Background: A comparative analysis of narrative sources examined the phenomenon of unreciprocated romantic attraction. Unrequited love manifested as a mutually distressing encounter characterized by reciprocal incomprehension and emotional reliance. Prospective partners reflected on their experiences with sound and profoundly negative emotions.
Method: Twelve pairs of individuals recognized as having experienced unrequited love were chosen as respondents. Data were gathered throughout a series of group sessions. Each participant composed two narratives, one from the standpoint of the rejector and the other from that of the prospective lover. The order was systematically counterbalanced, with half of the participants composing the rejector narrative first while the remaining subjects wrote the would-be lover narratives.
Results: The two tales were seemingly analogous, detailing a variety of love disillusionments. They disagreed on whether the prospective partner had moved on from the incident or continued to harbor feelings. On the other hand, most heterosexual relationships commenced as relatively casual dating, with unreciprocated affection emerging when one individual fell in love, and the other did not. One narrative depicted heterosexual affection being obstructed when the lover revealed their homosexuality.
Conclusion: Unrequited love is identified in this data as a mutually unpleasant event characterized by emotional dependency and lack of understanding between both parties. Most love treatments emphasize its positive, structuring effects, positing that love solidifies social bonds that form the foundation of a family (e.g., Shaver et al., 1988). Nonetheless, such affection can engender significant disarray, encompassing discomfort, ambiguity, and unpredictable conduct.

Authors:
Noel Bedia, De La Salle University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Noel D. Bedia is currently a faculty member at De La Salle University Senior High School Manila and finishing his PhD in Clinical Psychology. His research interest includes LGBTQ+ studies, Gender studies, and Youth development.

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