In writing, this creates instant chemistry. Compare:

One character has evolved while the other stayed stagnant. The fix requires the "lagging" character to step up. 2. The Power of the "Dark Night of the Soul"

"It’s a blob," she said. "It has no spine. It sinks. It’s the physical embodiment of your personality, Elias."

Language is the software of relationships. When the software corrupts, the hardware (chemistry) fails.

"I know," Elias said. "But maybe I need a little heat. And maybe you need someone to tell you when the curtains are catching fire."

A relationship is not fixed when the pain is gone. It is fixed when the pain becomes context .