According to TV and the movies and all the most popular novels a happy ending requires that the hero/heroine of the story hooks up with their one true love at the finish. This is the dominant narrative of Western culture. Think Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy or Bella and Edward. Even Katniss ends up with (spoiler alert) Peeta at the finish. Almost every story suggests that you’re only going to live happily ever after if you’re partnered.

But I (and the Nine of Pentacles card) would like to politely disagree. Continue reading →