| Pitfall | Warning Signs | How to Fix It | |---------|---------------|---------------| | | Jealousy framed as “passionate,” isolation from friends, one‑sided sacrifice. | Highlight healthy boundaries, provide resources (e.g., helplines), and showcase characters seeking help. | | Tokenism in Representation | A “diverse” character appears only for the sake of ticking boxes; their culture is reduced to a costume. | Give depth—show their family life, hobbies, and internal conflicts beyond the romance. | | Excessive Public Exposure | Couples share every moment online, leading to cyber‑bullying or pressure to perform. | Depict moments of offline intimacy, emphasize consent for sharing content. | | Neglecting Personal Growth | The story ends with “happily ever after” but no character development. | Ensure both partners evolve individually, with or without the relationship. | | Relying on Stereotypical “Bad Boy” Redemption | The “bad” partner “changes” only after falling in love, ignoring accountability. | Show tangible steps toward self‑improvement (therapy, apologies, reparations). |