: Media has moved away from "mean girl" stereotypes toward nuanced depictions of loyalty, jealousy, and shared growth (e.g., Frances Ha 2. Evolution of Romantic Storylines

The relationship should leave both characters different—ideally better or more self-aware—than they were at the start. 4. Emotional Nuance over Physicality

Pop culture has shifted toward "transformative friendships" that exist independently of how women are treated by men. Whitney Teal