People constantly criticize the Disney princesses. They say that they are unfeminist, bad role models and terrible decision makers. I know you’re probably thinking: If you don’t like the princesses, why are you on this Fanpop? The thing is, I do like the princesses. And I think that a lot of the criticism they receive is ridiculous. I could write article after article in defense of the DPs, but what I want to focus on is their relationships. The relationships in princess movies have been bashed for years. But I think they’re healthier than Disney- Haters care to admit. And I intend to prove it.

Snow White and the Prince: People say that Snow White doesn’t know the Prince well enough and that she is too young to get married. In the time period the movie was set, getting married at fourteen would have been acceptable. Plus, we never actually see Snow White and the Prince get married. They could have been betrothed for years before tying the knot. And you can’t say that they didn’t truly love one another, because the kiss wouldn’t have woken Snow White if it wasn’t true love.

Cinderella and Prince Charming: Cinderella and Prince Charming’s relationship is honestly the flimsiest of the DP relationships. In all fairness though, we have no idea how long Cinderella and Charming were engaged before they were married.

Aurora and Prince Phillip: First of all, Prince Phillip FOUGHT A HUGE, EVIL DRAGON to save Aurora. I’m not saying that she’s obligated to have a relationship with him, but willingness to risk your life for someone is a definite sign of commitment. Second, the kiss wouldn’t have woken Aurora up if they weren’t truly in love. Third, Aurora and Philip are engaged at the end of the film, not married. We aren’t told how long they’re engaged before the wedding.

Ariel and Prince Eric: This relationship gets a lot of criticism, but it is surprisingly stable when looked at closely. Ariel yearned to see the human world before she ever met Eric. He was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. Ariel saved Eric’s life and he fell for her, his mystery savior. Then Ariel became human and Eric fell in love with her all over again, this time for her bubbly personality (pun intended, though I still think this is an accurate descriptor). And after that the evil sea witch attacked and Eric fought a multiple story tall monster (sign of commitment!) to save Ariel. I’m not going to try making the indeterminate engagement length point though, because it’s obvious that putting together a wedding on short notice is no big deal for Eric.

Belle and Beast: Belle and Beast’s relationship is lauded as the healthiest DP relationship. Belle and Beast know one another for at least a couple months before they get together, they aren’t shown getting married so they could have been engaged for a long time, and the spell wouldn’t have broken if they didn’t truly love one another.

Jasmine and Aladdin: This relationship is bashed due to Aladdin’s constant lying. I’m not saying that the dishonesty isn’t an issue, but Aladdin was about to tell Jasmine the truth when Jafar got the lamp. Plus, Jasmine wasn’t letting Aladdin get away with lying. She got angry and told him off. When Jasmine said she trusted him she meant (at least in my opinion), that she trusted him not to let her get hurt. And, while I know I’m a broken record by now, Aladdin fought Jafar to save Jasmine and the length of their engagement is never stated.

Pocahontas and John Smith: Honestly, I’ve only seen Pocahontas once, and I don’t remember every detail. But do you think Pocahontas would have gone between John Smith and a big scary weapon if she didn’t care about him?

Mulan and Shang: Mulan and Shang’s relationship actually gets more flak from the fandom than from the Disney-Haters. But their relationship is supposed to be just beginning at the end of the film.

Tiana and Naveen: Tiana and Naveen repeatedly risk their lives and their happiness for one another. Their engagement was probably not that long, but if you’re willing to spend your life as frog for someone, you definitely care about them.

Rapunzel and Flynn: Rapunzel was willing to spend her entire life in captivity to save Flynn. Flynn was willing to die for Rapunzel’s freedom. Also, Flynn mentions during the ending narration that he spent years asking Rapunzel to marry him before she finally agreed.

Anna and Hans: JUST KIDDING!!

Anna and Kristoff: This is the other relationship that gets most of its criticism from the fandom. This is also another relationship that’s supposed to be shown beginning. However, if it helps, the final script for Frozen said of Anna and Kristoff’s kiss “It’s a true love’s kiss, alright.”

So there you have it. Eleven amazing love stories. And one lunatic with some serious acting chops.

Stay dreaming.