yall have got to stop reducing enemies to lovers ships to “girl thinks man is hot” and “you just think the love of a good woman can save him” and whatever other shallow read you have.
god forbid I like character development. god forbid I read a story because I appreciate the way characters interact and build off each other.
I don’t seek out enemies to lovers bc I like “bad boys.” I seek it out because it almost always creates a space where both characters are asked to look inwards. to look at their flaws and ask themselves: what can stay and what should change?
and yea, the romantic partner is usually the catalyst - but they’re rarely the sole reason or purpose. they’re simply the mirror being held up. it’s the character that changes themselves. it’s the character that opens themselves up.
and whether it’s romantic or platonic - a good story gives you both - it’s love prompting change. it’s love giving you the space to realize you are worthy and valid and capable.
and not for nothing, but show me an enemies to lovers story, and I’ll show you a bad bitch who gets even badder after her future soulmate shows up.
