Inquiry - Romance (Not a vent post, promise)

[kriadydragon]

So I think most know how I feel about pairings. I've never been a fan of romance, can't stand the whining, angsty complications with some romance, character A worrying if character B really loves them all while they're running for their lives or the world's about to end, and cringe whenever a show or book introduces a "potential love interest." Oh, and mustn't forget my distaste in sex scenes.

The thing is, though, I'm not so opposed to romance as to not have it at all when it comes to my own stories. The other thing is, I tend to be subtle about the romance - in that it's not front and center, yet neither is it entirely not there at all. The best way I can sum it up is to say I "leave it open"; in that you can see it as friendship that might one day become more, friendship that is becoming more, or - well - very subtle romance ;)

The recent story I'm attempting to plot (original fic, not fanfic) got me thinking about how I handle romance and romance in general. When is it too much? Too little? Cringe worthy or just right? That kind of stuff. I want to hear other's opinions on romance. For example, is a story/show just as good if no romance is involved? Can friendships be just as powerful? Etc. Anything you have to say on the matter, please say it. The story I'm plotting isn't a romance, but there's a guy, a girl, the potential for feelings but hopefully not to the extent that it dominates most of the plot. But plots can be sneaky that way ;)

Comments

[novembersga.livejournal.com]

Definitely depends on how one defines 'Romance' I'm not as eloquent as some in getting my point across, but I'll try.

I'm not a shipper and I'll admit that right up front. I prefer friendships that 'may' include deep respect and an unusual closeness.

That being said, I've read and enjoyed stories that include relationships. If it is done well it's usually not an issue.

I don't like the relationship to be front and center nor the main story-line. If it is something that is occurring with the character, but does not detract from the story itself then it usually doesn't bother me.

Romance in my opinion does not mean, in-and-of-itself, 'sex' I don't have to have it all spelled out for me to know what's going on. If the characters are written realistically, there's no need. (It's a detractor in most cases) i.e. if the characters are married, then it's logical to assume they're physically involved.

I have an easier time accepting a character's romantic involvement if it's part of the story right from the beginning. It's so hard to come in later and introduce a character or stick one character with another without it looking contrived or 'mary-sue-ish' If you've got a really long story, you may be able to steadily build up to a relationship, or hint at the possibility of one if done right.

The next problem would be insuring that the characters 'work' together. There are characters, that because of their personality type, method of interaction, or their 'voice' can strike me as lending to specific relationship modes with the main character. (professional, sisterly/matronly (without actually being related), or potential romantic involvement. There are even those you can see as being attracted to one another for a time but don't seem the type to be permanent.

I don't like reading about love/hate relationships. (manipulating, backstabbing, cheating, fighting or angsting over staying/leaving.

Realistically, relationships don't involve perfect people. Everyone has faults. Those in love accept those faults and compensate. Faults should not be magnified or used as points of contention. A couple should stand together and lean on each other in times of need. Face the world and it's trials together. Couples that constantly fight, love each other this week and hate each other the next, are complete turn-offs. (I know this is 'my' opinion and that there are those that read a story specifically to see the love/hate and which way it will fall...it's just not for me.)

I tend to not read romance in fan-fiction because it is often so OOC or I just can't see the specific pairings happening. I don't usually read it in original fiction either because most of the time there are explicit scenes.

As I said before though, if done well, a 'relationship' between characters can be an uplifting read.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I like the occasional romance, but for me I've come across too many stories - TV shows and books - where it was used more as a catalyst for conflict and drama than a thought-out plot point. But that could have just been my perception. Like you, I don't like the love/hate thing because I don't buy it as true romance. I don't like that indecision and the constant back and forth of "I like them, I don't like them, I like them, I don't like them." It sometimes has a way of taking over the plot, and has always been a frustration for me when reading or watching a show.

That frustration is a big reason as to why I'm not a fan of pairings. I don't hate romance - in fact, I do have a few favorite romance shows, and depending on how it's handled I find it endearing - but when it comes to romance in a non-romance story or show I prefer it as a background thing, not the center of the plot.

My real dislike, though, is when romance is tossed into a story (book or show) just for the sake of it, just to have romance to attract those who are into romance. It never works, because people are too particular when it comes to pairings. Plus, in the case of TV, it either involves conflict that tears friendships apart or the creation of a new character just to play the love interest - a character who more often than not is underdeveloped and obnoxious.