Speaking of Psychology What the movies get right (and wrong) about relationships, with Paul Eastwick, PhD, and Eli Finkel, PhD
20 snips
Jul 23, 2025 
In this episode, Paul Eastwick, a relationship expert at UC Davis, and Eli Finkel, a social psychologist from Northwestern University, dive into how romantic comedies shape our views on love. They explore popular myths like love at first sight and soulmates, critiquing how these narratives can distort real-life expectations. The duo analyzes key films such as 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' discussing the impact of negativity in relationships and the importance of authenticity in portraying love.
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Friends-to-Lovers Pathway Realistic
- "When Harry Met Sally" realistically depicts the friends-to-lovers pathway in relationships.
- People often misremember it as saying men and women can't be friends, but the science supports friendship preceding romance.
Movies Capture Real Relationship Dynamics
- Some romantic films accurately capture relationship dynamics and growth over time.
- "La La Land" beautifully shows evolving interests and how initial disinterest can turn into attraction.
Avoid "Happily Ever After" Myth
- Avoid believing in "happily ever after" as the end for relationships depicted in movies.
- Recognize that rocky periods often emerge even after couples get together, and work is ongoing.
