Line #64 Main/ILoveyouBecauseICantControlYou


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9	[[quoteright:350:[[Webcomic/{{Bandette}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/he_didnt_care.jpg]]]]
10
11	->''"You are a hateful woman. You oppose me to the very end. But I shall forgive you. Some things are beautiful because they cannot be obtained."''
12	-->-- '''Gilgamesh''', ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight''
13
14	A person who, by [[CharmPerson intense charisma]], [[LovePotion magic]], [[LoveIsInTheAir science]], or mundane methods of seduction, is able to make everyone throw themselves at their feet; [[EvenTheGuysWantHim absolutely ]] [[EvenTheGirlsWantHer anyone]] [[StupidSexyFlanders they want]]. Then they find a true challenge when they meet another character who, [[CelibateHero for]] [[TooDumbToFool whatever]] [[AntiMagic reason]], is immune to their charms. In other words, this person has the power to ''choose'' the seducer of their own free will, and love them for who they are on the inside. ForbiddenFruit is also a factor since something [[WantingIsBetterThanHaving unattainable is naturally more desirable]].
15
16	If TheCasanova gets a LoveInterest, he will often fall for her because of this trope. This is often an explanation behind LadykillerInLove and implied in LoveAtFirstPunch. Contrast AllTakeAndNoGive. SubTrope of SomebodyDoesntLoveRaymond, ForbiddenFruit and NoChallengeEqualsNoSatisfaction. When the uncontrollable object [[IDidntMeanToTurnYouOn is not flattered by the attention]], she may be dealing with a PrinceCharmingWannabe. Also compare PowerDynamicsKink and RejectionAffection. Contrast ArousedByIdiocy, which involves someone being attracted to those who can't challenge them. If a character who ''claims'' to be this [[NotGoodWithRejection doesn't take being rejected well]], it's a romantic variant of ButNotTooChallenging.
17
18	----
19	!!Examples:
20	[[index]]
21	* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou/AnimeAndManga
22	* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou/FanWorks
23	* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou/{{Literature}}
24	* ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou/LiveActionTV
25	[[/index]]
26
27	[[foldercontrol]]
28
29	[[folder:Comic Books]]
30	* Franchise/{{Batman}}:
31	** Mega-ControlFreak Batman loves ComicBook/{{Catwoman}} partially because she's one of the few people who won't take it lying down.
32	** In some continuities, [[Characters/BatmanPoisonIvy Poison Ivy]] is shown to have feelings for Batman because he's the only man she can't control with her pheromones.
33	* Franchise/TheDCU: The latest Clock King is obsessed with Rose Wilson a.k.a. Ravager mostly because she has similar precognitive abilities that can counter his own powers.
34	* ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'': Leetah and Rayek's relationship in the early issues could easily be interpreted this way.
35	-->'''Rayek:''' I have asked you to be my lifemate. Any maiden here would say yes!\
36	'''Leetah:''' Then why pursue me, my arrogant one?\
37	'''Rayek:''' [[http://www.elfquest.com/comic_viewer.php?fd=/gallery/OnlineComics/OQ/OQ02/_Original%20ElfQuest%20-%202_page=14#_14# Because you are the only one worth having!]]
38	* ''ComicBook/{{Fables}}'': In ''Fairest'', Prince Charming tells Nalayani he has genuine feelings for her because she's unaffected by his charm. She replies "''What'' charm?"
39	* ''ComicBook/LokiAgentOfAsgard'': Loki becomes attracted to Verity Willis because [[LivingLieDetector she has the power to see through all forms of falsehood, including illusions,]] so fooling her is quite a challenge.
40	* In the ''ComicBook/{{Sillage}}'' comic ''The Collector'', a corrupt alien diplomat develops an obsession for Nävis in this way. He keeps a whole harem of his past conquests but obsesses over this one girl he cannot get. (He is a powerful telepath but HumansAreSpecial by not being psykers -- her mind is blank for him.) This develops into a genuine love that gives him what might qualify as a HeelFaceTurn. Although love is a strong word. He just toned down his obsession. It didn't stop him from [[StalkerWithACrush putting dozens of video cameras in her ship and robot friend to watch her all day.]]
