A woman shares how watching the first season of the television series Euphoria helped her find the courage to pursue a romantic relationship with her best friend.

A woman from Stockholm credits the first season of the television show Euphoria with helping her realize her feelings for her best friend, Ellen. The two, who were 17 at the time and part of the same friend group, had been close since their first year of high school. Inspired by the show's depiction of queer relationships, the author eventually acted on her feelings, leading to a romantic partnership that has lasted for six years.

The influence of Euphoria

The author, who was raised in a liberal household in Stockholm, initially assumed she was straight and feared that pursuing a romantic connection with Ellen would damage their friendship. She found resonance in the first season of Sam Levinson’s Euphoria, specifically the relationship between the characters Rue, played by Zendaya, and Jules, played by Hunter Schafer. She noted that the show’s portrayal of their connection felt complex and relatable, particularly regarding the blurring lines between platonic and romantic love. She also highlighted the show's approach to sexuality, noting that it lacked traditional coming-out scenes and instead presented queerness as a liberating experience. This depiction provided the encouragement she needed to initiate a romantic move with Ellen, which was reciprocated.

Building a life together

Following their initial romantic encounter, the couple took time to navigate the transition from best friends to a couple. Over the subsequent six years, they have built a life together centered on shared interests such as reading and movie nights. While the author found the first season of the show instrumental in her personal journey, she noted that she did not enjoy the grimmer tone of the later seasons and was unable to finish the final run.