Discussion: What Relationships Would You Like to See More Of?

Photo credit: Kamila Gornia on Flickr

Relationships! I do love reading about them, and writing them is quite a joy as well. But as I’ve been reading, I’ve been thinking lately about some relationship-types that I’d like to see more of—not because they aren’t already well represented, but just because I haven’t come across them quite as much as I’d like. So.

Here is my mini-list of relationships I’d love to read more about:

• Healthy relationships. Easy (Tammara Webber) is a perfect perfect perfect example of this. I never realized quite how much I love a love interest who respects consent and boundaries until I read this book—now I need more.
  
  Also, there can never be too much representation of healthy relationships, am I right? (I am). 


• Bromances. I do love me my bromances, whether it’s Sherlock & Watson, Captain Kirk & Spock, Professor X & Magneto or James Potter & Sirius—bromances just don’t get old. And sadly, most of the favorite examples I can think of immediately are from movies and TV shows, because I really haven’t read enough of these. 


• Relationships that aren’t forever (and it’s okay). I read one book somewhat recently that did this beautifully, but I won’t say which because I don’t want to spoil anything. Point is, I think it’s important to represent relationships that don’t last forever, and the characters move on and survive and are even happy, because not every relationship is happily ever after. And that’s totally normal. 


• Relationships with antagonists. I don’t know about you guys, but I never tire of this, and I definitely don’t see it enough (recommendations are more than welcome). Antagonist relationships not only make for uber-interesting reading, but they also reveal a lot of depth in the antagonist, which complicates the whole plot and to me, makes it insanely amazing. (For examples of this, by the way, check out The Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo and Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge).
  
  NOTE: This does not mean abusive relationships. Relationships with antagonists don't have to be unhealthy. Unhealthy relationships are not preferable. Ever. 

Now what about you? What relationships would you like to read more about?

Twitter-sized bites: 

Bromances, respect, antagonist love & break-ups are relationship elements @Ava_Jae would like to see. How about you? (Click to tweet)  

What relationships would you like to see more of in books? Join the discussion at @Ava_Jae's blog. (Click to tweet)