41	* ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'': Gwen Stacy's attraction to Peter Parker started because he was the only guy she had ever met that didn't instantly fall at her feet and acted very disinterested and dismissive of her on their first day of college when they first met, which quickly made her very determined to get him to notice her. Little did she know that this wasn't because he wasn't or normally wouldn't be interested but because he had been running himself so ragged as both Spider-Man and Peter Parker the last several days that he could barely stay conscious much less hold a conversation at the time.
42	* ''ComicBook/XMen'':
43	** Jean Grey in the comics doesn't really seem to earn Wolverine's interest until she shouts him down. Every time she'd telekinetically clobber him and shout "I am no one's property!", it seemed to make him hotter for her. Pity every adaptation ever forgets that, having Logan fall for her [[LoveAtFirstSight the instant he first sees her.]]
44	** The ''ComicBook/UltimateMarvel'' adaptation has this as well. Wolverine underestimates Jean, she blasts him with {{Telekinesis}} and afterwards, he starts becoming more attracted to her and even [[spoiler:abandons his mission to kill Professor Xavier.]]
45	[[/folder]]
46
47	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
48	* ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast'':
49	** While Gaston says that the reason he fell for Belle is that she's the most beautiful girl in town, Belle also happens to be the only girl in town not taken in by him and her constant rejection of him clearly wounds his ego and only makes him even more determined to have her at ''any'' cost. It's made more explicit in the [[Film/BeautyAndTheBeast2017 2017 live-action remake]] where he explains to Lefou that "it's the ones who play hard to get that are always the sweetest prey."
50	** The Beast also starts to warm up to Belle after she refuses to obey and defer to him. Unlike Gaston, who views her refusal to submit as a challenge to break her to his will, the Beast is inspired by her behavior to be a better person.
51	* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Charming}},'' Prince Philippe is [[CursedWithAwesome cursed]] to be so [[PrinceCharming charming]] that every girl he meets instantly adores him; however, he's fully aware that this isn't actually "love." He falls for Leonore, who isn't affected by his curse.
52	[[/folder]]
53
54	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
55	* In ''Film/CasinoRoyale2006'', Film/JamesBond falls for Vesper Lynd because she's the only woman he's ever met who doesn't easily fall for his [[TheCharmer charms]].
56	* This is the premise of ''Film/ComingToAmerica''. Eddie Murphy's character, an African prince, wants to find a woman who would love him for who he is, not an ArrangedMarriage trained to obey him or a GoldDigger after his money.
57	* In the ''Film/FantasticFour2005'' movie, Victor Von Doom's assistant wonders, "Why Sue? You could have any other woman in the world." Victor quickly rejoins, "''That's'' why. Because I could have any other woman."
58	* ''Film/GroundhogDay'' pulls this with the lead character, Phil, who is stuck in a GroundHogDayLoop and can't get out. At one point he uses this to take advantage and convince a variety of beautiful women he loves them or he knew them by learning stuff about them, coming back the next day, and using this knowledge to seduce them. Since every day at 6 when he wakes up everything is reset, he can profess his love to a woman, sleep with her, and wake up without her ever realizing this had happened since technically it never did. This goes well for Phil with everyone he wants except Rita, his producer, whom he spends multiple weeks learning everything about her, and yet not one time does she sleep with him; actually they all end with him being slapped for his behavior. As would be expected, this is the one he falls for.
59	* Scott from ''Film/LoveBeforeBreakfast'' is accustomed to getting everything he wants, but the fact that Kay doesn't fall for his money or charms makes him want her even more.
60	* Inverted in ''Film/{{Next\|2007}}'', where the main character falls for the love interest because his powers work better on her than anyone else.
