Why Love Triangles are Completely Unecessary: A Rant

I love YA novels. Well, I actually mean that I love most YA novels. Although all books are wonderful and deserved to be read, some aspects of a book can be really frustrating to the reader and should be avoided at all costs. There are certain aspects that ALL readers agree should be forbidden, such as the death of the main character or overly cliche plots. However, some characteristics of novels are actually approved and encouraged by some readers, who can’t see how horrible and pointless they are. Such is the irritating, useless concept of a love triangle. I don’t feel like I must explain the many reasons why I hate them, but I will for those who enjoy reading them. The poor souls whose brains have been assaulted by love triangles so much that they now believe them to be acceptable. I understand why you might like them, but the cons of them far outweigh the pros. Need more convincing?

1.) Love triangles usually end up with frustration from the reader.

Love triangles involve the main character (usually female in this case), and two love interests, both vying for her heart. Naturally, in this situation, the reader is forced to pick a side: Lover #1 or Lover #2. Now, imagine that you have grown to like #1, and naturally want the main character to end up with him. However, to your dismay, she begins to lean towards #2 and eventually chooses him. The entire novel, from the beginning to the sad, sad ending, is ruined. Instead of focusing on the plot, you spend your time mentally screaming at the main character to change her mind and start to subconsciously hate her. Instead of enjoying the romantic part like you normally would, you instead must surpress the urge to barf. Now, this might be okay for you if it only happens while reading one novel. But, if you are like me, who can’t help but favor the underdog, then every novel containing a love triangle becomes a living nightmare. You may be wondering, why would an author create such a thing, when it will cause him/her to lose some of their fans because of it? Well, my answer for you is I don’t really know. I’ve been wondering the same thing for years.

2.) Love triangles have completely no purpose and detract from the plot.

This is one of my biggest complaints about love triangles. It pains me when I hear people talking about the Hunger Games trilogy and all they can say is, “So, do you think she should have ended up with Gale?”. I mean, it physically pains me. My heart feels like it’s being ripped out. Hunger Games had one of the most twisted, gripping plots I have ever read, and I loved the storyline so much. However, it seems like these teens completely skipped over all of it to get to the very rare romantic scenes. Regardless of how well-written the novel is, if there’s a love triangle in it, that will most likely become the most remembered part of the novel, so much so that it eventually swallows the book whole. The actual plot of the book also has underlying themes on morals, ethics, and life lessons. The storyline of the Hunger Games trilogy taught me that I must work as hard as I can to achieve what I want, that you must never judge someone too quick, and that courage and strength will get you through most anything. And what did the wonderful love triangle, which almost everyone who read the book remembers, teach me? Well, I learned that nice guys don’t always finish last, that attractive guys will most likely get over you quickly, and that you must keep a close watch on your boyfriend, or else he may be kidnapped and programmed to kill you. Such necessary life lessons.

3.) Love triangles are completely unrealistic.

I mean, in reality, it’s hard enough getting one guy to like you. But, having two guys who are completely head over heels for you and don’t mind competing with each other for love? Impossible. However, these main characters seem to encounter this issue frequently, causing me to question just how realistic these characters are. And also, how do some of these main characters manage to save the world, but can’t pick a boyfriend? It just doesn’t make sense.

There are, of course, many other reasons why love triangles should have a special place in hell reserved for them, but if I listed them all out this post would be very long. So, for all of you that enjoy these, I hope I have changed your mind and have opened your eyes to just how horrible they are. I also hope that you enjoyed this video, regardless of your opinion of love triangles. Thank you for reading!