Forgiveness is one of Buffy's most admirable traits but she forgives to a fault, oftentimes, at her own expense. It's weird though - some people hate her for not forgiving enough, (read: Spike mostly) other people hate her for being too forgiving. Girl can't catch a break no matter what she does. *hugs Buffy*
Most of the series the characters did ignore problems or made excuses for each other.
To be fair, btvs is a coming of age story and the kids in it had really shitty role models. Which is actually part of why I love it, because it feels real to me; I understand dysfunctional family dynamics because I grew up in situations I wouldn't wish on anybody. And you can only practice what you are modelled, esp at the age these kids are. And they are kids it's easy to forget that; but if there's anything I know, it's that age doesn't teach most people a thing.
Even then she gave in because she couldn't stand to be apart from her.
And I've seen that and lived that so often in real life: friends who keep going back to one another, couples who should break up but find reasons not to.
Willow and Xander both did horrible things to the people they loved. Buffy gave them passes because she loved them.
But also she was afraid of losing them, of being alone and isolated, that was her #1 fear (Nightmares), which makes S7 especially painful and ironic. Dead Man's Party is an episode people hate but it's pretty important, because it's made clear to Buffy just how conditional her friends love and support is. And that continues through the series. Her self-confidence is eroded over the years. Yes, she loves them, but it's a double-edged sword. She loves Giles, and he abandons her when he KNOWS she's in need, she's actually asked for help. Again, damned if she does damned if she doesn't.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-07-24 01:33 am (UTC)Most of the series the characters did ignore problems or made excuses for each other.
To be fair, btvs is a coming of age story and the kids in it had really shitty role models. Which is actually part of why I love it, because it feels real to me; I understand dysfunctional family dynamics because I grew up in situations I wouldn't wish on anybody. And you can only practice what you are modelled, esp at the age these kids are. And they are kids it's easy to forget that; but if there's anything I know, it's that age doesn't teach most people a thing.
Even then she gave in because she couldn't stand to be apart from her.
And I've seen that and lived that so often in real life: friends who keep going back to one another, couples who should break up but find reasons not to.
Willow and Xander both did horrible things to the people they loved. Buffy gave them passes because she loved them.
But also she was afraid of losing them, of being alone and isolated, that was her #1 fear (Nightmares), which makes S7 especially painful and ironic. Dead Man's Party is an episode people hate but it's pretty important, because it's made clear to Buffy just how conditional her friends love and support is. And that continues through the series. Her self-confidence is eroded over the years. Yes, she loves them, but it's a double-edged sword. She loves Giles, and he abandons her when he KNOWS she's in need, she's actually asked for help. Again, damned if she does damned if she doesn't.