Mod note: Moved to RP discussion since this seems to cater around RP interactions more so than gameplay.
That said, I have a fairly complicated view on RP romances. Until XIV, I pretty much never RPed them at all (aside from like once...and that was a nightmare) and even considered myself a staunch advocate against them. In previous MMO RP communities, I'd usually end up making some NPC and having my character's romantic endeavors revolve around said NPC (although said NPC usually ended up dying lolz). When I joined XIV, I started to engross myself significantly more in character romances with other characters. It really opened up a ton of doors for character development that I never realized existed. The stories I've had revolving around these relationships have been absolutely spectacular so far (though still no happily ever after
).
My biggest grief with RP romances is actually in regards to how unapproachable it can make you. A lot of RPers have troubles approaching others to initiate RP as is. Add to that a seemingly impenetrable duo and it gets even worse. It's easier to approach one person for RP/storyline ideas than it is to approach TWO. While it's perfectly natural for RP couples to spend a lot of time together, I think it's really important that they also make a conscious effort to stay as approachable as possible. Going to an IC party? Find a reason to have the duo part ways briefly and mingle with others. Don't go to some corner together away from the crowd. And so on and so forth.
So in summary: I'm all for RP romances and think they open a plethora of doors for character development. But it's up to those RPing these romances to keep themselves open to the other RPers in their LS/FC/the greater community. Nobody wants to feel like a third wheel after all (well, almost nobody anyway).
That said, I have a fairly complicated view on RP romances. Until XIV, I pretty much never RPed them at all (aside from like once...and that was a nightmare) and even considered myself a staunch advocate against them. In previous MMO RP communities, I'd usually end up making some NPC and having my character's romantic endeavors revolve around said NPC (although said NPC usually ended up dying lolz). When I joined XIV, I started to engross myself significantly more in character romances with other characters. It really opened up a ton of doors for character development that I never realized existed. The stories I've had revolving around these relationships have been absolutely spectacular so far (though still no happily ever after
).My biggest grief with RP romances is actually in regards to how unapproachable it can make you. A lot of RPers have troubles approaching others to initiate RP as is. Add to that a seemingly impenetrable duo and it gets even worse. It's easier to approach one person for RP/storyline ideas than it is to approach TWO. While it's perfectly natural for RP couples to spend a lot of time together, I think it's really important that they also make a conscious effort to stay as approachable as possible. Going to an IC party? Find a reason to have the duo part ways briefly and mingle with others. Don't go to some corner together away from the crowd. And so on and so forth.
So in summary: I'm all for RP romances and think they open a plethora of doors for character development. But it's up to those RPing these romances to keep themselves open to the other RPers in their LS/FC/the greater community. Nobody wants to feel like a third wheel after all (well, almost nobody anyway).
