Whether we are scrolling through social media or flipping through a novel, we are constantly consuming stories of love. But there is often a vast distance between the "happily ever after" of a book and the "day-to-day" of a real relationship.
A compelling romance needs at least two types of conflict: interpersonal (between the characters) and internal (the character's own baggage).
The Heart of the Matter: Navigating Real Love and Romantic Storylines
Successful couples view conflict resolution as a team sport. If one person "wins" an argument at the other's expense, both partners actually lose.
If you are writing romance, your goal isn't just to show two people falling in love; it’s to show why they need each other to grow.