Everything I need to know, I learned from “The Princess Bride”

Here’s the thing, guys, I’m not an innately Princess Bride person. I don’t dislike the movie by any means, but we didn’t watch it in my house growing up which automatically changes my perspective on the film. The movie came out the year I was born and this genre of film (historic family rom-com?) just didn’t particularly jive with me or any of my brothers. That being said, watching it as an adult has certainly opened my eyes to this movie’s particular cult brand of genius.

EINTKILF The Princess Bride

Books make the best presents.

Even “kissing books.” Little Fred Savage (whose name is apparently just “The Grandson” in this movie,) has an aversion to books because he is an ’80s kid, which means he only knows how to play video games. Apparently.

As the story begins, Little Fred’s grandfather comes over to read a book to The Grandson (who is home sick from school). And though The Grandson at first complains about this whole book thing, he eventually gets really into it. As we all do.

There are many different ways to say I love you.
Westley and Buttercup are very in love back in the “farm boy” days, and when she bosses him around he always responds with, “as you wish” when he really means “I love you.” Later when she finds out he’s still alive, the only way she knows it’s truly Westley, the love of her life, is because he says “as you wish” as he rolls down a hill as a result of her pushing him.

I totally understand his penchant for saying “as you wish.” In fact, I often catch myself saying things that mean “I love you” instead of saying those three little words. Why? You ask. Well, because vulnerability and stuff. I generally say, “you’re alright” when “I love you” eludes me. So, say whatever you want to protect yourself, even “as you wish.” Just know, most of the time, people know what you really mean.

True love doesn’t happen every day.

Before Westley dies and comes back (or dies and isn’t really dead), he and Buttercup discuss how they are in “true love” — and true love doesn’t happen every day. They clearly share a special connection. The other thing about true love? You can’t run from it and you can’t ignore it.

Life is pain.

Don’t buy what those who say differently are selling. Life is pain, love is pain, nothing is perfect. But everything is beautiful.

Even death can’t get in the way of real love.  
Death ain’t got nothing on love. If you really, truly love someone, they are always with you — and in certain movies, they may even come back to you.