Fictionally and realistically, 2021 rejected traditional labels. The most talked-about of the year revolved around the dreaded "Situationship"—that gray area between a hookup and a committed relationship.

Hmm, 2021 was a pivotal year. It wasn't the start of the pandemic but a weird in-between phase of lockdowns, reopenings, and lingering anxiety. Relationships that year had a distinct flavor: forced proximity, "situationships," and a lot of digital connection. The romantic storylines in media would reflect that. I should cover both real-life relationship trends and how they were portrayed in TV and film from that year.

: This pairing captured headlines with their intense public declarations, gothic romantic style, and descriptions of their relationship as a "dark fairy tale."

While some found love, others parted ways, with 2021 seeing several major celebrity breakups.

In literature, authors like Helen Hoang and Sally Thorne explored the intersection of technology and relationships in their works. Hoang's novel , for example, features a romance that develops through text messages and online communication.

Celebrity romance in 2021 was dominated by two themes: shocking nostalgia and the rise of the "unlikely" pop-punk power couple.

: While pandemic-related stressors (like financial strain or isolation) initially increased relationship turbulence, many couples found their bonds strengthened through positive dyadic coping —sharing stress and supporting each other.