#and that bond is significant whether you see it as platonic or romantic

[wavebiders]

The thing that really gets me about Wyll and Karlach is just how their bond is allowed to have the importance in their narratives that it has

I mean, in games like these the cast is always going to be centered around the pc. Sure, the relationships between other companions can be developed through party banter, commentary, or even cinematics, but at the end of the day everyone's most significant relationship is always going to be the player. That's the person who most affects them and where their story is going

With these two, it's not even that Tav isn't vitally important to them both, but it's meeting Karlach that changes Wyll's life one way or another. It's Wyll that's the first person to stick out his neck for Karlach, and sends her reeling. Their bond alone is enough to convince Karlach to go to Avernus and stay alive

It's a very bold choice to risk limiting the player's importance in order to drive home the connection between two characters, and I really appreciate Larian for going there

[luna-rainbow]

I know a lot of fans are upset about What If and its continual attempts at making Steggy a thing.

But I don't see it as Disney has won? I came into this fandom in 2021, long after Endgame stopped any chance of further canon Steve and Bucky interactions, and I know of fans who came into the fandom long after that.

Because the magic is still there. Because CATWS was a genuinely well-written story and a well-presented movie. The plot, the themes, the characters, the action, the music -- all of it culminating in a climax where the main character reverses 70 years of manipulation and torture with a simple phrase, and in doing so, saves both him and the person he says it to.

Whether you choose to see them as romantic or platonic or anything else, that unbreakable bond is there.

What If and Rogers Musical are cheap knockoffs trying to capitalise on the same magic without understanding what created the magic in the first place. It's the sacrifice and the loyalty, the shared loss and shared experience, the same wanderlust and same homesickness. It is the thematic relevance and the narrative significance. It is the fact that Bucky was tied to Steve's identity as much as Steve is tied to Bucky's, that every key beat in Steve's journey to becoming Captain America and upholding his values involved Bucky.

The real tragedy about the Steve-Peggy story - as a Peggy fan had pointed out actually - is that even in What If, her story remains subservient to Steve. Not What If Steve, but canon Steve. Unlike other stories in What If, where a simple change leads to a butterly effect of an unrecognisable future, the direct effect of copying Steve-Bucky's interactions beat for beat is that "Peggy" becomes the least consequential factor in the story. "She is just as good as Steve", the writers want to say, "she brought forward feminism by 2 decades". But the reality is…she continues to be a non-character and a non-factor, because even in a timeline as significant as a woman becoming the first super soldier, the universe barely changes. It simply fills in the holes with other characters and continue on the same inevitable path.

Bad stories are forgettable, good stories last forever. Remember when we had that hilarious poll against OFMD and a bunch of people came out of the woodworks to vote for Stucky even though they had long left the fandom? Because a good story has magic, and it's left an indelible print on many people's lives.

Disney had already lost the day Steve uttered, "I'm with you to the end of the line, pal." The characters belong to us now.

[forevermore05]

Zuko and his protectiveness over Katara backfired on the show

I think we're all quite aware of the fact that Zuko is canonically very protective over Katara

Exhibit A

When he saves Katara from falling rubble in the Western air temple.

Exhibit B

When he protects Katara from flames in that same episode when she is about to blood bend that fire nation soldier.

Exhibit C

The famous Agni Kai where he take lightning for Katara

Now why are these so significant? I think these are big gestures are to show Zuko's efforts to make amends after what he did to Katara. It could be argued these are very extreme ways of making it up to her because these came at the cost of his life. But this also goes to show his character development, as he is willing to protect Katara from danger. For me, one of the reasons why I ship them is because of his protectiveness. It's refreshing to see a character that has always been there to help and to be a support system to others be protected by someone else. I think it can be very fulfilling as a viewer. This effort that was made to write their relationship was so genuine, and it felt so heartfelt as the viewer, that it just made their dynamic one of the strongest in the show. Whether that be romantically or just platonically, their dynamic is probably one of the best in my opinion.

Now, with all that his protectiveness towards Katara immediately evaporate after the last Agni Kai which was pretty shocking, as they didn't get time to be able to talk about what happened. I feel like it removes a piece of genuineness from the show that the characters care for each other. And of course I know a reason why this could have happened is because, well, Kataang and Maiko exist. I think what made their dynamics so strong is because of their protectiveness for one another. Especially, Zuko's protectiveness over Katara. When it was removed in the comics, it felt like a bond had been destroyed because a big part of their dynamic was protecting each other and being there for each other, and having that level of communication. They were protecting each other through their communication and through their support for one another.

How I feel like it backfired on the show is that it created a bit of an emptiness in both of the characters. Especially when they interacted, it felt more distant in the comics, and it felt as if they were strangers. Zuko's writing, which leads to him being protective over her, is so poignant in their relationship that once it is removed it creates a hole in a way it makes his character feel more hollow in his relationship with Katara. It feels like an effort to create a divide and an erasure of their past and how significant his taking lightning for her was. A show that is built of meaningful character relationships took a piece of its own heart out and of its own show and stabbed it in front of all of us when it came to the erasure of Zutara. So they could push the canon ships. They were willing to remove that important element of character relationships for 2 poorly written couples.

I think it creates a level of ingenuity in this show. That is not shocking as many of Katara's other love interests met the same fate of ingenuity, whether that be Jet or Haru. Where she's never able to show her feelings about these people. Which I find quite strange seeing how the show aims to create depth and talk about feelings that actually provoke feelings in you. They don't actually go in-depth with what the leading lady's thoughts are about other people. For all the sake of keeping the focus on Kataang it costs the good writing for Katara to be able to feel complex emotions about the other male interests in her life. And it leads to a rough ending for a strong dynamic like Zuko and Katara that shows their desperation for Kataang at the cost of good writing especially for Katara.

[tevanbegins]

Some musings for Pride Month 🌈:

Know how straight people are not attracted to every single person of the opposite gender and can have meaningful platonic connections with them, without any romantic or sexual intent? Likewise...

• Bisexual people are not attracted to every single person they see or breathe around. Bisexual people can have close platonic bonds with people of any gender, without it having any secret romantic or sexual intent.

• Gays/Lesbians are not attracted to every single person of their own gender. Gays/Lesbians can have close platonic bonds with people of the same gender, without it having any secret romantic or sexual intent.

So when you take a healthy platonic friendship between a canon queer character and their straight best friend (who hasn't even secretly questioned themselves about their sexuality on screen in any episode for them to be considered a closet case) and celebrate it as an example for Pride Month, as opposed to actual canon queer characters and romances, it doesn't seem cool or respectful to the LGBTQ+ community.

I'm not at all saying we should only celebrate the queers who are out and proud. Closeted queers are also very valid in their queerness and their struggles are understandable. But when you have never seen someone even start to question their preferences, I don't get how fair it is to assume and officially declare that they are queer. Guessing or wondering about someone's sexuality is fine, but declaring it on someone's behalf is not. Just like it is wrong to make heteronormative assumptions about anyone, it is also wrong to force someone out of a closet they might not even be in just because you think you know who someone is.

Let people tell their own stories, whatever they are. That is what Pride is about. Finding your true self, in your own time, on your own terms. No one else's.

Again, people can believe whatever they want, because the things we see on television are ultimately fictional. But using some fanon TV ship as an example worthy of being celebrated for Pride — a real-life event that holds so much significance for a community that has been endlessly fighting for their rights — is frankly disrespectful.

