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How Do We Relationship? #1

How Do We Relationship?, Vol. 1

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Shy Miwa has always dreamed of finding love, but living in small-town Japan made finding the right match difficult—especially since she likes girls! Even going away to college didn’t seem to help, until one day her outgoing classmate Saeko suggests they might as well start dating each other since it’s not like either of them has other options.

At first it seems like things won't work out as their personalities clash and misunderstandings abound. But when their casual friendship starts to become something more, Miwa begins to wonder—can a pragmatic proposal lead to true love?

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2019

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3827 people want to read

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Tamifull

16 books70 followers

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5 stars
1,172 (36%)
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1,308 (40%)
3 stars
581 (18%)
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30 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
Profile Image for destiny ♡ howling libraries.
2,005 reviews6,205 followers
May 8, 2020
Coming from someone who genuinely enjoyed this manga, it's probably fair to say you should know what you're going into before picking it up. How Do We Relationship? isn't your typical new adult romance; in fact, the author's note at the end even explains how Tamifull intentionally wanted to write something very different from the norm by depicting two women who get into a relationship before falling for one another.

Instead of having a lot of sweet, caring moments or angsty revelations, this first volume relies heavily on showcasing how people can work through disagreements or conflicts in relationships, with a lot of those conflicts revolving around the dynamic of two people who have very different views on sex. Saeko is active and very, er, physically motivated (heh), while Miwa is new to this entire aspect of life and wants to move slowly.

While the words aren't used on page, it's evident that Miwa has a lot of inner conflict surrounding trying to decide if she's asexual or not, and in the end, it appears that she may be demisexual (I'm very curious to see if we'll see this label used in future volumes). While there are definitely some acephobic comments made, they're more or less challenged, and Saeko is forced to recognize that sometimes compromises need to be made when people don't feel the same way about their sexuality in a relationship. I personally thought it was all very true to life, which might honestly make it tough for some readers to enjoy, but I liked that Tamifull didn't really pull punches.

Aside from aaaaall of that, the artwork is super cute, the characters are fun, and I enjoyed it a lot. I'll definitely be continuing the series!

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
4,337 reviews69 followers
October 13, 2021
This is one of those books that I respect and appreciate without actually liking. I love how it doesn't treat a lesbian relationship any differently than a heterosexual one - that's pretty uncommon in yuri (and BL, for that matter) manga. I also like how it deals with both women's insecurities and allows them both to be valid. But I find that I really dislike Saeko, and that's a pretty big hurdle in a romance. I can't quite see her and Miwa having a healthy relationship. Maybe that's going to be the point. I guess I'll find out.
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,250 reviews6,430 followers
May 1, 2022
This was a solid Yuri title. I didn’t realize that we were going to get not only the backstory of Miss and Saeko, but also the timeline of their relationship. I’ve loved getting the chance to how they met, how they got together, and the ups and downs they faced once they got together. There were many aspects of their relationship that felt realistic to me as a reader which made me enjoy the story more. This one is text heavy, but it made me feel like readers were getting the opportunity to truly get to know the characters and understand the dynamics of their relationship. I could this series possibly going in a direction that I won’t love but I’ll have to wait and see.
Profile Image for Geoff.
994 reviews130 followers
June 2, 2020
A really sweet, slightly sexy manga about a budding college-age lesbian relationship and what happens *after* the relationship starts. There's a meet cute, but where a RomCom would spend the whole time exploring how the couple gets together, this focuses on the exploration, bumps, and milestones of relationships. The main characters are engaging and make an interesting couple and the supporting characters are well fleshed out and fun. I've never read a manga about a lesbian relationship before, but it turns out there's a whole genre of it (called yuri), and I like how issues of coming out, discomfort in public, and discovering oneself are handled. Sweet and worth reading.

**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,400 reviews284 followers
August 29, 2020
Saeka is open and lusty. Miwa is shy and reserved. These closeted college students meet cute and decide they should date when they luck into realizing they both happen to be attracted to other women. But now they need to back up and figure out minor things like whether they even like each other, sex, and coming out.

In the afterword, the author notes that a lot of yuri romance manga come to an end when the characters finally realize their true feelings and decide to start dating. Tamifull wants to explore the real relationship work and anxieties that come after the characters have their first kiss, but with a generous dollop of humor.

Romantic and funny, if a bit absurd at times, I like the energy and already have a library hold on the second volume scheduled to release this December.
Profile Image for John Wiswell.
Author 69 books1,032 followers
October 16, 2024
A simple but very cute queer dating story. The art is particularly endearing.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,203 followers
March 7, 2022
SUPER Cute and really fun.

