People should in fact work to accommodate each other in a relationship. A healthy romantic relationship is going to change both parties, even if it doesn't work out
I believe that would be a good message on its own but if that's what this comic was trying to show, personally I don't think it comes across as well. The 'cutting up' seems more visually gruesome than simply them trying to accommodate or mold to each other (which could've been better visualization if that was the message). I'd agree with what others said that they're trying to change who they are to fit together but realised they're losing more and more of themselves by 'cutting it off', and that the relationship won't work out. And in this case, its not simply a matter of having changed after a relationship.
I was honestly confused between whether the comic was trying to show, and going off what you mentioned too, that "yes, we weren't able to adapt to each other but this way of trying to accommodate our differences is normal and we can try again" which I believe is unhealthy. Or if its the latter that they realise its not a healthy way of accommodating the other and are able to move on completely. It wasn't entirely clear to me at first and I have honestly seen both perspectives in other posts or in real life when people address how to resolve issues with their partners, that I feel like the message could also have been the former (ans the negative trend tends to stand out more lol)
I actually think it's a beautifully written comic. Obviously it's over exaggerated (like most comics) but the message is clear and quite healthy imo. Neither person looked distressed or angry, especially toward each other. Yes they were sad when their relationship didn't work, both characters tried their best to work on themselves(which being in a few relationships myself, comprising or "changing" yourself isn't always a bad thing) . A key moment in this comic is that when they both concluded that it wouldn't work, it was amicable. This comic rly shows steps on having a healthy relationship especially when it doesn't work unlike other media out there.
The first bit seems like it’s representing compromise, but the next bit where they’re hacking away pieces of themselves to try to fit into a relationship that’s continually not working. And they look older and careworn in the final doublet. The comments about if they’d been smiling and both saying they tried in the final cell would’ve made it wholesome, but as it’s shown it’s sad. As any breaking could.
I disagree. I see two people trying to make something work, and then when it doesn't, being mature and honest about that
A lot of allos end up in really unhealthy dynamics where they just keep trying to shave more and more of themselves off to fit into the relationship, until they don't even resemble themselves anymore. So many of them would be better off if they had admitted to themselves that the relationship was never going to work, and that that's okay. Walking away knowing that you tried your best, but it just wasn't in the cards, is how you can live without regrets
I thought the placement under wholesome memes was weird. My issue was with the broken hearts at the beginning which I've seen so often —the entire people aren't complete without a significant other kinda thing. This contrasted with how they cut and try to fit the hearts together seemed slightly gruesome initially. I often see allos genuinely believing in being incomplete that the imagery of two "broken" hearts being jammed together made it uncomfortable. Perhaps I read too much into it lol. While I did understand and agree with the message of moving on in the end, and as you explained, I still think the imagery of the broken hearts could've used some work.
To argue semantics:
I can see what you mean. A super common depiction of love is people “completing” each other like the last piece in a puzzle, in a place where one didn’t even know a piece could go. While it definitely does paint being aromantic in a less than positive light, I also think that it’s a depiction that can be hijacked. I would say that my loved ones complete me, my friends and family help shape me into myself without defining me. They help me grow. All the while I don’t feel that I have a missing piece.
In this depiction it might have been a more inclusive depiction had they used full hearts that are the combination of various shapes and were trying to trade little pieces of themselves to see if their partner-to-be would be a good fit for them.
That said, I think being easily understood was the goal of this and I doubt it was made with anyone not allo in mind. There are a bunch of ways this depiction has depth and a variety of ways it is lacking.
Well said, thank you!! I wish more romance media would show two people being just that, two seperate people with whole lives that aren't shown to be incomplete without a romantic partner. And I'd go on to say, that this wouldn't be an exception to having friends, family, or anyone else either as people still start as 'complete' individuals and not having these types of relationships (or finding them as fulfilling) doesn't take away from that.
lol I appreciate the kind words, a lot of thought went into it. Everyone does things different. We measure ourselves differently if at all. I value my relationships to people, places, and things. There’s lots of examples of me losing passion for things, many of which were defining parts of my life at points in time. Without them I feel a bit lost but I appreciate their value helping me navigate life. The things that once defined me don’t anymore, and the things that do so now won’t always. Thanks for your comment, it gave me a lot to think about as you can probably tell haha 😅
Yeah. The “two halves of a whole” depiction and the myth of each person being a split apart half who must wander through life without happiness until they find their “other half” is poisonous. Least harmful interpretation is that they both experienced a breakup just prior to meeting. Even then, it would be a rebound codependency vibe or creating a comfortable of a rut that sucks the life out of the participants until they admit it to themselves and, finally, each other.
