#Writing advice about relationship types and the ‘unhappy love triangle’ (a short thread)
I'm currently watching a silly sitcom, but it is also entertaining, at least for me. In seasons 1 and 2, the protagonist has a adorable boyfriend, but in season 3, it looks like she's falling in love with her boss… and I can see the ‘unhappy love triangle’ (TM) creeping up from a mile away.
1/x
Because even though this sitcom, which is already a bit older, has progressive elements here and there, none of these three characters will probably come up with the idea of trying an open relationship or polyamory (let alone relationship anarchy).
And I'm so tired of seeing the age-old trope of the ‘unhappy love triangle’ over and over again.
2/x
I bet these characters won't even briefly discuss whether an open relationship or polyamory might be something for them.
No, instead, the protagonist will ‘have’ to choose between the two men, and the whole thing will probably be very dramatic and involve a lot of heartbreak… and I don't want to see that.
3/x
So here's my suggestion to you, dear authors: if you're planning to write an ‘unhappy love triangle’, at least let the characters briefly reflect on whether polyamory, an open relationship or relationship anarchy might be something for them. Even if they decide against it because it's just not their thing, you would be showing that there are other forms of relationships than the widespread mononormative one (meaning a romantic relationship between two people).
4/x
And I'd also like to pass this on to the beta readers and editors among you as a suggestion: if you beta-read or edit manuscripts that deal with such an ‘unhappy love triangle’, please feel free to pass on my suggestion to the respective authors.
Research tip: You can find more information about polyamory, open relationships and relationship anarchy for instance on Wikipedia.
5/5
Amalia Zeichnerin