Just wanted to say my piece, whether anyone agrees or not. Happy Pride Month once again, I wish everyone lots of love, joy, and peace! 🏳‍🌈❤

[sleepingdeath-light]

TOH WITH A IMMORTAL READER!

Okay so this wasn’t a specific request or anything so I’m just going to answer here with how I think each character would cope with having an immortal significant other. This got very long as I included basically everyone that’s on my masterlist… oops!

Also, to reiterate, these are just my thoughts so they’re very biased towards how I interpret the characters — and your relationship with the characters can be romantic or queer-platonic or similar depending on your preference!

Thoughts below the cut!

Adrian Graye-Vernworth

doesn’t even remotely believe you at first and will probably assume you’re joking. but once he does recognise your honesty then he’ll probably have something of a breakdown for a while and step back from your relationship — equal parts jealous of the life you’ve lived and horrified at the idea of just being a blip on the radar of your infinite life. it’s 50/50 whether this is a dealbreaker for him and he’ll either slowly inch back into your relationship or just break up with you because of the stress.

Alador Blight

alador is mostly neutral to your immortality when it comes to your relationship. like he’ll call on you for a second opinion when he’s working on something and will draw on your experience to further help his fellow witches — but he doesn’t really think about it any beyond that. though he does sometimes worry about you and how you’ll cope when he’s gone (because he knows that losing you would break him).

Amity Blight

when you tell her it’s quite the shock to the system and she doesn’t really know what to say or how to react. she’ll freeze up and you can see her thinking as she considers her response before she finally squeezes your hands and thanks you for telling her. she’d want to stay with you and wouldn’t want to break up, but she’d definitely have a few crises over the fact that you’ve lived so long before her and you will live so long after — but she also finds a small bit of comfort in the idea that she’ll never have to live without you.

Belos / Philip Wittebane

he’s been alive for far longer than he ever should have been because of his mission, so the idea of immortal entities isn’t difficult for him to believe. so upon finding out about your condition, he’s amazed but not necessarily startled by it — asking you about your origins and if there are more beings like you out there. if he truly cares about you, he’ll stick by you for as long as he’s able to keep his form stable — but if he doesn’t then he’ll just use you to find a way to complete his goal and lengthen his life further.

Boscha

boscha is someone else who wouldn’t believe you when you told her — going from genuine disbelief to shaky doubt to outright terrified denial and then through the stages of grief as she comes to terms with your condition. as sad as it sounds, this would probably end up being a deal breaker and would end your relationship as she would struggle too much with your past and future to be with you beyond that.

Camila Noceda

she doesn’t believe you at first, thinking that you’re just older than her as she’s seen some strange things but immortality is just so far beyond that. it takes her some time to come to terms with this but you do end up bonding over the losses you’ve experienced throughout your lives — you, your various lovers and friends, and her, luz’s father. she insists on learning your native language and teaching you hers so that you have an experience to remember her by.

Collector

having an immortal significant other would be the best case scenario for collector given his own life span. they wouldn’t have to worry about losing you prematurely and you’d be able to understand the issues he’s faced throughout their long life — whilst also having all the time in the world to grow with him and together as a couple. so they would be hopeful to have a spouse with this trait.

Darius Deamonne

this wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for darius but he would have a serious, long conversation about where you both stand and how your experiences would impact your relationship. he wouldn’t necessarily ask about your past relationships but he would be curious about older ages of magic on the isles and how other realms function — and especially how that can help the rebellion against belos.

Eberwolf

they’re pretty chill about the whole thing, honestly — like it rarely ever comes up in conversation so there’s no real impact on your relationship. you two just continue vibing together and spending the time you have wisely (by having fun) without the stresses such a realisation often bring. really they’re the best person you could have told — they only bring it up once or maybe twice and it’s only to make fun of you (lovingly, of course).

Eda Clawthorne

your immortality means that you have more knowledge of the world before belos and, thus, wild magic and magic as a whole. this means that eda will be looking to you to learn more about the owl beast, the history of those like her and if you ever came to know others with similar curses. she’d also insist on you teaching her about the people you loved and she’ll happily talk about raine (she’s far from the jealous type, but she is something of a gossip). she doesn’t care about making scrapbooks or taking pictures and prefers living in the moment with you and your family — living in the ‘doing’ world rather than focusing on capturing every little thing. you’ll look back on this with king and fleetingly wish you had more pictures, but the memory of her laugh and smile is tangible enough that neither of you feel like you’re missing out on too much.

Edric Blight

he will probably have something of an existential crisis about his own mortality when you tell him and would insist on finding a way to make himself live as long as you do. he starts comparing himself to the people you loved and lost and you’ll end up having to talk him into getting some help for it. your relationship will be permanently changed by this, but you will grow and heal with time — it’s just such a shock for him that he takes a bit of a mental health wobble whilst he comes to terms with it.

Emira Blight

em tends to bottle up her feelings a lot and will initially come off as very accepting and calm about the whole thing — but make no mistake this poor woman is one mislabelled jar of seasoning away from a breakdown. she’s now very aware of her own mortality and that she’s one of the probably dozens you’ve loved and lost and she’s absolutely terrified of being forgotten and lost to the sands of time. she’ll insist on keeping thorough, reliable records of your time together and by the time she’s old and you’re young you’ll be spending your last days together looking over them and laughing and crying and holding each other — finally ready to say goodbye.

Gus Porter

he will bombard you with questions about your life nonstop. did you ever live in the human realm? how has it changed? how has the boiling isles changed? there’s so much he wants to know and he has all the time in the world to listen to you talk — and he will note down everything you say and look at you with complete interest. so yeah he’ll still love you just as much as before, he’s just very nosy and eager to learn.

Hunter Wittebane

hunter is someone that would likely have a few hang-ups regarding true- and pseudo- immortality given his status as a clone/grimwalker. he’d have to do a lot of thinking regarding your relationship once he found out and a lot of serious conversations would be had about his natural lifespan compared to yours. in the end you would stay together and he’d be with you for a significant period of it (a few hundred years given him being similar to palismen) with him insisting that you don’t bring him back once he’s gone.

Lilith Clawthorne

she’d be absolutely entranced by your condition and would start fangirling over everything you must have experienced. you’ll end up getting interviewed and documented in every way possible as she asks about your history in and beyond the isles. though she might spend a bit more time on the deadwardian period than anything else (she’s biased, okay!).

Luz Noceda

luz would be amazed with you and would be eager to learn your story — as well as just about everything about you. she wants to learn your native language and hear about the cultures and people you knew throughout the years, especially if it involves some form of magic. she does, however, insist on making lots of memories with you and recording them so you never forget her.

Mattholomule

another one that doesn’t believe you but in mattholomule’s case he never ends up believing you. in his mind you’re just making a weird joke and there comes a point where you just stop trying to correct him and just live your life out with him — watching him grow old and grey whilst you remain the same. it’s on his death bed when he finally realises, but the life you shared was full of laughter and love so neither of you find it in yourselves to complain.

Odalia Blight

she is the type to use your status to her advantage which means that your relationship dynamic would inevitably shift. like she’d still care about you and be as affectionate as before, but she insists on showing you off and presenting herself as the wife of an immortal being in order to put herself above her fellow witches. you can tell her to knock it off. it will not work.

