The seaweed is always greenerThe idealized portrait of love painted in Disney's The Little Mermaid leaves a sad impression of reality. Love at first sight and the concept of a soulmate are not only depicted as the romanticized "true love" (a common theme in Disney films), but are challenged by the reliance on physical attributes. The need to change to gain that love is taken to the extreme. The film's focus on "true love" and the personal sacrifice made to obtain it, gives the target audience the idea that it is not only acceptable, but mandatory, to alter oneself to gain acceptance and love. Ariel's state of being as an unhappy teenager is aimed at an audience not only of young girls, like most Disney films, but also of girls dissatisfied with their lives. Her father is depicted as overly reactive with an unstable temper, which many girls of this age think are their fathers, although he is redeemed over the course of the film. She wants to travel, escape and is unhappy with her physical characteristics, all characteristics of many teenage girls. Her actions, however, make her a poor role model as she deals with all these changes. Eric tells Grimsby after being saved by Ariel that "she's the one". All he remembered of her was her song and perhaps a vague memory of her face. He made his partner's decision based solely on this, an encounter he wasn't even aware of. All he had to do to fall in love with her was be in her presence, not even awake. They've never spoken to each other, they've never even looked into each other's eyes, and Eric doesn't even know that the girl he's in love with isn't even the same species as him. Ariel has a little more information about Eric, but is surprised by his appearance. He knows somewhat of his character from his observations on the side of the boat, but only what was shown in a brief window. To meet him, without any guarantee of being able to win his love, she sacrifices herself to the sea witch. He permanently abandons his family and friends, his home and his life, without ever being able to return, in an attempt to satisfy his lustful desires..