If another role-player is making you uncomfortable with inappropriate advances or appears to be struggling to recognise that IC and OOC affairs are entirely different to each other then don't be afraid to just distance yourself from their company without a word.
Romance in role-play can be done well but in my experience it's best done between role-players that know exactly where they stand. Otherwise it can get very messy and lead to awkward drama that affects not only the pair involved but potentially entire guilds and mutual friends as well.
Which is precisely why I only have my characters pursue a romantic relationship if it makes sense and I trust the other role-player(s) involved in a story that revolves around romantic themes. Typically that's with my partner's characters or friends that won't make the entire situation awkward and contrived.
I do think that a lot of role-players place too heavy an emphasis upon romance, though. There's a lot of reasons for that but in many cases it just comes off as desperate and can rapidly turn a potentially intriguing role-play session into something very difficult to be enthusiastic about. Then again I've always been a fan of letting major plot points occur naturally and it seems like some role-players lack the patience to see that happen.
Romance in role-play can be done well but in my experience it's best done between role-players that know exactly where they stand. Otherwise it can get very messy and lead to awkward drama that affects not only the pair involved but potentially entire guilds and mutual friends as well.
Which is precisely why I only have my characters pursue a romantic relationship if it makes sense and I trust the other role-player(s) involved in a story that revolves around romantic themes. Typically that's with my partner's characters or friends that won't make the entire situation awkward and contrived.
I do think that a lot of role-players place too heavy an emphasis upon romance, though. There's a lot of reasons for that but in many cases it just comes off as desperate and can rapidly turn a potentially intriguing role-play session into something very difficult to be enthusiastic about. Then again I've always been a fan of letting major plot points occur naturally and it seems like some role-players lack the patience to see that happen.