Raine Whispers

raine is heartbroken for you when they realise just how much you’ve lost throughout your life and they insist on memorialising your lost loved ones however they can. they help you write ballads for deceased lovers and learn to play songs from your home (even if their pronunciation is very shaky) because they care so deeply about you. they don’t talk about their concerns often, but they do ask that you remember them — and they leave you plenty of songs behind to do so.

Steve

as he’s quite possibly the most chilled out person in the boiling isles, steve doesn’t really care about the fact that you’re immortal. like when you tell him he’ll ask you a few questions about yourself and your past, but otherwise your relationship will stay the same and he’ll keep on keeping on. might expect the occasional cool story from your past, though, when you’ve both been drinking some apple blood.

Terra Snapdragon

she will most likely treat this as an opportunity to gain more power through your relationship. like she does care for you as you are her spouse at the end of the day, but she’s also incredibly power-hungry and having a partner who is immortal and has more experience than basically every other living entity is the ideal opportunity for her to get what she wants. so she definitely wouldn’t leave you, but the dynamic between the two of you would definitely change.

Viney

this wouldn’t be the end of your relationship but it would change a lot. viney insists on the two of you continuing to live in the moment together, focusing on making lasting memories doing things that you both love so that you never forget her. that means frequent fun dates, time spent teaching as a team, helping everyone you can and just spending time together doing what you love and having as much fun as you can whilst doing so.

Willow Park

willow is shocked by the revelation of your immortality but she doesn’t make too much of a big deal of it. like she will sit down with you and discuss anything you want to talk about, but generally your relationship remains unchanged. the only change is that she starts writing letters for you and hiding them — wanting to leave something behind for you once she’s gone.

[theoneprecioustome]

Aigis' S-Link: Platonic & Romantic Route

P3R (finally!) introduced the option to stay just friends with the girls, and Aigis wasn't the exception. I think there's a lot to be said about the way both routes were handled, especially in regards to the rooftop scene, so I wanted to share my thoughts about it while the game is still fresh in my mind lol

First things first: No matter what route you pick, Aikoto truly are the cutest. Just look at them! Their bond is truly phenomenal regardless of how you choose to interpret it.

From what I've seen, the rooftop scene remains the same whether you romanced Aigis or not. Which is logical, because the rooftop scene has been the same since Vanilla, back when Aigis didn't even have a Social Link. It is not influenced by whether the player chose to romance Aigis or not, because it's mandated by the main story rather than by optional choices.

In other words, whether you choose to interpret it romantically or not, Makoto's bond with Aigis (and the strength of it) has never been optional.

That said, now that we have a "platonic" and a "romantic" route to compare, I feel like P3R makes it even more obvious that the rooftop scene we all know and love features an Aigis who is in love with Makoto rather than one that just sees him as a friend 😂

Beware of spoilers for the entire game and Episode Aigis - The Answer!

Let's begin chronologically. In P3R, you can avoid having to reject the girls by simply not giving them any reason to confess to you in the first place. For Aigis, this happens on Rank 8 of her social link, where we get this choice:

If the player chooses to tell Aigis that what she feels for Makoto is just friendship, Aigis will accept it and focus on becoming Makoto's best friend (more on that later, because there's a lot to be said about that, too). If the player tells Aigis that what she feels for Makoto is love, Rank 9 and 10 of her Social Link happen just like they did in FES and P3P (unless the player rejects her, of course).

What is really interesting here though is the way the Social Link Cards choose to describe Aigis' mindset in each route. During the platonic route, we get a very general description telling us that Aigis has "shared her thoughts on the significance of finite things such as life..."

Meanwhile, if you go for the romantic route, you get the following description:

"She's decided to cast her doubt aside and share her true feelings with me..."

There's no description like that in her platonic route. This is also true of the way Aigis chooses to "confess" her wish to Makoto.

In the platonic route, Aigis says: "I have to tell you my feelings..."

While in the romantic route, she says: "Even if this wish of mine is to never come true... I still want to tell you my true feelings..."

So, the game itself describes Aigis' romantic feelings as her true feelings.

With that important distinction out of the way, let's go back to their platonic route:

As you can see, it keeps the parts of Aigis' Rank 10 speech that (retroactively) tie it to the rooftop scene. The lines are just modified so they work in a platonic context. This is achieved by including the rest of SEES into the mix, and by having Aigis define herself as Makoto's "best friend".

However, aside from Aigis promising that she will always be by his side, there's no mention of Aigis wanting to protect Makoto, or of the fact that being by his side is what's most important to her. The Rank is focused on Aigis remembering Makoto and being able to carry her memories of him & SEES forever, and this is what is highlighted in its description.

Now, let's compare this with the romantic route we've always known:

And what do we see in the rooftop scene?

Aigis echoes the same sentiments she expresses during her romantic S-Link, in which she is confirmed to be in love with him. Coincidentally, it is her Romantic S-Link's description that deliberately gives focus to Aigis' promise to be by his side in his last moments, even though this promise of hers is present in both routes:

So I feel that the addition of this Platonic Route and its contrast to Aigis' usual S-Link has helped prove what most of us have been saying along: Aigis falls in love with Makoto through the course of the game, regardless of whether you do her S-Link or not 😭

It is not a coincidence that Aigis' speech to Makoto is very similar to Chidori's speech to Junpei. As I've mentioned before, the only thing missing is the "I love you", but Arena explains why Aigis refrained from saying it:

Which begs the question, what about Makoto?

Unlike in FES, P3P and especially Vanilla P3, this time the player does have a choice as to whether Makoto reciprocates Aigis' feelings or not. If the player allows Aigis to confess to Makoto during her S-Link, they can even reject her outright.

That's why Makoto's behavior during P3R's rooftop scene stands-out even more than usual. After all, while some of Vanilla/FES Makoto's reactions to Aigis' weren't reproduced in P3R, his behavior towards her in the rooftop scene remained intact.

And the rooftop scene shows him being intimately close to her in a way that he isn't shown being to anyone else in the game.

We see him laying in her lap, reaching out to wipe her tears away, smiling at her as she confesses that she wants to stay by his side. Most importantly, she is the very last thing he sees and yet he still passes away with a smile on his face, looking perfectly at peace.

When P3P gave players a choice as to who Makoto should have by his side during his last moments, this choice was described as being Makoto's "precious person". I'd argue that the way the rooftop scene is executed in P3R implies that Aigis is still meant to be that person for him, even in this new iteration of P3 where he is much closer to everyone in SEES.

Even if you choose the platonic route, the game makes sure to establish that Makoto and Aigis are supposed to be really close, to the point that she is the only one, out of the platonic social routes with the girls, that can be called his "best friend".

If you choose "that's a beautiful wish", the scene ends the same way, with Aigis thanking him and declaring them best friends. So even in the platonic route, Aigis is established as being particularly close to Makoto.

So, technically the rooftop scene could work within that context, right? Aigis is Makoto's best friend, who just so happens to realize she's actually in love with him during the fight with Nyx. It fits and doesn't stop Makoto from being in love with whoever the player chooses for him.

But... whoever the player chose to date instead of Aigis isn't there, yet Makoto doesn't look like he misses them.

Truth be told, he doesn't look like would rather be anywhere else than right there with Aigis lol

Another interesting little detail is that P3R itself tells you that whoever Makoto is dating is supposed to be his strongest bond. A bond that is "far stronger and different from the others."

So even if Aigis is his best friend in the platonic version of her S-Link, whoever Makoto has feelings for is supposed to have an even stronger bond with him than her according to this.

