The new guy is always moody and "mysterious" a.k.a. he's an a**hole while the best friend would do anything for the girl. Why don't the main characters ever see they already have a great guy who's usually a lot better than the new guy.
Take the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa for instance. Meghan has been friends with Robbie for as long as she can remember. He's always been there for her, defended her, and is completely in love with her. But, once Meghan meets Ash poor Robbie doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell even though Ash is an emotional wreck (he's not even over his dead ex and it's been like 100 years or whatever!). I'm pretty sure Katy Perry wrote Hot N Cold to describe Ash. Where as Puck is funny, lovable, and reliable. But alas, Meghan could never love him because he's THE BEST FRIEND.
See what I mean? The best friends never get the girl. Sad but true. Where is justice?
Jacob understands where I'm coming from.
I totally prefer Puck to Ash - he's got so much more personality! It seems like whenever there's a triangle like this they do usually end up not picking the best friend - but other times, when there's no love triangle, the best-friend-turned-something-more can be quite common. Interesting point! I am really rooting for Team Puck but not sure I should be holding out much hope...
ReplyDeleteI like your new header, btw!
I haven't read THE IRON FEY series (*gasp*), but I agree with you, that the new guy is always the "winner". I usually dislike them for their glittery perfection, and it just seems weird to drop everything for a guy you JUST MET, reject the cute guy you've known and loved (platonically, perhaps) for ages...
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Twilight either, but I prefer Jacob, if only just because at least he doesn't sparkle. :P
So with you on this, I was shipping Puck so hard, and I love the Hot N Cold reference, too true. They never pick the best friend, it always reminds me of Ducky in Pretty in Pink. Also what happens with Puck, are we ever going to get to find out, he should at least get to be with someone.
ReplyDeleteHm, I love Puck, but I just want to keep him for myself! I think there's something attractive about Ash, so I disagree with you about him, but in general you're really right. I think in Puck's case, and in a handful of other cases, for her to end up with the best friend is kinda creepy. They've known each other forever and are practically like siblings!
ReplyDeleteJust a bit ago I was reading a book in which she fell in love with the new guy. I forgot what book it was, but it was such a turnoff that she fell for the complete stranger.
Often, I completely agree with you.
@danya - yes, unfortunately there is probably no hope at all for poor Puck but maybe he'll get a new love interest?
ReplyDelete@Cass - *Double Gasp!* I highly recommend reading The Iron Fey series. One of my FAVORITES! I like how you put that "glittery perfection". It perfectly describes how unrealistica they are.
@Katy - I'm sure Puck doesn't get Meghan, I'm just hoping that he does find someone to love! :(
@Riv Re - I agree with you on keeping Puck! I get where you're coming from with the sibling like quality. There are a few cases where that definitely applies. Good point!
I never consciously realized that, but it's true! And I always LIKE the mysterious new guy better, too. But in real life I married my best friend, so I am a hypocrite!!! :P
ReplyDeleteI liked Jacob for Bella. Mainly because their relationship grew out of getting to know one another while with Edward it was pretty much OMG HE'S SO HOT! It just screamed infatuation to me.
ReplyDeleteUsually it's the people that are closest to us that we take for granted and don't fully see how wonderful they are. But I agree with you. Girls in YA need to stop being so blind as to who feels something more for them. It's similar to the good guy/bad boy thing. The good guy never stands a chance which is a shame. They need more love also.
The Body Finder has a best friends turned couple AND he's a nice guy. ;)
Haha my husband and I always have this conversation when we read a new book/series! Personally I end up liking the best friend more (I agree with your Hot and Cold theory for Ash) and why does the new guy always have to be mysterious and a jerk? Maybe the mysterious part is suppose to be the "interest". I really wish there was more fall-for-the-best-friend books in YA!
ReplyDelete