Ships. In entertainment, and especially, in fandom, we live and die by them. Which is why every Friday, we’ll be focusing on a couple, analyzing why we ship them, and overall, just proclaiming our eternal love for those couples that make us say:
I will go down with this ship.
And when it comes to Lara Jean and Peter from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, there are no words to describe why they’re the epitome of an epic ship. But, I’m going to try to find the words.
I’m completely smitten by Lara Jean and Peter, and it goes back to the start of their relationship. From pretending to be girlfriend and boyfriend to actually developing real feelings to falling in love, Covinsky’s love story is just too sweet for this world.
Let’s dive into the reasons why I will FOREVER go down with this ship.
They perfected the classic “faking it to real feelings” trope
Some of the best things you don’t see coming. They’re fated. Meant to be. And with Lara Jean and Peter, they never would’ve happened if not for them pretending to be girlfriend boyfriend. I think that’s why this is one of my favorite tropes, because if they weren’t placed in this situation, they might not have ever gotten the chance to develop those very real feelings.
While you could see it coming, Lara Jean and Peter’s love story was refreshing and exciting, just as first love can be. The friendship they formed in the pretending, the time spent together, the discussions they shared, the longing looks as real feelings began to form, and the realization that it wasn’t pretend anymore. No one does it better than Lara Jean and Peter.
That chemistry!
Whether we’re talking about books or movies, Lara Jean and Peter’s chemistry is straight fire. Real chemistry is something truly special, and it’s something that you can’t manufacture. You either have it or you don’t. And Lara Jean and Peter have it in spades.
Watching these two fake being in a relationship — and seeing how easy it was for them to pretend — was almost as satisfying as watching them come to that dawning realization that they had fallen for each other for real. It was the little moments — the conversations at the diner following the party and Peter’s house — and the big moments — the hot tub, phew! — that showcased just how unique their connection is, which is a testament to both the characters and the actors.
Even after Lara Jean and Peter got together — taking things from pretend to real — you could feel that connection through the pages of the book or the screen of the movie. When these two are in a scene or on screen, you have to stop and take it all in. They’re just that special.
They’re able to talk about the important stuff
When it comes to relationships, attraction will only get you so far. If there’s nothing below the surface, the relationship isn’t going to last. Luckily for Lara Jean and Peter, they were able to establish a friendship from the start. Which allowed them to feel comfortable and able to be vulnerable with each other in a way that haven’t been able to do with others.
Life is difficult, and everyone faces difficulties in their lives. And keeping those emotions bottled up inside is never good. Sometimes, you need to let it out. But finding the person — or people — that you feel confident is being vulnerable with can be difficult. It was great to see just how comfortable Lara Jean and Peter felt with each other that they could open up in this way.
Early on in their journey, it was wonderful to see Lara Jean and Peter open up to each other. But more importantly, it was everything to watch them both really listen and consider what the other was saying. So many times people listen to talk — as they’re already thinking about their response. But not enough people listen to understand — where they consider everything the other is saying. Lara Jean and Peter have that, and there’s a genuine care and understanding that comes with their heartfelt and vulnerable conversations.
They’re not perfect, but their love is pure
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in life, it’s that nothing or no one is perfect. Things can be difficult, people can be selfish, and feelings can get hurt. Sometimes it feels like we’re spinning out of control with no semblance of stability. But then, other times, we feel like we’re on top of the world, that we can’t be touched. We feel pure happiness, and that’s the power of love.
No love story is perfect. And if that’s what someone’s trying to sell you, they’re being unrealistic. Love is love because it takes work. It doesn’t always come easy, and it’s those moments of struggle that really fortify and test your love for someone. The same goes with Lara Jean and Peter, who we’ve seen have both had moments that have tested their relationship with each other.
But, ultimately, their love is strong enough to endure. They love each other despite their flaws and despite their difficulties. It’s what makes them so easy to root for, so easy to love.
