Daphne and Simon’s relationship was built on miscommunication
Did anyone else find the lack of communication concerning in Daphne and Simon’s relationship?
I’ve noticed this particularly, since I’ve been rewatching the first season, as well as how unnatural and toxic their dynamic was portrayed at times. For example, the Daphne SA situation—tons of people staunchly channel blame onto Daphne for this predicament, and I agree that she was the perpetrator in this scene. Yet, here’s the thing. Daphne goes into her marriage in the dark about sex—just from a bigger perspective, you can see how this can breed coercion and assault for women entering the marriage market. Simon is aware of what sex is, therefore he can initiate it while simultaneously holding back his true intentions. Overall, the situation also seems to be a product of their situations, a lack of education but also a severe lack of communication.
It’s not even just the gap of knowledge on sex, though. The whole source of their conflict throughout the season can be traced to their juxtaposing views on life—Daphne values family and true love, while Simon hides himself and rejects familial traditions out of spite. It’s an interesting growth for both characters, but I feel like it was sometimes done in a really unnatural way. Simon is hesitant to court Daphne because he feels that she deserves better, and Daphne is left morose and shunned when Simon inevitably pulls back again and again. The first part of their connection is built upon friendship but also upon a performative, self-serving facade. For a big part of their time on the show, their connection felt sort of unconvincing/toxic to me.
Does anyone agree? Maybe I have a bias against them. Thought the first season is uniquely iconic, I honestly think their relationship was more toxic than people let on..though, what’s new?😭