Line #205 Literature/TheWayYouAre


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/the_way_you_are_8.jpg]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:I love you just the way you are.]]
3
4	--> ''"This was supposed to be my armor."''
5	--> ''"What's that?" Pete asked, instantly alert."''
6	--> ''"Oh, nothing," Robert stuttered, surprised he'd actually said the words out loud.''
7	--> ''"It didn't sound like nothing. You can talk to me, you know."''
8	--> ''"It's stupid."''
9	--> ''"I doubt it. Go on, tell me. What about your armor?"''
10	--> ''"It's just…" Robert sighed. "I used to be skinny."''
11	-->-- ''Robert clarifies his spoken thoughts to Pete''
12
13	At the age of 13, Robert realized he likes boys. Due to his conservative, religious, parents and background, Robert started coping via binge eating. By the time he starts college, he's gone from a skinny little kid to a chubby young adult.
14
15	His life changes when he meets his roommate, Pete. Robert is instantly drawn to Pete, though he tries squashing his own feelings. However, he finds they're just too strong to ignore.
16
17	When Robert finds out the feeling is mutual, he's torn between the world of his parents and his own sexuality. But, every time Pete says he likes Robert just the way he is, Robert's heart flutters. He's smitten, and he doesn't think there's any way to go back.
18
19	''The Way You Are'' is a coming-of-age young adult novel by LJ Mile.
20
21	----
22
23	* AbhorrentAdmirer: Robert has one for a single chapter. [[spoiler:The admirer-in-question is Jessica, a high school senior Robert's mother invites over. Results in a MatchmakerFailure]].
24	* AbusiveParents: Robert's parents are emotionally abusive, though his mom is a little less so than his father, hiding her criticisms behind an I-only-want-what's-best-for-you attitude. Either way, his parents' view of him leads to ForYourOwnGood and ToughLove.
25	* AdultsAreUseless: Specifically Robert's parents. Their conditional love, criticism, and stance on homosexuality have compounded his eating disorder. Moreover, their attempts to "help" him haven't helped him at all.
26	* AllGaysArePromiscuous: Averted. The story doesn't portray gay men as promiscuous. But, Robert's mother invokes the trope, "They can't help themselves."
27	* AllGaysLoveTheater: Pete was a drama kid in high school. His favorite musical is Rent.
28	* {{Angst}}: It wouldn't be a young adult novel without angst.
29	* AngstComa: This happens a few times within the book. Of particular note, it happens to Robert after a fight with Pete.
30	* AnguishedOutburst: This happens twice in the book. One happens while drunk.
31	* AppearanceAngst: Robert has this because of his parents' expectations and societal appearance norms.
32	* ArmouredClosetGay: For half of the novel, Robert is this. As the story progresses, he gets better.
33	* TheAtoner: Robert vows to be a better boyfriend.
34	* AttractivenessDiscrimination: Played straight with Robert because of his body type. Robert ruminates being fat also provided the perfect excuse for why he never dated in high school. Averted in a later instance. [[spoiler: When Robert goes home for winter break, his mother sets him up with a chubby girl. She instantly develops feelings for Robert after he compliments her in an attempt to make her feel better.]]
35	* BearHug: A huge one is given to Pete after Robert comes back from one of his breaks from school.
36	* BestFriend: Robert and Pete quickly become best friends.
37	* BigBeautifulMan: In Pete's eyes, Robert is beautiful.
38	* TheBigDamnKiss: Robert and Pete share a huge one near the end of the book. [[spoiler:Just before Robert comes out to his parents, he does this right in front of a friend of his and Pete's]].
39	* BigEater: At one point in the story, Robert orders two double cheeseburgers, two large fries, two orders of chicken nuggets, two apple pies, and a sundae from UsefulNotes/McDonalds.
40	* BlackSheep: Because of his weight, Robert is the BlackSheep in his family. [[spoiler:Near the book's ending, Robert's black sheep status is solidified after coming out to his parents]].
