Does The Notebook Romanticize Abusive Behavior? With Mary Jane McCarthy, LAC

Twenty years ago, The Notebook debuted in theaters and people fell in love with the passionate, enduring relationship between Noah and Allie. Their intense, all-consuming devotion to each other shaped a generation's perception of true love.

But is this a good thing or does it romanticize abusive behavior ? Should we find it sweet that he wrote daily letters to her for a year without receiving a reply? Is it romantic that he built a house for her, years after they broke up? Or do we just find it beautiful because Allie wanted to be with Noah? But what if she rejected him, what would their lives become?

Mary Jane McCarthy, the professional training manager at JBWS, joins this episode of Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse to discuss why these behaviors are problematic, the difference between obsession and love, and how media could damage a person's idea of what's healthy in a relationship.

Are you in an unhealthy relationship and living or working in Morris County, New Jersey? JBWS can help call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1.877.782.2873 or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jbws.org/services⁠⁠.⁠ ⁠⁠ Do you recognize controlling or abusive behaviors in yourself? JBWS can also help. Please call 973.539.7801 or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jbws.org/jcnv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you don't live or work in Morris County, NJ please visit ⁠https://www.thehotline.org⁠/ or call 800.799.SAFE (7233) Intro and outro music donated by Billy Morris