#im saying this as someone who isnt a byler endgame truther

[buckleydiazes]

the thing is, if byler isnt endgame, i'm not going to be angry about shipbaiting or mike not being confirmed queer or 'losing the ship war' against melvins or whatever. what i'll be angry about is that it would be a shit writing decision that leaves all three characters in the love triangle ultimately miserable, even if they try to cover it up with a no really everyone is perfectly happy! sort of ending.

m*leven does not work at its core. aside from liking to kiss each other, their relationship is regularly in turmoil. they don't communicate well. their relationship is shallow. they make each other insecure. they do not meet each other's needs, despite caring about each other deeply.

comparatively, byler does have a basis for a good relationship. they know each other better than anyone else. they communicate both verbally and nonverbally. they have shared interests and enjoy talking to each other about things beyond kissing or the latest monster/villain. they make each other feel secure and safe and cherished. they are complimentary in basically every way.

if the duffers decide not to go the byler route, then mike & el continue to stay in an unhappy relationship for the sake of... fanservice? convenience? conventionality? and will continues to be another sad gay character who is in unrequited love with a straight boy but it's okay because he's just so selfless. how groundbreaking. definitely what we need more of on tv. /s