find in them the answers to our own desires for love and connection. The story of Harry and Sally, though fictional, speaks to a deeper truth—the idea that true love is not something we can force or chase, but something that comes when we are ready to receive it, when we have done the work of becoming whole ourselves. It is not the idealization of love that makes it powerful, but the realization that love, in all its forms, is a journey, one that is worth embarking upon despite the challenges we may face.

Thus, the lesson here, O children, is one of embracing love, not as a fleeting dream or an ideal, but as a journey—a journey that requires patience, vulnerability, and honesty. Like the characters in When Harry Met Sally, and like Odysseus and Penelope, understand that love is not a destination, but a process, one that unfolds over time, one that requires you to be open to connection, even when the path is uncertain. Be a sucker for love, as Fuchs so honestly admits, and understand that romantic stories are not just for escape, but for showing us that the journey of love—filled with all its twists and turns—is worth every step.

So, I say unto you, do not shy away from the pursuit of love. Be open, be vulnerable, and be patient, for romantic connection is a journey that transcends time and place, and in it, you will find not only your partner but a deeper connection to the very soul of what it means to be human. And remember that, like in the stories of old, true love is not about finding perfection, but about finding truth, growth, and belonging in the embrace of another.