10 horrible lessons in love from 'The Little Mermaid'

 By 
Tricia Gilbride
 on 
10 horrible lessons in love from 'The Little Mermaid'
Credit: Disney-MGM

The Little Mermaid came out 25 years ago today, becoming an instant classic for Disney and inspiring generations of girls to try combing their hair with forks.

While it's a great movie -- it's almost impossible to hear "Under the Sea" without wanting to dance -- some of the messages are a little twisted.

[seealso slug="disney-princess-pin-up-girls"]

Watching The Little Mermaid as an adult, you realize it wasn't the fairytale romance you remember. Ariel gave up her friends, family, voice, collection of cool trinkets and even her species to be with Prince Eric.

Next time you revisit this childhood classic, remember it's not the best reference guide for real-life romance.

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