not sure if this is the right blog—someone gave me a rec—but do you have any advice for writing an enemies to lovers relationship realistically? Specifically the getting together part? My characters really hated each other(one almost killed the other one)(think harry and malfoy dynamic)(cause i write fics), and I don't want to rush things. So, help?
Hey! This is a problem that a lot of people seem to have with enemies to lovers, so I’ll do what I can to help. (None of these points have to be followed, of course, they’re just guidance and suggestions to help you write your story)
How To Write Enemies To Lovers - Getting Together
The most important thing to remember is that your characters won’t just fall in love in a snap. Their relationship will be more like an enemies, to tolerance, to equals, to understanding, to friends, to lovers (or something along those lines).
You need a reason for them to stop fighting. Why aren’t they trying to kill each other anymore? Did they realise that they have bigger things to worry about than each other? Are they now on the same side? Do they have a common goal? They need a reason to put down their weapons.
They need to see each other as humans. They need to realise that there’s more to the other person than just an enemy.
They need a solid, common ground to build their relationship on. This can be common goals, common interests, common experiences, etc.
Let the road be bumpy. It won’t be a smooth transition from hating each other to loving each other, so let them take one step forward and two steps back. Let them doubt and change their mind and fight. This can add great tension to the story.
When one of them decides to act on their feelings, it won’t be an easy transition. It’ll be awkward and messy. Let your characters figure out their problems as they try to navigate a relationship instead of pretending that those problems suddenly don’t exist now that they’re dating.
When they agree to go on a date / try having a relationship, it will most likely be very awkward. Since they’ve spent so much time trying to kill each other, it’ll be weird to be romantic.
The relationship will definitely have issues at the beginning. Trust issues have been built up over a long time, so they’ll have to work to get past it.
The relationship will probably be slowly paced at the beginning, but can pick up speed after they get over their pride, trust each other and become comfortable with their new dynamic.
Enemies to lovers masterlist
Let me know if you want more advice.
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