Hey everyone and welcome back to #animemonday! Today I’m focusing on the genre of romance anime. But beware! If you’re a childhood friend to the main character, you’re probably not going to get the girl or guy. Let’s get started.

So I’ve been recently watching a couple of romance anime. The feeling always cycles back and I can’t put it down. While I love shonen, every now and then I need a break from all the fighting and yelling. A good romance anime can give me the drama I miss and all the super cute and lovey-dovey moments. But there seems to be a pattern that keeps coming up in a lot of romance anime. If the main character is in highschool, but back in middle school they had a crush or friend they secretly pinned over, you would think this friend would have a good chance at the relationship. But noooo, the protagonist will in most cases end up with the new girl who transferred at the start of the show.

So because of this trend I was witnessing, I wanted to know why the childhood friend basically never has a chance. I think it has a lot to do with the new and exciting aspect of a new relationship. I especially see this when the protagonist is a not popular girl who has caught the eye of the popular guy. There’s usually another girl this popular guy has gone to middle school with, who of course had a huge crush on him. But the guy’s never interested. He always chooses the unpopular new girl.

Now I get it, we’re supposed to want the “underdog” to win. We’re supposed to want the protagonist to get the guy in the end. And sure I can see that and want her to be with the popular guy. But wouldn’t it be easier to talk to someone you already know? In one sense, there should already be history there. But I think humans love the excitement and attention “something new”. Why else would people trade? People tend you forsake what’s routine and go get the new thing.

I can’t say if this is very realistic. You hear about couples rekindling their romance after being apart for years. So would you go for the childhood friend or the new person? I can’t say I know exactly which I would pick, but childhood friend would definitely have a shot. There’s a romance anime I’m currently watching called From Me to You. So far the main guy is only interested in the unpopular protagonist and is not interested at all in any girl he previously knew. I’m not complaining too much because the girl from middle school is a horrible person. But I just think it’s strange that he had no interest in even in middle school. I’m hoping someone from the protagonist’s past will show up. The popular guy needs some competition and what can I say, I love the drama.

But that’s all my thoughts! Let me know if you’ve seen this trend and what you think of it! I’ll see you tomorrow, peace!