These days I would describe myself as romantic. Not the red roses, chocolates and “I love you” written in the sky, but rather a romantic view of the world.

This meaning has synonyms of idyllic, picturesque and the one I love the most – fairytale.

My views on fairytales have changed over the years.

To begin with they were the traditional girl meets prince, girl becomes princess, love wins.

Thankfully Disney and the like have started to catch up and stop pushing worn out stereotypes. 

Some of the most successful movies in recent times are beyond that boy meets girl scenario. There’s sisterly love in Frozen, self-love in Brave and even new love through the blending of families in Despicable Me. 

In my late 20s, I rediscovered fairytales in books.

Not your Cinderellas and Sleeping Beautys, but the era of Jane Austen.

Where the women were the stars. Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters were independent, creative, intelligent and opinionated. 

And a couple of them found a love that you dream about as a child.

Fanny from Mansfield Park was a rags to riches tale.

She was strong-willed, witty and generous. Again, love trumped all in the end.

As I read the books through the eyes of the female leads, I romanticised about growing up in that era.

To wear those beautiful long dresses day in and day out, spend more time reading or drawing or dancing or singing than on the iPad or mobile phone.

To be self-sufficient in the garden, breathe in the clean country air and bring the whole town together for the annual ball at the town hall.

The words on the pages share a life that is simple and pure through the eyes of a strong woman.

My husband is quick to tell me that I’m dreaming and so was Austen. The women in the books was Austen’s romantic or idyllic view of the world. I know this, but it doesn’t stop the dreams.

Modern literary female characters are no longer romantic in the sense they are independent. Now it’s romantic for stereotypes to be removed or and the focus to be on qualities and ambition, not gender. 

While our stories change and evolve, it’s important dreams remain. Some would call this a romantic notion, I like to think its inspiring.