I know what everyone expects me to say: it’s a pointless movie about two objectively terrible people. He manipulated her to win a bet. She psychologically tormented him to prove a point. Clearly, these people are not okay. Why would anyone ship them?

But here’s the thing, I actually love this movie!

There are a few things as satisfying as two people, who are absolutely perfect for each other, ending up together. And whether or not those people are good is absolutely irrelevant. It’s not about being a green flag. It’s about matching each other’s freak.

To pair Andie Anderson (don’t mis-spell that name by the way, you’ll wind up with search results for a porn star) with anyone else would be a travesty. To pair Benjamin Barry with anyone else would be a straight up crime. Those two are way too manipulative to ever be with average, decent people.

And besides, they’re much happier while fighting each other. You can’t tell me Andie didn’t thoroughly enjoy screwing with Ben. And you absolutely can’t tell me Ben wasn’t at least a little thrilled by the challenge of Andie’s mood swings.

It Will Never Be The Wrong Time For The Right Person?

Now why did I spend paragraphs ranting about how Andie and Ben are perfect for each other?

Because I genuinely believe that for the right person, it could never be the wrong time. The right person will find a way. Ben chased after a taxi on his motorcycle. And that was after Andie thoroughly screwed him over. Why? Because he realised there was a possibility she might actually have feelings for him too.

Because despite all her attempts to be a clingy, “crazy” girlfriend, they had genuine moments. And the glimpses of her true self that she showed to him, he was entranced by. So it didn’t matter that she used him for work. It didn’t matter that she tormented him and gaslit him. She is what he needed. Because whether or not he’ll admit, he loves her because he’s just as much of a red flag as she is.

It’s not coincidence she’s the first person he’s ever brought home. And it’s not because he couldn’t find anybody. That man is so attractive, I feel I could easily persuade myself his red flags are beige. No, that man was waiting for someone just as toxic as him.

Tormenting Men Is Fun. Especially When It’s Deserved.

Maybe this makes me a red flag but I enjoy a good fight. If Andie had gone after a random guy and tormented him just to prove a point, it wouldn’t have been satisfying. The genuinely sweet, kind men should be left alone. But to go after someone who’s equally as twisted as her?

Now that’s entertaining.

Because what reasonable, well adjusted man would use a woman for a bet? Who in their right mind would make a woman “fall in love with him” just to prove he could. It’s the type of man with severe attachment issues, who needs a challenge.

Because let’s be real, I’m pretty sure he would’ve dumped her arse if she’d been easy. If Andie hadn’t put up such a good fight, if she didn’t turn out to be so interesting. Would he really have remained interested in her?

No!

And that’s not to say that he didn’t truly love her. I think the point is that she’s just unhinged enough to be exactly his type.

Final Thoughts

I’m editing this review in an entirely new relationship. And while I stand by my opinions (for the movie), I do find it funny how much I projected my own relationship onto this review. Andie and Ben are absolutely huge red flags who deserve each other. But I’d convinced myself that was also the case for my ex and I.

Turns out, when I’m with a genuinely sweet man, I’m not as much of a red flag. In fact, I had a fight with him today but he’s such an angel, I still fed him and got him bubble tea. Because even when we’re fighting, he’s still my source of comfort.

And yes, while it may be strange to force the guy you’re mad at to hug you, it’s what I needed. And I’m not mad anymore. And he’s not mad at me either. We both just needed to be in each other’s presence long enough to remember that we loved each other. And then talking through it and apologising wasn’t that hard.

But regardless, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days is still a great movie. And I think I’m going to force him to watch it next (once we finish our Avatar The Last Airbender marathon, of course).