This is such an unpopular opinion, but I’m not really that disappointed with stories I read that don’t closely mirror real life, even for contemporary stories. For someone who views reading as a form of escape, I’d rather not see too many similarities. I don’t know; I always draw a thick line between what’s real life and what’s fiction. So no, I don’t believe in everything I read, but I know which ones to enjoy regardless.

It does not mean I don’t need some doses of realism in the stories I read. Sometimes I crave those kinds because those elements make them more relatable to me, especially when human emotions are portrayed. But somehow my brain processes certain ways that make fictional aspects a little more acceptable compared to real life scenarios. I don’t think I like to end up with a bad boy as much as I liked reading about them. I don’t think it’s my subconscious telling me that I do, but liking about it in an imaginary context and implementing the idea in my life are way too different.

But reading is always a personal thing, at least in most cases. We mostly critique the stories we read based on what we think; which is made of our prejudices, ideals, morals, etc. It is why I get people who favor books that are more realistic. For example, those who occasionally want stories that do not always end in happily ever after; because life can be a bit harsh on us. But at the same time, I like unrealistic, fairytale-type endings. I think it also mirrors real life. People sometimes think the rawer, edgier ones are better. But people do get their happily ever after. And sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of good things, even though they may sound far-fetched.

But it all boils down to how much it weighs on what readers’ want and how the person accepts it. Do you take everything you read at face value? How much does it influence you? If you like a character, do you seek someone who is similar to it? The real question here is: how much do you want the stories you read to be reflections of real life?

ETA: Another question for y’all: what things do you deem unrealistic?