Whether you are a writer looking to plot your next novel, a screenwriter breaking a pilot, or simply a consumer looking for the next great love story, remember one thing: A kiss ends a scene, but a decision ends a story. The best romantic storylines aren't about finding the perfect person. They are about two imperfect people who refuse to look away from each other’s flaws.

Take Pride and Prejudice . The "romantic storyline" isn’t about Elizabeth getting a ring; it is about Elizabeth dismantling her prejudice and Darcy dismantling his pride. The relationship is the operating table where their egos are dissected. If a couple agrees on everything by page ten, there is no story.