Love is too Frustrating

After a decade of unanswered pursuit, Guan Ling (Shou) finally became disheartened and decided to give up. However, Shang YingRong (Gong) seemed unwilling to let him go, and not precisely because of love.

Original Publisher

myfreshnet

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Love is too Frustrating "Love is too Frustrating" is a title that certainly delivers on its promise. This novel takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexities of unrequited love, dependence, and the long, winding road to self-respect. It's a mature story, and while it may not be for everyone, it certainly left an impression on me. ### First Impressions Going in, I knew this was going to be angsty. The premise of a decade-long unrequited love, with an ambiguous relationship thrown in, immediately set off alarm bells. The initial chapters paint a picture of Guan Ling, our MC, deeply entrenched in a one-sided dynamic with Shang Yingrong (SYR), the ML. I felt a mix of sympathy for Guan Ling and a growing dislike for Shang Yingrong, who seemed oblivious to, or perhaps even taking advantage of, Guan Ling's devotion. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its realism. The characters are flawed, their decisions aren't always logical, and the consequences of those choices feel very real. Guan Ling's journey of self-discovery and eventual decision to prioritize himself is incredibly compelling. He's not a pushover, and I admired his strength in cutting ties with Shang Yingrong, even when faced with societal pressure and his own lingering feelings. The author does a great job of portraying the slow burn of Shang Yingrong's realization of his feelings, which stems more from a dependence on Guan Ling than genuine affection initially. The witty banter and clever observations sprinkled throughout the story also kept me engaged, even during the most frustrating moments. ### Areas of Concern While the realism is a strength, it can also be a drawback. The relationship between Guan Ling and Shang Yingrong is incredibly toxic, and at times, I found myself wishing for a clean break and a complete severing of ties. Shang Yingrong's behavior is often infuriating, and his initial treatment of Guan Ling is undeniably cruel. The slow pace of the story, particularly in the middle sections, can also be a bit of a slog. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about that ending. It's...complicated. While Guan Ling does eventually gain the upper hand, the fact that they end up together, even in a platonic or ambiguous state, might not sit well with everyone. Shang Yingrong's attempts to win Guan Ling back often feel manipulative, and the power dynamics remain skewed. The ending is realistic, but it's definitely not a fairytale. ### Final Verdict "Love is too Frustrating" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. It's a story about self-respect, the complexities of love, and the messy realities of human relationships. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance, this isn't it. But if you're willing to delve into a story that explores the darker sides of love and the long road to finding yourself, then this novel is worth a try. Just be prepared to feel frustrated along the way – the title doesn't lie!