61	[[/folder]]
62
63	[[folder:Manhua]]
64	* In ''Manhua/GoddessCreationSystem'' Xiaxi exploits this to seduce playboy Mingyi. She needs him to fall in love with her but knows that if she shows any interest, has sex with him or even shows ''appreciation'' he'll end up losing interest. Instead, she puts on an attitude of quiet suffering while serving under him and acts as though she longs to return to his brother. His ego can't take it and he grows increasingly obsessed with making her his.
65	[[/folder]]
66
67	[[folder:Music]]
68	* Music/HoneyWorks' "Mean Encounter" from ''Music/ConfessionExecutiveCommitteeLoveSeries'' has this as its central premise. The singer is a typical teen playboy who fools around with girls and takes life in a lax manner, but only one person seriously dislikes him for it-- and that very same person is the only one that makes him start reconsidering his actions, leading to an honest romantic pursuit.
69	* "Crave You" by Flight Facilities revolves around this idea, too. "Why can't you want me like the other boys do?"
70	* Music/{{Kesha}}'s "Steven", a song where the narrator is a StalkerWithACrush (literally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk7vFBIm-kw according to the official video]]) features the following as its second verse:
71	-->''I've got guys waiting in a line\
72	For me to play my evil girly games\
73	With all their minds\
74	Just watch me\
75	I've got it down to a simple art\
76	Just bat my eyes like this\
77	And there's a broken heart\
78	But somehow\
79	you turned the tables\
80	what the hell?\
81	I can charm the pants off anyone else\
82	but you...''
83	* Music/DonMcLean's ''Everybody Loves Me Baby'' is a great example of this. "Everybody loves me, baby -- what's the matter with you?"
84	* Music/{{The Rolling Stones\|Band}}' "Ruby Tuesday" is all about this, a woman who lives only for the present ("yesterday don't matter if it's gone"), never stays in one place for long, and can't really be obtained by anyone.
85	[[/folder]]
86
87	[[folder:Myths & Religion]]
88	* OlderThanDirt: Myth/MesopotamianMythology has the story ''Literature/NergalAndEreshkigal'', where Ereshkigal falls in love with a god who has disrespected her emissary and abandoned her despite her seduction.
89	* In Christian theology, this is essentially why God gave humans free will. He wants people to choose a relationship with him, rather than being simple automatons compelled to obey. (Granted, [[FireAndBrimstoneHell the alternative]] is pretty harsh.)
90	[[/folder]]
91
92	[[folder:Podcasts]]
93	* Subverted in ''Podcast/TheBrightSessions'', where CharmPerson Damien isn't remotely attracted to Chloe, who cannot be compelled by him, but is obsessed with Mark because his PowerCopying means they will both be able to compel others and so can relate to each other.
94	* ''Podcast/MetamorCity'':
95	** In one story John the incubus finds himself falling for a noblewoman he was assigned to seduce, but who is able to resist his abilities. [[spoiler: It turns out she's a daughter of the goddess of love, and John is notably crushed after the assignment ends and he has to leave her.]]
96	** In a bit of an inversion, Kate starts dating John when she discovers she's ImmuneToMindControl and realizes that her infatuation with him when they first met wasn't just his incubus powers.
97	** Morgan was reluctant to address her feelings for Kate after becoming a vampire due to her domination gaze, especially as Kate was apparently straight. [[spoiler: When she finally tells her just before a dangerous mission, Kate has Morgan look her directly in the eyes to demonstrate that her gaze doesn't affect her. They start a polyamorous relationship shortly after.]]
98	* ''Podcast/WoodenOvercoats'': Marlene Magdelena is [[WhipOfDominance domineering, carries a whip, and isn't afraid to use it to intimidate... everybody]]. Georgie finds this [[CasualKink impossibly sexy]] and turns into a [[GibberishOfLove babbling, smitten mess every time they're in the same room together]], but Marlene barely notices her. What she ''does'' notice is when Antigone finally gets sick of her [[PrimaDonnaDirector behavior]] and tells her off -- prompting Marlene to fall head-over-heels. [[YouHaveGotToBeKiddingMe Neither Georgie nor Antigone can quite believe this]].
