One common theme is selflessness. In stories like 'The Greatest Gift', characters often put others' needs before their own. For example, a character might sacrifice their own time, money, or opportunities to help someone else. This selfless act is what makes the gift so great.
The theme of gratitude also frequently appears. When someone receives a great gift, they are often filled with gratitude. This gratitude can then spread and inspire others to be more giving. In a story, a character's display of gratitude can be a powerful motivator for others to also engage in acts of kindness and giving.
Even if we exclude the inappropriate part, common themes could be courtly love. In medieval times, courtly love was a complex set of ideals and behaviors. It often involved knights pining for noble ladies from afar, with themes of loyalty, admiration, and a certain level of chaste love.
Another common theme could be the discovery of relationships. How the young person navigates friendships, family relationships, and new romantic interests as they grow. This is important as they learn about different types of connections and how to handle them.
One common theme is the search for identity. Gay characters in these stories often struggle to find their place in society, whether it's within their families or in the broader community. Another theme is love. It can be the first love, unrequited love, or the love that overcomes all obstacles.
One common theme is identity confusion. When a possession occurs that involves a gender bender aspect, the character often struggles with who they are now in terms of their gender identity. It's like they have to rediscover themselves.
One common theme could be the allure of the vampire. Their mysterious nature, with their immortality and otherworldly powers, can be an element of attraction. For example, in many vampire stories, humans are drawn to them despite the danger. Another theme might be the struggle between love and the vampire's dark nature. Even in non - erotic stories, there is often a conflict between the vampire's need for blood and their feelings for a human.
One common theme is the struggle for freedom. In civil war novels, characters often fight for their beliefs regarding freedom, whether it's political freedom or freedom from oppression. Another theme is sacrifice. Soldiers and civilians alike may have to sacrifice a great deal during the chaos of war. For example, a character might sacrifice their own safety or even their life for the greater good of their side in the conflict.
If we exclude the inappropriate aspects, prison stories might often deal with themes of redemption. A character in prison could be on a journey to redeem themselves, to make up for past wrongs.
One common theme could be the discovery of unique books or collectibles. Couples might stumble upon rare first editions or books with interesting historical significance. Another theme could be the interaction with the bookstore owner or staff. They could have conversations about different genres, get recommendations, or learn about the history of the bookstore. Also, there could be a theme of the couple's shared love for reading and how the bookstore serves as a special place for them to explore and bond over literature.
One common theme is the blurring of the lines between friendship and romantic relationship. Friends who start a 'friends with benefits' situation often find themselves in a gray area where their feelings become more complicated. For instance, they might start to feel jealous when the other person dates someone else, even though they're not officially in a romantic relationship.
Stories about relaxation and stress relief are also quite common. People might share how hypnosis has helped them unwind after a long day or deal with anxiety. It could be something as simple as a short hypnosis session that made them feel calm and centered.