Love Trilogy: Being in a relationship

Philip and William are so in love. It’s wonderful. But one thing worries Philip a bit. William wants to see him all the time. Even though Philip has said that he needs to do other stuff William sends him messages, asking for answers, all the time.

No fun! Thinks Philip. Do you have to hang out or talk all the time just because you’re a couple? He wants to be alone and says so. William is sad.

He believes something is missing when Philip’s not around. He needs Philip. But doesn’t it feel good to be needed? Kim wonders. Nah, not at all, thinks Philip.

He doesn’t want to be just a piece in a puzzle that William needs to feel good. Philip wants William to feel good on his own. Like Philip does when he’s with his friends or reading a book. But then of course Philip wants to tell William about what he’s been up to, and listen to how William’s day’s been. And then they can feel happy on behalf of each other.

That is how Philip believes it should be for a couple. But when William instead wants them to do everything together, Philip sort of feels tied up, confined, suffocated. And this is hard to explain. Philip doesn’t want to make William sad. So although it is wonderful to be a couple, it’s also a bit stressful, thinks Philip.

Molly and Paul are also very much in love. Molly feels safe and relaxed. As if she’s come home from a long journey. Molly knows that she doesn’t need to be perfect, she can be herself. Paul will like her no matter what.

But it seems that not all couples feel that comfortable together. Molly’s sister Nina is together with Rauno. And Nina is worried. She wonders if Rauno really finds her attractive. Because when Nina compares herself with other girls she doesn’t feel good enough.

She wants to be more good looking, smarter, and funnier. Molly doesn’t understand what Nina is going on about. She should stop comparing herself with others. She is gorgeous, and smart, and funny. Nina wants to believe Rauno when he says that he loves her.

But it’s not always easy. So sometimes she gets jealous when she just sees Rauno speaking to other girls. Then Nina gets angry and yells at him. If he really was in love with her, surely he wouldn’t speak to other girls? What?

Molly really doesn’t agree with this. Rauno must be allowed to talk to whomever he wants. Molly would be crazy if Paul tried to decide whom she should talk to. Then Molly would break up. Rauno would not do that.

He is so in love with Nina, and when she is happy and they’re having a cosy time, they are really good together. So he tries to do what Nina wants, so she won’t get angry. Though this leaves him sad, and scared, and confused. Rauno has female friends that he cares about. Surely it can’t be wrong to talk to them?

No, Molly tells Rauno. The only thing wrong here is the way Nina is looking at herself: her self image. Nina needs some help. Molly promises to accompany Nina to a psychologist so that she’ll have someone to talk to. Maybe Rauno might want to come too?

He does. Michael and Lina are watching an old romantic movie. But Michael mostly dreams about being together with Lina. He would be a gentleman, solve all her problems and protect her. Just like the guy in the movie.

Oh god! What an outdated view of women. Doesn’t he know that strong women are able to stand up for themselves? Now Michael’s got a few things to think about.