semi-pro heartbreaker

been turning over in my mind recently that a lot of 'good romance' these days is touted as couples who 'deeply understand each other' or 'just instantly get each other' etc, and whatever that really means aside, i would like to posit that imo there is something inherently romantic in the opposite - in not quite 'understanding' or 'getting' another person, but being willing to work at understanding them, seeing things their way, and supporting them anyway. not this instantaneous mind-meld 'self recognition through the other' stuff. i want both people in my romance couples to feel desire and work for the rest; to be changed and shaped and challenged by each other!!! if there is no friction, there's no traction, and therefore no staying power!!!

imagine being stuart skinner bro. you’re a goalie in edmonton and you play with mcdavid and draisaitl but everyone hates you then you get TRADED and suddenly you’re having beers and getting goalie taps with sidney crosby and evgeni malkin and kris letang and they’ve got multiple arenas around the league calling your name like it’s the mf coliseum and your career is essentially saved. and you have a mustache.