What If It's Us

Despite their romantic beginnings, Arthur and Ben have several hiccups on their first date, which they repeat several times. They become dependent on the notion that the universe purposely brought them together for them to be in a romantic relationship, thinking that everything between them will be easy. However, their discovery that their relationship requires work and listening is embodied in the notion of do-overs, which symbolize the process of putting in the effort to build on their natural chemistry.

Ben’s suggestion that they should have a do-over comes after he admits that something went wrong and that it was his fault. Likewise, each time a do-over is suggested, it comes after a moment where either Ben or Arthur recognizes his failure, shares how he’s feeling, and promises to do better for their next do-over. Each time this happens, the boys have more to build on and a stronger relationship for it.

The process of having do-overs also helps each boy to grow as a person. For Arthur, who has never dated anyone before, it feels like a learning experience. For Ben, “dating Arthur feels like a do-over” (295) because they’re working together to both be happy within their relationship. It has its positives, as Arthur points to when he suggests “practicing” (221) kissing more; while at face value a typical statement from someone entering a relationship, it also symbolizes how they can grow together through positive moments as much as through negative ones.