41	* BreakUpMakeUpScenario: Their brief split is this.
42	* BrokenBird: Robert. Due to a combination of his upbringing and denial of his sexuality, Robert isn't a picture of good mental health.
43	* CannotSpitItOut: Robert has a hard time expressing his feelings. Sadly, this contributes to his eating disorder.
44	* CaughtWithYourPantsDown: Not of the masturbatory nature, but treated that way by the person being caught.
45	* CharacterDevelopment: The main character goes through quite a bit of character development as the book progresses. He goes from someone who abhors himself to someone that can accept the way he is, as well as love himself.
46	* CharacterizationMarchesOn: There's a huge amount of difference between Chapter 1 Robert versus Epilogue Robert. Justified because of a time jump.
47	* ChocolateOfRomance: Played with. [[spoiler:In a bid to elicit a smile from Pete, a drunken Robert tries to feed Pete a piece of chocolate]].
48	* ChubbyChaser: Pete. He doesn't find skinny men unattractive, he just finds bigger men more attractive.
49	* ClosetGay: During most of the book, Robert is only out to Pete. [[spoiler:Eventually, Robert comes out to Pete's mother, he and Pete's suitemate Erick, then his parents. In the epilogue, he's out and proud.]]
50	* ClosetKey: Robert's happened around the time he was 13. [[spoiler:Specifically, in the form of his 16-year-old neighbor, Jeremy Irons]].
51	* CoaxThemOutOfTheCloset: Pete suggests Robert come out of the closet a few times throughout the story.
52	* CooldownHug: Attempted a few times throughout the book with varying results. [[spoiler:After coming out to his parents and being rejected, Robert has a breakdown. Pete tries this tactic to calm him down, but it doesn't work]].
53	* ComfortFood: A lot of the food Robert binge eats (and stuff he typically consumes outside of his binges) qualifies as ComfortFood.
54	* ComingOfAgeQueerRomance: The whole book is Robert's journey toward accepting his sexuality.
55	* ComingOutStory: Specifically Robert's story, though Pete has his own coming out moment early in the story.
56	* ConsolationBackfire: After their split, Robert attempts to console himself with the thought that he would no longer be lying to his parents about his romantic life, along with many other reasons. It's unsuccessful.
57	* CoquettishLipBiting: Pete does this while showing his reaction to Robert's playing tag football.
58	* CrushBlush: Both Pete and Robert are prone to blushing.
59	* CryIntoChest: Robert does this.
60	* DarkAndTroubledPast: Starts at the age of thirteen for Robert.
61	* DarkestHour: The main character has his darkest hour after finally having had enough with the state of his life. [[spoiler:Fed up with lying to his parents and fed up with the way they treat him, along with his anger over their treatment of Pete, Robert comes out to his parents. Sadly, they can't accept it and disown him. This leads to a deep depression episode]].
62	* DeliciousDistraction: Robert started using food as a distraction when he was thirteen.
63	* DepravedHomosexual: Invoked by Robert's parents. [[spoiler:They even attempt to get Robert assigned to a new room just to get him away from Pete]].
64	* DespairEventHorizon: Considering his parents' deeply religious views, and the stereotypes they believe, it's no surprise Robert has one.
65	* DevotedToYou: Robert can't imagine life without Pete. Just imagining it scares him.
66	* DismissingACompliment: Initially, Robert is surprised Pete finds him attractive since his looks have always been viewed in the negative. He thinks Pete is just being nice.
67	* DownerBeginning: The prologue shows the beginning of Robert's eating disorder. Food distracted him from his thoughts.
68	* DysfunctionalFamily: Subverted in Robert's case. Robert's family life appears functional, but is anything but. Both of his parents don't love him unconditionally. It's more apparent with his father than his mother.
69	* DrowningMySorrows: Twice. Both times, Robert only drinks to drown his sorrows. He muses that if alcohol were available to him as a kid, he'd be well on his way to being a full-blown drunk.
70	* DumbStruck: Sometimes happens to Robert.
