Intrigued by the “Twilight Series” that have captivated my tween daughter and not having time to read the books myself, I grabbed the opportunity to accompany the girls to a screening of ‘New Moon’ and find out what all the hype is about.

I was shocked at the number of young people in the theatre under the age of 13 without adult supervision, yet relieved that the story is so unbelievable that hopefully most of them won’t take it too seriously. The girls giggled when I told my daughter that if she ever brought home a werewolf or a vampire I would turn into a witch and an interesting discussion on boys, love and life ensued.

 “Jacob is so gorgeous! I just love his six pack and his shirt is off most of the movie.” squealed one of the tweens.

 “Yes the body is beautiful but how handsome is his mind girls? What about integrity and sincerity? Is he able to support himself, let alone look after you? Important points to consider when choosing a man.

Talking about boys what’s with Bella, girls? Not socializing with her friends for months and refusing to eat just because Edward left her. No man is worth giving up your life for- no matter how good his six pack is!”

Bella the lead teen is heartbroken when Edward leaves her ‘for her own good’ and becomes depressed, spending time on her own, neither eating nor talking to her friends, and even considering putting her life in danger for him. While we’ve all experienced the pain of a break up, young girls should be taught that giving more to a relationship than they can afford to lose is not an option. 

Love doesn’t hurt. Edward Jacob and Bella are all in love and all in pain. Love is kind, supportive, respectful, and makes you feel good about yourself. Too many youngsters are growing up believing that love and pain go together because they are often abused by those they love.  

There is no excuse for abuse, not even being a werewolf, and unlike one of the girls in “New Moon” who lovingly forgives her boyfriend for scarring her in a canine rage- walk away and don’t look back. Make it clear from the start of a relationship that emotional and physical abuse are deal breakers. 

Have your own life plan, dreams and vision for your future. All Bella aspires to be is a vampire! What about a career, hobbies? Kids? Saving the world! Becoming The President one day. Dream big girls! Seize your own life and explore your passions.

You will never change a man. Once a vampire always a vampire, which of course doesn’t mean you should become a vampire as well. Good healthy relationships are about respecting each others individuality, and growing together, meeting each others needs.

“Oooh but she can’t live without him.”

“They can’t bear to be apart from each other.” Argued the girls.

Yes, we’d all like to believe someone will love us for ever and can’t live without us and that is what makes the movie so appealing. Realistically though, most of us don’t live happily ever after and our teens need to know this as they swoon and succumb to the idea of romantic love.