Which romance microtrope is ruining your life?

Be honest. The call is coming from inside the book.

How this works

Answer instinctively. Do not overthink. Your therapist already knows the answer...

1. Your ideal first interaction with a love interest is…

A. A sharp, flirtatious argument that could absolutely be foreplay
B. Accidental proximity that’s inconvenient but… intriguing
C. Him noticing something tiny about you and never shutting up about it
D. A slow, mutual realisation that you are both deeply, deeply down bad

2. The phrase that makes your stomach drop (in a good way)

A. “Careful. I bite back.”
B. “There’s only one bed.”
C. “I’ve been watching you all night.”
D. “I’m not going anywhere.”

3. You’re most likely to re-read scenes where…

A. They’re fighting but everyone knows what’s about to happen
B. They’re forced into closeness and pretending not to notice
C. He’s obsessed and doesn’t even try to hide it
D. They’re quietly choosing each other, again and again

4. Pick your emotional poison

A. Sexual tension so thick it’s basically a character
B. Longing that could be solved by one conversation (but won’t be)
C. Praise. Reassurance. Devotion. On tap.
D. Safety that feels almost scandalous

5. Your toxic reading habit

A. Falling for men who are mean to everyone except her
B. Actively searching for the one bed tag on StoryGraph
C. Highlighting every line where he says her name
D. Crying because he showed up when it mattered

6. If a book doesn’t have this, you’re disappointed

A. Verbal sparring that could cut glass
B. Close physical proximity that escalates rapidly
C. Unhinged levels of attention
D. Emotional consistency

7. Your group chat already knows you for…

A. Saying “I fear I’d fold immediately”
B. Texting “WHY ARE THEY SLEEPING SO CLOSE”
C. Sending screenshots with no explanation
D. Whispering “this is actually kind of healing?”

8. Your real-life flaw (allegedly)

A. You like the chase a bit too much
B. You romanticise inconvenience
C. You crave reassurance like oxygen
D. You fall hard when you feel safe

Your Results (with book prescriptions)

Mostly As: Enemies-to-Lovers

You’re here for tension, sparring, and the kind of chemistry that could start a small fire. Emotional peace is boring. You want friction.

Read immediately:

• The Hating Game – Sharp banter, office enemies, unresolved sexual tension that ruins your concentration.
• From Lukov with Love – Long-game enemies, elite-level yearning, immaculate payoff.
• Heated Rivalry – Competitive, antagonistic, emotionally catastrophic in the best way.

If you want this trope but filthier: read The Worst Guy.

Warning: You will start confusing irritation with foreplay again.

Mostly Bs: Forced Proximity

You believe romance thrives under logistical pressure. Cabins. Snowstorms. One bed. You eat it up every time.

Read immediately:

• The Unhoneymooners – Fake honeymoon, shared space, enemies who cannot escape each other.
• People We Meet on Vacation – Proximity over time, shared experiences, devastating intimacy.
• Credence – Extreme proximity, questionable decisions, proceed with curiosity and caution.

If you want this trope but filthier: read A Court of Silver Flames.

Warning: You will begin hoping minor inconveniences escalate romantically.

Mostly Cs: Praise / Obsession

You don’t want chaos — you want focus. Attention. Devotion. Someone who is deeply, unmistakably into you.

Read immediately:

• Praise – Direct. Affirming. Life-altering if you’re praise-sensitive.
• The Love Hypothesis – Quiet obsession, academic yearning, top-tier “he only has eyes for her.”
• Twisted Love – Possessive, protective, unashamed fixation.

If you want this trope but filthier: read Preferential Treatment.

Warning: You will start mentally rating real men on their reassurance skills.

Mostly Ds: Soft Devotion

You want emotional safety wrapped in romance. Tenderness. Someone who chooses you without drama or theatrics.

Read immediately:

• Part of Your World – Gentle, grounding, deeply affirming love.
• Book Lovers – Mutual respect, emotional intelligence, soft-but-sexy connection.
• All Rhodes Lead Here – Slow, safe, steady devotion that sneaks up on you.

If you want this trope but filthier: read In a Jam.

Warning: You may develop unrealistic expectations around emotional availability.