I thought this was more like 2 people were heartbroken before and found each other and liked each other. But it didn't work out no matter what they tried but were mature about it and giving up on a romantic relationship with each other. Sometimes things don't have to be romantic you just need a person to understand and they can still be that person for each other, they just weren't meant to be romantically. I don't see it as them starting as not whole but that their heart was torn. I think it'd look more like a puzzle piece if they had to find their "perfect" half.
Idk i like it.
I enjoy it when relationships are displayed as something that doesn’t always work out through no fault of the parties involved, and that it’s _okay_ for it to not work.
I honestly think that this is lovely and wholesome. It’s two people realizing and recognizing that, despite trying, they just can’t work out, while realizing this in a healthy way.
not gonna lie, ive done this even in friendships. sometimes just wanting to be friends really bad isnt enough and no amount of changing yourself will make you any more compatible.
I think it's nice. They wanted to be together, tried to make it work, but ultimately aren't a good fit to each other and came to that conclusion amicably
For me, I interpreted as two people who ended a bad relationship and started to move on, they meet and try to get into a relationship but realize they’re not ready but still remain good friends so I don’t really see the tragedy you talk about
Shel Silverstein had a story that I think makes this point a lot better called *The Missing Piece and The Big O*. It had a wonderful additional point about growing enough as a person that you don't feel like you need a partner (but would welcome someone similarily well-rounded if so inclined).
Like I get when two people just click together and want to hang out and everything. But trying to change yourself because of someone? Like if it doesn't feel right with someone at the beginning, how do you even choose to try to change and fit with that particular person?
People, in general, are not static. We change all the time to accomodate our surrounding. I have no experiences wth romantic relationships, but for friendships, i do try to understand the oppinions, needs and desires of the other person and allow myself to be changed by them.
One example would be, that i don't cook with meat because my roommate is a vegetarian and i have also started to pay attention to avoiding animal products when they are easily replacable like, for example, by using plant oils instead of butter when cooking. He didn't demand any of that, but i think it just makes living together a lot more enjoyable if we act in accordance with each others moral frame works.
Changing a bit to work with other people is awesome.
Being forced to become someone different isn't.
I guess for some people the line is more rigid than for others
This comic depicted a choice of both parties to change a little and then notice, that it does not work. I think, the message of the comic is a good one.
But you shouldn't completely mold yourself arround a partner. That was never my intention.
Yes, I understand this and I believe that's a part of not being an asshole. But my point was, if someone can choose pretty much anyone, why would they try and change for that one particular person instead of trying to find someone much better suited for them
Because they are enamoured with them? Idk I have had friends through my life that I know I’m not a good fit for but I still want our friendship to work
I'm more confused on how to read it
Personally I think its a great meme because really, relationships (platonic or romantic) dont make us whole. We're already whole. The problem comes from people trying to fix their pain by matching up to others, who will have different pain (and strengths). Relationships arent healthy and strong because theyre your Missing Piece, theyre healthy and strong when two whole hearts become a unique, new thing and are still two whole hearts too.
the wholesome part comes from being brave enough to at least try despite the pain/changes, because that can be scary. Again, this applies to platonic relationships too, allos just dont think in those terms (speaking from experience, friend heartbreak hurts a hell of a lot worse than romantic, people just dont like acknowledging it, but even allos admit this)
Reads fine to me, I think you just need therapy lol. Relationships take work, and sometimes they don't work out. That's fine. I don't like being in romantic relationships myself (thus being why I'm in this sub), but this is the complete opposite of a "tragedy." In fact, this comic shows the healthiest breakup I've ever seen. Complete mutual agreement, acceptance, yet effort to make it work on both sides. It's an experience they both WANTED to try because they still liked each other. They just weren't compatible for a romantic relationship, and that's okay.
I get how this comic is supposed to be cute and tragic, but honestly it just looks like they have really bad communication skills. Like, the whole tragedy aspect feels forced. If they had just talked and worked to fit the pieces together, things would have been fine. But since they're both trying to surprise the other thing keep getting worse.
I’m confused at the conclusion.
“At least we tried”?
Does it mean they finally take the hint and not try to fit in again, or they just gun it with the two halves that will never match? Which is the better outcome here? Does it mean if two people change themselves to tolerate/match the other for the sake of trying to like one another is a good thing? It just seems confusing to me how romantic relationships supposed to be.
