I'm confused...

How can people be obsessed with Twilight when stories like Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea are around?

Perhaps you consider my question ridiculous. That's OK. But I'm still completely serious. People argue that Bella's relationship with Edward is real and lasting. I disagree. Due to time constraints (and a lack of desire) I will not be offering a long-winded post about Twilight and my analysis of the saga (*Disclaimer: I have never read the books). Instead, I simply wish to highlight the beautiful story of Anne and Gilbert. It's much more inspiring than any Twilight romance, I feel. Theirs is a relationship of friendship, time, growth, sacrifice, honesty, empathy and forgiveness. Not to say that Edward and Bella didn't try to emulate these characteristics. I just feel like the Anne stories are so much more realistic (obviously, since vampires and werewolves don't exist anyway), and applicable. Maybe I'm just partial to Anne's story because ever since I was young, I wanted to be just like her: intelligent, passionate, creative, outgoing. I can't say I ever wanted to be Bella...ever... Plus, Anne and Gilbert's story doesn't revolve around love at first sight aka lust. It began as a childhood crush (much like what most of us have experienced to some extent or other) and gradually evolved into friendship and then into true admiration, love and respect for one another.

I love this story. And I cannot deny that this was the kind of romance I imagined for myself all growing up. After all, what could be more romantic than falling in love with your best friend? 

*This post is not meant to be a criticism to any who enjoy, read, watch or associate with the Twilight series. I've seen the movies and actually enjoyed them. This post is simply meant to be a declaration of my admiration for Anne and Gilbert: fictional people, fictional story...but like any story, inspiring nonetheless.