led to strange miscommunication. As the story progressed,
however, I noticed that they did not hide with shame but started
to admire and eventually love each other. Again, it seemed as if
I suddenly saw things with different eyes. Now I understood
that the world was not going to end when I felt anxiety about
meeting a boy I liked.
It was easier, at least for a while, to accept my own inse-
curities. Now I noticed something of which previously I had
been unaware: the boys to whom I was attracted were at least
as anxious as I. To my surprise my nervousness diminished as
I became less concerned about my own feelings. Later, when-
ever my doubts and fears about my impression on others
returned, I recalled the awkwardness of Jennifer and Oliver in
the movie and felt reassured that I was normal. This helped me
to develop more self-esteem over time in my response to boys
for whom I felt an attraction.
I still appreciate the help I received from the world of film
during this significant phase of my life. I believe that movies
like Love Storyhelped me learn patience and compassion with
myself at a time when I thought I was failing terribly because
of my insecurities.
You may have experienced different excitements and chal-
lenges during your teenage years. Most likely these experi-
ences imprinted significantly on your personality, your rela-
tionships, and your life goals. Movies may have played an
important role in this process. Write down your thoughts to the
following questions:
Exercise 2: Remembering Your Teenage Years
Do you remember a movie that had a special
impact on you during your teenage years?
How did it affect you?
Do you believe that it might have had an
impact on how you see yourself and the world
today?“In the middle of
difficulty lies
opportunity.”Basic Discoveries 11