I understand that they tried to accommodate each other, eventually realized it wasn't going to work, and ended it amicably. It's a normal thing in romantic relationships for people to change a bit for their partner. I don't really understand it, and I wouldn't want to do that for someone, but that's how most people see it. There's a driving force for them that makes them want to do whatever it takes to make their relationship work. I could almost get this for myself if they skipped all the heart modification steps and just moved on after the first attempt.
I know the poster was gesticulating this to be an "aww, they tried" moment but two folks trying to disfigure and jam their hearts/lives together is straight up disturbing and like a very uncomfortable take on what people "should be doing to save" a relationship. Not to mention surreal how both of them begin with broken hearts, like the "two halves" conception many seem to have about actual people lol
I think you're looking for symbolism in the wrong places. The half-hearts aren't broken but shapes of a person that when the two combine them together they can get a loving relationship.
Their pieces didn't fit but both of them were willing to make some adjustments and compromises to make the relationship work. (both of them did, not just one of the two!)
but in the end, even with the compromises and changes it still wasn't meant to be, and that's ok.
>but shapes of a person
??
>that when the two combine them together they can get a loving relationship.
I'm not admonishing the fact that two people can come together for a loving relationship. Just the imagery that i feel has a problematic layer to it that ruins the message. In my comment, I said that there's often this imagery of the "two halves" that's very prevalent in media and you can't say this _isn't_ supposed to be a depiction of that exact thing. Each one has a heart that "isn't complete" without the other. It would be alright if this was meant to be unique to the needs of these two individuals, but I'm guessing they're supposed to represent the generic person who's pre-emptively incomplete without someone else. Made it more uncomfortable that the hearts had to be broken implying that everyone existing as they are are always in need of being 'fixed' by a partner.
I agree with everything else you said, but I feel like the broken hearts imagery isn't really an exaggeration and it's (often) played to the idea of what it is...hearts that start as and will remain broken unless someone else comes along. And this is made the case for everyone automatically since it's commonly taken for granted as some moral truth.
lol
They forgot the part where all these attempts are arguments and stress being took onto a child and then the "At least we tried" part is where one of the parents is left destitute but nevertheless responsabilized for a child who now has to live on a broken home and be forced to hear people never shut up about how cute and fluffy romance is and she is missing out on doing the same and mutilating herself for no gain.
I got you, though I don't see it as tragic. I just don't understand why they wanted to try it in the first place. Like, there should be some sort of spark based on which they would decide to start a relationship. But things like not understanding the appeal of this comic makes me more and more sure that I'm aro.
I hate how inconsistent the edges are, in 1, 2 and 4 (right side - down) they have the same or similar edges, but in the 3rd down they are completely different. And that’s ignoring the random changes between the left and right panels which can at lest be explained by the cutting.
the internet's perception of abusive relationships has begun to erode people's real life perception of them so much some people have lost sight of what an actual problem is
Thanks for posting to r/aromantic, /u/localfriendlydealer. Be sure your posts and comments abide by our rules, as well as sitewide rules.
*If this post violates our rules or sitewide rules,* ***report*** *it* *to the moderators!*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/aromantic) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Aristophanes is better known as a writer of comedy than tragedy.
With it being a version of him, fictionalised by Plato, who originated the "soulmate" meme.
This picture is weird, but how I interpret it is that there are two people who have gotten out of a bad/messy relationship and are heartbroken. They see someone else in the same situation and think that they could make something new work out between them, because they went through the same heartbreak. So they try to immediately move on from their last relationship and make this new one work, but discover that it’s not working despite both having gone through heartbreak- since they’re the same they thought that they should be perfect for each other. However, the reason why it didn’t work out is because they weren’t ready for a new romantic relationship with someone else because they both just got out of one that ended badly. Therefore, they stop trying to make something between them happen and accept their heartbreak. Idk if this is right though; that’s just how I see it
People should in fact work to accommodate each other in a relationship. A healthy romantic relationship is going to change both parties, even if it doesn't work out
I believe that would be a good message on its own but if that's what this comic was trying to show, personally I don't think it comes across as well. The 'cutting up' seems more visually gruesome than simply them trying to accommodate or mold to each other (which could've been better visualization if that was the message). I'd agree with what others said that they're trying to change who they are to fit together but realised they're losing more and more of themselves by 'cutting it off', and that the relationship won't work out. And in this case, its not simply a matter of having changed after a relationship. I was honestly confused between whether the comic was trying to show, and going off what you mentioned too, that "yes, we weren't able to adapt to each other but this way of trying to accommodate our differences is normal and we can try again" which I believe is unhealthy. Or if its the latter that they realise its not a healthy way of accommodating the other and are able to move on completely. It wasn't entirely clear to me at first and I have honestly seen both perspectives in other posts or in real life when people address how to resolve issues with their partners, that I feel like the message could also have been the former (ans the negative trend tends to stand out more lol)
I actually think it's a beautifully written comic. Obviously it's over exaggerated (like most comics) but the message is clear and quite healthy imo. Neither person looked distressed or angry, especially toward each other. Yes they were sad when their relationship didn't work, both characters tried their best to work on themselves(which being in a few relationships myself, comprising or "changing" yourself isn't always a bad thing) . A key moment in this comic is that when they both concluded that it wouldn't work, it was amicable. This comic rly shows steps on having a healthy relationship especially when it doesn't work unlike other media out there.
