Who had right? Maybe both, maybe noone...

[buffymods2]

Y'all know how the Buffy/Riley relationship ended. This week's poll is mainly centered on the how of it . How two seemingly happy people broke up like that?
Have fun! :)

Your Mods,

Tabi and Pam

Comments

[spiletta42]

Buffy wasn't blameless when it comes to the problems in that relationship, and the responsibility for the fate of the world buys her only so much of a pass, but when someone in a relationship engages in dangerous behavior, the other party is always right to confront them.

Yes, Buffy was holding back emotionally in their relationship, but Riley lost all right to call her on it when instead of discussing their relationship issues openly and honestly, he instead went skulking off and involved himself in a self-destructive situation.

The fact that Riley loved Buffy more than Buffy loved Riley does not make Riley the victim. His actions are his own responsibility. Obviously, he got his act together and formed a healthy relationship with his next partner, while Buffy's next romantic entanglement was not the sanest choice ever, but in that specific story arc, Buffy belongs to the justified camp.

[crevanfox]

I came here to say exactly this. Only I wouldn't have been so eloquent, so I'll just second everything here.

[penny_lane_42]

Amen.

[artemis_ephesus]

Completely agree on all points. I chose "both were wrong", but when it comes down to it, Riley was still more wrong than Buffy. Even if it was only a little.

[angearia]

Amen. And I'll add that Buffy wasn't the only one being emotionally distant and not opening up. Riley was running around keeping his own counsel and feelings. The fact that he's holding back with her makes his blaming her incredibly hypocritical.

They were both holding back emotionally. Then Riley had an identity crisis and behaved recklessly and betrayed Buffy's trust.