Writers often draw from psychological theories to add depth to their characters' feelings:
Using established "formulas" or tropes helps meet reader expectations while providing a framework for the story.
A successful romance story must center on the development of an intimate relationship where the main plot cannot exist without the romantic arc.
Conflict is essential to keep readers engaged and prevent the relationship from feeling too easy or "mundane".
: Situations where characters are trapped together (e.g., "only one bed" or sharing a workspace).
In the romance genre, the resolution is strictly defined. A story is generally not considered a "romance" unless it concludes with one of the following: