What are the common themes in '18 romance short stories'?

Love and sacrifice are very common. In many romance short stories, like 'The Gift of the Magi', the characters give up something valuable for the sake of their love. Another theme is unrequited love. For example, in some stories, one character loves another who may not feel the same way. Longing and separation can also be themes, where the characters are apart but still deeply in love, such as in some war - time set romance short stories.

The theme of love conquering all is also prevalent. In stories, love can bridge differences in social class, overcome family objections, and even survive great hardships. For example, in some fairytale - like short stories, love between a prince and a commoner can triumph over all obstacles.

Love at first sight is a common theme. For example, in many short stories, two characters meet and there's an instant spark. Another theme is forbidden love, like in stories where the lovers are from different social classes or are already committed to others.

One common theme is the supernatural. For example, ghosts or vampires often appear in these stories, like in 'Carmilla'. Another theme is isolation. The characters are usually in some sort of isolated place, such as a spooky old mansion, as in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.

Another theme is the idea of a soulmate. Werewolf romance stories often depict the concept that there is one special person out there for the werewolf, usually their fated mate. This is a very romantic idea and drives a lot of the plot in these stories.

Another theme is death and the afterlife. Dark romance often involves the idea of losing a loved one to death and the character's struggle to come to terms with it or their attempts to be reunited in some way. It can also include the idea of loving someone who is already dead or a supernatural being related to death, like a ghost or a reaper.

Love against all odds is also a theme. Society may not always be accepting of same - sex relationships, so characters often have to face challenges. In 'Call Me By Your Name', the two main characters have to deal with the fact that their relationship might not be fully understood or accepted by those around them.

Sacrifice is also a key theme. Characters might sacrifice their own happiness, dreams or even their lives for the sake of their loved one. This selfless act, while noble, often has a sad undertone as it can lead to personal loss or unfulfilled desires.

One common theme is self - discovery. Gay characters often have to figure out their sexual orientation and come to terms with it, which is a big part of many gay romance short stories. For example, in 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe', Aristotle struggles with his identity.

The beauty of nature is also a common theme. Tagalog culture has a deep connection with nature, and in romance short stories, nature often serves as a backdrop for the love story. It could be a meeting by a beautiful river or a declaration of love under a big tree.