RELATION TROPES

IS IT TIME TO TURN THE PAGE ON THE LESSONS FROM OUR FAVE LOVE STORIES?

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Between the swoony banter, cute declarations of love and happily ever afters, it’s easy to be inspired by your OTP. But before you imagine your own Prince Charming (or Peter Kavinsky, or Conrad Fisher), here’s a reality check: While relationship tropes are fun to daydream about, they’re not always applicable IRL.

Angsty setups like fake dating, forced proximity and forbidden love are entertaining in books or on TV, but they’re often exaggerated or just, well, plain fiction. And basing your relationship expectations on rom-coms? That can give your love story a bad ending.

So just in time for sweetheart season, we’re breaking down the tropes that have potential to work in real life—and the ones that should stay between the lines.

ENEMIES TO LOVERS

THE INSPO: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice You’re fawning over the cute marching band captain who keeps finding *any* excuse to share your sheet music—but their superior attitude and subtle jabs at your flute technique are making you doubt your skills. WHEN IT WORKS: It’s possible they’re attempting to be playful (light teasing can be a form of flirting), so if you two have a silly, sarcastic dynamic, this could be your love song. Just make sure they are also able to move past the jokes and into more heartfelt, genuine territory.

WHEN IT DOESN’T: Belittling, gossiping or just being plain mean to you? Beware. When a bond begins with conflict and negativity, it sets a rocky foundation for the rest of the relationship. At the end of the day, your connection should make you feel confident and calm—not insecure and tense. Your true S.O. would never toy with your emotions or treat you with anything other than respect.

PLOT SUMMARY: Stay away (for the most part)

LOVE TRIANGLE