Sorry, but not every story needs romance shoehorned into it.
Not every glance has to turn into longing. Not every partnership demands “will-they-won’t-they.”
A character shouldn’t need a love interest to feel complete. This compulsive need to pair everyone off doesn’t deepen storytelling—for me, it flattens it.
It sends an incorrect message that people aren’t whole unless they’re romantically validated. That ambition, grief, loyalty, curiosity, revenge, friendship, or self-discovery somehow aren’t compelling enough on their own.
It’s as if emotional stakes only really count when they’re candlelit and coupled.
How about hitting the reader/viewer with richer dynamics: platonic bonds, mentorships, rivalries, found families, solitude, and growth.
Let characters breathe. Let them matter without needing to kiss someone.
Let stories explore connection without defaulting to romance like it’s a narrative life raft.
Not everything needs a love story. Some stories just need better writing.