Romantic comedies spread misconceptions, according to a new study. Here's what your girlfriend may have mislearned, and how you can write a happier ending. 
1. False message: Bad behavior has no long-term consequences
In My Best Friend's Girl, Dane Cook and Kate Hudson split after he intentionally pukes at a wedding and propositions her mom. But they're soon back together.
In real life: Here's when to build forgiveness: long before you screw up. Compliment her often. Show her you're trustworthy. She'll be quicker to forgive you if she has high self-esteem and trusts that you mean well, according to a study in the journal Personal Relationships. And you can affect those things.
2. False message: Gratuitous public displays of affection are proof of a strong relationship
In Must Love Dogs, John Cusack and Diane Lane suddenly kiss in the middle of a chat with a supermarket employee. Passionately. It's love!
In real life: According to a poll we took of 500 women, 67 percent said PDA is important—and over half said that if you were to shy away from them in public, they'd take it personally. Sound like high expectations? It isn't. Just hold her hand and give quick, public kisses. That's all 98 percent of women said they want.
3. False message: Arguing is destructive and almost always leads to a breakup
In Knocked Up, Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl argue in a car. She kicks him out. They argue again a few minutes later, and then break up. Cue the crying.
In real life: Expressing negative emotions can heighten intimacy, according to a study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. But if you're mad at her, hit the Xbox first. An Iowa State University study found that people who distract themselves before an argument end up less angry.
4. False message: Early love is true, lasting love
In The Holiday, Jude Law professes his love for Cameron Diaz 2 weeks after they meet. She almost leaves him, but abandons her future plans for herself in order to stay with him. Cue audience crying. Or groaning.
In real life: Wrap your head around this: 42 percent of the women we surveyed believe a couple can be in love after 2 weeks, but almost none of them want a guy to say, "I love you" that soon. They prefer you to say it at around 6 months—about when they said their sex drives return to normal. Coincidence? Perhaps.
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