Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the month of February still oozes with the desire for love. I’m currently single by choice but the romantic in me does ache a bit this time of year, and in times of such emotional crisis, I turn to my favorite outlet: fiction. Rom-coms may be a stereotypical cure for Single Girl Syndrome, but that’s a stereotype I’m happy to oblige!
But there is definitely an imbalance in the way that we discuss our romantic love interests. Everyone knows their Peter Kavinskys and their Jim Halperts, but we all need to show a little more love to some dreamy fictional guys. Here are a few of my (many, many) favorites!
- Woodchuck Todd – “Easy A”
-
Before his days as the formidable protagonist of Netflixâs You, Penn Badgley made us swoon as Emma Stoneâs eternally reliable, not-quite-first-kiss love interest in this quintessential teen flick.
- Aaron Conners – “Trainwreck”
-
While the movieâs humor is hit or miss, the dorky Boyfriend Material Bill Hader is definitely worth the watch. Who WOULDNâT want to fall for a successful surgeon with a soft spot for Billy Joel?
- Ted and Patrick – “Schitt’s Creek”
-
No, I couldn’t pick just one, because the men of Schitt’s Creek are perfect. What did the spoiled Rose children do to deserve such perfect boyfriends?
- Paulie Bleeker – “Juno”
-
Is it weird that Michael Cera really works as a teen love interest? Yes, but leave me alone.
- Wesley Rush – “The DUFF”
-
While the movie was societally construed as trashy teen fare, the banter between Wesley and Bianca â as well as his rippling abs â makes him one of the ultimate teen heartthrobs.
- The Hot Priest – “Fleabag”
-
The fact that The Priest has been culturally renamed âThe Hot Priestâ speaks for itselfâŠWe all would (and should) kneel for him.
- Ryan Gauxineau – “New Girl”
-
Sexy British teacher with an affinity for collared shirts under sweaters? Sign us ALL up! (P.S. the show writers did him so dirty and I will never forgive them.)
- Leo – “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2”
-
I’m definitely doing a deep-dive with this one, but I have been on this since I was nine years old: HEâS SO MUCH BETTER THAN KOSTAS. He cooks!
- Robert Philip – “Enchanted”
-
Firstly, itâs Patrick Dempsey. Secondly, his bitter skepticism is hot. Lastly, the movie itself is painfully underrated and we need to see the error of our ways.
- Benjamin Edinburgh – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
-
Ending with yet another cute, awkward surgeon! Throw in the fact that itâs Zachary Levi and he’s wearing amazing 1950s clothes and you have the perfect man.
Maybe I’ll be able to spend next Valentine’s Day with a real human man, but I’m happy to let these fictional ones keep me company for now. Look them up and see what you think!