Swipe Left on Shakespearean Dating Advice

Shakespeare wrote some of the greatest love stories of all time, but, if we’re honest, love did not run smooth for many of his most famous couples. Shakespeare’s romantic partnerships are often big on drama and, as a result, offer a wealth of cautionary tales for those looking for lasting love. So, if your love life feels like a tragedy let’s look for dating advice from some of Shakespeare’s iconic lovers.

Romeo & Juliet - Intensity shouldn’t be mistaken for intimacy

"Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow."

Arguably Shakespeare’s most famous lovers, but is theirs really a great love story or more a tale of impulsive stupidity? Romeo and Juliet meet at a party, fall in love, and marry - all within 24 hours. It’s passionate, dramatic, and ends in tragedy. And don’t forget that Romeo is madly in love was another young woman (Rosaline) at the beginning of the play! While Romeo and Juliet may be lauded as an exemplar of love’s young dream, they are also impulsive, and their attraction is based almost entirely on looks and poetry.

Advice: If someone wants to marry you after one party and a balcony scene, maybe you should slow things down. Chemistry is great, but real love needs time to grow. Oh, and if you’re planning on faking your own death in the name of true love, it might be a good idea to bring your other half in on the secret!

Macbeth & Lady Macbeth - Don’t be your partner’s enabler

"Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it."

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship is complex and evolves dramatically throughout the play. Initially, they appear to enjoy an equal partnership, with a strong emotional connection and shared ambitions (too much ambition as it turns out!) However, as the consequences of their actions unfold, their relationship deteriorates. Macbeth becomes more paranoid and secretive, and Lady Macbeth relies on emotional provocation, shame, and reframes coercion as encouragement and control as commitment. A situation that escalates quickly and ends very badly.

Advice: Be supportive of your partner’s dreams and ambitions, but not if those ambitions are destructive and harmful (to them or others). A strong relationship shouldn’t revolve around pushing each other to realise your worst impulses. If your pillow talk includes plotting a murder and you’re both suffering from guilt induced hallucinations, it’s time for serious therapy.

3. Othello & Desdemona - Jealousy is not love

"My lord, I never yet did hurt by chance; I am sure never a husband to betray."

Othello and Desdemona started as a strong couple, but one whisper from Iago and Othello unravels, trusting hearsay over his wife’s protestations of innocence. Rather than discussing his fears and concerns with her he goes straight to “smother her with a pillow.”

Advice: Trust and communication are the foundation of any healthy relationship. If you're more willing to believe gossip than have an honest conversation with your partner, the relationship is not going to last. Also, seek therapy for your jealousy issues before getting married.

4. Hamlet & Ophelia - Emotional distance is not depth

"I did love you once." 

Hamlet ghosts (literally) his responsibilities and rants about betrayal until Ophelia loses her mind. He is unavailable, inconsistent, and convinced that his internal turmoil excuses treating his girlfriend badly. Their relationship was basically one long spiral into mutual destruction, with Hamlet too busy looking for revenge to notice the woman in front of him, and Ophelia unable to set boundaries.

Advice: If your partner is emotionally unavailable, grieving in toxic silence, and treating you badly, it's okay to walk away. You are not their therapist. Compassion is good but not at the cost of self-erasure.

Beatrice and Benedick - The exception that proves the rule

"I do love nothing in the world so well as you"

In Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick talk. They argue, tease, listen, and eventually adjust their views of themselves and each other. No poisons. No murders. Minimal emotional manipulation.

Advice:  Mutual respect, wit, and growth never go out of style.

Shakespeare wrote unforgettable love stories, but some of his most famous couples are shining examples of what not to do in a healthy relationship. His characters confuse obsession with commitment, silence with depth, and suffering with meaning. Quote the sonnets to your lover, but if things veer towards murder, poison or tragedy, exit stage left sharply!