99	[[/folder]]
100
101	[[folder:Theatre]]
102	* In ''Theatre/MyFairLady'', Prof. Higgins realizes his attraction to Eliza only when she leaves him and declares that she doesn't need him.
103	%%* Solveig is this to Peer in ''Theatre/PeerGynt''.
104	* Mrs Lovett to Theatre/SweeneyTodd. She's consistently portrayed as being very attractive. Preskett Prest, author of the original book, in particular waxes lyrical about how captivating she is to the men that visit her shop and most adaptations go with that and make her very flirty but Sweeney is largely immune to her charms or incapable of having a real relationship with her. Or else he mercilessly uses her as a pawn in his plotting...
105	* It's possible to interpret ''Theatre/TheTamingOfTheShrew'' like this, with Kate being impressed that she is unable to frighten away Petruchio (YMMV of course). This is the approach taken in ''Film/TenThingsIHateAboutYou''.
106	-->'''Kat:''' Why would you care if I never woke up again?\
107	'''Patrick:''' Because then I'd have to start taking out girls who actually liked me.\
108	'''Kat:''' Like you could find any.\
109	'''Patrick:''' Now see, right there, [[BelligerentSexualTension who needs affection when you have blind hatred]]?
110	** The inverse is also true for the movie -- Patrick grows to love Kat because she's not afraid of or especially impressed by him, unlike most of the student body.
111	[[/folder]]
112
113	[[folder:Video Games]]
114	* In ''VideoGame/{{AFK Arena}}'', Mehira, nicknamed "the Mind Cager", is a [[SuccubiAndIncubi succubus]] who's so effective at making mortals bow to her charms, preying on their most subconscious desires that they may not even know about themselves, that the only reason she hasn't ensnared the majority of Esperia's population is that she finds it [[NoChallengeEqualsNoSatisfaction too easy and boring]]. Then she met the Lightbearer demon hunter Fawkes, who was able to resist her magic and counterattack. Being FauxAffablyEvil, it's very highly doubtful that she ''likes'' him, but she's at the very least excited and fascinated at finally encountering a WorthyOpponent.
115	* Implied to be behind Haytham's feelings for Ziio in ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedIII''. As a Templar, Haytham is totally obsessed with control; although their relationship was happy enough, if brief, Ziio's deepest worry about their son is that he might have inherited the obsession.
116	* Seraphina's relationship with Killia in ''[[VideoGame/{{Disgaea 5}} Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance]]'' is a rather literal case. Seraphina prides herself on being TheCharmer with her ability to make any man do whatever she wants with a single gaze. However, her ability has absolutely no effect on Killia, and because of that, plus his selflessness, she has fallen for him.
117	* In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', due to her SocialDarwinist approach, Morrigan is frequently left exasperated by the actions of a heroic Male Warden. Particularly after she realises that she's actually started to develop ''[[InLoveWithTheMark genuine]]'' feelings for them.
118	* In ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'', Queen Medb is obsessed with Cu Chulainn because he's the only man who she cannot seduce.
119	* In ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords'', that might explain some of Sion's StalkerWithACrush dialogue towards a female Exile.
120	* ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'': Zelos Wilder is used to girls throwing themselves at him, so naturally he takes a keen interest in Sheena, who refuses to fall for any of his charms. [[spoiler:If you get Zelos's backstory, he reveals that his happy-go-lucky exterior is just [[StepfordSmiler a facade]], and he's actually quite cynical--and that ''especially'' goes for his instant harem, whom he believes is more interested in being with Zelos the Chosen than they are in Zelos the person. Sheena doesn't care if he's the Chosen or not, meaning that whatever she is feeling for Zelos -- even though it's currently "he's a disgusting pervert" -- is genuine.]]
121	[[/folder]]
122
123	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
124	* Ikki from ''VisualNovel/AmnesiaMemories'' was given the magical ([[PowerIncontinence and uncontrollable]]) ability to make any girl who looks into his eyes fall in love with him. In his route, he becomes interested in the female protagonist when she proves to be the only girl in the school capable of resisting his magical charm to some extent.
