5 Romance Tropes Everyone Loves That I Just Don’t Get

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As romance lovers, we all have that one trope that completely does it for us. Maybe it is enemies to lovers, fake dating, or grumpy sunshine. But then there are the tropes that make you pause the movie and think, “Really? We're doing this again?”

Well, I have a few.

I ranked these from #5, the one I care about the least, to #1, the one that makes me want to throw my screen across the room. So, respectfully, if one of these is your favorite trope... I'm sorry. But I have to speak my truth.

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5. Workplace Romance

The Hating Game (2021)

Workplace romance is not necessarily bad. It is just bland to me. The Hating Game and Business Proposal are both examples, and while I enjoyed Business Proposal because it was cute, neither completely did it for me. Something about watching two coworkers fall in love just feels boring. With The Hating Game, I even watched the movie because I wanted to understand the hype. Honestly? I probably could have skipped it.

Is it bad? No. Is it giving? Also no.

4. Hidden Identities & Secrets

Anyone But You (2023)

I love Anyone But You and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, but this trope makes me anxious. Constantly waiting for the characters to reveal the truth can drive me crazy. It definitely keeps you watching, but sometimes I am just thinking, “Can we please tell each other already?”

3. Marriage of Convenience & Arranged Marriage

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

This trope can work for me, but the setting matters. Give me Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, where the historical setting makes the forced relationship interesting. But when it happens in a modern-day setting, I usually wonder, “Why are we doing this?” For me, arranged marriage belongs in the past. Give me the gowns, royalty, and family drama.

2. Love Triangles

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

I am sorry, but love triangles are OVERDONE. The Vampire Diaries, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Never Have I Ever, Sterling Point, and so many more use this trope. I understand why writers love them—they create drama and conversation—but especially when it involves two brothers, I just want something new.

1. Pregnancy

Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)

This is the one.

Every time this trope suddenly appears, I panic. I remember reading The Goal from the Off-Campus series and being completely shocked when Sabrina became pregnant. I was not ready! Jane the Virgin is another example where pregnancy is such a major part of the story, and while I understand why it works for the plot, it is still not a trope I personally love.

I appreciate when these storylines create important conversations about pregnancy, abortion, and difficult decisions, but I don't love when pregnancy suddenly becomes the main thing driving a romance or completely changes the direction of a character's storyline.

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So there you have it: my five romance tropes that I simply do not gag for. Some are cute, some are suspenseful, and some are incredibly popular. But if one of these is your favorite?

I apologize in advance. But I said what I said.

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