We Don't Know How To Make Love Manga

Romance Manga: A Hilarious Struggle

Let's be honest. We read romance manga for the feels. But sometimes, those feels are... confusing.

Specifically, the ahem grown-up feels. The actual making love part? Often, it's weird.

I'm prepared to die on this hill. We. Don't. Know. How. To. Do. It. In. Manga.

The "Sparkly Eyes and Convenient Amnesia" Method

This is a classic. Characters get close. Eyes sparkle like someone threw glitter everywhere. Then... fade to black!

Or, even better, someone gets conveniently knocked unconscious. Amnesia is also a great plot device, am I right?

Wake up. "Oh my gosh, what happened?!" Everyone acts surprised and then moves on.

The "Symbolic Petals and Dramatic Wind" Gambit

Ah, the artistic approach. We don't need to see anything. We get falling cherry blossoms instead.

Or maybe a strategically placed vase of flowers. Or curtains billowing in the wind. Very, very suggestive wind.

I mean, I guess we get the idea? It still feels a bit... sterile. Like watching a very intense shampoo commercial.

The "Awkward Touching and Internal Monologue" Tactic

This is peak cringe comedy. Someone accidentally touches a boob. Or a hand brushes against another hand.

Internal monologue explodes. "OH MY GOD! HER SKIN IS SO SOFT! I MUST NOT REACT!" Cue panicked sweating.

Everyone freezes. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Then, someone runs away crying.

Why Is This So Hard?

Look, I get it. It's manga. There are cultural sensitivities. There's the whole "ages and ratings" thing to consider.

But maybe... just maybe... we could find a way to make it less awkward? Less reliant on amnesia and symbolic shrubbery?

Or maybe I'm just asking too much. Perhaps I am a hopeless romantic doomed to cringe at sparkly eyes forever.

The Exceptions That Prove The Rule

Okay, okay, there are exceptions. Some manga artists actually do it well. They manage to convey intimacy without being gratuitous or weird.

These are the rare gems. The artists who understand that sex is more than just panting and blushing.

But let's be real. They are few and far between.

My Unpopular Opinion: Embrace the Awkwardness

Maybe the awkwardness is the point? Maybe it reflects the real-life awkwardness of first times and navigating relationships.

Maybe the stilted dialogue and over-the-top reactions are relatable? After all, who hasn't had a completely mortifying romantic encounter?

So, next time you see those sparkly eyes and billowing curtains, just remember. You're not alone. We're all in this awkward romance manga mess together. And maybe, just maybe, that's the beauty of it all.