The storyline continues to excuse their toxic relationship because they both allegedly “grew” through this relationship yet, the issues repeat. Throughout the storyline, all of this behavior gets excused, justified, and romanticized all because Hardin had a “troubling past.” They continuously fight for their relationship even though they are clearly toxic and unhealthy for each other. There is emotional abuse such as these mind games Hardin plays, threats, and even physical violence. This only just scratches the surface of how much manipulation and toxic behavior that is romanticized in this novel. Don’t you dare try and leave me… I can easily find out where you are.” Hardin says this to Tessa at one point in the novel: “Don’t say that. For a second, I thought he might slap me.” This is not a worry that anyone should have about their significant other. To provide examples, in Chapter 22 the protagonist expresses her fear of being physically harmed by her significant other: “… removes one hand from my wrist, but the other is large enough to hold both. This behavior can exemplify the wrong ideas of relationships to impressionable audiences this is NOT normal for a romantic relationship.

He even makes Tessa fearful of him and for her own safety. However, the character Hardin is beyond abuse and exudes toxic traits. Of course all relationships have their ups and downs. This entire relationship only happens because of a bet Hardin made as a way to prove to his friends that he is “irresistible.” He even goes as far as to steal bloody bedsheets to prove that he had sex with her. She, of course, falls hard and fast for him. This begins first and foremost with her cheating on her boyfriend of two years with her roommate’s rude and pompous friend. Image Via Cosmopolitan After romanticizes abuseĪt the very beginning of the series, Tessa begins college and indulges in a world full of new experiences.

After everything book anna todd