This is probably more of a vent post than anything else, but I said I would make a post about this at some point, so here it is. If you're a LivDom fan you're gonna wanna scroll past this.
Right off the bat I'm going to disclose that I am a RheaDom and L4B truther, but this post isn't about them. I'm going to do my best to view LivDom in a vacuum, without comparing them to other ships, except where it would be unavoidably relevant.
I also want to say that I have no issue with Liv or Dom as characters. I actually love both of them as SEPARATE ENTITIES. My problems begin and end with them as a couple. Also, this is in no way meant to hate on LivDom fans. I'm not going to tag this as LivDom because anyone scrolling through that tag probably doesn't want to see posts against them. This is purely an opinion.
Also, I know it's all kayfabe, but I'm treating it like it's real, because it's more fun that way.
With that said, I'm going to start with my most biased point, as it's based mainly on personal preference.
The amount of PDA shown by this couple is something I find to be uncomfortable, but more than that, it feels too showy, like they're overcompensating for the cameras. They're constantly hanging off each other, rubbing noses, making suggestive comments, and using pet names. It's Like they have to PROVE that they're a real, happy couple.
Additionally, Liv's insistence on calling Dom 'Daddy' is just... gross. I'm not against Mommy/Daddy kinks- some could even say I understand the appeal- but it crosses the line when someone calls their partner that in public in what is clearly supposed to be a sexual manner. I don't want to be forced to hear a woman call a man Daddy, and I don't know many people that do.
Also- and this is again more down to preference- you will never show me this man and convince me that he is 'Daddy.'
Dominik and Liv literally got together because Dominik CHEATED ON RHEA WITH LIV IN FRONT OF HER AFTER SABOTAGING HER TITLE MATCH. Regardless of your feelings on RheaDom, that is deeply wrong. It also establishes a pattern of behavior.
We always knew that Dominik is a slimy little weasel- it's one of the funniest things about him. He betrayed his family for the Judgment Day, then betrayed Rhea for Liv. It isn't out of the question that he will eventually betray Liv for someone else.
Namely, another champion.
I'm not saying that this would ever actually happen, but it goes to further my point. When Tiffany essentially hit on Dom when talking about cashing in her briefcase, he didn't look uncomfortable or annoyed.
Until, that is, Liv looked back at him and he realized that his girlfriend might be upset.
It wasn't exactly the reaction of someone who is unquestionably loyal to Liv, is all I'm saying
To start, I'm just going to quote Dominik verbatim as to why he chose Liv over her.
"Now, I got a girl that calls me Daddy. She gives me tendies whenever I want, she lets me play video games whenever I want, she lets me be me. And, she did something you could never do- finally helping me beat my deadbeat dad."
Does this sound like someone who chose Liv because he just loves her so, so much? Or does this sound like a spoiled child talking about why he wants his babysitter to be his real mom?
He only talks about what Liv does/did for him. He doesn't say that she's kind/smart/courageous. He focuses on her physical appeal and how she indulges him.
He also claims that he was embarrassed to call Rhea 'Mami,' but the first time he does it is of his own volition, and Rhea seemed visibly surprised when it happened.
4. Finally, Communication
Dominik isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer- this is nothing new- and he's not particularly skilled at reading the room. He doesn't pick up on tone or subtext. He doesn't read between the lines. He takes words at face value and doesn't question them. He requires clear communication, especially if someone is upset with him.
Liv is not someone adept at clear communication. She's passive-agressive and doesn't always say what she thinks. It's played for laughs, but it's still true.
After Rhea wins the title back from Liv, Dominik asks if Liv is mad at him for trying to hug Rhea (which he explained away as him trying to steal the title, even though he would know damn well that's not how it works), and Liv says that she isn't mad in a tone that makes it very, very clear that she is, indeed, mad.
Dominik, however, doesn't question this. He takes her words at face value, despite Finn, JD, and even Carlito being able to tell that Liv is at least a little upset with him. Eventually, we're led to believe that Liv just got over it, but the core issue of communication was not solved.
Without taking other relationships like RheaDom and L4B into consideration, I propose the claim that Liv and Dominik are, in my opinion, the WORST kind of straight couple. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
