u/Proof-Product7662

I don't know if this has been discussed before or at least I've never seen it discussed widely - but Jaime became Cersei's side piece, fathered her bastards, and then basically got cucked when she started sleeping with other people. The difference is that Jaime gave up everything to be with Cersei: Casterly Rock, the possibility of a happy family, and trueborn children. He even wanted to run away with Cersei and the kids and marry her. I don't think she would've done the same if their roles were reversed.

Cole, on the other hand, was a lowborn knight whose only assets were his honor and his fighting skills. He proposed running away because he thought there was no other way to restore his dignity. Plus, in half of their interactions, Rhaenyra was whining about responsibilities and stuff. He was a bit delulu and idealistic. I don't even think he loved Rhaenyra that much. I think he was just having a mental breakdown.