71	* EatingTheEyeCandy: Both Pete and Robert. Though, in the former's case, it's never completely shown from his point of view.
72	* EndOfAnAge: Robert goes through a few of these.
73	** The first one is when he begins to realize his sexual identity. His happy childhood effectively ended the day he saw his ClosetKey.
74	** Then, he temporarily loses his best friend.
75	** Finally, his family relationship is forever altered.
76	* EarnYourHappyEnding: And how! In Robert's case, he needs to learn to accept himself and overcome his issues.
77	* EstrangedSoapFamily: Robert's parents don't love him unconditionally. [[spoiler:They won't even attend his college graduation during the epilogue]].
78	* EverybodyCries: Justified with both Robert and Pete. Understandably, Robert's mental issues lead to a lot of crying.
79	* FamilyOfChoice: Robert views Pete and his family as his own. The same goes for Pete's family.
80	* FatAndSkinny: Respectively, Robert and Pete.
81	* FatBestFriend: Robert becomes Pete's best friend.
82	* FatSlob: Robert temporarily has a slob phase. Also, invoked by his father when telling Robert his weight could affect his employability.
83	* FellAsleepCrying: Robert has done this.
84	* FirstLove: Pete is Robert's first love. Implied with Pete, but never outright stated.
85	* FiveStagesOfGrief: Robert goes through each stage throughout the book.
86	* FlatCharacter: Robert is the only character given any characterization.
87	* ForgetsToEat: Inverted due to Robert's eating disorder. Subverted because he replaces meals with sweets.
88	* FormerlyFit: Before his LGBTAwakening, Robert was skinny. Afterwards, he slowly started gaining weight.
89	* FreakinessShame: Applies to Robert's weight and sexual identity.
90	* FriendlessBackground: Implied with Robert. When he thinks about losing Pete as a friend, he never wants to make another friend again so he can avoid the sadness.
91	* FriendsWithBenefits: This is what leads to Robert and Pete becoming boyfriends.
92	* {{Gayngst}}: This is what leads to Robert's eating disorder.
93	* GodIsGood: The main character hails from a religious background. Robert eventually distances himself from said background, but it's implied he simply changed his mind on some of those beliefs.
94	* GuiltComplex: Whenever his parents bring up the subject of his weight, Robert feels guilty.
95	** He also feels a considerable amount of guilt over his sexuality at the beginning of the book.
96	* GuiltyPleasures: Robert feels guilty when eating around his parents.
97	* HasAType: Pete likes his men big.
98	* HappilyEverAfter: It could also be interpreted as a BittersweetEnding.
99	* HeartbreakAndIceCream: When Robert binges, it's either due to sadness and/or stress. Many of his binges involve sweets.
100	* HeartfeltApology: Robert gives these to anybody he's unintentionally hurt.
101	* HeroicBSOD: Happens to Robert a few times. [[spoiler:Most notably after he and his parents have their falling out]].
102	* HisOwnWorstEnemy: Robert is his own worst enemy before his temporary breakup with Pete. Also applies with his binge eating.
103	* HollywoodKiss: Robert and Pete share these. Neither one of them has complaints about the other's ability to kiss.
104	* HopeSpot: Robert's visit with his parents during spring break causes him a huge amount of stress, but he instantly feels better the moment he enters his dorm room and sees Pete. [[spoiler:Unfortunately, he forgot to grab the scale his mother had given him as a gift, prompting his parents to bring in the scale to his room. On top of that, Robert forgot to lock the door. DramaEnsues]].
105	* HugAndComment: Robert and Pete have these moments, but Robert has a bad one with his mother. She hugs him, but then comments on his weight…
106	* IAmNotPretty: Robert is convinced he's unattractive. Pete begs to differ.
107	* ICantBelieveAGuyLikeYouWouldNoticeMe: At first, Robert has a hard time believing Pete genuinely likes him. Before meeting Pete, no one had shown any romantic interest in him.
