Love triangle problems

[arxianfall]

harems are always funny to me because of that.

There's always this army of girls after one [template nr.6] dude and no one else exists.
In reality I think those girls each have at least 3 other boys and at least one awkward girl crushing over them.

[Stargazer31]

Where's option C: Run away with a cute, spiky haired, British accented time travelling double hearted alien?

[Eiranyx]

I would say it's depend on what type of MC it is but with my type of personality, I'll go most likely with guy B why? it's easy because of the keyword 'faithful'
Growing up, I learned the difference between being 'faithful' and 'loyal' being loyal means that when another person comes along, they may look their way, they might think to pursue the other person, but they will still RETURN to you. Faithful on the other hand is a different level, when another person comes along, they won't mind the other person who just came along because they themselves decided to CHOOSE you in the first place and they will still choose you no matter what, and by choice, I mean not in a toxic way, but rather he knows what's best for both of you to compromise.

I'm just telling these points based on my past experiences but I hope it may help:

If your MC is a type of woman who is usually described as 'independent' like me, probably, most guys may admire you but many won't approach you just like that because they will most likely feel 'intimidated by you.(yes, it still happens to me until now)
In my experience, the type of guy who will most likely, always make the first move is Guy A.
If the MC was single for a long time and doesn't have much experience in dating, at first she may feel 'special' when guy A approaches her because the first impression will most likely either be: "How could this guy who has everything, noticed someone like me? and decided to approach me, I don't know what to do" (I know I'm guilty feeling that before lol) or "This guy seems suspicious and bold for approaching me, I need to keep my walls up" -- and on either response, Guy A would more likely be persistent and since he is an 'ideal man' he would most likely deal with your response 'the ideal way' Sure, you're going to be treated like a 'princess' (or whatever you want to be treated as) because he is an 'ideal man who has everything' but soon you will realize, his character is pretty bland,and in the long run, that guy A only thinks of you as a possession or a 'flower on top of a mountain that he has to obtain' to the point that he will bet on everything 'he had' for you because he knows that you wouldn't want someone to give up everything for you. Guy A most likely treat you as a possession and it may seem that he treats you as a treasure but someone who is possessive is most likely NEVER genuinely in love at all, Guy A is just in love with the IDEA OF 'LOVE' -- while having a possessive guy may sound 'cute' or can make others swoon for them IN FICTION, but in reality, I will tell you one thing, if you experience it first hand, It's actually NOT ROMANTIC AT ALL sure it's fun to see your 'loved' one jealous from time to time, but jealous to the point of being possessive not at all... it's something I learned the hard way when I was young, and yes I value the time being single after that because I was finally free.
Guy B on the other hand, would most likely be that one person you have known for so long, who has been in love with you for a long time but they are afraid to let you know -- which is why it was always late when you catch up on their feelings.
( just like that guy friend I know for so long who took 9 freaking years just to confess to me, and I have no idea when the hell did he started liking me, also that guy is indeed flirtatious, he did have many girlfriends before finally confessing so how the hell would I know if he's being serious?)
if that happens, MC should probably make the first move (because it's already 2021 lol) or since he is flirtatious, to begin with, he probably has that one gesture that he does only to the MC so the MC should be observant. BUT It would also be interesting too if MC will respond by flirting back unexpectedly (because usually, MC just brush it off) when guy b is flirting with her to let guy b's guard down for a moment and be flustered (I tried that, it was fun to see that guy get flustered lol)

To sum it up, think of it like this, Guy A is actually a possessive guy hidden by the word 'loyal, ideal man, and 'genuinely' in love Guy B is actually a faithful guy hidden by the word 'flirtatious, annoying, womanizer'
besides, wouldn't it be fun to add that twist?

[cherrystark]

I honestly relate so much to your post, it's not even funny. I'm also one of those girls that intimidate guys because I'm "too confident". But as my old teacher aptly pointed out, I am only confident and outgoing when I'm comfortable. If not, I'm quiet and in "observer" mood,

From my own experiences, Guy A would be the kind of guy to see you the "side-eye" when you decide to act silly in public. He could still be sweet and understand, the textbook "ideal guy" but would give you trouble if you didn't adhere to a "look". Guy B, though definitely not perfect, would be the type to poke you in the side and ask you why you weren't acting "normal" and if everything was okay.

