HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
This day inevitably makes people
reflect on failed partnerships, new love, and relationship goals, but depending
on whether you’re a fan of romance, or detest sappy displays of affection, you most
likely love or hate this holiday. If you’re a relationship addict or vehemently
anti-romance is probably reflected in your reading choices, as well.
Even though I rarely read or write romance, most every story
has an element of love as a major or minor plot point, so let’s review a few common
relationship tropes:
Insta-Love
This is pretty common in YA, yet it’s probably the least favorite
type of relationship by most readers. You’ve seen it before: girl walks in a room
and instantly locks eyes with the perfectly gorgeous guy in the corner. They
inevitably have an encounter and it’s love at first sight. Although this can
happen in real life, when it’s used in fiction, the tension that can build
between two people you are rooting to become a couple, but just can’t seem to
get it together, is lacking.
Forbidden/Tragic Love
ROMEO AND JULIET is the quintessential example of this type
of relationship, and many books have been based off this theme since. Love that
can never be, because of family or cultural differences, location challenges,
or loyalty to someone else, be it a current partner or best friend, makes for a heart-rending
read.
The Love Triangle
We’ve all seen this millions of times in every story-telling
medium, and it is especially common in YA. It can
be maddening for readers who prefer one love interest to handle the MC choosing the
other, as oftentimes the reader will become fiercely committed to one
potential partner—think Team Edward and
Team Jacob. Although not a book, the most frustrating love triangle I can
remember was the Sawyer/Kate (Skate) and Jack/Kate (Jate) triangle in the TV series, Lost. I was Skate all the way and sadly lost (no pun intended) to Jate.
Unrequited Love
Nothing can be more heartbreaking (or frustrating) than
unrequited love. Everyone’s heart bleeds for the sweet nerd who’s had a crush on
the Homecoming Queen ever since Kindergarten, but can’t muster the nerve to
even talk to her. Other situations where characters might keep romantic feelings
bottled up could be their love interest is already in a relationship, fear of
coming out, or the knowledge that it would betray a friendship. When unrequited
love becomes reciprocated, however, it’s almost always a heart-warming turn of
events.
Doomed Love
Think A FAULT IN OUR STARS, and many of the similar books that followed. Doomed
love is tragic and soul-crushing, yet there’s something sweetly romantic about
two people sharing their last moments together.
Hate to Love
He thinks she’s annoying, she thinks he’s a total dick. They
can’t stand each other at first, but thrust into a situation where they’re
forced to spend time together, eventually this hate turns to passion, and sparks
fly.
These are just a few examples of situational relationships
and romantic themes in non-romance fiction. Are any of these topics your
favorite, or are any of the above devices you can’t stand? Do you have any book
recommendations that use one or more of these themes well? Please leave your thoughts
in in the comments below and have a happy, romance-filled Valentine’s day!
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