Unloved

1. Unloved Beginnings Can Lead to Unexpected Love

Achey and deeply sweet, with heaps of profound moments, Unloved will chip away at your heart but leave you with a beautiful new mosaic from the pieces by the end.

Ro's initial loneliness. Ro, a freshman in college, feels unseen and unloved, struggling to fit in and connect with her roommate, Sadie. Her first college party leaves her feeling even more isolated, until she meets Freddy, a charismatic hockey player, who gives her a kiss she never forgets.

Freddy's forgotten night. Freddy, though seemingly popular and confident, is also grappling with his own insecurities and academic struggles. He doesn't remember his encounter with Ro, setting the stage for a later, more meaningful connection.

The title's irony. The title "Unloved" is ironic, as the story explores how Ro and Freddy, both feeling unloved in different ways, eventually find love and acceptance in each other, proving that even from unloved beginnings, beautiful relationships can blossom.

2. Redefining Identity Beyond Relationships

Just, do what you want and fuck anyone who says you can’t, okay? If you want to party, do it. But if you don’t want to, don’t.

Sadie's influence. Ro's roommate, Sadie, encourages her to be whoever she wants to be, regardless of societal expectations. This advice empowers Ro to explore different facets of her personality, but also leads to some questionable decisions.

Tyler's control. Ro's relationship with Tyler, though seemingly loving, slowly becomes controlling, dictating how she should dress, what activities she should pursue, and ultimately, who she should be. This stifles Ro's self-discovery and leaves her feeling lost.

Finding herself. Through her interactions with Freddy and her eventual break from Tyler, Ro begins to understand the importance of defining her own identity, independent of any romantic relationship. She learns to embrace her passions, her quirks, and her authentic self.

3. The Allure and Danger of Performance

I can be whoever I want to be.

Ro's initial mantra. Ro repeats this mantra, trying to fit in and be someone she thinks others will like. This highlights the pressure to perform and conform, especially in college.

Freddy's reputation. Freddy is known as a "playboy," a role he seems to embrace, but beneath the surface, he struggles with insecurities and a need for validation. His charm and charisma are often a performance, masking his true self.

The cost of performance. Both Ro and Freddy eventually realize that performing for others is exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. They learn to value authenticity and genuine connection over external validation.

4. Vulnerability Fosters Genuine Connection

Our friendship wasn’t founded in grief, but it was grown in it. I think that makes it immeasurably stronger.

Ro's guarded nature. Ro is initially hesitant to show her true self, fearing judgment and rejection. She keeps her emotions bottled up, creating a barrier between herself and others.

Freddy's hidden struggles. Freddy, despite his outward confidence, also struggles to be vulnerable, hiding his learning disabilities and his complicated family history behind a facade of charm and humor.

The power of honesty. As Ro and Freddy begin to open up to each other, sharing their fears and insecurities, they forge a deeper, more meaningful connection. Their vulnerability allows them to see each other for who they truly are, flaws and all.

5. Breaking Free from Toxic Patterns

Don’t be like me. Don’t even want to be like me. Okay? You’re pretty and I’m sure you’re smart, and trust me, you can be whoever you want to be.

Tyler's manipulation. Tyler consistently undermines Ro's confidence, criticizes her choices, and manipulates her into conforming to his expectations. This creates a toxic pattern of control and dependence.

Recognizing the abuse. Ro slowly begins to recognize the abusive nature of her relationship with Tyler, realizing that his words and actions are designed to keep her feeling insecure and dependent on him.

Finding the strength to leave. With the support of her friends and her growing self-awareness, Ro finally finds the strength to break free from Tyler's control and reclaim her own life.

6. Embracing Imperfection and Self-Acceptance

Just be whoever you are.

Ro's initial insecurities. Ro is plagued by self-doubt and a constant need for validation. She struggles to accept herself for who she is, flaws and all.

Freddy's self-deprecation. Freddy often puts himself down, making jokes about his intelligence and his reputation. This is a defense mechanism, a way of deflecting criticism and managing his own insecurities.

Learning to love themselves. Through their relationship, Ro and Freddy learn to embrace their imperfections and to accept themselves for who they are. They realize that true love and acceptance come from within.

7. Finding Strength in Friendship and Support

I think that makes it immeasurably stronger.

Sadie's unwavering support. Sadie is Ro's rock, providing her with unwavering support and encouragement, even when Ro is making questionable decisions. Sadie's loyalty and strength help Ro to navigate the challenges of college and to find her own path.

The hockey team's camaraderie. Freddy finds strength and support in his friendships with his teammates, particularly Rhys and Bennett. Their camaraderie provides him with a sense of belonging and helps him to cope with his personal struggles.

The importance of community. Both Ro and Freddy learn the importance of having a strong support system, a community of people who love and accept them for who they are. These relationships provide them with the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and to live authentically.

8. Love is More Than Just a Feeling

I think you’d be really easy to love.

Ro's initial infatuation. Ro is initially drawn to Freddy's charm and charisma, mistaking infatuation for love. She romanticizes their connection, overlooking the deeper issues that lie beneath the surface.

Tyler's conditional love. Tyler's love for Ro is conditional, based on her conforming to his expectations and fulfilling his needs. This creates a power imbalance in their relationship and prevents Ro from truly being herself.

True love is selfless. Ro and Freddy's love for each other is based on mutual respect, acceptance, and a genuine desire for the other person's happiness. They support each other's dreams, celebrate each other's strengths, and offer comfort during times of struggle.

9. Facing the Past to Build a Better Future

I need to do it my way.

Freddy's past trauma. Freddy is haunted by his difficult relationship with his father and his past experiences with Carmen. These traumas have shaped his identity and his relationships with others.

Ro's family history. Ro's family history, particularly her father's stroke, has also shaped her identity and her approach to life. She carries a heavy burden of responsibility and a fear of loss.

Healing through honesty. By confronting their past traumas and sharing their stories with each other, Ro and Freddy begin to heal and to build a stronger, more resilient relationship. They learn to forgive themselves and to move forward with hope and optimism.

10. The Power of Seeing and Being Seen

To be loved really is to be seen, and I guarantee you’ll find pieces of yourself in Ro, Freddy, and the rest of the gang at Waterfell.

Ro's desire to be seen. Ro's greatest desire is to be seen for who she truly is, to be accepted and loved for her authentic self. She longs to break free from the expectations and judgments of others and to be seen as worthy of love.

Freddy's need for validation. Freddy also craves validation, but he seeks it through external sources, such as his hockey skills and his popularity. He struggles to see his own worth, relying on the approval of others to feel good about himself.

The transformative power of love. Through their relationship, Ro and Freddy learn to see each other for who they truly are, flaws and all. They offer each other unconditional love and acceptance, creating a safe space where they can be vulnerable and authentic. This allows them to heal, to grow, and to finally see themselves as worthy of love.

Last updated: March 8, 2025