The show's REAL love story: Ted and... Lily?

[da_phoenix13]

(This one's for idioticonion, who requested a Ted/Lily theory as research for her AU fic.)

Part of what makes HIMYM so enjoyable is observing the relationships that make up the show, both romantic and platonic. Over four seasons, we’ve all fallen in love with Marshall-and-Lily, Robin-and-Barney, Ted-and-Your-Mother, and so many others. But out of all 10

Comments

[spirillen]

Interesting read, thanks for posting!

I always thought that Ted had the more reason than Barney & Robin to be mad at Lily for moving to San Francisco. Partly because Lily wasn't that close to Barney at this stage (and of course Barney kind of expects women to leave him doesn't he?). She was probably closer to Robin, but Robin might possibly be more sympathetic to Lily's sudden flight as she could probably relate quite well to what was going on in Lily's mind.

Ted has also been her friend for much longer. Although clearly there is Lily and Marshall there is also a Lily-Marshall-Ted thing going on and Lily leaving effectively broke that up. Perhaps she assumed that Ted would (and perhaps should) take Marshall's side and support Marshall but that decision effectively did not give Ted a choice, which he might have wanted to have.

Ted and Lily would make a great couple though - I like your assessment of how much they have in common. And I can't see Ted ending up with someone Lily didn't get on with.

Ted totally bases his relationship dream on Lily and Marshall's relationship. Which is actually part of his problem because
a) he is basing his dreams on a long and well established relationship which takes a long time to build
b) Lily and Marshall were (just about?) teenagers when they met - they have reached adulthood together and that is a completely different bond to have.

Oops, sorry for rambling on. I really enjoyed your analysis. You know, I think I have come across most pairings but never Ted & Lily (with the exception of Idioticonion's AU) - and yet they are quite strong contenders. Then again, who would want to hurt Marshall, he is adorable.