Whether it’s a subplot in a gritty action movie or the main focus of a Regency-era novel, "relationships and romantic storylines" are the glue that holds characters together. They remind us that the most significant adventures usually involve the heart.

More Than a Kiss: What Makes a Romantic Storyline Breathe

Partners who support each other’s individual dreams rather than requiring one person to sacrifice everything for the sake of the relationship.

This is known as . When we read a novel or watch a film, the same brain regions that activate during real-life experiences fire up during fictional ones. Consequently, a fight between lovers triggers the same stress as an argument with our partner; a reconciliation offers the same relief. We aren't just watching relationships—we are practicing them.