Is Sheldon and Amy's Relationship Really as Toxic as TBBT Fans Suggest?
A huge TBBT can of worms has been opened on Reddit with fans discussing the notion that Sheldon and Amy's relationship was toxic.
While anyone who has seen the show would certainly agree their relationship was unusual, even unconventional, is it going too far to call it toxic? Or are people correct in this assertion? Let's examine the examples provided of the alleged toxicity in Sheldon and Amy's relationship.
Firstly, the issue of sex.
Fans pitied Amy for her constant horniness and Sheldon's refusal to give in. Even when he finally did, the arrangement was once a year on her birthday. Sure, he was more willing to engage on the honeymoon, but it was on a rigid schedule that killed the romance.
But is his general lack of interest in sex toxic?
Consider when Sheldon and Amy first met. She was the one who ruled out sex within the first thirty seconds of their association. Should Sheldon be blamed because she later changed her mind?
It is well established that Sheldon struggles with any form of physical contact, and Amy chooses to be with him regardless.
Secondly, Sheldon attempting to ruin some of Amy's favourite things after she "ruined" Raiders of the Lost Ark for him.
Okay, this was not the best behaviour. But does anyone remember when they had this very conversation? When Amy realised what he was trying to do, she explained to him that it was not acceptable behaviour and that in future, she wished for him to come to her if he was upset about something. He explained that he was applying behaviour learned from his parents and agreed he would correct this moving forward.
Thirdly, Sheldon choosing to get his photo taken with Santa as a Christmas present for Amy, knowing they had agreed not to exchange gifts.
His goal was to make her feel guilty for not having a gift for him and therefore wreck any future chances of her wanting to celebrate Christmas with him again. This backfired spectacularly when it was soon revealed that Amy had indeed arranged a present in the form of making his Mee-Maw's Christmas cookies for him. And led to one of the most heartfelt and touching moments in their relationship.
It is well known in TBBT that Sheldon is a difficult character.
He struggled with many forms of social normality that most of us take for granted. And when it comes to his relationships, including with his friends and family, he faces challenges not encountered by most people.
Amy knew this from the moment she met him, and his behaviour did not escalate at any point. He remained who he was and even softened due to her influence over time. She helped him to embrace love and romance and helped him change for the better.
Looking at their relationship in its entirety, it is not toxic. Because neither person is doing anything to intentionally harm or distress the other. They are just two very unusual people who found love with each other and experienced their own unique challenges in doing so.