Reese Witherspoon thinks a lack of on-screen romance is affecting dating

Reese Witherspoon, the acclaimed actress known for her role in ‘Legally Blonde,’ has voiced her concerns about the impact of dwindling romantic portrayals in media on modern dating. During a recent episode of Dax Shepard’s ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, Witherspoon shared her theory that the decline in romantic comedies (rom-coms) and sitcoms over the past 10 to 15 years has significantly influenced young people’s perceptions of dating. She emphasized that these genres once played a crucial role in shaping dating skills and expectations, particularly during formative years. Witherspoon cited shows like ‘The Goldbergs,’ ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ and ‘Young Sheldon’ as examples of programs that still explore romantic dynamics, albeit to a lesser extent. She noted that her 13-year-old son watches ‘Young Sheldon,’ which features teenage characters navigating relationships. Witherspoon also addressed the broader issue of men being less proactive in approaching women in social settings, calling the current dating system ‘broken.’ To encourage change, she challenged podcast co-host Monica Padman to ask out three different people within three months, offering her support and phone number for updates. Witherspoon’s insights highlight the cultural shift in media and its ripple effects on real-life romantic interactions.