The “We” vs. “I” Debate For Couples Has a New Example in Venom
Together, we are Venom
For many couples, a sense of independence is important and maintaining that is half the battle throughout the relationship. Some people, however, find that considering themselves as part of a unit is helpful to understanding their partner and their own feelings about the relationship. If a couple can work as one, they may be able to maintain a happiness in their relationship that others cannot. Referring to each other in the terminology of “we” may bring that feeling of completion, according to an article in Bustle that looked at new research.
With that knowledge in hand, we are inspecting the relationship between Eddie Brock and his symbiote, Venom. The two became joined when Eddie Brock broke into Life Foundation’s lab and Venom bonded with him. Eddie, who was trying to investigate the mess that Carlton Drake was creating with the symbiotes and his human guinea pigs, ended up with Venom. United, their relationship began to grow, and both personalities also made individual strides as a result of their union.
Like any couple, they do have their issues. Fighting for dominance, not feeling heard, living arrangements, what to have for dinner—all were problems in the beginning of their courtship, along with the lies that you tell your partner to make yourself seem better. Still, Eddie and Venom worked it out until, eventually, they were proud to announce to the world, “We are Venom.”
Per Bustle:
“‘We talk’ is an indicator of interdependence and general positivity in romantic relationships,” Alexander Karan, a graduate student and first author this paper said in a statement. “The primary takeaway is that interdependence may bring about supportive and relationship-centered behaviors and positive perceptions of the partner — especially important in times of stress and conflict.” Sometimes something as simple as the language we use can make a big difference in how we feel about our relationships — and interact with our partner.
Now, some could look at that “We are Venom” declaration as a sign of submission by Eddie, as Eddie accepting that as one, they must be Venom. But others may see it as his own way of showing Venom his love, dedication, and acceptance of the situation. Venom, who was willing to die to make sure that Eddie would live, has proven time and time again that he would do whatever was necessary for Eddie Brock, even if, at the beginning of their relationship, he was only using Eddie to remain on planet earth. They ended up being a match for each other in more ways than one.
Their relationship—dubbed “Symbrock” in fandom—still has some work to do, but the admission that they are one is a big step. Using “we” as a way of reacting to questions about them as a couple makes it known that both are working towards their goals together and being inclusive of the other.
Look, Eddie and Venom are not perfect. In fact, Venom is using Eddie in order to survive. Eddie is using Venom to climb towers and survive ludicrous motorcycle chases. But their relationship also works both ways. Eddie would have died time and time again if Venom was not there to help and heal him, and Venom ended up being the self-sacrificing sort. Together, they are a “we” and proudly so. Would they rather be referred to as Eddie and Venom, the individuals? I don’t think so.
What can be seen as a dismissal of the individual is not the case for some couples—it makes them stronger. Eddie and Venom, as one, become the anti-hero we all want to root for. Separately they are a parasitic alien and a misguided journalist who was exceptionally exploitative of his ex-girlfriend’s trust. But together, together, we are Venom and it makes for a wonderful symbiotic relationship and a stronger sense of self for them both.
Needless to say, the Bustle article was fast seized upon by fandom, where Symbrock continues to reign as a popular ship.
— cat (@cptkirrk) November 6, 2018
(via Bustle, image: Sony Pictures)
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