--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I tend to have a long con when it comes…" description: "\"I tend to have a long con when it comes to romance, in part because I like the build-up as much as the payoff, and in part because I think there are a ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10d/v-e-schwab-2-31243_etc_i-tend-to-have-a-long-con-when-it-comes_109733.jpg" --- # I tend to have a long con when it comes to romance, in… ![“I tend to have a long con when it comes to romance, in part because I like the build-up as much as the payoff, and in part because I think there are a wealth of relationships out there (friend, sibling, rival, etc.), and straight-up romance interests me less than tension.” quote by V. E. Schwab](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10d/v-e-schwab-2-31243_etc_i-tend-to-have-a-long-con-when-it-comes_109733.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10d/v-e-schwab-2-31243_etc_i-tend-to-have-a-long-con-when-it-comes_109733.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10d/v-e-schwab-2-31243_etc_i-tend-to-have-a-long-con-when-it-comes_109733.jpg) > “I tend to have a long con when it comes to romance, in part because I like the build-up as much as the payoff, and in part because I think there are a wealth of relationships out there (friend, sibling, rival, etc.), and straight-up romance interests me less than tension.” [V. E. Schwab](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/v-e-schwab-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Romance is less compelling than the tension and narrative build‑up found in varied relationships, which can be more rewarding. **In simple terms:** Tension and story arcs outweigh romance for some. Key Takeaway Narrative tension can be more engaging than romance. Themes romance tension storytelling Mood thoughtful analytical Type reflective literary When to use this quote - writing a novel - plotting a TV series - analyzing personal relationship patterns Key Concepts psychology of desire relationship dynamics Practical Applications - focus on character development before payoff - use tension to drive engagement Questions to Reflect On - What makes tension more satisfying than romance? - How can romance and tension coexist effectively? A Different Perspective Prioritizing tension may undervalue the emotional depth that romance can provide. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Etc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/etc/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Interests Tension](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interests-tension-1307521/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Payoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/payoff/) [Rivals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivals/) [Romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance/) [Romance Interests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance-interests-1307519/) [Romance Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance-like-619357/) [Sibling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sibling/) [Straight Romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/straight-romance-1307520/) [Straight up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/straight-up/) [Tension](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tension/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [If you're trying to force the story to be a straight up romance, it's going to be weird for you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-marie-moning/if-you-re-trying-to-force-the-story-to-be-a-straight-up-romance-it-s/) [Karen Marie Moning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-marie-moning/) > [“Great romance is like poetry to the senses... so is chocolate!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/k-r-caldwell/great-romance-is-like-poetry-to-the-senses-so-is-chocolate/) [K.R. 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