Love lessons from the movies

Let's be real: Most of our perceptions of love and relationships are birthed in the movies we've come to know and cherish. We may revisit some of the classic romantic films this Valentine's day. Let's embrace the lessons and themes our favorite characters had to learn — sometimes the hard way — so that we can have the best Valentine's Day yet!

So I know what you're thinking: How the heck are we supposed to take something valuable away from the raunchy, Seth MacFarlane/Mark Wahlberg-driven comedy about an immature bachelor and his binge-drinking, pot-smoking teddy bear? The answer is easy and a good one at that. We've all got a teddy bear in our lives — some item or idea that defines and often influences our perspective. In light of this day of love, reflect on your idols and consider the implications they may have for your significant other. Invest your feelings in those around you instead of your stuff. It worked for Wahlberg and Mila Kunis, anyhow.

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Whether you've had a one night stand — and even the pregnancy — or not, Katherine Heigl's character taught us all a universal law of love in this 2007. Perhaps it's easier said than done, but hormones and emotions have be kept in check. One scene comes directly to mind concerning this staple love lesson: Katherine Heigl is at the doctor for a checkup, and Seth Rogen's character pokes his head in, sensing her anxiety, and tries to lighten the mood with a little comedic relief. Heigl doesn't take it too kindly and flies off into a tirade, claiming Rogen is noncommittal and suggesting they break up. Boiled down, take this to heart: You're going to have stress and emotions at play in your life every single day. The trick is to address them, confront them and digest them in ways that aren't going to seriously damage your relationship with those around you.

And one more thing: Knocked Up reiterates once again that alcohol and sex can be a hefty pair.

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams taught us a heck of a lot about love in The Notebook, but we're going to illuminate a simple lesson here: Personal delivery is best. In the movie, McAdams' mom kept secret all the love letters Gosling sent her daughter, and it twisted up their fruition as a couple. Maybe you don't send letters — but I know you text. Consider this on Valentine's Day: Texts and other electronic communication do not always present themselves the way you want. Honor your recipient with face time and heartfelt words — it's more sincere, courageous and, quite frankly, romantic. Your honey deserves it, and so do you.

I'm praying you never find yourself in frigid waters, teeth chattering and savoring the last remaining minutes with your loved one — but my wish is that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet left you with an enduring perspective, nonetheless. Titanic reminds us to never let go. Take this with a grain of salt: There's a time and place to eject from an unhealthy relationship. But if you've found that special other, and they indeed feel the same, don't let go. Hold them tight this Valentine's Day.

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Danny had Cha Cha DiGregorio. We, too, have our dark exes. If you're lucky enough to land a Sandy, don't screw it up by dancing with the past. It might begin with an innocent text or unplanned encounter, but the hand jive eventually leads elsewhere, Cha Cha won't stick around, and you'll lose her and Sandy . Stay disciplined and faithful this Valentine's Day. If you can't handle that much, you probably can't handle your relationship.

It was the perfect plan — fail-proof — or so he thought. But when Jessica Alba accepted Ashton Kutcher's Valentine's Day marriage proposal, the euphoria wore off by the next morning and she changed her mind. Here's the deal: Valentine's Day can be a day of magic and intimacy — the kind of stuff the cards all talk about. But realistically, although the holiday might go awesomely, it never goes completely as planned. Keep your expectations within bounds and savor the moments that come as they may. If you hype it too much, you may depreciate the value of your lover's gestures and wake up Feb. 15 wondering why you're still there. And on that note, perhaps Valentine's Day isn't the best day of the year to drop to one knee for that very reason.