108	* IdentityBreakdown: For half of the book, Robert wrestles with accepting his sexual identity and how it could affect his familial relationships.
109	* IHaveNoSon: Invoked. [[spoiler:His mother practically says it to him after he comes out]].
110	* IShouldHaveBeenBetter: These moments are especially prevalent when Robert is visiting his parents.
111	* ImagineSpot: It happens during a car ride while his father is talking ''at'' him about the future. As Robert visualizes his future, he sees himself coming home to Pete.
112	* InsecureLoveInterest: Robert… My God, Robert! Considering his upbringing, his insecurity makes sense.
113	* InternalizedCategorism: Robert's internalized homophobia.
114	* TheInternetIsForPorn: Robert finds out Pete's sexuality when he catches the latter watching porn.
115	* InterruptedIntimacy: Played straight. [[spoiler:Robert's parents walk in on Robert and Pete kissing. DramaEnsues]].
116	* ItsAllMyFault: Robert has a bad habit of blaming himself for the shortcomings his parents see.
117	* ItsNotYouItsMe: Robert says this to Pete while explaining some of his behavior. [[spoiler:Upon seeing what Pete was watching on his computer, Robert freaks out. Later on, when Pete is trying to explain himself, Robert says it's wrong. However, he wasn't referring to Pete, he was referring to himself]].
118	* ItsOkayToCry: Normally, Pete would rather Robert eat because he's hungry or enjoying a snack, not because he's nervous. However, there is one in-the-moment instance where he's totally fine with Robert using his go-to of binge eating for comfort. It's a weird variation of ItsOkayToCry. Also played straight in different instances.
119	* JustTheWayYouAre: Pete loves Robert as is.
120	* KissingUnderTheInfluence: Thanks to some LiquidCourage, Robert does this.
121	* KnightInShiningArmor: Robert views Pete as a knight in shining armor-type, as well as the rest of Pete's family. Considering Robert's upbringing, this should be no surprise.
122	* LGBTAwakening: Courtesy of his ClosetKey. [[spoiler:Robert realizes he's attracted to men when he sees his 16-year-old neighbor, Jeremy Irons, shirtless]].
123	* LoveEpiphany: Early on, Robert realizes he's falling for Pete, and vice versa.
124	* LoveHurts: Their breakup isn't due to a lack of feelings but fear of being hurt.
125	* LoveInterest: Robert starts off in denial about his attraction to Pete. He quickly realizes that he's experiencing feelings for his roommate.
126	* LoveObstructingParents: Though clueless about their son's feelings throughout most of the story, Robert parents are this for Pete. Albeit unknowingly.
127	* LoveRedeems: Robert becomes a mentally healthier person because of love.
128	* MadeMyselfSad: Thinking about his life causes Robert's sadness to escalate. TruthInTelevision.
129	* AManIsAlwaysEager: Watching Robert play tag football gets Pete going.
130	** Seeing Pete's reaction gets Robert going.
131	* ManHug: Played straight with Robert, but averted with his father (who prefers a handshake over physical affection).
132	* TheMatchmaker: Much to his annoyance, Robert's mother will play matchmaker for her son.
133	* MatchmakerFailure: … And his mother fails because she sets him up with a girl, being completely oblivious to her son's sexuality.
134	* MeetTheInLaws: Robert meets Pete's mother before anybody else is aware they are in a relationship.
135	* MenDontCry: Averted. Considering the subject matter, it's justified.
136	* MessOfWoe: Robert has his fair share of breakdowns throughout the story.
137	* MiseryBuildsCharacter: See CharacterizationMarchesOn.
138	* MomentOfWeakness: Poor Robert has many of these due to his depression. He copes via binge eating.
139	* MoodWhiplash: Happens at the end of Robert's spring break. [[spoiler:When Robert finally gets back from spring break, his stress instantly melts away when he sees Pete. Unfortunately, it returns the moment his parents walk in on him and Pete kissing]].
140	* MustMakeAmends: Robert contemplates ways to make up for not calling Pete during winter break.
