Too Wise to Woo Peaceably

 In act 5, scene 2 of Much Ado about Nothing, Benedick tells Beatrice, "Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably."

This quote struck me as odd the first time I read it, and I re-read it a few times to try to understand what Benedick means by this. He says it after having a conversation with Beatrice about loving against one's will, a conversation that is, as usual for Benedick and Beatrice, full of wit. I think this is one of the reasons I love Beatrice and Benedick's relationship as much as I do; they are so different from the classic fairytale story of love at first sight and perfect romance for the entire relationship. I love this because it is so real. No relationship is flawless right from the start, no relationship is free from an argument or difference of opinion. And yet, although managing a relationship is different than the classic fairytale version we hear about in books or see in movies, I think that makes it more rewarding in the end. Sure, Beatrice and Benedick may argue more than a typical couple, but I don't think they ever mean any harm by it, and at the end of the day, I think that being in a relationship that involves humor, adventure, and a companion that is an enjoyable conversation partner sounds like a much more rewarding experience than one that is perfectly planned out. For this reason, I hope to never be peaceable wooed - let my future husband be kind and good, but also let him be spontaneous, intelligent, and as full of wit as Beatrice and Benedick.

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