Hi! I loved your thoughts about Oliver and why he chose to be engaged so soon but I cant help wonder why he didn't just go back to Elio and lived happily ever after with him? I'm just trying to understand because it's so sad :'(
This is far more analytical than romantic but, what they had was beautiful and it lasted their whole lives. But in that moment, in Elio's room, when they touch each other for what they believe it's the last time, they didn't know. They didn't know they shared a love that would stand the test of time. An indissociable bond. I might be reaching, although I don't really think I am: "For you, it's still fun and games...", but I think Oliver was still uncertain about Elio's feelings. He knew they were true, but maybe feared they’d eventually wear off. Will he still love me 6 months from now? A year from now? He's so young still, with so much yet to experience. What if this is just a phase?
Did it ever cross your mind that Oliver might've been afraid to have his heart broken?
So what was he to do? Give up on his family (the relationship with his father would be over), a long-term girlfriend, things he had planned for his future and his career, change his whole life, all of that to go out on a limb and stay with a gorgeous young man he fell head over heels in love with during a summer in Italy?... Put all of that together and you have a glimpse into Oliver's decision-making process.
So you see, he wanted to stay. But for all of the reasons above he decided not to. Put yourself in his shoes, what would you have done?... I know we all like to think we would have chosen love, but that's not how real life works. Living happily ever after isn't always an option.