And that doesn't quite add up with The Answer, where Yukari acknowledges that Aigis was the one who felt the strongest about Makoto (or even the one "closest to him", if you consider this official side-story as canon).

You know what does line up with The Answer, though?

"And the bond you share will deepen even more, entwining their fate with yours..."

Aigis' is the one whose fate was inexorably tied to Makoto's, to the point that she gained his Personae (the ones that come from the sea within his soul), his Velvet Room and reached the same Answer to Life that he did.

(Granted, I'm basing all of this on The Answer as we know it. It is entirely possible that the P3R Team will rewrite it and come up with a new reason as to why Aigis gains Makoto's Persona, so that P3R SEES are all equally close to Makoto now 😂)

So personally, I'd say that just like Aigis' feelings for Makoto are the way they are regardless of player input, it's fairly easy to assume that the Makoto we see at the end of the game reciprocates her feelings regardless of player input as well 😭 But of course, this all just my opinion!

[burst-of-iridescent]

Hi! First I want to say I love your Zutara dissertation. I was in a convo with a friend who said they don’t like Zutara because it hurts Zuko’s arc. I then linked them to part two of your dissertation where you explain how Zuko and Katara getting together would strengthen their arcs and the themes of the show. They then replied, “I see all these points. I just think this can be done via friendship. I think the idea that Zuko heals the world via friendships fits the show more since friendship played a bigger role then love stories.” Do you have any rebuttal argument for this that I can show them?

please give my commiserations to your friend for the frustration they must have felt when avatar: the last airbender ended with a grand romantic kiss because naturally, the all-important question of the finale was whether the hero finally got the girl after spending three seasons suffering in the friendzone. i'm sure your friend, being such a proponent of the importance of friendship over romance, must be just as critical of kat.aang in the finale as they are of a potential zutara relationship (and if they aren't, then you know where this argument is coming from and it's certainly not a place of legitimate media analysis.)

but on the off-chance that we're dealing with that rare breed of zutara anti that isn't a raging hypocrite: i fail to see why there's this weird dichotomy being made between platonic and romantic love at all. what exactly is wrong with zuko healing the world with both friendship AND romance? his platonic bonds with sokka, toph, aang and suki don't suddenly cease to exist just because he's dating katara, so why are we acting as if it's only one or the other?

atla is a story about the power of friendship, yes, but more than that it's a story about the the power of love. love for your family, blood and chosen. love for your friends. love for your countrymen. love for strangers, for enemies, for humanity. at its core, atla is centred around love in all of its varied forms - and yes, that includes romantic love.

or are we saying that sokka's love for yue, katara's romance with jet, sokka's relationship with suki, zuko's feelings for jin all had absolutely no bearing on their individual character arcs and the overall plot of the show? even kat.aang and mai.ko, badly written as they are, were important to aang and zuko's arcs in helping them realize the people they were truly meant to be (at least, before the finale fucked it up).

i, and many other zutara shippers, have always said that we'd have been fine with atla ending with no canonical romances, or with only a hint of zutara. i wouldn't replace the kat.aang kiss in the finale with a zutara one, even if it made more narrative sense, because i agree that romantic love was definitely not the point of atla - but that doesn't mean that it had no significant role to play at all.

given that your friend seems fine with zuko and katara's friendship, i'd love to hear why said friendship turning into a romance would suddenly be detrimental to zuko's arc. was sokka's arc about unlearning his misogyny ruined because he eventually entered a relationship with suki? was suki being inspired by sokka to take a more active role in the war undercut because she became his girlfriend? if not, then why would the zutara dynamic be the only one negatively affected just because they can kiss now?

zuko is a character who is fundamentally defined by love. his love for his people kickstarts his entire character arc. his love for his mother, and her love for him, is integral in reminding him to stay true to who he is. iroh's fatherly love guides him to the path of redemption. the gaang's platonic love, and the love he holds for them in return, gives him the confidence and support he needs to fulfill his destiny. so romantic love, the right kind of romantic love (and notably the only kind zuko never truly receives in the show) would only add to zuko's character - not take away from it.

[tinukis]

i may seem to lean in more towards romanticism of zolu but imma be real here

theyre a whole secret third thing to me like— idk how to explain it it other than their love and bond transcends what romance and platonic. yes i will draw them smooching and have hearts flying all around them but it is not exactly romantic/platonic... (i mean honestly i dont mind how ppl interpret zolu whether its my art or in general)

bc i saw this one comic that just... perfectly described zolu and the strawhats to me? it was about law catching zolu and then discussing with the other strawhats about it and they explained that luffy does in fact love everyone equally and the same. for luffy, romantic nor platonic is Not a thing to him. (this is how i view luffy's aroaceness !! love isnt a category for him. love isnt something he could just pick and choose or whatever. love is just... loving someone. love is for the people very dear to him.) and in the comic, the strawhats say that zoro's the one and only guy who could keep up with luffy's energy and antics. so they dont mind the things they do together in privacy or in front of them. they know how much luffy loves them ALL EQUALLY and they all love him back

on topic of zolu and aroace... i've been around spaces and talked to a few zolu shippers (qpr shipping count) and noticed how many of us are at least on the aro/ace spectrum. there's just Something about zolu's special relationship that attracts us, and if you ship them and are aro/ace, im certain you'd agree. (even if you arent, we can mutually agree that they are a third thing, right?) like, theres something so... aroace about their relationship. they can be seen as romantic and they can be seen as platonic, but what can be absolutely certain is that their relationship is definitely queer. bc it's not something you can easily describe or that their relationship is The Norm. theyre insane for each other. luffy's the sun. zoro's the moon. luffy's a good. zoro's the king of hell. they complete each other. they absolutely need each other.

my memory is horrible and i cant say the words properly but basically: zolu's love and relationships transcends romance and platonically. yes you can see it as either, but as an aroace, i Feel it is way beyond that.

and again, will repeat it a million times over (mind you, it's not canon. it's a widely accepted HEADCANON. if you think luffy's sexuality is something else, thats cool): i believe that luffy's aroaceness is way beyond "not interested in attraction/xyz/whatever" like yeah, he doesn't think about it because it doesnt matter much to him. he doesnt apply whats romantic or platonic to HIS relationships. he can recognize romantic, sexual, platonic things. it's just not his thing to really think hard about (he doesnt think much in the first place (affectionage)) he feels love for the people he cares about and if they feel loved by him, however he approaches the love (and if they accept that kind of form) thats all that matters to him. he doesnt label/categorize love because it makes no sense to Him to prioritize someone over the other just bc he loves that someone a different way. he loves everyone equally and treats them as equals.

and when it comes to Any luffy ships, calling his significant other "partner" is what fits best. theyre not just best friends, theyre partners.

this is a mess of a rant but this is just how i feel abt zolu, luffy, his ship pairs, and his aroace hc :]

[voxofthevoid]

hi, sorry for bothering you, i just wanted to say i love the way you write 5u's relationships with other characters. your ita/fushi are perfect, a nod to their canon relationship while still maintaining focus on 5u. beautiful 🤌

and past stsg! i am not a big fan of them (mostly due to their fans smh) but it's definitely had a big impact on Satoru's personality and i just love how you tackle the topic

last but not least, Nanami. i started liking him more because of the way you write him. his relationships with Yuuji and Satoru are so different and so important to me. Nanami is such a good mentor figure for Yuuji and i love how you depict their relationship 🥹

and and and, using Nanami to show more inhuman side of Gojo is so good 🤌 i still think about that post comparing the ways Yuuji and Nanami see Gojo's eyes. Nanami is perfect for it because of how long he has known Satoru for, while Yuuji only sees Satoru the person. Satoru shows the human side to Yuuji more and it's so precious to me and i need to stop before i'll start ranting about how they humanise each other

sorry for ranting 😅

You're not bothering me in the slightest! This was wonderful to read 💗

I have a tiny doting crush (phrase courtesy of @thelionshoarde) on itafushi and genuinely enjoy their canon bond, despite not having much of an urge to explore it myself. And I like maintaining their importance to each other regardless of how AU or canon divergent a fic gets. I have far less personal investment in satosugu (read: 0%, thanks to the fans and also my raging dislike of Getou himself), but like you said, it was a significant influence on Satoru and I'd rather do that justice; whether I approach it as romantic or platonic depends on plot reasons.

