[Discussion] Writing relationships

How do you go about writing relationships?

Be it platonic, or romantic.

> implying I have any actual experience with romantic ones

Just about the only romantic one I have is that with my two little Nido OCs, you know the ones. It's a bit difficult to show the "romantic" part other than courtship rituals and the fact that they do take care of each other and that they raise litters together. I guess the way I try to write them is, when life happens, it happens to them both. Stuff happens to the "family unit" more than to a particular individual.

As for the platonic relationships I'd actually have to think them over. I'm not sure even of which ones or if there's actually a "how" in the "how do I write them", to be honest.

Having written quite a bit of romance lately, it depends on the point of the two characters' romantic relationship are in at the moment. Some I wrote where there's a bit of slow burn going and some mutual pining that eventually ends with a kiss (or further if mutual pining has been going on for sometime). For established relationships, I tend to either have the two characters get used to seeing each other if they're starting or be very affectionate if they've already been together for a while.

With platonic relationships, I tend to have the characters admire and care for one another whether it be friends, family, or both.

I don't write much in the way of romantic relationships, but the answer is much the same for platonic relationships anyway: it depends. Different relationships are built around different things. Mutual caring and trust are usually a part of it, at least for the healthy relationships, but beyond that they can be founded in anything.

What is important is that there is something there - a shared interest, belief or attitude - to build the relationship out from otherwise it will feel very forced and that makes it less enjoyable to read.