Historically, romantic storylines in media were often characterized by traditional, conservative, and patriarchal values. In classic fairytales, such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, the female protagonist was typically depicted as passive, submissive, and dependent on the male lead for happiness and salvation. These narratives reinforced the notion that a woman's ultimate goal was to secure a husband and attain domestic bliss. The male lead, often portrayed as a chivalrous knight or prince, was tasked with rescuing the damsel in distress and sweeping her off her feet. These storylines perpetuated a narrow and limiting definition of love and relationships, where the female partner was relegated to a subordinate role.