The Continuous Breakup Cycle

'I think one of the issues with modern storytelling is this notion that relationships are only interesting if they're on the rocks. Especially in T.V. programs the common wisdom seems to be that the second characters hook up all the tension and investment goes out the window. To me that just seems lazy. There is the potential for interest at every stage of a relationship, imo.'
--Tiger Grey

Functional, generally contented couples are a rarity in Fictionland. If two people are in love, their relationship is constantly being thwarted by Big Misunderstandings and romantic false leads. If two people are in a relationship, it will either be definitively ended early on in the story, or be defined by conflict and regular breakups. Occasionally, the beta couple will get to be happy, but even they are not always safe.

While stories require conflict, there is no grand rulebook that says the protagonists can't be a well-matched couple. One of the refreshing things about the urban fantasy TV series Grimm is that the main character and his girlfriend stay together. Yes, their relationship is tested, but they work together to solve problems, and don't respond to conflict with theatrical breakups: they (gasp!) actually have adult conversations about their needs and the issues at hand.

Many writers seem to underestimate the interest that can be sustained by watching a relationship evolve in response to conflict. There's lot of plot to be had if a couple or polyamorous triad or whatever other relationship unit is tossed into a new and scary situation and have to redefine their roles in the relationship in response to everyone's new needs and roles. There could also be an exploration of how people form new romantic connections in uncertain environments if the character and their love interest meet over the course of the story. There's not just no need to whip out the 'break up, make up, repeat' plotline; it's old, tired, and needs to make way for more interesting relationship stories.