I’m going to say something potentially controversial. I think it’s exhausting how much energy is directed towards helping heterosexual women finally secure romantic partnerships. Nearly all dating advice I see is geared towards women. From helping them get into their feminine energy” to “helping them center themselves” in the dating experience. To be clear, I have no beef with romantic heterosexual relationships. I’ll probably be in one again some day, but I do take issue with the way society makes it feel as though it’s the pinnacle of success, and thus deserves so much of our energy and attention.
I agree with everything you've written...and I have a creative dream to write romance novels. Am I contributing to the problem/ feeding into the industrial dating complex? I feel conflicted!
Hi Pauline! I love this question and it's not something I've thought about but you've got me pondering as well. As someone who always also aspires to write romantic novels one day, I think we can do it without feding into the industrial dating complex. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with romance. Romance is sweet and kind and beautiful and fun and flirty. I love romance. I think we can write romance without it being through the lens of being a complete and whole person. How fun could it be to write romance where the protaganist has a full and amazing life and meets someone that adds to that? In fact, I think we need to see that representation in the world. This is my challenge to both of us to think outside the box as we were pursue these endeavors. Thank you for this amazing question and I can't wait to read your book!
I agree with everything you've written...and I have a creative dream to write romance novels. Am I contributing to the problem/ feeding into the industrial dating complex? I feel conflicted!
Hi Pauline! I love this question and it's not something I've thought about but you've got me pondering as well. As someone who always also aspires to write romantic novels one day, I think we can do it without feding into the industrial dating complex. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with romance. Romance is sweet and kind and beautiful and fun and flirty. I love romance. I think we can write romance without it being through the lens of being a complete and whole person. How fun could it be to write romance where the protaganist has a full and amazing life and meets someone that adds to that? In fact, I think we need to see that representation in the world. This is my challenge to both of us to think outside the box as we were pursue these endeavors. Thank you for this amazing question and I can't wait to read your book!