125	* Gilgamesh towards Saber in ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight''. In one route he even states to her face [[spoiler:as he's dying]] that "[[WantingIsBetterThanHaving Some things are more beautiful because you can't have them.]]" In one of the alternate timelines in a sequel game, he's actually disappointed when he sees that [[spoiler:Dark Saber]] has abandoned her ideals and become corrupted.
126	* ''VisualNovel/IkemenSengoku'':
127	** This is one major reason for Oda Nobunaga becoming fascinated with the heroine (the other major reason being that she [[RescueRomance saved his life]]) who rejects his offer for her to [[WeCanRuleTogether rule the world by his side]] and stands up to him in a way that no other woman does.
128	** Several other guys take a less-pronounced interest in the heroine specifically because of her assertive, willful personality. Masamune states on several routes that he finds the challenge of winning the heart of a spirited woman like her to be attractive, and Shingen responds to her defiantly telling him on his own route that she'll make his life as miserable as possible by saying that he likes her even better as a "war goddess".
129	* In ''VisualNovel/{{Nicole}}'', the best way into Jeff's heart is to challenge him and/or go outside of his expectations. For someone who bases his entire persona on what he expects that people want to see, he's intrigued by Nicole when she does the opposite of what she "should" have done.
130	* A couple of the possible relationships in ''VisualNovel/SevenKingdomsThePrincessProblem'' run along these lines. Prince Zarad of Corval is intrigued by a lady who won't fall for his charm; Prince Jarrod of Revaire isn't accustomed to being stood up to. In both cases, the best way to get the prince's attention is to challenge him and refuse to play his game.
131	* ''VisualNovel/TogainuNoChi'': Shiki is interested in Akira because he refuses to surrender to him and doesn't beg for his life.
132	[[/folder]]
133
134	[[folder:Web Comics]]
135	* In ''Webcomic/TheBrideOfTheFox'', Prince Dumisami initially finds Nubia plain, but he quickly becomes fascinated with her because she doesn't care about his looks or the jewels and fine clothes he brought for her as engagement gifts. He simply can't understand she despises him because he utterly disrespects her, to the point of taking off her glasses to force her to walk arm-in-arm with him (he gives them back after she uses her short sight as an excuse to crush his foot). Her rejection, of course, only increases his determination.
136	* Dan from ''Webcomic/DanAndMabsFurryAdventures'' is an [[SuccubiAndIncubi incubus]] who believes he will never find [[OneTrueLove true love]]. With his [[{{Telepathy}} mind reading]], [[CharmPerson charm]] and [[VoluntaryShapeshifting shape shifting]] abilities, Dan could seduce anyone he wants, but it would not be love. Matilda is his first real shot at a girlfriend because she is [[TheImmune immune]] to his abilities, and loves him for who he is.
137	* In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', when Pandora was young, she had a hobby of [[ItAmusedMe having mortals do silly stuff in return for valuable information]]. But one day, as she was growing increasingly bored with how predictable it was becoming, a man named Blaike [[spoiler:Raven]] refused her offer. She proceeded to persist at first for the challenge, and then because she was growing increasingly fond of him and the information she was offering him really was very important. That being that there was no treasure, and was about to be killed. She even ''saved his life'' and '''''apologized for not telling him sooner''''', even though Blaike kept saying it wasn't her fault that he didn't listen.
138	* ''Webcomic/EverydayHeroes'': Kid Charisma is never seen with the same enthralled girl in more than one panel, but spends dozens of strips continuously hitting on Summer after he finds out that she's immune to [[CharmPerson his power]]. [[DeconstructedTrope She finds this both creepy and incredibly obnoxious]] and [[MegatonPunch hits back]]. Unfortunately, KC has a pretty strong HealingFactor.
139	* ''Webcomic/GunnerkriggCourt'': Not love ''per se'', since he seems incapable of loving anyone besides himself, but Coyote is clearly fascinated with Antimony and Reynardine precisely because they're not afraid to disagree with him or brush him off. In contrast, Ysengrin is a fawning yes-man to Coyote, so Coyote barely gives him the time of day. Except of course when he's [[spoiler: eating Ysengrin's memories.]]
