There comes a point, in writing, when my characters take control. They determine whether or not a relationship is going to work. I may put them through, well, hell, and they don’t complain, but they do want to have a say in matters of the heart.
I point out as a writer I have the responsibility of the plots and the interweaving of them. Mia just pats me on the head and says kindly, stay the @#$% out of my love life, oy.
After 40,003 words I may just let her have her way. Sigh.