Ah, who doesn’t love a good warm-and-fuzzy romantic comedy? Rom-coms are great if you’re looking for some escapist entertainment to accompany a cozy night spent on the couch. However, when it comes to illustrating the subtleties and complexities of real-life romantic relationships, rom-coms tend to fail miserably.

From wildly unrealistic grand gestures to dating tactics that are just straight up creepy, here’s 9 moves from romantic comedies that would never pan out in real life-

1. Standing outside your date’s bedroom window with a boombox (Say Anything) –

When it comes to romantic gestures, there’s no way this famous scene from the movie Say Anything would fly in real life. I don’t care if you look like a 1980’s John Cusack – If you’re standing under my bedroom window, blasting Peter Gabriel while I’m trying to sleep, I’d probably call the cops. Man standing under my window = totally creepy.

2. Serenading the object of your affection with a marching band (10 Things I Hate About You) –

If we had to be serenaded, I think many of us would choose a young Heath Ledger to do the task. However, once again, this is a move you shouldn’t attempt in real life. First of all, you are not Heath Ledger. Secondly, I think I speak for most women when I say impromptu serenades are more mortifying than romantic. Also, what if your love interest doesn’t feel the same way?! You’re still going to have to buy that marching band beer.

3. Riding off into the sunset on a lawnmower (Can’t Buy Me Love) –

I don’t care if we’re 16 year olds in love, if you ask me to ride off into the sunset on your John Deer, I’m probably going to say “No.” Yardwork and date-night are two things that exist separately for a reason. Guys, don’t try this one at home.

4. Running around with your best friend’s fiancee (Something Borrowed) –

This is a very, very, bad idea and can’t end well. Even if you end up staying together like Rachel and Dex, the two-timers in Something Borrowed, you’re always going to wonder if the old adage “once a cheater, always a cheater” applies to your relationship. It doesn’t matter how great the chemistry is or how much you think you love the other person, it’s not worth losing a best friend over.

5. Re-doing the past (There’s Something About Mary) –

More often than not, the past is the past for a reason. Don’t get me wrong – I love There’s Something About Mary, however when you think about it, the premise is totally creepy.  If you think you might still be in love with your high-school crush, don’t hire a private investigator to track them down and then use your intel to “bump into them” randomly. Instead, reach out to them and be honest. After-all, isn’t that what Facebook is for?! Although you may not fall back in love like Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller do (and your actions still might be deemed creepy), taking the high road is always going to play out better than deception and lies.

6. Impersonating a high-schooler (Never Been Kissed) –

I can’t imagine any reality where this would actually work. If you’ve never been kissed, going back to high-school to impersonate a teenager isn’t the answer. Although rom coms like Never Been Kissed and There’s Something About Mary would lead us to believe that going back in time is a good idea, the best way to actually move forward with our love lives is to move. forward. Stop obsessing over the past and what could have been. Live in the now. It’s better, I promise.

7. Putting the person you’re dating through a series of bizarre tests to prove their worthiness (How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days) –

Sorry Kate Hudson, you’re gorgeous and lovely but there’s no way that any guy would put up with your character’s antics in real life – even if he had to for his job, like Matthew McConaughey’s character in this film. Don’t try this one at home, kiddos.

8. Winning someone’s heart with a break-dancing, flash-mob (Friends with Benefits) –

A flash-mob is not the way to someone’s heart. I repeat, a flash-mob is not the way to someone’s heart. Although Justin Timberlake’s character seemed amused (albeit slightly underwhelmed) by Mila Kunis’ flash mob organizing skills, if you want to be closer with someone, you don’t need breakdancers to relay the message. Just tell them how you feel – with words, not jazz hands.

9. Thinking that grand romantic gestures equal a great relationship (Bride Wars) –

In the movie Bride Wars, we’re lead to believe that Anne Hathaway’s low-key proposal story signals a less than great relationship. However, in reality I think most people prefer low-key romantic gestures that don’t involve flash mobs, serenades or elaborate plans that include stalking, lies or games. Just a thought. You know what equals a great relationship? A great relationship. The extra bells and whistles are just that.