It often happens when they start to understand each other's motives and find common ground. Maybe they face a shared challenge that forces them to work together.
It often happens through shared experiences or common goals. When they face a mutual challenge, they start to understand each other and see beyond their initial enmity.
Well, you could start by giving them a common goal or threat that forces them to work together. That way, they start seeing each other's strengths and maybe find some common ground.
Once there were two boys, Tom and Jerry. They were rivals in a school debate competition. Tom thought Jerry was too arrogant and Jerry thought Tom was too competitive. But one day, they both got lost during a school field trip. They had to rely on each other to find their way back. Through this experience, they realized they had misjudged each other. They started to study together and became good friends.
We can learn that everyone has their own story and reasons for their behavior. In an 'enemies to friends story', at first, the characters might seem to be against each other for no good reason. But as the story unfolds, we see that it could be due to misunderstandings or competition. Also, it shows that forgiveness and letting go of grudges is important. If the characters held onto their enmity, they would never become friends. By forgiving past wrongs or perceived slights, they are able to build a new relationship.
You could have a character act kindly towards an enemy in a moment of need. This unexpected act of kindness can start to break down the walls between them. Another approach is to have them witness each other's vulnerabilities, creating empathy that leads to friendship.
Forgiveness is crucial. If one side can be the bigger person and forgive the wrongdoings of the other, it can open the door for friendship. For example, if someone has been wronged in a schoolyard fight, but they choose to forgive the bully, it might lead to a new friendship as the bully may realize their mistake and change their ways.
Well, 'Beauty and the Beast' can be considered in this category too. Belle and the Beast are initially enemies. The Beast is gruff and holds Belle captive, while Belle is defiant towards him. However, as time passes, they develop a deep connection and fall in love. Also, 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' has elements of this. The two main characters have opposing goals at the start and are sort of enemies in the dating game, but end up falling for each other.
It's the unexpectedness. We don't expect enemies to fall in love, so when it happens in the story, it's like a pleasant surprise. In 'You've Got Mail', the fact that the two characters who are competing against each other in business end up falling in love through their anonymous emails is a great twist. It adds an element of mystery and discovery to the romance, which draws readers in.