It's an absolute honor to hear you started liking Nanami more because of me 🥺 I love that tired sad man an unwise amount, especially his relationship with Yuuji. I could write essays on his death scene alone. And in terms of goyuu, he does make an excellent outsider PoV who recognizes Gojou's darker side and overall danger (I'm very fond of the idea of him having a blast radius that Yuuji has firmly planted himself in) but with a degree of resignation regarding his relationship with Yuuji because neither of them is the sort to let themselves be talked around to sense. And I think Nanami would logically grasp that Yuuji's seeing—being shown—a side of Gojou that most aren't privy too, and the way Yuuji humanizes all of Gojou would also be novel to him. It all makes for some interesting outsider impressions.

Don't apologize! Feel free to rant in my inbox anytime!

Also, I love your new pfp. That's an adorable Yuuji 💗

[navigatingenm]

Ambiguous Bonds in Polyamory: What They Are and How to Navigate Them

Introduction

In ethical non-monogamy, relationships don’t always come with a neat label. You might find yourself in a connection that feels important, but doesn’t quite fit into a predefined category—a relationship that doesn’t follow any familiar blueprint. These are what we can call ambiguous bonds. Whether you're in one yourself or watching your partner navigate one, the ambiguity often brings a unique mix of opportunity and challenge.

These undefined connections allow for a natural evolution, but the freedom to "just see where things go" can also bring its own kind of uncertainty. How do you figure out where you stand when things are deliberately left open? How do you express your needs without a clear sense of what the relationship is? In this article, we’ll explore the complex emotional landscape of ambiguous bonds, why they come up, and how to navigate them with a little more ease. We’ll also talk about practical tools, like the Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord, and strategies for keeping trust and communication alive in relationships that resist simple definitions.

The Complexity of Ambiguous Bonds

Not every relationship in non-monogamy fits into tidy boxes. You might have a connection that feels significant but doesn’t match conventional labels like "romantic" or "platonic." These ambiguous bonds carry weight, even though they aren’t fully defined.

One of the powerful things about ambiguous bonds is the freedom they offer. They let you explore a connection without immediately pinning it down. But that same openness can cause confusion, not just for the people in the bond, but for others around them as well. Ambiguity doesn’t stay neatly contained—it ripples out, often making other partners wonder where they fit in.

If you're watching a partner engage in one of these undefined connections, it can stir up some difficult questions. What is this relationship? Where do I stand in comparison? It’s not uncommon to feel unsettled when the boundaries aren’t clear. Sometimes, the hardest part is sitting with the unknown, especially when there’s no easy answer to the question, "What is this?"

One way to manage this uncertainty is to clarify what the relationship isn’t. Maybe it’s not romantic, or it’s not sexual, or certain commitments aren’t part of the picture. That clarity can help—but only if it works for you. For some, this kind of definition offers a foundation that makes the ambiguity less overwhelming. For others, it doesn’t matter as much.

These kinds of bonds often emerge because people want space to explore without feeling boxed in. That flexibility is part of their appeal. But it’s important to acknowledge that freedom can sometimes feel destabilising, particularly if there isn’t clear communication about what everyone is comfortable with.

The Role of Personal Values and Expectations

Navigating ambiguous bonds doesn’t just depend on the relationship itself—it has a lot to do with your personal values and expectations. Some people embrace ambiguity with open arms, thriving in relationships that aren’t pinned down by labels. They see it as a chance to let connections evolve naturally.

But not everyone feels that way. If you crave emotional security or prefer a bit more structure, not knowing where you stand—especially in comparison to someone else—can trigger feelings of unease. It’s important to recognise that how you experience ambiguity and how your partner experiences it might be very different, and those differences can lead to tension if they’re not talked about.

Your past experiences also play a role. Maybe you’ve been in a situation where ambiguity led to hurt, and that’s why you feel the need for more clarity now. Or perhaps you’ve always valued independence in your relationships, and the idea of labelling things too soon feels restrictive.

Understanding your expectations and communicating them clearly, both to yourself and your partners, is key. It’s about advocating for what you need—whether that’s more clarity, more reassurance, or more space. And it’s equally important to recognise that your partner might need different things. That’s why open, ongoing communication is so essential.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to manage ambiguity. But by staying in touch with your values and being honest about your needs, you can find a balance that works for everyone involved. Just remember, it’s okay to want more definition, and it’s okay to be comfortable with less. The most important thing is understanding those needs and talking openly about them.

Navigating Uncertainty in Relationships

Ambiguity and uncertainty go hand in hand. And while some people thrive in undefined spaces, others find them difficult to manage. So, how do you deal with the emotions that come with it—whether you’re in the ambiguous bond or watching it unfold from the outside?

Open Communication is Key Uncertainty is much harder to deal with when communication breaks down. Honest conversations about how the ambiguity is making you feel are crucial. You don’t need to define the relationship, but you do need to talk about how the lack of definition is impacting you.

Boundaries are Still Important Just because a relationship doesn’t have a clear label doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be boundaries. In fact, boundaries might be even more important here. When the relationship itself is undefined, setting boundaries around what you need to feel secure can help.

Stay Present It’s easy to spiral into anxiety about where an ambiguous relationship is headed. Instead of fixating on the future, try to focus on what the connection is bringing to your life right now. What are you getting from it today?

Seek Support When You Need It Managing ambiguity can be hard, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend or finding a polyamory-friendly therapist, outside support can give you the clarity and perspective you need.

Coping with Ambiguity

Ambiguity can be a rollercoaster, but there are ways to manage the emotional ups and downs:

Self-Reflection Get clear on what you’re feeling. Are you anxious about where the relationship is going? Are feelings of jealousy or insecurity creeping in? Understanding your emotions is the first step in addressing them.

Talk About It If ambiguity is making you feel unsettled, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your partner(s). Ambiguity is hardest to deal with when it’s not acknowledged, so even if the conversation feels uncomfortable, it can relieve some of the tension.

Set Flexible Boundaries Boundaries are important, especially in ambiguous bonds. Flexibility is key—boundaries that protect your emotional space while allowing the relationship to evolve are often the most effective.

Focus on the Present Instead of worrying about where the relationship is headed, ask yourself what it brings to your life right now. Focusing on the present can help ground you.

Don’t Go It Alone Sometimes, ambiguity feels overwhelming. Talking things through with someone outside the situation can offer a fresh perspective. Whether that’s a therapist, a friend, or a polyamorous community, support can make a big difference.

