Most shows, unfortunately, want to drag it out as long as possible which can become a chore to get through. This is especially true if they continue throwing obstacles between the two characters that doesn't allow them to further progress, and even more if they do end up together but more unnecessary obstacles are thrown in for the sake of drama. The "will-they-won't-they" only works if there is a genuine build-up and eventual payoff, and most of this comes with good pacing and writing which, sadly, doesn't always happen.
I agree 100%. See: Angel and Cordelia on AtS. Although Joss Whedon also doesn't like happy couples, so.
Also, the lack of basic communication. I get that pursuing a romantic interest is difficult, but... sometimes it's ridiculous. I get that even in real life, sometimes you're not really sure if pursuing the person is the right thing to do in that moment. But sometimes it's like "well, it started raining and we got distracted, so I decided not to say anything." JUST SAY IT'S IMPORTANT AND CAN YOU GO INSIDE AND RESUME THE CONVERSATION.
I also have trouble buying how long some of these WTWTs last when they keep dating, then breaking up, then dating, then breaking up. I can buy that feelings can last a very long time, especially when nothing happened - that I think is harder to move on from, in a way, because you never really know what could have been. You didn't break up, you just never dated, so you can't even say you tried. I can also understand getting back to someone after ONE attempt failed. People get back with exes all the time, and are very happy that they did. However, while I do know of people who have gone back and forth repeatedly, those relationships also... weren't the healthiest, and in the end I think a lot of people who keep going back do so because it's beneficial (or they think it is) more than realizing they have a true love they almost threw away. Which doesn't always end horribly either, I know people who basically just settled into somewhat platonic partnerships and seem very happy, but sometimes it just means you're either passionate or miserable. That's not healthy, and yet that's where it feels like some of these WTWTs would lead IRL,
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I agree 100%. See: Angel and Cordelia on AtS. Although Joss Whedon also doesn't like happy couples, so.
Also, the lack of basic communication. I get that pursuing a romantic interest is difficult, but... sometimes it's ridiculous. I get that even in real life, sometimes you're not really sure if pursuing the person is the right thing to do in that moment. But sometimes it's like "well, it started raining and we got distracted, so I decided not to say anything." JUST SAY IT'S IMPORTANT AND CAN YOU GO INSIDE AND RESUME THE CONVERSATION.
I also have trouble buying how long some of these WTWTs last when they keep dating, then breaking up, then dating, then breaking up. I can buy that feelings can last a very long time, especially when nothing happened - that I think is harder to move on from, in a way, because you never really know what could have been. You didn't break up, you just never dated, so you can't even say you tried. I can also understand getting back to someone after ONE attempt failed. People get back with exes all the time, and are very happy that they did. However, while I do know of people who have gone back and forth repeatedly, those relationships also... weren't the healthiest, and in the end I think a lot of people who keep going back do so because it's beneficial (or they think it is) more than realizing they have a true love they almost threw away. Which doesn't always end horribly either, I know people who basically just settled into somewhat platonic partnerships and seem very happy, but sometimes it just means you're either passionate or miserable. That's not healthy, and yet that's where it feels like some of these WTWTs would lead IRL,