You have two main characters here, Miwa and Saeko. And they are just trying to figure out this dating thing. It's nice that they kind of skip the whole "will they won't they" dating thing. Saeko and Miwa start dating right away and while Saeko has experience dating both male and female, this is all pretty new to Miwa. You get hints of the past for both, some mystery there, while also some great situations where the characters have to be understanding of their partners needs while also respecting their boundaries.

It's really cute how they interact. It helps the side cast from Mikkun, Lucha, Tsuruta and more are all really great additions that add to the conversations and stories. I love that they talk normally, with some really funny lines, and also sexy moments when they do finally get it on.

Overall, I'm def into this series, and can't wait to read more. A 4 out of 5.
Profile Image for Rereader.
1,444 reviews208 followers
October 13, 2020
It pains me to give this such a low rating because I've been DYING to read this since I ordered it, but this was really disappointing.

What drew me to this series was lesbians dating in college because most yuri either has school-age protagonists or working-adult protagonists, so reading about a couple in college sounded great. And I will say, the college experience and dating challenges are represented really well. In fact, that and the hardships and struggles gay people go through are the best aspects of this volume. That would be because the romance is easily the weakest element and for a ROMANCE manga, that's pretty bad.

First and foremost, Miwa and Saeko have zero chemistry. I get that this is started out as a "dating out of convenience" scenario, but still. Even as they started working through their problems, I didn't feel like they were a couple; in fact, if I was an outsider observing all this, I would think their friends with boundary issues. Speaking of which, one of the biggest issues I have with this pairing is that Saeko shows little restraint with Miwa and only stops when Miwa asks her to. Which Miwa does. A LOT. You'd THINK that Saeko would put two and two together and realize, "hey, Miwa seems uncomfortable when I do this. Maybe I should ASK her if it okay rather than just assume it is cuz we're dating". To her credit, Saeko does ask a couple of times, but that's usually followed by Miwa looking distinctly uncomfortable but going along with it because she doesn't want to her Saeko's feelings. Yeah, that's not a healthy start to a relationship, folks.

Not that Miwa isn't to blame for any of this, though. I understand that this is her first relationship, but if Saeko's doing something that bothers her, she should use her big girl words and say, "hey, that makes me uncomfortable," and actually TALK about this in a CIVILIZED DIALOGUE rather than just sputtering incoherently, getting flustered, and going along with it until the inevitable fight occurs. And when it does, it DRAGS ON for FUCKING EVER. I finally got fed up with it and started skimming towards the end cuz I just didn't give a fuck.

Okay, rant over. So, would I recommend this? To a certain degree, yes. Considering how popular it is on Goodreads, obviously I'm in the minority here. I'm sure most people will enjoy this more than I did and I hope they do. That being said, I won't be continuing with the series which is truly a shame because I was really looking forward to this, but it really disappointed me.
Profile Image for Danika at The Lesbrary.
712 reviews1,665 followers
March 9, 2021
Because they have this contrived beginning to their relationship, they take nothing for granted, which I really liked. They have frank discussions about their relationship--and particularly about sex. I'm used to yuri manga that has a lot of blushing and hand-holding and meaningful glances. This is one of the few that I've read that has sex scenes, and they don't feel like fan service or the male gaze to me. Whether it's in sex or conversations, I appreciated that they're often realistically awkward. This is not a romanticized relationship: they are both complex, flawed people, but they are trying to improve.

Overall, if you like yuri manga, I highly recommend this series! I'm excited to see queer manga become more common: series that deal with real-life LGBTQ issues and not just subtext or schoolgirl stories.

Full review at the Lesbrary.
Profile Image for Jillian -always aspiring-.
1,870 reviews534 followers
June 12, 2020
2020 Read #460

This was wonderful! I love, love, LOVE the representation of lesbian women who clumsily fall into dating after meeting in college and joining a band. I’m not a lesbian myself, but I really appreciated that these women felt much more realistic in their characterizations than the female characters we usually see in yuri manga. It was just really great, and I hope volume 2 is just as good!
Profile Image for lacy the bookish turtle.
64 reviews81 followers
June 29, 2021
This got me laughing and wishing for a relationship in all of its chapters. I love the art style, it feels bubbly and cute. I can't wait to read more about their relationships and experience their firsts with them.
Profile Image for pears ✧ ☽ ☼ ଳ.
269 reviews19 followers
August 8, 2025
I think my expectations were just too high or something bc this was kinda disappointing 😭
I don’t think it was awful, tbh I just found the characters annoying (mainly Saeko LMAO sorry)
I don’t think I’ll continue this series😭
Profile Image for annie.
381 reviews70 followers
February 24, 2025
the premise of “hey we’re both gay and there are no other romantic options available so let’s fling ourselves into a relationship even though we’re not even sure we like each other just cuz lol XD,” is not a very romantic one, but it makes for a unique yuri plotline. The art is immensely satisfying, especially the ways it shows physical intimacy and fashion sense! I don’t know how they are going to drag this plot out for so many more volumes but as of now, I am entertained.
Profile Image for Emily M.
583 reviews62 followers
May 11, 2025
A cute not-at-all-slowburn yuri that is wholesome with a bit of spice!