141	* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Robert has two specific moments. [[spoiler:Especially near the end of the book. Upon being caught by his parents, Robert literally pushes Pete away, inadvertently physically hurting him in the process. After his parents leave to arrange a new roommate for him, Robert realizes what he did and nearly spits out the phrase]].
142	* MyGreatestFailure: Robert views his weight as his greatest failure.
143	* NiceGuy: Robert doesn't want to hurt anybody, but it happens despite his good intentions. In fact, one of his attempts at being nice backfires spectacularly.
144	* NowOrNeverKiss: There's a few sprinkled here and there. [[spoiler:A notable example occurs before Robert and Pete confront the former's parents]].
145	* NotUnderTheParentsRoof: Should Robert stay at Pete's house, this rule is implied. Specifically, Pete's mother tells Robert she and her husband are a little old-fashioned in the sense that Robert and Pete would have separate rooms.
146	* ObsessedWithFood: When Robert is binge eating, he's obsessed with eating more. However, this isn't the case when Pete is making him happy.
147	* OddCouple: Robert is a chubby computer whiz introvert. Pete is a skinny liberal arts extrovert. Together, they fall in love!
148	* OfficialCouple: Robert & Pete.
149	* OfficialCoupleOrdealSyndrome: And how! Not only does Robert's eating disorder cause issues, but Robert's religious parents are an obstacle.
150	* OhCrap: Robert has a few of these moments, but one notable example occurs after he witnesses Pete kissing someone else.
151	** Pete has his own when he finds out Robert witnessed the kiss.
152	* OneHeadTaller: Shown on the book cover.
153	* OneHourWorkWeek: Schoolwork is only mentioned, never shown.
154	* OneThingLedToAnother: Upon being asked how they ended up dating, Robert is mortified at the idea of telling Pete's mother about how he found out Pete's sexuality. Neither he or Pete go into detail.
155	** Also, since Pete's five-year-old sister is having a meal with them at the same time, it's a good idea to keep details minimal.
156	* OneTrueLove: Robert and Pete are each other's one true love.
157	* OppositesAttract: See OddCouple.
158	* ParentsWalkInAtTheWorstTime: Robert's parents need to learn how to knock.
159	* ParalyzingFearOfSexuality: At first, Robert can't even mentally describe himself as gay, only referring to it as "that feeling" or "the feeling".
160	** He also can't bring himself to say the word "boyfriend" until moments before he and Pete reconcile.
161	* ThePatriarch: Robert's dad, whom Robert describes as a manly man.
162	* PleaseDontLeaveMe: Invoked by Robert. Twice.
163	* PleaseIWillDoAnything: Robert would even lose weight if it meant getting Pete back. [[spoiler:This happens after a drunken Robert witnesses Pete sharing a kiss with his blind date. Robert echoes this sentiment the morning after, but instead of saying he'll lose weight, he promises to meet Pete's mother as his boyfriend]].
164	* PostStressOvereating: Robert binge eats whenever stressed.
165	* PoppingButtons: Weight gains lead to Robert's clothing not fitting him.
166	* PreClimaxClimax: Pete and Robert have sex far before the story climaxes.
167	* PrettyBoy: This is how Robert views Pete. [[spoiler:Erick sets Pete up with one during his and Robert's split]].
168	* ProneToTears: Robert. Though, so is Pete. Justified considering the plot.
169	* PunctuatedForEmphasis: Pete does this to drive the point home.
170	* ReadyForLovemaking: After watching Robert playing tag football, Pete shows Robert his reaction.
171	* RealMenHateAffection: Applies to Robert's father. Instead of hugging his son, Robert's father shakes his hand.
172	* ReunionKiss: Twice
173	* TheRevealPromptsRomance: A drunken advance leads to the reveal. Subverted because Robert doesn't outright say he's gay, but there's enough evidence for Pete to surmise the truth.
174	* RomanticRibbing: Attempted by Robert, but he finds his attempt cheesy. Pete doesn't seem to mind.