140	* In ''Webcomic/TheInexplicableAdventuresOfBob,'' Bob realizes that the only reason Jean's crazy ex-boyfriend is so fixated on her is that she had the audacity to reject him.
141	* Supervillain [[DistractedByTheSexy Distracterella]] of ''Webcomic/LeagueOfSuperRedundantHeroes'' is infatuated with Lazer Pony, as he's the ''only'' person [[NotDistractedByTheSexy able to resist her charms]].
142	* ''Webcomic/ThePrincesssJewels'':
143	** In his home country, Raymond was known for his silver tongue and charming qualities, which earned him scores of fawning noblewomen. When he attempts to flirt with Ariana, her swift putdowns makes him want to follow her. Even though she'd been hiding her own feelings and was in fact giddy over his forwardness, she played into it knowing he's more likely to chase her when she doesn't show it.
144	** Lina, Jade's StalkerWithACrush, constantly tries to get him on her side when she learns he wants to escape Ariana's harem. Every time he rebuffs her or acts cold (as he does to everyone else) just makes her fall harder, but this eventually leads to her drugging and attempting to rape him to make him hers once and for all.
145	* ''Webcomic/SkinHorse'': Tigerlily Jones is the only (human) female to appear for more than a panel and not find Tip extremely attractive. She barely even noticed him unless forced to. This is probably the main reason she's the only woman Tip's actually thought twice about (without sleeping with her or her trying to kill him).
146	[[/folder]]
147
148	[[folder:Western Animation]]
149	* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'', Zander falls for Max because she is tough and sassy, unlike his sickeningly submissive servants.
150	* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'':
151	** "You're... rejecting ME? Oh my gosh! I am so into you now! I'm gonna run home and leave a thousand messages on your answering machine, bye!"
152	** "Stupid Cupid" also confirms what anyone could have guessed -- that Juandissimo is so obsessed with Wanda, who hates his guts because she's "[[ForbiddenFruit so unattainable]]."
153	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'':
154	** Nobody probably finds his mental equal as literally "highly erotic" as David Xanatos does. He tells his new wife so in the episode "Upgrade."
155	** [[TheTrickster Puck]] feels this way (probably platonically) towards David Xanatos.
156	* Franchise/WonderWoman's attraction to Franchise/{{Batman}} in ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'' and ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueUnlimited'' has shades of this as part of their OppositesAttract routine.
157	* ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'': Warden Wrath from "A Lying Witch and a Warden" is a KnightTemplar who's the closest thing the Boiling Isles has to law enforcement, locking up troublemakers and weirdos in his Conformatorium (often for [[FelonyMisdemeanor spurious reasons]]). He's also madly in love with Eda, the one criminal who's always managed to escape his grasp.
158	* A villainous example from ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'', [[ArcVillain Brother Blood]] becomes obsessed with ComicBook/{{Cyborg}} because the mechanical parts of his brain prevent Blood from using his [[BrainwashedAndCrazy mind control powers]] on him.
159	* ''WesternAnimation/TotalDrama World Tour'': [[Characters/TotalDramaAlejandro Alejandro]] falls in love with [[Characters/TotalDramaHeather Heather]] after he finds himself unable to manipulate her nor get her eliminated as he did with the other female contestants, due to Heather being aware of his true colors.
160	* In ''WesternAnimation/TheWeekenders'', Carver tries to set Tino up with a popular, stuck-up girl; the girl isn't interested in Tino until she discovers that Tino isn't interested in her either. Then, she becomes infatuated with him, claiming that "unattainable boys are so ''fascinating''".
161	[[/folder]]
162
163	[[folder:Real Life]]
164	* In Neil Strauss' ''Literature/TheGame2005'', a memoir about his time as a pickup artist, he describes how he ended up in a serious romantic relationship with the one woman not affected by his seduction techniques.
165	[[/folder]]
166

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