Slice-of-life isn’t always my cup of tea, but this was a lot of fun! The description of the premise left me with the impression that this was a “we can’t find anyone else so we might as well date each other” thing - but that isn’t accurate! Miwa finds Saeko charming if a little unsettlingly impulsive right away, while Saeko immediately decided Miwa was hot…so the fact that they decide to date as soon as the mutual “I’m a lesbian” confession happens isn’t any more odd or awkward than a “Oh, you’re actually single? Well, then…” moment would be.

By getting rid of the “will they, won’t they date” bit, Tamifull gets to dive into the details of figuring out a new relationship, like communication glitches or the likely fact that each person may have different ideas of how fast things should progress or when to tell friends and family, etc.

Speaking of whom…I adore how supportive their friends and Saeko’s mom are! A little chaotically so, at times, but they mean well and it is quite heartwarming.


We end off on a bit of a spicy cliff hanger, so I’m glad I picked up volume 2 as well…
Profile Image for lux.
238 reviews73 followers
March 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ ngl...... i loved this...it was perfect brainrot material...,
Profile Image for Nina.
1,123 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2022
A buddy-read with my friend Leah! And recommended by Dean. Super adorable (even though my copy has a printing error! But we fixed it!) Just perfect and wholesome.
Profile Image for deborah.
833 reviews69 followers
September 27, 2022
Thoroughly charming first volume! I love the dynamic between Miwa and Saeko and I’m already rooting for them :3 It’s also just enjoyable to read a yuri manga where the main relationship is established right from the start instead of a multiple volume build to that point; I haven’t read many like that so this is a nice change of pace.
Profile Image for Des Fox.
1,082 reviews20 followers
June 14, 2025
Super cute and delightful, with great characters and an atypical setup that puts our couple together immediately. This is what I'm here for, so happy there's lots of it!
Profile Image for Mark.
2,814 reviews273 followers
June 11, 2020
Why does the story always stop when they start dating? Tamifull makes this salient point in the author’s notes and, indeed, the mission statement of How Do We Relationship? is to find the story where a lot of authors (manga or otherwise, honestly) cannot - in the lives of two people who have ended up together and what comes next.

Miwa is a shy, inexperienced lesbian on a college campus (yay for underused settings); Saeko is her far more boisterous friend with plenty of notches in her belt. Once they discover they both like girls, they decide to move from friendship to dating and they live happily ever after...

...like that would happen. How do you deal with a partner who’s vastly more inexperienced than you? How do you deal with a partner who has so much experience that you feel pressured and inadequate? What if your partner doesn’t like sex? These are ALL things that can happen in many relationships (I’ve been the Miwa and I have definitely been the Saeko, they both have problems) and seeing them addressed here in such smart fashion is fantastic.

I love when a manga even acknowledges the possibility that asexuality exists and I also love when yuri manga includes heterosexuals so it doesn’t seem like they’ve been locked up in a separate universe (this one goes even farther by suggesting that, yes, some lesbians have slept with men and that is just fine and not a big deal).

Make no mistake, bad choices are made and lessons are learned. Miwa’s issues turn her into a colossal pain in the ass because of how badly she deals with them, but as Saeko points out that doesn’t mean she likes Miwa less - she knew she could be a pain in the ass and accepts her as she is. Saeko is a slob and can overshare, but her heart is in the right place. These two care for one another and it shows even when they’re fighting.

And it’s not like Saeko is perfect - I loved how the story points out that just because you have experience doesn’t make you an expert at things. In Saeko’s case, some of those experiences have definitely had a negative effect on her and it’s very smart of the author to depict that.

The art has this weird Case Closed/Detective Conan vibe that I just loved - Miwa is a cool, collected beauty while Saeko is five steps from being a cartoon and the style suits them both perfectly. That said, Saeko’s internalized reaction shots steal the show - every one is utterly adorable. Random aside - why are aquariums catnip for yuri manga?

HDWR? is a really good yuri manga. However, more than that, it’s an excellent romance manga. There’s a lot of truth here that applies to any relationship and I appreciate it having both the diversity of sexuality (make no mistake, the specifics of a lesbian relationship get their due too) alongside situations that a lot of people, regardless of gender identity, can relate to. This one’s a keeper.

