The Rom-Coms Helping Me Survive Winter

Winter is not my favorite season.

We may not have had a ton of snow here in New England so far this winter, but the arctic temps and gray skies have me like:

If you’re feeling this way too, know that you’re not alone. This season, I’ve turned to some classic rom-coms to help me survive another Jan-Feb-March (otherwise known in my house as the trifecta of evil) and enhance the coziness of the season.

I recently read an article that explained why people find comfort in watching movies and shows that they’ve already seen: basically, because we already know what happens, we don’t need to stress. We can simply sit back and enjoy. As someone who enjoys (and writes) happy endings, this resonates. I’m sure some people find comfort in John Wick and zombies, but for me, it’s the classic rom-coms of my young adulthood. And, through the beauty and magic of Hulu and other streaming services, I’ve been able to cozy up on these cold winter nights and return to the characters and stories that make me happy.

So far this winter, I’ve watched Miss Congeniality (& the sequel), Legally Blonde, all three Pitch Perfects, and You’ve Got Mail. There are many, many more available, and with some weeks still left to go before spring, I’m far from done. My preferred way of consuming these movies in bed, with a heating pad and some chocolate chip muffins. And maybe some hot chocolate. And/or a side of Junior Mints. We’re stuck inside for the next two months (at least), might as well make the best of it.

Of course, as with anything (and everything), these movies are of their time. So maybe some scenes don’t hold up that well twenty years later—I’m looking at you, Benjamin Bratt’s cad character in Miss Congeniality—but for every Benjamin Bratt there is a Michael Caine and that, IMO, is a fair exchange.

There are so many things to love about a good rom-com. The bright colors, the fun settings, the fashion. And, of course, the characters. Gracie Hart and Elle Woods, the Bellas, all the side characters in You’ve Got Mail…they’ve all lived in my head for years, like family members that come and go and always make me happy when I see them. Another thing these movies have in common, and what I love most about them, is their simplicity. Sure, you know pretty much what’s going to happen (especially after your tenth viewing) but that’s where the fun dialogue and sweeping scenes of the city come in, taking you someplace where you can escape for a while. Rom-coms put a little joy out into the world, and that’s far from a small thing.

Spreading a little joy is also part of Adele’s mission. So if you’re like us—afraid to read the news to see what fresh hell the day has brought—we invite you to skip the doom scrolling and settle in with one of our stories. Because you know there’s gonna be a happy ending.