What The Most Romantic Photos Of All Time Can Teach Us About Love
The world recently bid a solemn farewell to the man believed to be responsible for arguably the most romantic photo ever taken. Glenn McDuffie, who claimed to be the sailor in the Times Square kissing photo taken during a celebration after the World War II victory, was 86 when he died. Through an act of sheer joy when he was much younger (and thanks to a camera man positioned at exactly the right place and time), McDuffie left behind an iconic image that will forever move us to experience all the feelings.
What other popular photos have a way of sparking romantic inspiration within us? The pictures below are incredible not only for the images themselves, but additionally for what they represent, the compassion they evoke and the lessons they teach us about unconditional love.
Plus, a little cheese never hurt anybody…
1. Act in the moment and embrace the unexpected. Spontaneity can go a very, very long way.
You know this one, an oldie but goodie: Glenn McDuffie and Gloria Bullard, the two people believed to be pictured in the iconic image, kiss in Times Square on V-J Day, 1945. Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt for Time & Life Pictures via Getty Images.
2. Sometimes a smile is the only “I love you” that’s needed.
Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz get ready for their closeup, 1955. Photo by Archive Photos/Stringer for Getty Images.
AN ESSENTIAL DAILY GUIDE TO ACHIEVING THE GOOD LIFE
Subscribe to our lifestyle email.
address@email.com
Successfully Signed Up!
Realness delivered to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
3. Love doesn’t always last forever. The point, sometimes, is just that it happened at all.
Elizabeth Taylor and then husband Richard Burton share one of their many epically romantic moments together, 1968. Photo by Bentley Archive/Popperfoto for Getty Images.
4. In moments of turmoil, love can heal and calm most things. Take refuge in it when needed.
A couple reactively embraces a moment of passion during a riot police walk in the streets of Vancouver, 2011. Photo by Rich Lam for Getty Images.
5. Don’t run at the first sign of trouble. Fight for what you know is meant to be.
74256785
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash perform on stage together and evoke some of that breathless charm, 1975. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives for Getty Images.
6. With the right person by your side, possibilities are limitless. Choose a partner, not a trophy.
107555239
The Obamas share a smooch in Washington D.C., 2010. Photo by Jewel Samad for AFP/Getty Images.
7. If there’s no room for silliness and being yourself-ness, something isn’t right.
163501902
Actor Paul Newman and wife Joanne Woodward act all types of silly, 1963. Photo by Fotos International for Getty Images.
8. Don’t settle for anything less than what you know you deserve.
marissa gaeta
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta is the first off the ship to kiss her girlfriend upon returning home to Virginia Beach, 2011. Photo by Associated Press.
9. Seize opportunities to create together and share your talents. Note: Magic could happen.
107105887
Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks perform live onstage in Los Angeles, 1983. Photo by Richard E. Aaron for Redferns.
10. Be proud of your love. Be confident and secure, and show it to the world.
brandon morgan
Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan returns home and leaps for joy upon seeing his partner in Hawaii, 2012. Photo via Gay Marines Facebook page.