i think that we'll all be okay

making my own post bc op is of course entitled to their opinion and i don’t need to be rude in their notes (and don’t you do it either 🫵🏾) but like.

at least in the case of phm Actually one of the big themes of the book and movie is nonromantic love and unconventional relationships being what saves the world. like one of the big themes is that a guy who struggles to connect, can’t keep a partner, and has never formed relationships that are societally deemed as valid, is still worthy of respect and autonomy. and his nonromantic but very deep love for his friend the rock is what allows two planets to be saved.

if this shipping craze were solely about drawing textual parallels i would not gaf because from what i have heard there are many. MY complaint is that i am once again watching a fandom or two file the serial numbers off of two incredibly complex characters to fit them into the white boy of the week shipping dynamics every other fandom experiences when that is EXPLICITLY anti-textual to at least one of those pieces of media. people are refusing to engage with the themes. and it is not lost on me that crossover ships are 4/10 of the top relationships on phm’s ao3 and Carl, who is IN the same piece of media, doesn’t feature in the top 10 at all.

• Feels like a performance, or you are copying things you have seen in other relationships

• When people comment on or ask about your relationship, it makes you uncomfortable

• After having sex, the more intimate touches/cuddles do not feel as good

• Wanting more independence or time alone

• Thinking if your partner cheated on you, you wouldn't care

• Being scared that you might cheat despite having no desire to be with anyone else

• Words like "partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc" all feel wrong, and you don't like them being applied to you

• Not having a strong feeling of missing your partner like you're "supposed" to

• Questioning your sexuality/preferences despite being confident in who/what you're attracted to

• Feeling like you're lying if you appreciate gifts or affection from them, even if you really do appreciate it

• Saying "I love you" feels fine, but it holds the same weight when you say it to anyone else

• Not wanting to tell anyone about your feelings because you're afraid you will be misunderstood

Anyway, that's all I got. I hope it helps someone out there. I'm still struggling too, but I think we will all be okay! <3