She is better, don't get me wrong. You're right that she talks it out with her friends more (with the exceptions you noted). But if Alex wants to do something, there's never really any doubt that she'll end up doing it. She might talk with Anna (and the rest of her friends) about it, she might even argue with them about whether or not it's the best thing to do, but I don't believe I recall a single time Anna (or anyone else, but especially her) has managed to convince Alex not to do something.
I'm not saying it was immoral for Alex to order Anna around. Given the situation, it was fair enough. But IMO, in a healthy relationship there'd be no need for orders; requests would be enough.
As for the power dynamic issues...well, I think partly we're just coming from different life experiences. A lot of my relationships--maybe even most--don't really have a 'leader.' I've never been married so I can't speak to that. But I don't think the Alex/Anna relationship even has the "different spheres of authority" thing you talk about. Alex is basically in charge everywhere.
Now, maybe you're right that in time, their personalities will change to the extent that a romantic relationship would be healthier. Undoubtedly they are much different than how they were in Book 1. But as they are now, I just can't ship them. :/ Want them to hook up for a time, yes--I think that would be interesting--but stay together forever, no.
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Date: 2012-06-09 01:07 am (UTC)I'm not saying it was immoral for Alex to order Anna around. Given the situation, it was fair enough. But IMO, in a healthy relationship there'd be no need for orders; requests would be enough.
As for the power dynamic issues...well, I think partly we're just coming from different life experiences. A lot of my relationships--maybe even most--don't really have a 'leader.' I've never been married so I can't speak to that. But I don't think the Alex/Anna relationship even has the "different spheres of authority" thing you talk about. Alex is basically in charge everywhere.
Now, maybe you're right that in time, their personalities will change to the extent that a romantic relationship would be healthier. Undoubtedly they are much different than how they were in Book 1. But as they are now, I just can't ship them. :/ Want them to hook up for a time, yes--I think that would be interesting--but stay together forever, no.