Have you ever been reading a book and felt like you had heard the story before? It might be an overused romance trope. Does every main couple need to hate each other before they can fall in love? Find out more about overused tropes here.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Enemies to Lovers
This trope is seen in classic novels, like Pride and Prejudice, as well as modern hits like the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series.
Yes, oftentimes it is more of a lighthearted rivalry than full-on hatred, but the sentiment remains. In ACOTAR, they begin as political enemies, until they turn to reluctant allies, and finally, lovers.
I think this trope is overused because it can reinforce problematic dynamics. Conflict as a catalyst for romance? Infrequently found in real life.
Fake Dating
This is a modern trope that has been appearing more in recent years. Whether the two are fake-dating to make an ex jealous, to please their parents, or to gain social approval, they inevitably develop real feelings, complicating the arrangement.
Despite clear rules and initially awkward intimacy, one of the people realizes that they have real feelings for the other. It is overused and just plain unrealistic! When was the last time that you fake-dated someone? Right, never.
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Grumpy x Sunshine
This trope is a popular romance dynamic where a gloomy, cynical, or downright rude character falls for an optimistic, cheerful, kind person. There is tension immediately as they argue whether the glass is half full or half empty.
Most of the time, it seems like the Grumpy ends up “cracking” and becoming softened with the help of the Sunshine. This trope is always the same! I don’t like it because why should a Sunshine person sit around and try to change someone who is set on being grumpy?
Forced Proximity
The forced proximity trope is a romance device where characters are stuck in close quarters, where they are forced to interact. Of course, they eventually fall for each other.
This is a very real psychological phenomenon! People are more likely to form relationships with those with whom they share an environment. Whether you work at the same office or sit next to each other in class, you will likely be friends.
It opens up the door for two characters to deepen their connection, despite slightly ridiculous circumstances, such as being locked in a cabin together.
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Love Triangle
I’m tired of reading about love triangles! It is always glaringly obvious which option the character should go with, but somehow, they always remain torn between the two.
Love triangles date way back. In the 1942 film Casablanca, Ilsa is torn between Rick and Victor, creating romantic tension that drives the plot.
A modern example is Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series. Belly is torn between two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, and she can’t seem to choose. Though she has always had a crush on Conrad, somehow Jeremiah is still an option. Make it make sense!
