* Avoid one-dimensional characters. The characters shouldn’t be idealized or perfect, otherwise they won’t be believable. * Avoid writing a plot that revolves around “love at first sight.” * Avoid stereotyping characters. * A plot that involves an “evil other woman” could come across as stereotyping women negatively; steer clear of this sort of love triangle. * Similarly, a female character who is “too busy to have to time for love” could come across as a negative stereotype about working women. * Avoid having the plot revolve entirely around the love story. (Adding sub-plots that show the characters in other situations will help add depth to the story.) * Avoid creating unrealistic interactions between your characters. In real life, romance involves a certain amount of mess, embarrassment, and funny moments; don’t edit this out of the love story you’re writing. * Don’t use language that is too cheesy; stay away from words like “passion” and “yearning” in the story. Focus on the plot and on your characters, to try to have the emotion come across as more genuine.