So, the next time someone catches you sobbing into a pillow while watching a period drama or binging a romantic K-drama, don’t call it a guilty pleasure. Call it what it is: emotional athletics.

To understand the genre’s staying power, we must first dissect what separates a forgettable romance from a compelling romantic drama. Entertainment value is subjective, but the dramatic structure is scientific.

: This is the initial encounter. It should be memorable and instantly establish the dynamic between the characters.