I really admire, in Journal with Witch, Makio's ability to communicate with other people. She's extremely eloquent, and can convey her stance succinctly. On top of that, when she is overwhelmed, she can say "I don't understand how this works," "Slow down, this is overwhelming and I'm scared," "We are different people and will not understand each others' experiences and feelings. So we need to talk it out." Her communication skills and her consideration for other people were things she had to consciously develop, because she has trouble with things that other people are able to do easily or without much thought.
Because she needs to lay everything out clearly (what responsibilities she will uphold, what expectations she will not meet) and listens to other peoples' input, her relationships end up being very honest and satisfying to watch.
In the latest episode (6) her arrangement with Kasamachi spurred some discussion about how the listed terms are basically what a normal dating situation would have, but without the title of being lovers. Likewise the role she takes with Asa is basically what a parent would have, without the title of parent. But I think it's a bit different. Normally, between parents and children, between lovers, the terms are never laid out so clearly.
A parent could be overbearing and strict, or they could be indulgent and spontaneous, or they could be distant and hands-off, and they would still be called a parent. A child could be filial and caring, or dismissive and closed off, they would still be their parent's child. These terms are never discussed outright. The parent and child would rarely ever talk to each other about what they expect from the other and what they're actually able to accomplish. But because they accept the label of "parent" and "child" they treat the idea in their head of what those roles mean as if they are universal expectations, and become disappointed or frustrated with each other when those expectations are not met. In some cases, failing to meet these unspoken expectations could break the relationship and one's role would no longer be acknowledged. This is the same between lovers, between friends, between strangers on the street as fellow countrymen, as people of the same or different gender, as people of the same or different ages, jobs, social class, economic status. Every single person has different expectations for every other person, and vice versa, and almost no one is voicing those expectations because they are treated as a given.
Thus, there is no "normal" way to be a parent, or a child, or a lover, or a friend, or anything to anyone else. Every single relationship is unique to the people involved, riddled with unspoken rules, the shape of which is discovered by stumbling and fumbling, hurting and healing each other.
Makio's rejection of these titles gives her more freedom to face the people in her life honestly. They have no roles to each other, so they can discuss and build their relationship brick by brick, together, and not grow to hate each other for breaking unspoken rules.