Using the Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord

Navigating ambiguity doesn’t mean you’re without tools. One great resource for mapping out what a relationship looks like—especially when it’s hard to define—is the Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord.

Explore What You Value The Smorgasbord helps you map out the different kinds of intimacy and connection in your relationships. Rather than relying on traditional labels, it encourages you to explore categories like emotional support, intellectual connection, and shared activities.

Clarify Boundaries Going through the Smorgasbord can help you and your partner(s) clarify what you’re comfortable with and where you might need more structure.

Revisit Over Time Relationships change, and so do your needs. Revisit the Smorgasbord periodically to check in and update your boundaries and preferences as things evolve.

Embrace the Process The Smorgasbord isn’t about rigid definitions—it’s a tool for dialogue and exploration. It’s there to help you talk about your connection without squeezing it into a predefined box.

Fostering Transparency and Trust

If there’s one thing that makes ambiguity easier to manage, it’s trust. And trust comes from transparency. Even when things are undefined, being open about your feelings, uncertainties, and boundaries builds the trust that keeps a relationship thriving.

Be Transparent, Even When It’s Hard It can be tempting to avoid tough conversations because you don’t know all the answers, but honesty—even when uncomfortable—helps maintain trust.

Build Trust Gradually Trust takes time, especially in ambiguous bonds. It’s built through consistent communication and showing up for each other.

Check-in Regularly Regular check-ins can keep communication flowing and make sure everyone is on the same page, even when things are undefined.

Embrace the Unknown Together Ambiguity doesn’t have to mean confusion. With trust and transparency, you can navigate the unknown together and explore the relationship without fear.

Tips and Takeaways

Here are a few practical steps for navigating ambiguous bonds:

Check-in Regularly: Schedule conversations with your partner(s) to discuss how you’re feeling about the relationship.

Use the Smorgasbord: Map out the different aspects of your relationship to clarify what matters most.

Set Flexible Boundaries: Boundaries matter, even in undefined relationships. Protect your emotional space.

Focus on the Present: Don’t worry too much about the future—stay grounded in what the relationship is bringing to your life right now.

Be Honest About Your Needs: Whether you need more clarity, reassurance, or space, communicate openly.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, communities, or a therapist for support.

Additional Resources

Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord: Link to Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord

Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern

The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships & Other Adventures by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy

This article is adapted from the version at

[lunar-wandering]

LMK Platonic Soulmates AU

The Platonic Soulmates AU is set in a Universe where soulmates/soulmarkings literally just mean that a person will have a positive impact in your life/that you're meant to spend the rest of your lives together, whether that be platonically or romantically.

Marks appear in the location of the first point of Significant Emotional Contact, AKA, instead of introductory handshake, it'd instead be the shoulder bump when one decides to trust the other. Soulmarks can move based on the marked's will/how the marked person views the bond.

When a soulmate dies, or two soulmates are on bad terms/refuse the bond, the mark will turn grey, and occasionally will fade if one lets go of the idea of the other.

The entire main cast are each other's soulmates- everyone has soulmarkings for each other.

Seasons 1-3 include events as follows:

MK forms soulmates incredibly easy, mainly because he trusts easily. Most of them are on his arms, which he displays proudly by wearing sleeveless shirts. ...Some of them are on his face though.

(As soulmarks are things to be proud of, most people wear sleeveless shirts, as the arms are the most common spot for soulmarks. It makes any people wearing long sleeves, like Wukong, seem out of place.)

MK forms a soulmark for Wukong on his shoulder when Wukong tells him to believe in himself.

MK gets super excited when he sees the glow, immediately checking the mark out, and completely misses Wukong's look of absolute horror.

(Wukong believes, that anyone he becomes soulmates with is destined to meet a terrible fate. Everyone he's ever known has either died or become his enemy, after all. He usually avoids touching people because of this, but he didn't expect for MK to trust him that fast.)

He makes MK promise to hide the mark, albeit MK is incredible confused about it, but eventually agrees. (He becomes more confused later on when Tang claims that the Monkey King physically can't form soulmarks, as he knows that is entirely untrue).

Since Wukong is so against it, the mark is, while not greyed out, dull in colour. It sometimes brightens more, but doesn't really stay bright until sometime in s3.

Wukong's mark for MK is on his arm... specifically the one that gets the sleeve torn off at the end of s2. This is how the others find out Wukong has soulmarks in the first place.

Wukong has greyed out marks for the members of the JTTW crew, they haven't faded because he still hasn't let them go.

The others see said marks whilst helping to patch him up prior to s3ep1- Wukong was passed out at the time.

Mei: you have a soulbond with MONKEY KING?? MK: is it really that shocking? Tang: I think it's more shocking that you didn't tell us. MK: well, he asked for me to not tell anyone. Mei: why? does he hate the idea of having a bond with you that much? MK: I think... it's more the concept of soulbonds in general, that he hates. (Silence from everyone, as Sandy finishes removing Wukong's damaged shirt at the same time Wukong's glamours all flicker down, revealing his greyed out marks) MK: ...I don't think his friends stay around very long.

Since MK's friends are, technically, the JTTW crew... Wukong is shocked during s3 when, at the exact time he decides he might be able to trust these people, his greyed out marks suddenly change slightly whilst gaining colour, and the others, despite never having shared a touch with Wukong, suddenly gain marks for him. There's a huge uproar about it, one Wukong does, in fact, try to run away from.

Moving back to s1, MK does have a mark for Macaque, on his back, it never really fully coloured in, and turned fully grey at the end of ep9. It flickers sometimes, and still isn't truly coloured in all the way by the end of s3, as the trust is only tentative.

Macaque's mark for Wukong is... on his eyebrow. When they were younger, Macaque walked into a tree branch, and Wukong gently ran his thumb there while checking him for a concussion. Up until s3ep8, Macaque's scar cuts directly through the greyed out mark.

Wukong's mark for Macaque used to be on his hand, but it moved to his back after... the fight.

MK and Mei develop marks with Red Son SHOCKINGLY early on, during the race when they all were in the same car for a moment. Red Son wanted NOTHING to do with this, so their marks stayed partially coloured up until the New Years special. (Red Son's marks for the two of them are on his chest, near his heart... since he wanted to keep those feelings hidden).

Back to s3- when Lady Bone Demon throws her power into someone/controls them, they lose all their soulmarks and have to redo them (The other person they're bonded with doesn't lose their mark, but it does become greyed out). It doesn't truly matter if the touch is meaningful or not, it becomes the very first touch.

All this to say that after Macaque is freed from LBD's control... Well... His mark for Wukong is now on his neck. At least he can hide it with a scarf instead of a glamour, now.

Notably, during the "The Monkey King I know will never stop fighting you" scene, the focus is not on MK's jacket (cause it doesn't exist shdlfksjldfksd) but is instead on the greyed out soulmark on his shoulder.

Post possession, Wukong has... a bit of a crisis over all his marks being gone. He's a little hesitant to initiate contact with anybody to get them back.

That being said Wukong does press his forehead against Macaque during their little argument at the end there so Wukong's mark for Macaque is now on his forehead. He glamours it away but MK and Macaque both saw and know it's there.

I imagine that over the course of a few weeks he ends up developing soulmarks with the others again, slowly. None of them are going to rush him, after all.