[Fun-SizeMojo]

I picked guy A because I am a sucker for stories with sweet and devoted love interests!

[IzeB]

Honestly, the reason why I asked for help is because I want to know what other people think. And just by reading your statement, I come into realization that I never think about the girl about her feelings. I was so caught up to the situation where I keep forcing her to choose without noticing if "Do she need to choose?". As I reviewed her description, the possibility of her choosing someone from that choices is still there, but choosing someone that wasn't mentioned or not choosing at all is never zero. Thank you for the insight.

[IzeB]

The guilt trip issue is truly problematic to deal with. I'll take note of this. Thank you for the help.

[cherrystark]

Of course! I'm a big fan of trusting your gut in situations like this. Depending on how you present the story and the relationships, one pairing will usually have a stronger chemisty - that's why "ships" are so common. You couldd even write it so the girl doesn't have to choose. Like if she's dating Guy A, but has better chemistry Guy B - A could break up with her because he decides to put her happiness first. There are a lot of options to play with.

[SleepingPoppy]

I think the description of Guy A is lacking. While it sounds very noble and romantic, "I'd give up everything for my love" is a really boring character trait, and not actually a basis for a relationship of equals and partners. If he's a really giving and loving person in general, it'd be nice to know that in other ways, so he comes off rounded and loving instead of desperate. Also, like, whats fun about him? What does the MC love about him? What does he love about MC?

Guy B I think it really depends on the kind of person MC is. For some people, a partner flirting with others would really be crossing a line. Especially if she is a more insecure person, this would be really hurtful, and it'd damage trust between them. If she's more confident she might either not put up with it, or she much understand it's just play and trust him. It really depends on the dynamic.

[IzeB]

Wow, thank you for giving me this perspective. I was genuinely happy that you noticed the word "faithful" that I intentionally put instead of the word loyal. I, too, know the difference of loyal and faithful, in fact, we have the same definition. This really helped me see these characters more deeply which I wasn't aware. Some of the guesses aren't hitting the character's description but everything you said is indeed realistic. And also, pointing out that Guy A must be naive or knoe what love is enlightened me. Also, suggesting for the girl to return the favor of flirting back, I do see her doing it and I think it would be a very good counter attack since the Guy B was never been flirted by someone.

I could really use this perspective of yours since I haven't been into a relationship. This greatly helps. Thank you for the time

[IzeB]

You hit one of the options, actually.

[IzeB]

Thank you for giving this post of mine some of your time. Your perspective will not be wasted. Also, pointing out their probable difference in a simple situation gives me more knowledge of the situation.

[joannekwan]

Honestly, what is your protagonist/person who these two guys are after like? Does she not mind guy A being a little possesive? Does she not mind B being flirtatious? If she has issues with one, go with the other.

EDIT: Or better yet, she doesn't have to choose and go poly.

[djourner]

As a polyromance writer... my answer to love triangles is just to say 'both' every single time.
Learn to share people.

[joannekwan]

Hehe, I started my protagonist with 3 L-interests with the full intention of letting her have 2 of them in the end.

I really couldn't see it any other way because both offer something unique to her and missing one would leave a hole in her life.
And now I'm working on the sequel where the L-interests develop their own relationship to have things neat and tidy.

[Crusoe]

I present to you the option: why not both? I'm kidding, if poly is not in your wheelhouse. honestly do whatever your story needs and what fits best. Think from the perspective of your MC: who would they go for? What makes sense for them? Think about what connection they have with each other and what flows from the plot you've set up.

[DiegoPalacios]

Person B showed her what true happiness is despite his standing in life.....so it seems like Guy B is the right one for her.....

Keep your money Guy A and give your partner space.

[Daisy]

No problem! Hope it helps you decide which guy is suitable to be the girl's lover.

[crimson_mystery_cake]

Murder the hypotenuse

[IzeB]

Why choose if she can have both? Hahahahah!