S30E7 - The Fake Dating Experience

Among popular romance tropes, the Fake Dating scheme can be seen again and again. This is when two characters begin dating out of a mutual need rather than a mutual attraction. Often, this ends with real feelings developing and the characters fall in love. Another term for this trope is Faux-mance.

Though it has found a beloved home in romance books, you can use it to boost a relationship plot in any genre. There are just a few things you need to keep in mind to help the fake-to-real romance grow naturally. First is to make sure that it's a balanced relationship - they both need something from it or they both know it's fake. There also needs to be a reason for public spectacle. After all, why pretend to date each other if it's only for the other's benefit? It's also helpful to put a timeline on the fake part of the relationship.

In this episode, we discuss all of these suggestions, as well as pitfalls to avoid when writing a Fake Dating plot. Listen here, on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.

First aired March 24, 2022.