Even though we’re not ready to say goodbye to Nick and Charlie, their relationship in Heartstopper Forever keeps their love lessons close to our hearts.
We’ve loved this couple since their graphic novel days, but that’s not to say their romance has been *all* sunshine and butterflies. This pair has taught us how to navigate mental health struggles, bullies and the all-too-relatable LDR fear. Here’s everything our fave couple’s final chapter is teaching us about balancing both romance and mental health.
Love Lesson #1: Love Is A Choice, Not Just A Feeling
Sure, when we think of falling in love, we’re probs daydreaming along the lines of Nick and Charlie’s beach trips, Paris vacays and romantic handmade gifts. But love can be way more complicated than that. Real romance is just as much letting bae vent when they’ve had a rough day at work and carving out time for late-night FaceTimes in your LDR, even if you’ve had a long day.
In other words, it’s an effort. But supporting your S.O. through tough times is where you two *really* get to know each other–and that’s where you get to know the difference between a crush and real love.
Love Lesson #2: Time Apart From Your S.O. Can *Improve* Your Relationship
We totally get how tempting it is to hang with bae 24/7. But the truth is, spending *all* your time together can make it tricky to understand who you are outside of your relationship—which is a slippery slope to insecurity.
We don’t mean you need to go full-fledged breakup like Nick and Charlie. But consider taking a page out of Nick’s book when he decided to volunteer with dogs. Find what makes you excited to lock in solo, whether it’s trying out for a new sport, diving into a new book series or honing your junk journal skills—bc doing your own thing is a great way to fall in love with *yourself* (another thing you and bae can bond over)!
Love Lesson #3: Don’t Let Stereotypes Define Your Relationship
Heartstopper Forever challenges the age-old phrase that every teen couple has rolled their eyes at, one time or another: “Teenage relationships don’t last.” We hear this stereotype about young couples in college conversations, LDRs and often offered as the all-too-simple explanation for *any* teen couple’s argument. It’s no wonder you and your S.O. might fear the end of your relationship (even if it’s barely begun).
The good news? Every relationship is unique–which means there’s no way for anyone else to know what’s in the cards for you and bae. Luckily, that’s entirely your business.
And Tori brings peak older sis wisdom to this conversation when describing her relationship with Michael: “Maybe our together isn’t the same as your together, or the normal sort of together, but it’s ours. And we’re happy with it.”
Love Lesson #4: There’s No Such Thing As The ”Perfect” Couple
“You’re Nick and Charlie!” was the Heartstopper crew’s tried (and failed) phrase to comfort our fave couple during their breakup. Bc when it comes to relationships, we only see a couple’s highlight reels (especially when it comes to social media). The pressure to maintain the image of soulmates who never fight, feel insecure or miscommunicate is v. real (and totally unrealistic).
When you throw out the expectation that “the perfect couple” or “perfect partner” exists, it becomes easier to embrace your own flaws, have difficult conversations and ultimately become that much closer with your S.O.
To cope with our tearful goodbye to Heartstopper Forever, we’re replaying Tao’s advice to Nick: “Whether we’re together or not, the love that connects us will never break,” he says. “We built it, and it builds us.” So on or offscreen, we’ll be holding all the love (and lessons) the Heartstopper franchise built close to our hearts!
For more swoon-worthy romantic recs, check out these articles:
💞How To Throw The Perfect Heartstopper Finale Watch Party
💞The Cutest 2000s Rom-Com-Inspired Date Ideas
💞QUIZ! Build Your Perfect First Date And We’ll Reveal The Book Trope That Matches Your Vibe
Images: @netflixuk, @netflixuk, @joelocke
