It is fun to watch a chaotic, passionate, explosive couple on screen (think: Gone with the Wind ). But that couple is toxic. They bring out the worst in each other. You can enjoy the drama of their romance while recognizing you would need therapy if you lived it. Learn to differentiate between entertaining love and sustainable love.

Creating Romantic Tension in Your Novel - Between the Lines Editorial

This focuses on the fear of loss. The conflict is the risk of destroying a stable, beautiful friendship for a chance at something deeper.

Let the movies give you hope. Let the books give you language for your feelings. But let your own life give you the plot.