Update - I originally gave this four stars, but on reflection it deserves five just because of how well written it is. From its casual sexiness to its depictions of a couple growing closer it’s honestly better than the sum of its parts.
Profile Image for Mercedez.
130 reviews24 followers
December 13, 2020
How Do We Relationship? Vol. 1 is a really, really excellent Yuri manga about two girls deciding to date and falling in love along the way. Its presentation of sapphic and queer women feels genuine, and the relationship between leads Miwa and Saeko feels authentic to reality. Not only does the manga depict sexuality in a quite frank and very earnest light, it also depicts female desire -especially romantic and sexual desire- in a way that feels true to life for those who engage with sex and romance, especially in the case of cisgender wlw.

Tamifull has done a wonderful job with the story, as has the English translation and localization team. Abby Lerke’s translation is stellar, and the title choice is just *chef’s kiss* superb. This is definitely a manga that all Yurijin should be engaging with, and hopefully, raving about. It’s just. that. GOOD! I can definitely say that this earned every star, even though naturally, there were some hiccups here and there. Still, How Do We Relationship? Vol. 1 is easily my Yuri Manga of the Year: it’s more than earned that.

Read My Full Review Here: https://bit.ly/2LqwDIt
Profile Image for Nore.
834 reviews48 followers
August 20, 2020
This was so cute! The art was such a joy to look at - it's nearly retro, very similar to late-90s manga with the overwrought expressions, but clean and modern looking, and the artist has a great handle on panel layouts. (My only complaint: The occasional tiny baby hand.)

The developing relationship between Miwa and Saeko felt organic every step of the way, despite the forced nature of their hooking up, and their struggles came across as natural. Some parts were actually funny enough that I laughed out loud, which is rare for me. I really look forward to reading the next volumes.
Profile Image for Mayo.More.
106 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
Felt like it was written by man excited about lesbians. That's all. Kinda unnatural, and annoying that author was aware of that, but still made it that way. I guess i just gotta accept that ... maybe was part of character development - to show how one of the girls rushes too much. Overall it was kinda boring. Won't read the second book.
Profile Image for Houston.
73 reviews
August 30, 2025
“How do girls do it with each other?”
*SMACK*
“None of that, now!!”

I want nothing but the best for these two. Hopefully it stays that way.

Not sure why, but I really gravitate towards rom-com manga. It’s a great medium for the exaggerated emotions/reactions that are staples of the genre.

Props to my local library for spotlighting this as part of their manga display.
Profile Image for Lou (Lou and Life).
738 reviews1,531 followers
June 17, 2020
Advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this manga because I was intrigued by the cover. I'm so glad that I did because this story is super duper cute. In the beginning, I was taken aback by the sex scene, but then the story proved to be a super cute coming of age romance between two girls at university/college. You see the relationship between Miwa and Saeko begin and how their relationship develops and the obstacles that they have to overcome being gay, with coming out to family, and friends. I really loved the way their relationship was explored. In the beginning, it's quite casual but by the end they do like each other and it was really nice to see the friends and family be supportive. I'm so excited to read the next volume! I also liked the chapter at the end where the author explains that she wanted to write a manga on a relationship, and not end a manga when the characters get together.

I would highly recommend this manga. The only thing I would say is that this manga does have an 16+ rating due to the sexual content. I loved how cute this manga was and how it tackles the topics of being in a gay relationship. I can't wait to see what happens next and read more from this author!
Profile Image for Hanii Aburame.
273 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
This may be the best LGBTQ+ manga out there!

What happens when two friends realize they're both lesbians? They date, obviously. While that may seem absurd on the surface, there is so much heart and love in this relationship that it works out great for reserved Miwa and outgoing Saeko.

The different struggles couples have to go through, jealousy, why do they like me, am I being a pain, when is the right time for the "next step." And it gives an extra kick with the LGBTQ+ element of, is it ok to tell this person we're dating, how will they react to me dating a girl, will we be outed, and so forth.

Everything is illustrated beautifully and it's great that the side characters get chapters from their point of view, so we not only see the main couple's struggles and successes, but we also get closer to their friends, and see how they feel in their life. Oh, and did I mention there's a music club? I had no idea that there was a music element to this book which just makes it an even more incredible read.

I love this series so much! I'd recommend this series to anyone who'll listen, but especially folks that like romance, realistic couples and storylines, slice of life genre, and a comfort read with some drama.

Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy_Bookish_Otaku
Profile Image for Shae.
3,221 reviews354 followers
July 1, 2020
This Yuri title is really sweet!

I love the dynamic between our ladies, and the fact that they take their time in the relationship. They don't just jump into bed with each other. They take some time to get to know one another, and explore some actual relationship dynamics before they do that. Having it be college girls made it fun to read as well.

I love the supporting cast of the band members a lot in this one. It added another element to the story where they had a group of friends that they needed to "come out" to and thankfully, they were accepting of it.

Giving us some back story on Saeko, and why she has a hard time being out publicly with Miwa was really refreshing, as it feels very realistic! I'm excited to see where the relationship between these two ladies progresses to!
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