Leslie and Ben

When I started watching Parks and Rec last November I was hooked. I fell in love with the characters and the unique and hilarious way they each react to the daily struggles of working for the local Parks Department. I became especially intrigued when Leslie Knope is introduced to Ben Wyatt, a visiting state auditor that later becomes a permanent character of the show. At first Leslie and Ben butt heads, but as they work together they eventually fall in love. That is not to say that the road to happiness for Leslie and Ben is easy. When Leslie decides to run for city council they break up because the scandal of dating a fellow employee could ruin her campaign. Ben resigns from his position at the Parks Department and they get back together during Leslie’s campaign, but after Leslie wins Ben accepts a job in Washington D.C. For a while they date long distance, which definitely takes its toll on their relationship. Leslie and Ben’s relationship is full of obstacles, but what I love about them is that they choose to make it work. Ben gets offered a job to run another campaign in Florida, but he declines the offer and goes back to Pawnee, Indiana to propose to Leslie. Ben realizes that his relationship with Leslie is more important to him than anything else. I will admit, I got a little emotional watching this touching scene. I think there is a lot we can learn from Ben and Leslie. As a college student, I have seen and personally experienced many obstacles related to marriage and dating relationships. What I have learned is that in order to have a successful relationship, I have to be flexible and willing to sacrifice. With any relationship there will be challenges, but it is up to me whether or not I will keep my relationship as a top priority. I hope that I can keep this perspective in my dating relationships and one day in my marriage as well.