Societal divisions, family feuds (the classic Romeo and Juliet trope), distance, or survival situations.

When we see two flawed people figure it out (or fail to), we feel seen. Fleabag ’s "It’ll pass" moment wasn’t a traditional romantic resolution, but it validated every lonely person who has ever been told to "just get over it."

A relationship without obstacles can become monotonous. Create meaningful conflict—misunderstandings, opposing goals, or external forces—that tests the characters' commitment to each other.

Remembering a specific, mundane detail about the partner’s past.