The Sad Truth Of What Happens After Love Actually Ends
Published -
- December 21, 2018
- 10:00 pm
Love Actually is a Christmas movie staple, alongside such classics as Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
With a cast of A-list stars playing out nine interconnected stories, it’s definitely a film worth watching around the holidays.
And, like many fan-favorite films, Love Actually has caused some viewers to wonder just what may have happened to its characters after the movie’s final scenes, especially married couple Karen and Harry, portrayed by Emma Thompson and the late Alan Rickman. As a refresher, despite having a family with his wife, Harry pursues an affair with his seductive secretary, Mia. When Karen finds a necklace in Harry’s coat pocket, she assumes it’s his Christmas gift to her. However, when she excitedly opens her present from Harry only to find a Joni Mitchell CD, she quickly realizes that Harry must have gifted the necklace to another woman. Of course, that woman is Mia. Though Karen later confronts her husband about the affair, the couple still appear to be together at the end of the film, despite obvious distance between the two.
How can the end of a romantic relationship impact an individual’s mental and physical health?
Love Actually, the beloved British romantic comedy film, has captured the hearts of millions of audiences worldwide with its heartwarming and uplifting portrayal of love. Despite ending on a hopeful note, the truth is that the end of love isn’t always a fairytale.
In reality, when love ends, it can lead to a wide range of negative emotions such as heartbreak, loneliness, and depression. The end of a relationship can cause a grieving process similar to losing a loved one. The aftermath of a breakup can also cause feelings of rejection, disappointment, and betrayal.
Moreover, the end of a romantic relationship can leave a significant impact on an individual’s mental and physical health. It can lead to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, stress, and even contribute to substance abuse disorders.
Additionally, breakups can cause long-lasting effects on an individual’s social well-being. After a relationship ends, friends may choose sides, families may become distant, and even the social lives of involved individuals can become affected. People tend to withdraw from society following a traumatic event, such as a difficult breakup.
Furthermore, a failed relationship can also create financial instability. In order to move on and start a new life, significant financial hardships like legal fees, dividing assets, and finding a new place to live can be a major challenge to overcome.
Sadly, the end of love often isn’t portrayed as it is in Love Actually, but rather emphasises the dramatic pain and heartbreak the characters are experiencing. This falls far short of the real-world impact of breakups, the physical, emotional, social, and financial impact it can have on an individual.
In conclusion, the end of a romantic relationship can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s life, which can lead to struggles to cope with their new reality. Love is beautiful, but it isn’t always the fairytale that we see in movies. It’s important to acknowledge the reality that love can be tough and can have negative consequences when it ends. By doing so, it will help us appreciate the positives of love even more, while also highlighting the need for more communication and support for those suffering.