[persianflaw]

hey prax <3 we are in completely different fandoms but 🍒 and 🍑 please 😍

hellooooo nirou!! 😁 we are bonded brothers now, there is no need to share fandoms. sorry this took a couple days to get to, travelling always has me tied up lol

🍒 What’s your favorite character dynamic to write? (Can be romantic or platonic, specific or general!)

characters who really, really like each other. this is so cheesy, but it's true! they could be friends or lovers or family, but i love writing about that big, swelling feeling of love you get when you really care about someone. it's the best feeling in the world and it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy to write about it. :melt: my characters are happy thinking about their buddies!!

🍑 If you could make a connection between your favorite character and another work you care about (whether a crossover/fusion or a wonderfully “pretentious” literary reference) what would it be? How would it work?

my first thought was hawkeye x it's a wonderful life. since it's such a flexible concept, you could write it a few ways; it could be a full crossover, a role transplant, you could have hawkeye experience george's "never been born" trip with clarence during the war. maybe it's along the lines of "follies of the living - concerns of the dead", which is an episode where we follow the ghost of a soldier who has died at the 4077th and a main character is able to see and partially communicate with him (not believed bc of his fever). whether or not you want to think of this as a literal, real supernatural thing that is happening or a narrative device to give the audience an outsider perspective on the main cast and act as a reminder of the cost of human lives in the war is up to the viewer in my onion.

i think hawkeye would have a really similar reaction to george, tbh! the initial disbelief, the dawning horror masked by anger. you'd want to play it carefully, so it doesn't come across as military apologia - the presence of the army in korea IS bad. and i think it would be less bombastic than IAWL's conclusion because george's impact on the lives of those around him is very much about his presence in the community, whereas hawkeye is like... he's a good surgeon, and it's good to save lives, but he is by design an interchangeable cog in the war machine, helping to fuel it and provide maintenance to other cogs whose jobs are to take the lives of others, and that is his central struggle throughout the show. any outcome to the fic where hawkeye comes out feeling good about his presence in the 4077th would go against that very significant aspect of hawkeye's beliefs. (and, tbh, it would run counter to my own principles!) so i'd want to tweak the concept a lot to make it fit better.

[jojotichakorn]

Hey Archer.

In P’Jojo we trust. But if you were able to have 5 things happen in the OFTS finale, what 5 things would you have on your list? High on my list is someone doing a Bohemian Rhapsody karaoke performance. I’ll take anyone actually. I just want to scream my lungs out to that song come Saturday 🤷🏾‍♀️

hello, anon!! that is a very interesting question, thanks for asking <3 idk if bohemian rhapsody karaoke is strictly possible due to how much it would probably cost for the production, but sand in particular would definitely have a good time and a ball, if he got to sing some queen!

as for me, ofts is kind of unique in a sense that i genuinely can't imagine anything that might happen upsetting me. i am fully open to any endings that we might get. however, if i had to pick:

ray and boston friends again! as someone who both does not believe in ray and mew being actual genuine friends at all and who has felt like ray joining chueam and mew in dogpiling on boston was really not that important to him anymore, i personally think the ideal outcome is for ray and boston to just reconcile and become besties.

the initial friend group disassembling! i've talked about this before - i think it makes the most sense for boston, nick, sand, and ray to be one friend group, and top, mew, chueam, and april to be another. i think they'd all be happier this way.

i think i'd probably like a little flashforward or something like that? i know they aren't people's favourite thing, but i do think that the question of whether any of the relationships that formed would stand the simple test of time is a pretty significant one for this cast. they keep tripping over issues and will continue doing so throughout pretty much the whole finale so finding out whether that ever stops would be interesting. i also think it would be cute to see the friendships survive, maybe even sandray & nick visiting boston in new york (which i now realise sounds funny, considering boston's nickname).

a final follow-up on boston! unlike seemingly the rest of the fandom, i have not confidently landed on what exactly boston wants and likes at all. yes, we have seen him enjoy a lot of sex, but he has also not really been with anyone while nick and he were hanging out (outside of his very special psychosexual issues about top), so many interpretations are probable. on the one hand, i think it's possible monogamous relationships are not for him at all and he simply wants a close platonic bond with someone, while not getting particularly attached to them alone in other ways. on the other hand, i think it is equally possible that the combination of his upbringing and his general socialisation as a guy lead to him being emotionally closed-off in a deeply unhealthy way and he does actually want a romantic relationship - maybe open, maybe not. i would love to know what we land on concretely.

boeing take-down! as fun as it has been to watch him wreak havoc on pretty much everyone - he is, at the end of the day - a slimey, obnoxiously confident little weasel, and it would be enjoyable to see someone put him in his place. mew already did some of that, but i want someone to finish him off. don't care who. just anyone.

as i said, nothing actually depends on these happening or not. i'm highly unlikely to be disappointed with the finale. but if i had to choose, these five would be fun!

[hardtreekoala]

Understanding Soulmates: A Connection Beyond Words

Introduction

The concept of a soulmate has been captivating humanity for centuries, inspiring poets, writers, and dreamers alike. The idea that there is one special person out there who completes us, understands us on a profound level, and brings out the best in us is both comforting and intriguing. In this article, we will explore the concept of a soulmate, its different interpretations, and its significance in our lives.

Defining a Soulmate

A soulmate is commonly described as a person with whom one shares an extraordinary and deep connection that transcends time, space, and circumstances. This connection is believed to go beyond the realms of logic and physical attraction, involving an inexplicable bond between two individuals. Some describe it as a feeling of familiarity and recognition upon meeting, as if they have known each other for a lifetime, even if they've just met.

Types of Soulmates

Romantic Soulmate: This is the most commonly perceived type of soulmate. It refers to the partner with whom we feel an intense romantic connection. Romantic soulmates are believed to bring passion, understanding, and a sense of completeness to each other's lives.

Platonic Soulmate: This type of soulmate is not necessarily a romantic partner but someone with whom we share a deep and profound connection. It could be a best friend, a mentor, or even a family member. Platonic soulmates often understand us on a profound level, offering unwavering support and companionship.

Karmic Soulmate: Karmic soulmates are thought to come into our lives for a specific purpose – to teach us important life lessons or to help us grow emotionally and spiritually. These connections may be intense and sometimes challenging, but they serve as catalysts for personal development.

The Significance of Soulmate Connections

Self-Discovery: Soulmates often mirror parts of ourselves that we may not be fully aware of. They can help us discover hidden strengths, weaknesses, and aspects of our personality that require attention or development.

Growth and Transformation: Soulmate connections can be catalysts for growth and personal transformation. These relationships often challenge us to overcome obstacles, break patterns, and become better versions of ourselves.

Unconditional Support: Soulmates provide unwavering support and understanding, creating a safe space for vulnerability and emotional expression.

Spiritual Connection: Many view soulmate connections as a sign of spiritual alignment and destiny. The belief in soulmates often extends beyond a single lifetime, suggesting a cosmic connection that transcends time.

Finding Your Soulmate

The idea of finding a soulmate can be both exciting and daunting. While some people believe soulmates are predestined, others see it as a matter of chance or serendipity. Regardless of beliefs, there are several key aspects to keep in mind:

Self-Awareness: Understanding oneself is crucial in recognizing a soulmate connection. Being aware of personal values, goals, and desires can help attract a compatible partner.

Patience: Finding a soulmate can take time. Rushing into relationships without genuine connection may lead to disappointment.

Openness: Remaining open-minded and receptive to new experiences and people can increase the likelihood of encountering a soulmate.

