We all have a favourite relationship that we fantasise about when watching a television show. However, the manner they present particular couples to us could colour our impression and make it difficult for us to tell what is typical from what is not. Because drama is popular, viewers frequently root for pairs of characters who have cheated, been romantically involved but then broke it off, or verbally abused one another.
1. Bella and Edward, Twilight
Despite their popularity, Bella and Edward’s poisonous relationship has been cited as a major reason why the Twilight books and movies have received such harsh criticism over the years. The story focused on the relationship between the vampire Edward Cullen and the mortal Bella Swan, who overcame many obstacles to get permanently wed.
They discovered that their connection was one of fear and control. He chased Bella while seeming to be her protector and care for her, but his hold over her was so strong that even after he left, she remained under his control.
Edward frequently enters Bella’s room undetected to observe her dozing. Then there are Bella’s excruciating panic attacks when she is separated from Edward. In order for them to be together forever, she ultimately sacrifices everything for him and agrees to become a vampire.
2. Noah and Allie, The Notebook
The Notebook became a huge seller thanks to the story of Noah, a young, impoverished guy, and Allie, a beautiful, aristocratic woman, who battled against class and family to make their love thrive. But not everything that glitters is gold, and a lot of professionals have labelled their relationship as unhealthy.
Despite the fact that the two lovers hardly knew one another and that their brief affair ended with their reconciliation almost ten years later, all we see is their lust and passion. There is therefore no base from which to construct a stable marriage that will endure forever. Their relationship is completely improbable in reality.
Allie’s situation is made worse by Noah’s odd attitude toward her: he constructs the house of her dreams and writes her daily letters to present himself as the ideal romantic guy, but in another way, Noah is obsessed. If she declines to go on a date with him, he becomes verbally abusive, employs emotional manipulation, and even makes suicide threats.
3. Christian and Anastasia, Fifty Shades of Grey
Given that the original version of Fifty Shades of Grey was fan fiction, it is safe to conclude that the romance between the beautiful Anastasia and the depressing Christian Grey is greatly idealised. Fifty Shades of Grey, a series and motion picture, romanticises an abusive partnership. An instance of abusive behaviour in which a Christian consistently denigrates, shuns, threatens, and controls another person (Anastasia).
Ana’s life is something that Christian Grey, an obsessive control freak, wants to govern over. He even acquired the business where she works, so he is constantly aware of her whereabouts and the company she is with. He ignores Ana whenever she expresses her worries to him. Christian is very possessive, but Ana usually explains it away as a result of the trauma he experienced as a child and works to help him overcome it. This emphasises the alleged “Red Cross nurse” syndrome’s characteristic manifestation.
Other instances of gender inequality between the two can be seen, such as the fact that Christian Grey doesn’t even want her to work and would rather she stay at home while he makes all the money. Additionally, there is a lack of basic empathy, respect, and communication in their relationship in both the movies and the novels. Instead, all of the centre of the conversation on s*x or jealousy.
4. Ross and Rachel, Friends
Ross and Rachel should eventually get together since we all love Friends and the drama that goes along with it. They have exhibited several destructive tendencies in their relationship despite being one of the most well-known couples in television history.
Ross has been the stereotypical geek since high school, desperately in love with Rachel, who is the stereotypically affluent and popular girl who has always seen Ross as Monica’s loser brother. Too many problems existed in their relationship. They were unable to appreciate and trust one another, which led to both of them blaming the other.
Ross may be endearing and helpful, but he was frequently that man who was self-conscious about his virility. Once they start dating, Ross develops resentment toward Rachel’s coworker, which causes them to break up. He claimed that they were “taking a break,” and would not take responsibility for cheating on Rachel. Ross repeatedly tells her lies. For example, when they are married in Vegas on a crazy night, Ross tells Rachel that the union would be dissolved.
5. Carrie and Big, S*x and the City
In S*x and the City, Carrie Bradshaw is portrayed as a strong, independent woman, but when Mr Big enters the picture, she turns into a stereotype. She is after a callous man who considers her unimportant. He never completely commits to her throughout the series, despite the fact that she gives him more opportunities than he deserves.
It’s unfair to both of them and the other people they date that they frequently break up and none of them genuinely goes on. The way they began dating is the first unfavourable aspect of their union. Due to their mutual fear of commitment, Big and Carrie both cheated on their partners before getting married to Natasha, which led to a long-term romance.
The stunning young women are frequently described by Big as disposable, expensive ornaments. Bradshaw has been emotionally tormented by Big since their relationship began, yet she has remained committed to it. For years, he has been making Carrie feel full by manipulating her. When Carrie is truly content, like in her relationship with Aidan, Mr Big seems to pull her life apart and drag her back into his pretentious, condescending group.
Do you know of any other fictional relationships that might have negative characteristics?
Preview photo credit Fifty Shades of Grey / Focus Features, The Notebook / New Line Cinema
