T.’s Reviews > Better Than People > Status Update
T.
is on page 2 of 7
as someone with social anxiety, who was super quiet as a kid and got called shy just like Simon, i'm feeling weird about the portrayal of his social anxiety in this book... it's just so extreme and he has no support, which makes it a bit painful to read [listen to], and of course Jack is the super nice, understanding person who surprises Simon by not being a dick, but—
— Dec 30, 2021 01:13PM
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T.
is on page 4 of 7
OH and not to mention that after so much time is spent emphasizing the extremity of Simon's anxiety, he gets close to and trusts Jack unrealistically quickly. like listen my anxiety is not nearly as bad as simon's and i'm on meds for it, but i would not be feeling comfortable around someone after that little interaction. it's like we're just given highlight scenes but aren't actually seeing them build a relationship.
— Dec 30, 2021 01:25PM
T.
is on page 3 of 7
okay so apparently Simon is on meds for anxiety?? but there's no indication they make a difference. it's just mentioned and passed over. and i just feel like simon is somewhat infantilized, and jack finding it hot that he's sexually inexperienced is just kind of skeevy... OH and the book is doing the "romantic love saves simon from his sad life" thing. >.> but on the plus side, i love simon's grandma
— Dec 30, 2021 01:17PM
T.
is on page 2 of 7
and like... jack has multiple things going on in his life besides simon. simon only has jack and social anxiety.
— Dec 30, 2021 01:14PM
T.
is on page 2 of 7
--that relationship dynamic isn't appealing to me, i guess. like, i don't think simon is in the best place for a romantic relationship right now, i think he needs other types of support like friends/therapy/medication in order to get in a better place first. and having jack be the One Person Who is Kind to Simon feels like it's setting up for a sort of savior dynamic in the relationship?? idk it's just uncomfy to me
— Dec 30, 2021 01:13PM
