Do you wanna step back into the glimmering world of ‘Twilight‘, where vampires sparkle like diamonds and a girl can get married right after high school? And this time we enter that world with our big girl glasses on because god knows what 13-year-old me saw in Edward Cullen, except his Robert Pattinson-level dashing looks.
But beneath his glittering exterior lies a question that fandoms can’t seem to shake: Was Edward a green flag boyfriend with a couple of blood stains or were we just colorblind? Let’s sink our teeth into this juicy debate and see if Edward Cullen and Bella Swan’s romance was more of a cautionary tale or another fairytale with a pale shade of grey.
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Edward’s ‘Vampy’ Traits
Welcome to the world of Twilight, where Team Edward reigns supreme, and the rules of healthy relationships are as murky as the forests of Forks, Washington. A century-old vampire who sparkles like a disco ball in the sun and spends his never-ending days attending high school with a hobby of lurking in the shadows during the night. Sounds like your typical teenage heartthrob, irresistible, right? But beneath Edward’s chiseled sparkly exterior lies a character ripe for scrutiny.
From the get-go, Edward’s behavior towards Bella raises a few eyebrows. Sure, he’s got the whole ‘I’ll protect you from harm’ vibe going on, but let’s not forget the times he showed up uninvited (hello, stalker alert!) and watched Bella sleep without her consent, creepy much?
Controlling Cullen Or Just A Protective Partner?
Now, let’s talk about Edward’s penchant for calling the shots. From deciding what Bella should eat to dictating her every move, Edward’s got a knack for playing the role of the puppet master. But hey, who needs free will when you’ve got a vampire boyfriend to make all your decisions, right? Wrong!
Then there’s the little matter of Edward’s self-loathing, which he conveniently forgets to mention until Bella’s already knee-deep in vampire drama. Talk about emotional baggage! And don’t even get me started on his reaction to Bella’s paper cut—breaking up with her in the middle of the woods? Classy move for a vampire from the chivalry age, even Damon Salvatore will win this debate.
While some might argue that Edward’s protective instincts are endearing, others see it as a one-way ticket to Relationshipville, where the word ‘consent’ takes a backseat to Edward’s agenda. Let’s face it, girls being treated like a delicate flower might sound romantic in theory, but in practice, it’s about as appealing as a wilted rose.
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Pure Devotion Or Obsessive Fixation?
Ah, young love—so pure, so passionate, so… obsessive? That’s what it was. Behind those brooding eyes lies a love so intense it borders on the obsessive. We’re talking about a guy who would rather die (again) than spend a day without his beloved Bella. Talk about clingy!
But perhaps the pièce de résistance of Edward’s questionable behavior is his decision to impregnate Bella with a half-vampire baby. As cute as Renesmee was, I will die on this hill. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like risking your girlfriend’s life with a parasitic fetus. And don’t even get me started on the latest addition to this madness, Midnight Sun. Call me crrazy, but I’m pretty sure hearing about Edward’s nocturnal peeping tom routine isn’t going to make him any more appealing.
Sure, Edward’s undying devotion might seem swoon-worthy at first glance, but let’s not overlook the fact that healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and a healthy dose of personal space. And last time I checked, stalking your significant other wasn’t exactly the key to a happily ever after, no Booktok lied to you.
The Gray Areas Of Twilight Love
Now, before you start sharpening your pitchforks, let me be clear, Twilight was entertaining when we were kids. But looking back, it’s hard not to cringe at the thought of little ol me and you idolizing a dude who makes Edward Cullen look like the poster child for healthy relationships.
Having said all I’ve done, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the grey areas of love. After all, Twilight isn’t exactly a blueprint for healthy relationships—it’s a fantasy! An entertaining tower of imagination that is best appreciated for that purpose only, stop making it a standard, even Kristen Stewart aka your Bella herself said she wouldn’t date a guy like our beloved Ed.
In Stephenie Meyer’s world of Twilight, love knows no bounds, whether it’s sparkling vampires or fated wolf mates. While Edward’s behavior may raise a few red flags in the real world, it’s essential to remember that we’re talking about a vampire romance here, not your average Friday night date. So, before we write off Edward as the ultimate toxic boyfriend, let’s consider the fantastical elements at play and take it all with a grain of salt or a pinch of garlic, to keep them away you know.
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