Conclusion

The concept of a soulmate goes beyond mere romantic notions, encompassing deep connections, personal growth, and spiritual understanding. Whether through romantic, platonic, or karmic connections, soulmates play significant roles in our lives, guiding us towards self-discovery and transformation. As we navigate the journey of life, it is essential to stay open to the possibility of encountering these extraordinary connections that transcend the ordinary and enrich our existence.

The sketch you need to MANIFEST love Ready to meet your true Soulmate?

[5and3nevermind]

Sorry if you want to wait on getting this information until after the poll is over but, if not, I wanted to share some thoughts about how I feel about my take on Yoonmin. As you mentioned, none of us know for sure about the nature of their relationship outside of what they show us and bits we've been told by others, so I never feel confident saying/believing in romantic relationships.

There were two options on your poll that I think I fall into though, the I like it as a 'ship' option, whether I believe it's real or not doesn't really change the fact that I enjoy anything that looks 'shippy' when it shows up, I get a lot of joy from ship content and do enjoy the thought of them as a couple.

But I ended up having to choose Close Friends, because no matter how reluctant I am about saying I know for sure about the nature of someone's relationship, there is something about these two that from the moment I first was getting into BTS and saw their interactions, both as the main subject of the camera as well as what was going on between them in the background I remember thinking 'oh, those two are best friends'. I soon realized that the majority of the fandom didn't really see them that way, but I'll always maintain, regardless of whether it's romantic or platonic, those two are way closer than just the way all BTS members are close with each other. There is a genuine friendship that exists outside of the group between them that I feel like I can see between them.

So, I had to go with Close friends, but I'm not opposed to the 'close friends leaning to lovers' option that was suggested either.

Thank you! This is super helpful. My purpose for creating the poll was to better understand how people who are seeking out yoonmin content actually feel about them.

I should probably wait for the poll results but I’ll go ahead and give my two cents. For a long time, I felt similar to what you’re describing: I thought they hovered very close to the line between platonic and romantic. I think two things pushed me over to the romantic end of the spectrum (of course this is just my opinion)… ⚠️ speculation ahead!

First, I felt that they were both fulfilling the role of “special person” for one another. Like Jimin calling Yoongi right after his surgery, before he’d fully gotten over the anesthesia. If Yoongi had a significant other, wouldn’t Jimin have left that role to them? Let them talk to him first? Figured Yoongi was in good hands? And it’s not just that one example; I see it other places as well. And it goes in both directions. Like Yoongi saying that if Jimin goes on the music shows “of course” he would be there. He “should be there”, even. As if it was a given. Not a friendly, “yeah I’ll try to stop by.”

And the second thing that solidified my views was the web show. Everything about it. I remember talking to a friend about it and we began to wonder, “what more could they have done?” We came up with “Not much!” They talked about their dynamic together, talked about spending time off camera, talked about mutual friends, expressed a great deal of familiarity and fondness…and the body language! They held hands multiple times! What more could they (reasonably) have done to show us their bond? It felt significant.

All of that said, I see the people who voted in the Close Friends category and our new Close Friends Leaning to Lovers category as being very similar to those in the Couple category. There honestly isn’t much difference. We agree on most things; we agree on the important things.

I have so many questions I’d love to discuss, but I’ll try to wait til the poll is finished! I hope you’ll stop by again. I’m curious to know more about how people end up in those three categories in particular, and what it would take to move them to a new category. (Not in the sense of me trying to convince someone to change their mind, but in the context of what they’d need to see between ym in order to change their pov.)

Thanks, anon! I appreciate your thoughts.

[romilly-jay]

Enemies to Lovers? Thank You, Yes, Think I Will... <3

***spoilers***

Wasn't reeeeeeellli planning to write about this one here. But surprised myself by enjoying it. Surprised myself again by discovering that it's based on a book (probably the publishing house setting was a big clue but not one I feel confident relying on fully).

Gave it a go because I'd vm enjoyed Lucy Hale in the (for me) ridiculously named but surprisingly rounded / robust / landing-achieving Puppy Love (2023), opp Grant Gustin from Flash/Glee.

I thought she did a great job of being "kooky" without shading across into unfathomably irrational and managing to deliver high charm almost all the way through. Didn't say it there so I'll say it here - felt to me like there was very significant fondness and almost no heat in the depiction of the MC rels... if there was room for love stories that were largely ace/platonic, maybe this would be a good place to land that particular love story? I do get it, that this isn't An Option, in terms of the mainstream tropes or audience expectation. YET??

BTW - veering //AGAIN// - saw analysis of La La Land that suggested it works (and doesn't REALLY have a sad/unsatisfactory ending) because the nature of the love the MCs have for each other is preserved and merely shifts from romantic towards platonic. (?)

If I remember correctly, the commentator thought that the central relationship in La La Land was pretty healthy - that each of the MCs were doing more and most of their work on their own personal issues.

I'm going to guess that he probably wouldn't feel this way about the relationship in The Hating Game, though it's sweeter and kinder sooner and for more of the movie than the title or opening suggested.

Thanks to BuzzFeed article by Farrah Penn (Dec 23, 2021), I now know that the opening line for the movie is also the - deliciously hooky - opening line for the book. Put the pitch into the start of the story - why not? It absolutely got me to stay to see how it played out.

[But perhaps, watching through my fingers, because as I may have mentioned, I'm not actually a fan of storylines that involve the MCs being psychotic, either towards each other or in general. Yes, it generates tension but not in a way I find v. enjoyable to invest in.]

Things I liked -

That he genuinely took care of her (multiple times but I'm thinking of when she's ill). That she stuck up for him at the family event. That he wants a relationship not a hook-up (I read this as gender-reversed?).

Things I liked LESS -

The moments in the plot where they "have to fight" or "have to fall out" - I was genuinely mystified about how the film could take them from a declaration of love on his part to right back to sq one on her part (convinced he's the enemy) in roughly 3 mins of screen time.

UGH.

The fact that he reads to me like a man who's been written by a woman. What? We give male writers a hard time when they write women really badly. For me, this reads WELL for the story and POORLY in terms of whether this could be an actual living male. Perhaps it could - but (again, for me) the confection lasted only as long as the film's HEA and then fell over like cardboard caught in rain.

By contrast, I bought GG's character as highly neurotic but believable as a character in his own right - the bond they make gives him back to himself. I can imagine him existing independently in that world.

Back to The Hating Game -

Also, didn't love the decision to give him a mostly nude scene where the female MC was clothed. Good for LH that her contract allows her to keep her clothes on. Good - I guess - that the film shows us the female gaze where the male gaze has traditionally been. But how about we abolish Uneven Gazing altogether (??). For my own taste, clothes on or covered would have been Fine, just Fine. But main ask is for a couple mutually revealed to each other - a balance. Evenness.

Also, I accept that I may not be representing the maj view here in my general request for screen couples to kiss hotly but retain their attire.

So, yes, this isn't what I'd design For Me but sure, I can be happy to let beautiful people carry on being gorgeous on screen and for them to look longingly at each other (as proxies for how we are no doubt looking at them from our sofas). In principle I'm body positive - tho in practice, I'm still basically awkward, shy and old-style British.

Final thought - fascinates me how perceptions about levels of chemistry differ. For me, these actors had great on-screen chemistry but I've seen at least one review that felt they absolutely did not.

For me, it seems more like the problems for this couple are going to start when they stop making out / shagging and attempt to co-habit or to sustain a conversation that isn't about work or her lipstick.