I dont think the relationship between novels and realities are one to one. Of course novels play different roles. Its essentially just a long narrative form. What you use that long narrative form for can be very different. – Margaret Atwood
Ive always gone out with much younger guys. But I rushed into relationships before really getting to know the person. What would come up as a warning sign within the first two weeks of dating would usually be the exact reason the relationship would end! – Carrie Ann Inaba