175	* RoundedCharacter: Robert. Not just as a character, but literally. Of course, considering he's the main character…
176	* RuleOfRomantic: In their dorm room, Robert and Pete have many romantic moments. One notable example is watching movies together.
177	* SafeZoneHopeSpot: For the most part, Robert's dorm room has been his safe space throughout the story. Sadly, it only takes one moment of letting his guard down for Robert to find himself in a HopeSpot.
178	* SatelliteLoveInterest: Other than being the love interest for the main character, Pete doesn't get much characterization. Readers don't get to see anything from his point of view, just Robert's.
179	* TheScapegoat: Pete offers to be this. [[spoiler:Unfortunately, this would be justifying Robert's parents' DepravedHomosexual views]].
180	* SecondActBreakup: Albeit a short one.
181	* SecretRelationship: A driving force of the plot.
182	* SexIsLiberation: In Robert's case, it is, but only during the moment. After everything is said and done though, SexIsLiberation leads to Robert having a better life.
183	* SexMiseducationClass: Pete laments the current state of sex education for queer kids.
184	* SexyDiscretionShot: The few sex scenes aren't very graphic.
185	* SilenceOfSadness: At one point, Robert is so depressed he can only answer with short grunts of acknowledgment in simple yeses or noes.
186	* SleepCute: Happens after Robert opens up to Pete.
187	* SmittenTeenageGirl: Robert attempts to comfort a girl by telling her she's fine just the way she is. She instantly develops a crush on him.
188	* SoProudOfYou: Whenever Robert shows a step toward better mental health, Pete is proud.
189	* StaticCharacter: Everyone else except Robert.
190	* StoodUp: Pete asks Robert to call him during winter break, but Robert never does. Naturally, Pete is angry about this.
191	* StupidSexyFriend: Pete starts off as this for Robert.
192	* SweetheartSipping: An ice cream sundae in lieu of a milkshake.
193	* SweetTooth: Robert has a definite sweet tooth. Many of his snacks are sweets.
194	* TakingTheHeat: Pete offers to do this. [[spoiler:After Robert's parents disown him, Pete offers to take the heat so Robert's parents will only blame him for their falling out. Unfortunately, this would be painting himself as a predator trying to seduce their son.]]
195	* TearsOfRemorse: Robert cries these tears after hurting Pete.
196	* TemporaryBulkChange: Robert's weight fluctuates throughout the story.
197	* ThisIsUnforgivable: Robert knows his parents will never accept him if they find out he's gay. [[spoiler:Once they know, his parents completely disown him. Though, in the epilogue, it's mentioned Robert's mother talked with him on the phone when he recently called. However, seeing as we're talking about the epilogue, this isn't explored]].
198	* TooUnhappyToBeHungry: Played with. Robert's binge eating is due to sadness and stress, not because he's hungry.
199	* TragicHero: Robert goes through a lot of heartbreak.
200	* TraumaCongaLine: Robert… So much Robert! He's been through the ringer, all right.
201	* UnableToCry: During his deepest depression, Robert reaches this point.
202	* UnderdressedForTheOccasion: Invoked by Robert. Pete and his family invite Robert to dinner, but all Robert has to wear is dirty clothing. His clean clothes don't fit because of his recent weight gains.
203	* UnresolvedSexualTension: Internally [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] by Robert.
204	* WakeUpCall: Robert has one. [[spoiler:Specifically, he witnesses Pete kissing another man after their breakup]].
205	* AWeightyAesop: Binge eating will exacerbate your issues.
206	* WeightWoe: Robert has these woes, but they're usually much more prevalent around his parents.
207	* YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre: Pete assures Robert of this.
208	* YouAreFat: Averted. Outright stated by Pete's little sister, but she didn't mean anything bad.
209	* YouAreNotAlone: Pete makes Robert feel a lot less alone. He can also relate to his AbhorrentAdmirer because like her, he knows what it's like to be looked down upon because of appearance.
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Context Literature / TheWayYouAre