This week: Having the Talk in a Relationship Edited by: Dawn Embers  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Romance/Love Newsletter by Dawn
Sometimes it is important to define a relationship. However, much like Ross on Friends, there are some that struggle when it comes to having that conversation. I have a friend who avoided it to so made things confusing when asking about how things were going with the other person. It can make a good scene in a novel or a question presented in a short story. |
When it comes to romance, there are specific moments and conversations that can really stand out. One possible option to write for a short story or to add it in a section of a novella or novel is that of "the talk." By this I mean the conversation that defines the relationship. It's something that Ross claims not to be very good at in one relationship but he had been the one asking where they stood when it came to Rachel. It's also something that can be seen in real life. I have a friend who, in a previous relationship or whatever it was called, would not do the conversation with the other woman. She had no idea if they were in a relationship or more of friends with benefits type moment. Did make it hard to talk with her about their situation because I didn't know whether to call it a relationship or not.
While it might be difficult to add in a very short story, like flash fiction, there is definitely space for the conversation or just the question that will define the relationship with the main character and love interest. But there is so much more than putting the words on the page. Here are a few things to consider when writing the talk.
Who is asking the question or starting the conversation? Is anyone afraid of defining the relationship?
The options are between the main character and the love interest, or either main character if you consider both as POV characters. It can fit within the stereotypes of gender identity or orientation. But one could also be a character that isn't as expected by those standards to have trouble calling what they had a relationship. It all depends on what fits with the characters. This should make sense either with the general characteristics or something in the timeframe that makes it difficult to have the conversation. After you figure out who is struggling and which one starts the conversation you can also consider the why.
Why is the conversation needed?
Not every relationship starts with one character asking the other to be a boyfriend/girlfriend/other-type. One of my own was something that I didn't expect. I had invited her to a couple of things but neither of us asked to the other to be dating. Instead, at a very small party that included my debate partner, I was talking about something and it was recommend I say that I'm in a relationship. That confused me so I said but I'm not in one. The look I got, that told me otherwise. And that is how I found out that I had a girlfriend, lol. Someone could be not sure where they stand or if they hold a relationship status if nothing is said to indicate one way or the other. How did they start seeing each other? Did one ask or has it developed over time? If they don't know in the story, then it might be time for the conversation to happen so the readers can find out when it becomes official.
Now it's time to have the characters to start the talk. This is where you can also get creative because you have the character factor then you can add in how you want the conversation to start. From there, it's all in the dialogue as to what gets said and how things are defined. This could be fun for any writer that likes a good scene full of dialogue. There is struggle if one wants to avoid the conversation but then it has to happen. Are they in a relationship. They will talk it out, struggle with emotions but come to an answer, whether it causes conflict or requires more work before the tables in place or someone gets the definition that they want to hear. It is all dependent on how you write the story. Share with us and let readers know where the characters stand in the romance story. And have fun writing.
|
| |  | This Broken Earth (E)
Dystopian survival meets slow-burn romance in a fight for truth, and each other.
#2342416 by JD  |
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Have you written a scene where the characters have the relationship talk?
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
Romance/Love: June 25, 2025 Issue [#13199]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
