Love, laughs, laundry, and lube — in that order
April 10, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Most people by now have figured out that fluff written for adults is very different from YA fluff. Like, so different they sometimes feel like they belong to entirely separate genres — and yet, somehow, they don’t. The boundaries blur.
As for when you officially become an adult? Who even knows. It could be 25, 30, maybe even 40. But for the sake of simplicity, let’s say: 30+. As someone who fully qualifies for that category (and then some), I’ve compiled a list of what I personally refuse to read — or write — adult fluff without.
So don’t even talk to me about your adult fluff unless it includes:
1. Humor.
If your characters are talking about their feelings in solemn, hushed tones with Serious Faces™ for more than one scene per story? I will lose it. Check your angst levels. Regulate.
2. Jokes During Sex.
If there’s not at least one sarcastic/teasing/ironic comment in the middle of a steamy scene, then what even was that? An HR-approved demonstration?
Exceptions:
Characters who are ultra-sensitive and don’t get jokes.
Characters who are so bad at joking that if they do try it, the other person will end up in therapy for years.
3. Real Acts of Care.
Say one of them gets sick (nothing too serious — it’s fluff, not a hospital drama), and the other has to take care of them. Bonus points if they grumble stuff like, “What am I, your damn nurse?” while proceeding to act like the most loving, competent nurse in the history of nursing.
4. Responsibility.
Doesn’t matter what kind — pets, kids, taxes, health insurance, weekly therapy, sorting the recycling, refilling prescriptions, remembering which meds can’t be mixed with grapefruit, and making sure your fun is backed by the right amount of PrEParation — and the adult-level follow-through it comes with.
And yes, verbal whining is allowed — even encouraged:
“She’s OUR dog, okay?”
“Where are the receipts? You want me to magically conjure them out of my ass for the tax deduction?”
“The bottom part is plastic, the top is aluminum — we’re sorting the recycling, not doing rocket science!!”
“You realize if you forget your bloodwork again, they’re gonna cut you off from the good meds, right?”
But the whining never replaces action. They still do the thing.
5. Healthy Selfishness and Self-Love.
Your characters should regularly eat real food and get enough sleep. It’s okay if they hint at their needs instead of discussing them outright — this is fiction, not couples’ therapy.
For example, if someone pretends to be asleep? That’s a clear sign sex is being postponed. Coercion has no place here — it’s fluff, not horror.
6. No Jealousy.
Flirty teasing? Cute. Real jealousy? Absolutely not. Again: not horror.
If one of your characters is planning a threesome with Henry Cavill and Troye Sivan (and/or Timothée Chalamet), the other one should offer suggestions and logistical support. A level-headed third-party opinion can really help when emotions run high.
7. Safe Sex.
Characters who wash their hands, shower, use protection without being asked, and take personal responsibility for their health? Now that’s hot.
Bonus points for sharing up-to-date STI test results. Honestly? That’s bend-me-over-the-health-insurance-portal hot.
8. Kink Acceptance (But Not Necessarily Participation).
Say someone has a super niche kink… like, I don’t know, being into heterosexual sex. The other character is allowed a “What the hell?” moment, but after that, they should try to be supportive — and in some households, that looks like: “You can wear the uniform. But I’m bringing props, lighting, and a Spotify playlist titled ‘Opening Night.’”
9. Support for Each Other’s Hobbies.
No one has to suddenly develop a passion for calligraphy or competitive birdwatching. But attending one pumpkin festival a year? That’s doable.
10. Memory Over Visuals.
6-packs fade. V-cut abs are hard to get — and eventually, your body starts charging a penalty for trying.
Your characters better be loving each other for something less superficial.
The butt? Sure, it’s got staying power.
The D? Emotionally important.
But there’s more. Let’s workshop it.
11. Mutual Friends — and Supportive Families (Where Applicable).
Best-case scenario? One character tells the other, “Your cousin’s kid’s birthday is tomorrow. I found out what she wants and already bought it.”
Worst-case? If there are toxic family members involved — no gifts, no texts, not even a birthday emoji. No reconciliation arcs with racist grandmas or emotionally abusive dads. We do not negotiate with emotional terrorists. “But they’re family!” — NOPE.
Okay, yeah, maybe this list has a sliiight slashy vibe to it, but honestly? I think it applies to any and all romantic pairings.
And of course, I would love to hear readers add to this very much incomplete and forever-evolving list of what makes a story authentic, delightful, and hardcore fluffy for the 30+ crowd. 💖
