A woman from the UK has shared how the critically acclaimed HBO drama, Euphoria, played a pivotal role in her journey to self-acceptance and finding love. The series, known for its raw portrayal of adolescence, helped her embrace her queer identity and ultimately begin a six-year relationship with her best friend.
The individual, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recounted how feelings for her friend, Ellen, began to surface in the summer of 2019, just before their final year of school. Despite a close friendship since their first year of high school and an upbringing in an accepting, liberal household in Stockholm, she initially struggled with the idea of pursuing a romantic relationship with Ellen. She described feeling confused by her attraction, having always assumed she was straight, and worried about the potential impact on their friendship.
The turning point arrived with the first season of Sam Levinson's Euphoria. While the show depicts a dark and gritty world of high-schoolers navigating complex issues, it was the tender and intricate relationship between Rue (played by Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer) that particularly resonated. She related to Rue's insecurities about her feelings and the blurring lines between platonic and romantic love, finding parallels with her own experiences.
Crucially, the series' depiction of sexuality offered a refreshing perspective. She noted the absence of major coming-out scenes for Rue or Jules, where their orientation didn't require explicit explanation. This portrayal of queerness as liberating, rather than something to be explained or justified, provided the courage she needed to act on her feelings. She stated that Euphoria was the first show that presented queerness in such an empowering light.
Inspired by Rue and Jules's evolving connection, she eventually kissed Ellen, who reciprocated. Although they didn't immediately settle into a relationship, taking time to navigate their new dynamic, they have now been together for six years, building a life together around shared interests like books and movie nights. While she found later seasons of the show less engaging, she remains grateful for the initial season's impact, crediting it with helping her overcome uncertainty and take a significant step in her life.