Perhaps we believe in fictional stories because we seek in them a reality we desire, not one we live. Fiction gives us a safe space in which to mitigate the harshness of life and reshape pain in a less harsh language. We like to live in a world where hearts are treated fairly and dreams come true, even if only on imaginary pages. Fiction is not an escape, but rather an attempt to beautify the truth, or at least to endure it.

Thanks for commenting! In most areas of the human experience we can guess when fiction reflects reality and when it does not. But universal sexual ignorance due to a complete lack of sex information for adults means that people believe that what they read in erotic fiction reflects reality. This sets false expectations and leads to disappointment for both sexes.