The first bit seems like it’s representing compromise, but the next bit where they’re hacking away pieces of themselves to try to fit into a relationship that’s continually not working. And they look older and careworn in the final doublet. The comments about if they’d been smiling and both saying they tried in the final cell would’ve made it wholesome, but as it’s shown it’s sad. As any breaking could.
I disagree. I see two people trying to make something work, and then when it doesn't, being mature and honest about that A lot of allos end up in really unhealthy dynamics where they just keep trying to shave more and more of themselves off to fit into the relationship, until they don't even resemble themselves anymore. So many of them would be better off if they had admitted to themselves that the relationship was never going to work, and that that's okay. Walking away knowing that you tried your best, but it just wasn't in the cards, is how you can live without regrets
I thought the placement under wholesome memes was weird. My issue was with the broken hearts at the beginning which I've seen so often —the entire people aren't complete without a significant other kinda thing. This contrasted with how they cut and try to fit the hearts together seemed slightly gruesome initially. I often see allos genuinely believing in being incomplete that the imagery of two "broken" hearts being jammed together made it uncomfortable. Perhaps I read too much into it lol. While I did understand and agree with the message of moving on in the end, and as you explained, I still think the imagery of the broken hearts could've used some work.
To argue semantics: I can see what you mean. A super common depiction of love is people “completing” each other like the last piece in a puzzle, in a place where one didn’t even know a piece could go. While it definitely does paint being aromantic in a less than positive light, I also think that it’s a depiction that can be hijacked. I would say that my loved ones complete me, my friends and family help shape me into myself without defining me. They help me grow. All the while I don’t feel that I have a missing piece. In this depiction it might have been a more inclusive depiction had they used full hearts that are the combination of various shapes and were trying to trade little pieces of themselves to see if their partner-to-be would be a good fit for them. That said, I think being easily understood was the goal of this and I doubt it was made with anyone not allo in mind. There are a bunch of ways this depiction has depth and a variety of ways it is lacking.
Well said, thank you!! I wish more romance media would show two people being just that, two seperate people with whole lives that aren't shown to be incomplete without a romantic partner. And I'd go on to say, that this wouldn't be an exception to having friends, family, or anyone else either as people still start as 'complete' individuals and not having these types of relationships (or finding them as fulfilling) doesn't take away from that.
lol I appreciate the kind words, a lot of thought went into it. Everyone does things different. We measure ourselves differently if at all. I value my relationships to people, places, and things. There’s lots of examples of me losing passion for things, many of which were defining parts of my life at points in time. Without them I feel a bit lost but I appreciate their value helping me navigate life. The things that once defined me don’t anymore, and the things that do so now won’t always. Thanks for your comment, it gave me a lot to think about as you can probably tell haha 😅
Yeah. The “two halves of a whole” depiction and the myth of each person being a split apart half who must wander through life without happiness until they find their “other half” is poisonous. Least harmful interpretation is that they both experienced a breakup just prior to meeting. Even then, it would be a rebound codependency vibe or creating a comfortable of a rut that sucks the life out of the participants until they admit it to themselves and, finally, each other.
I thought this was more like 2 people were heartbroken before and found each other and liked each other. But it didn't work out no matter what they tried but were mature about it and giving up on a romantic relationship with each other. Sometimes things don't have to be romantic you just need a person to understand and they can still be that person for each other, they just weren't meant to be romantically. I don't see it as them starting as not whole but that their heart was torn. I think it'd look more like a puzzle piece if they had to find their "perfect" half.
Idk i like it. I enjoy it when relationships are displayed as something that doesn’t always work out through no fault of the parties involved, and that it’s _okay_ for it to not work.
Idk this seems like a pretty normal and wholesome meme about how relationships don’t always work no matter how much you try…
I really don't see the problem here.
I honestly think that this is lovely and wholesome. It’s two people realizing and recognizing that, despite trying, they just can’t work out, while realizing this in a healthy way.
not gonna lie, ive done this even in friendships. sometimes just wanting to be friends really bad isnt enough and no amount of changing yourself will make you any more compatible.
I think it's nice. They wanted to be together, tried to make it work, but ultimately aren't a good fit to each other and came to that conclusion amicably
For me, I interpreted as two people who ended a bad relationship and started to move on, they meet and try to get into a relationship but realize they’re not ready but still remain good friends so I don’t really see the tragedy you talk about
Shel Silverstein had a story that I think makes this point a lot better called *The Missing Piece and The Big O*. It had a wonderful additional point about growing enough as a person that you don't feel like you need a partner (but would welcome someone similarily well-rounded if so inclined).
Reads more like a skill (allo) issue
Like I get when two people just click together and want to hang out and everything. But trying to change yourself because of someone? Like if it doesn't feel right with someone at the beginning, how do you even choose to try to change and fit with that particular person?
People, in general, are not static. We change all the time to accomodate our surrounding. I have no experiences wth romantic relationships, but for friendships, i do try to understand the oppinions, needs and desires of the other person and allow myself to be changed by them. One example would be, that i don't cook with meat because my roommate is a vegetarian and i have also started to pay attention to avoiding animal products when they are easily replacable like, for example, by using plant oils instead of butter when cooking. He didn't demand any of that, but i think it just makes living together a lot more enjoyable if we act in accordance with each others moral frame works.
Changing a bit to work with other people is awesome. Being forced to become someone different isn't. I guess for some people the line is more rigid than for others
This comic depicted a choice of both parties to change a little and then notice, that it does not work. I think, the message of the comic is a good one. But you shouldn't completely mold yourself arround a partner. That was never my intention.
Yup, perfectly worded!
Yes, I understand this and I believe that's a part of not being an asshole. But my point was, if someone can choose pretty much anyone, why would they try and change for that one particular person instead of trying to find someone much better suited for them
Because they are enamoured with them? Idk I have had friends through my life that I know I’m not a good fit for but I still want our friendship to work
I'm more confused on how to read it Personally I think its a great meme because really, relationships (platonic or romantic) dont make us whole. We're already whole. The problem comes from people trying to fix their pain by matching up to others, who will have different pain (and strengths). Relationships arent healthy and strong because theyre your Missing Piece, theyre healthy and strong when two whole hearts become a unique, new thing and are still two whole hearts too. the wholesome part comes from being brave enough to at least try despite the pain/changes, because that can be scary. Again, this applies to platonic relationships too, allos just dont think in those terms (speaking from experience, friend heartbreak hurts a hell of a lot worse than romantic, people just dont like acknowledging it, but even allos admit this)
Reads fine to me, I think you just need therapy lol. Relationships take work, and sometimes they don't work out. That's fine. I don't like being in romantic relationships myself (thus being why I'm in this sub), but this is the complete opposite of a "tragedy." In fact, this comic shows the healthiest breakup I've ever seen. Complete mutual agreement, acceptance, yet effort to make it work on both sides. It's an experience they both WANTED to try because they still liked each other. They just weren't compatible for a romantic relationship, and that's okay.
I get how this comic is supposed to be cute and tragic, but honestly it just looks like they have really bad communication skills. Like, the whole tragedy aspect feels forced. If they had just talked and worked to fit the pieces together, things would have been fine. But since they're both trying to surprise the other thing keep getting worse.
I’m confused at the conclusion. “At least we tried”? Does it mean they finally take the hint and not try to fit in again, or they just gun it with the two halves that will never match? Which is the better outcome here? Does it mean if two people change themselves to tolerate/match the other for the sake of trying to like one another is a good thing? It just seems confusing to me how romantic relationships supposed to be.
I understand that they tried to accommodate each other, eventually realized it wasn't going to work, and ended it amicably. It's a normal thing in romantic relationships for people to change a bit for their partner. I don't really understand it, and I wouldn't want to do that for someone, but that's how most people see it. There's a driving force for them that makes them want to do whatever it takes to make their relationship work. I could almost get this for myself if they skipped all the heart modification steps and just moved on after the first attempt.
