War, prison, a career on a different continent. The obstacle is logistics. The 95 storylines in this category test whether love can survive absence. Most romantic tragedies live here: the letters that never arrive, the ship that sinks before the reunion.

In the vast landscape of storytelling—whether in literature, film, television, or video games—the number of potential relationship dynamics might seem infinite. Yet, writers and psychologists often circle back to a core set of archetypes. Today, we explore the concept of —a comprehensive taxonomy of love, longing, and connection.

The gold standard of stability. Two people who know each other’s flaws finally acknowledge the underlying heat. Example: Harry and Sally.

Now go write the 96th.

Instantaneous Flame + Social Divide + Tragedy

Even when a 95% relationship ends well (or continues well), there is loss. The road not taken. The alternate life. Let your characters—and your readers—feel that.