Speaking of which, over the course of this series, Ai really has become the perfect "boyfriend" to Chie. I think that some guys could stand to learn a few things from her.
nuuuhhh stahp with heteronormativity
By being completely perceptive and considerate of Chie's feelings, talking to her, trying to understand what's upsetting her when Chie herself is too insecure about being a bother to share her feelings, that is simply what ANY partner should be like
No offence to you personally, but it reminds me of honestly such a terrible cliche, when in manga girls are told that they'd be the perfect "boyfriend"/ if only they were a boy
I just used the word "boyfriend" for lack of a better term, and since Ai is closer to the stereotypical male archetype in their relationship. But that being said, I wasn't trying to devalue her gender. While I wasn't being totally serious in my remarks, as a man myself, I've known some pretty clueless insensitive guys.
That said, I agree with your sentiments about the whole "if only you were a boy" cliche. One of the things that makes Chie and Ai so adorable is the circumstances of how they met and the way they grew close.
