#2 Forced Proximity in Romance

This trope can be very complicated and thrown together in a way that doesn't work or a scenario that is magical and is the core of the story. It is rarely used as a singular trope in a story, instead its used to combine different tropes together. Nevertheless, it moves the story along quicker and always creates excitement. Most people, when they think of forced proximity, they think literally. Being stuck in an elevator together or having to live in the same holiday cabin for a certain amount of time. But it can also mean other things, such as taking a job together, being reluctant allies, etc.

Logically speaking, this trope takes two people away from the comforts of their own world, forces them to be in a position that they wouldn't normally be in and add a person who they either never thought they would have to be stuck with or never thought they would talk to, period. This trope is more flexible than others and it can throw two characters into the same position over and over again until they realise their feelings for each other. 

Forced proximity also moves along a plot point. If conflict arises, putting those two characters into forced proximity, it allows the plot to move along quicker. A book doesn't have to be limited to just forced proximity. In fact, this trope usually intertwines with other tropes. It works best with enemies to lovers or an office romance. 

Examples of forced proximity in film is: 

• The Hating Game (starring Lucy Hale)
• The Proposal (starring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock)
• What Happens in Vegas (starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz)
• Purple Hearts (starring Sofia Carson)
• Leap Year (starring Amy Adams)

Examples of forced proximity in books is: 

• From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• Final Offer by Lauren Asher
• A Court Of Thorn And Roses by Sarah J. Maas

If you want to read about another trope, love triangles, click here.