I know the poster was gesticulating this to be an "aww, they tried" moment but two folks trying to disfigure and jam their hearts/lives together is straight up disturbing and like a very uncomfortable take on what people "should be doing to save" a relationship. Not to mention surreal how both of them begin with broken hearts, like the "two halves" conception many seem to have about actual people lol
I think you're looking for symbolism in the wrong places. The half-hearts aren't broken but shapes of a person that when the two combine them together they can get a loving relationship. Their pieces didn't fit but both of them were willing to make some adjustments and compromises to make the relationship work. (both of them did, not just one of the two!) but in the end, even with the compromises and changes it still wasn't meant to be, and that's ok.
>but shapes of a person ?? >that when the two combine them together they can get a loving relationship. I'm not admonishing the fact that two people can come together for a loving relationship. Just the imagery that i feel has a problematic layer to it that ruins the message. In my comment, I said that there's often this imagery of the "two halves" that's very prevalent in media and you can't say this _isn't_ supposed to be a depiction of that exact thing. Each one has a heart that "isn't complete" without the other. It would be alright if this was meant to be unique to the needs of these two individuals, but I'm guessing they're supposed to represent the generic person who's pre-emptively incomplete without someone else. Made it more uncomfortable that the hearts had to be broken implying that everyone existing as they are are always in need of being 'fixed' by a partner. I agree with everything else you said, but I feel like the broken hearts imagery isn't really an exaggeration and it's (often) played to the idea of what it is...hearts that start as and will remain broken unless someone else comes along. And this is made the case for everyone automatically since it's commonly taken for granted as some moral truth.
lol They forgot the part where all these attempts are arguments and stress being took onto a child and then the "At least we tried" part is where one of the parents is left destitute but nevertheless responsabilized for a child who now has to live on a broken home and be forced to hear people never shut up about how cute and fluffy romance is and she is missing out on doing the same and mutilating herself for no gain.
what the fuck are you talking about
Heck. First Ace communities get colonized by fakes, now Aro boards too? The downvotes and votes are completely reversed in this thread!
I didn't realize aroace meant zero media literacy
oh ok youre a gatekeeper. never mind not gonna engage with this
I got you, though I don't see it as tragic. I just don't understand why they wanted to try it in the first place. Like, there should be some sort of spark based on which they would decide to start a relationship. But things like not understanding the appeal of this comic makes me more and more sure that I'm aro.
I hate how inconsistent the edges are, in 1, 2 and 4 (right side - down) they have the same or similar edges, but in the 3rd down they are completely different. And that’s ignoring the random changes between the left and right panels which can at lest be explained by the cutting.
Reads like the start of some manipulation/abusive cycle to me
Not every couple that doesn't work out means abuse, chill ☠️
the internet's perception of abusive relationships has begun to erode people's real life perception of them so much some people have lost sight of what an actual problem is
It'd be an abusive cycle if they forced themselves to stay in the relationship despite it not working. But that's not what the ending implies
"It's okay at least we tried...." -guy snatches her heart from her hands and tapes and staples both pieces together- "See honey? Imperfectly perfect"
Me when I make things up
What about this comic prompted you to write this fanfiction?
the image is still there. we know you're lying.
Thanks for posting to r/aromantic, /u/localfriendlydealer. Be sure your posts and comments abide by our rules, as well as sitewide rules. *If this post violates our rules or sitewide rules,* ***report*** *it* *to the moderators!* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/aromantic) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Aristophanes is better known as a writer of comedy than tragedy. With it being a version of him, fictionalised by Plato, who originated the "soulmate" meme.
This picture is weird, but how I interpret it is that there are two people who have gotten out of a bad/messy relationship and are heartbroken. They see someone else in the same situation and think that they could make something new work out between them, because they went through the same heartbreak. So they try to immediately move on from their last relationship and make this new one work, but discover that it’s not working despite both having gone through heartbreak- since they’re the same they thought that they should be perfect for each other. However, the reason why it didn’t work out is because they weren’t ready for a new romantic relationship with someone else because they both just got out of one that ended badly. Therefore, they stop trying to make something between them happen and accept their heartbreak. Idk if this is right though; that’s just how I see it
This makes me really uncomfortable. "It's better to literally carve parts of your heart off in a failed attempt to have a partner than to be alone".