What Is The Main Conflict In 'The Upside Of Unrequited'?

The main conflict in 'The Upside of Unrequited' revolves around Molly's struggle with self-acceptance and her fear of rejection. She's a plus-size teen who's had countless crushes but never acted on them because she's terrified of not being loved back. Her twin sister Cassie falling headfirst into a whirlwind romance with a girl named Mina only amplifies Molly's insecurities. While Cassie dives into love fearlessly, Molly hesitates, even when Reid, an adorable guy at work, shows interest. The real battle isn't just about finding love—it's about Molly learning to believe she deserves it, regardless of her size or romantic history. The novel beautifully captures how her internal conflict affects her relationships, especially with Cassie, as their once-close bond strains under the weight of Molly's jealousy and self-doubt.

In 'The Upside of Unrequited', the central conflict is a layered exploration of identity and belonging. Molly's journey isn't just about unrequited love—it's about navigating family dynamics, body image issues, and the pressure to fit into societal norms. Her twin Cassie's new relationship with Mina creates a rift between them, forcing Molly to confront her own isolation. Cassie's confidence in her sexuality contrasts sharply with Molly's hesitation, highlighting their differing approaches to vulnerability.

The introduction of Reid, a quirky, genuine guy who sees Molly for who she is, complicates things further. Molly's fear of rejection makes her sabotage potential happiness before it can start. The conflict peaks when she realizes her insecurities are pushing everyone away, including Cassie. What makes this story compelling is how it tackles the messy reality of self-worth. Molly's path to accepting love—from others and herself—isn't linear. Her struggles with body positivity, coupled with the universal teen experience of feeling 'not enough', make her conflict deeply relatable.

'The Upside of Unrequited' frames its main conflict through Molly's internal and external battles. Internally, she grapples with body image and the belief that her weight makes her unlovable. Externally, she faces the changing dynamics of her relationship with Cassie, whose new romance makes Molly feel left behind. The arrival of Reid, a sweet, unconventional love interest, forces Molly to confront her pattern of self-sabotage.

What sets this conflict apart is its authenticity. Molly isn't just pining for romance—she's wrestling with the idea that she might be worthy of it. Her jealousy of Cassie's confidence isn't villainized; it's portrayed as a natural response to feeling inadequate. The novel doesn't offer easy solutions. Instead, it shows Molly slowly learning to take emotional risks, like confessing her feelings or repairing her bond with Cassie. The conflict resolves not with a grand romantic gesture, but with Molly's quiet realization that rejection isn't the end of the world—and that unrequited love doesn't define her value.