Game of Thrones has never shied away from introducing questionable and sometimes downright uncomfortable relationships throughout the years. Just look at Cersei and Jaime Lannister, for example — two people who take the term brotherly and sisterly love to an entirely different level. However, it may surprise some of you to know that they are not necessarily the most disturbing duo on GoT . For me, that title could easily go to Sansa and Littlefinger's budding romance, which is becoming more and more cringe-inducing to watch by the day.
For the past few seasons now, we've witnessed as Littlefinger's role in Sansa's life transitioned from parental protector to that of a creepy uncle whose gaze lingers a little too long for comfort. And while I've come to love both Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish as their own separate entities in this GoT journey, I simply cannot find it within myself to get onboard with the direction their relationship seems to be inevitably heading. Their awkward kiss scenes alone are enough to make me want to scrub my memories away with bleach, so I can only imagine how I'll feel if their interactions continue grow even more sexual in nature. (Anyone else just get a cold chill?)
However, like any GoT pair, these two don't come without their fair share of 'shipping support…
And while I'm by no means judging those of you who do (well, at least I'm trying not to), I just personally can't see the appeal. But before you select few decide to shove me out a Moon Door for my blasphemy, please give me a moment to explain my reasoning. For starters…
Their Chemistry Is Just Off
I'm sorry, but does this look like someone who's having a good time or rather just tolerating it for survival purposes? I've seen enough love scenes to know that Sansa is just really not into this moment at all. In fact, she couldn't look less stoked and more statue-like if she tried. And to see Littlefinger go in for it anyways is just all kinds of creepy.
He's In Love With Her Mother
Let's not forget where Littlefinger's vested interest in Sansa comes from — his unrequited love for her mother, Catelyn Stark. This makes their relationship feel like some sick way, on Littlefinger's part, of recreating what he could've had with the now-deceased Stark matriarch. You know, if she hadn't rejected him. I'm not a psychiatrist or anything, but I doubt that's very healthy. If Freud existed in this world, he'd have a field day with all this.
The Age Difference
Granted, I suppose a distinct age gap isn't really considered to be such a big deal in this realm. But given that she's still a teenager and a virgin, it can't help but add a certain level of awkwardness to their interactions together, especially since Littlefinger tends to look at Sansa like she's a delicious piece of fruit that's ripe for the picking. I'm sorry, but ew. There's just no other way to describe it.
She's Way Too Vulnerable Right Now
I don't know if you've noticed, but Sansa has not had an easy go of it lately. When she's not engaged to villainous psychopaths, she's being imprisoned by them against her will. And while Littlefinger was able to rescue her from the Lannister's wrath, I think it makes her feel as though she owes him something in return. In fact, that could explain why she allows him to kiss her. Plus, there's the fear that if she rejects him, he'd leave her with nothing. That makes Sansa extremely vulnerable. Littlefinger knows this and is using it to his advantage.
His Intentions Aren't Purely Romantic
Even if he does have genuine feelings for Sansa, that still isn't stopping him from using her as a bargaining chip for his own political gain. Granted, I do believe that he thinks marrying Ramsay is Sansa's best bet at reclaiming Winterfell and avenging her family. But it'd also be naive to think that he's not looking out for his best interests as well. This is a guy that's full of secrets and calculating plans. He wants more out of all this than meets the eye. And if push came to shove, odds are he'd opt in saving himself over her.
Sansa Deserves More
Between the loss of most of her family members and getting emotionally tortured by Joffrey, I'd say Sansa has more than earned the right to make her own decisions and not just settle for someone who can offer her protection. She deserves true love. She deserves romance. And she deserves to not feel backed into another corner. Basically, Sansa just deserves so much more than any of this. And I don't think Littlefinger can/should be the one to give it to her.
Images: Helen Sloan/HBO (2); fuckyeahpetyrxsansa/Tumblr (3); theslugsonline/Tumblr; psych-files/Tumblr; tonsofgifs/Tumblr
