#that he wont because zeff taught him better

[sunday-arch]

thinking about sanji, re. romantic relationships right now and of course, gonna preface by saying, we're not acknowledging the gross parts of canon. we're talking about sanji at his essence here --- but, it's easy to say that he's the Perfect Guy. he's doting, loving, respectful, would worship you, kill for you, die for you if that's your thing. he's a True Gentleman. but, the guy has some intense emotional hang-ups and is so marred by trauma that it runs intensely deep as it does with so many in the crew in general.

sanji will be in a relationship, would thrive beneath reciprocated love and affection. the man is on a high just thinking of it, legs trembling, sweat breaking, can't function.

but --- i also think about how there's the possibility of him conjuring up doubts in his mind over whether he's worthy of you at all at the end of the day. he's constantly giving and giving with no expectation of return because all he's concerned with is what can he do to keep you around, to keep you loving him, how does he make himself useful, reliable, etc. the man needs reassurance and validation in possibly excessive amounts because otherwise, he's privately worrying, going crazy thinking about whether he deserves love, deserves anyone's love.

i think that in order for sanji to also be his healthiest self in a relationship, at some point, discovering his self worth is paramount. and actively working on that, and having an understanding partner who isn't going to exploit that aspect about him.