Top 3 Annoying Relationship Tropes

We all have our own preferences when it comes to tropes in fiction. Predictable plot developments are somewhat annoying for me in any genre, but I always find tropes pertaining to character relationships are the worst.

Here are three examples I just cannot abide…

Pretending not to care ‘for their own safety’ – No. Either be upfront about the risks and let them make the decision or just stay away completely.

I’m pushing you away because I’m not deserving – that’s not caring about the other person, that’s being selfish. Causing someone else pain because of your own baggage and self-loathing.

Headstrong women with love interest vulnerabilities. I don’t want to see a strong female character who’s only struggle is her love life. Sure it can feature, but if they’re hurdling all other obstacles with ease only to be overcome by romantic relationship troubles the character has instantly lost all credibility to me. Give me power struggles, physical limitations, demographic prejudice, ANY narrative that isn’t an all around badass character til a love interest comes along.

I know there are tonnes more relationship tropes I’d have gripe with but since I won’t read romance novels these are the three I contend with most often in my reading choices.

Do you enjoy any of these?
What relationship tropes bugs you most?

Let’s discuss..

Author: Roxanne Michelle

Wannabe writer from a nowhere town in Somerset. Stop-starter of all projects great and small. Here to talk books and screens. View all posts by Roxanne Michelle