But there's so much evidence that they spend the season misunderstanding one another on other subjects they don't or can't talk about (culminating in "I love you/No you don't") that I have a hard time seeing why on this one subject their accord should be taken on faith.
Hmmm. I generally agree with you on the miscommunication thing (particularly the I love you/No you don't), but I do think the message here is pretty clear. I don't see how Spike could interpret Buffy's behavior as NOT having forgiven him - I think the problem arises when it comes to taking that step from forgiveness to relationship. Neither is sure if the other wants it (and that makes sense. Forgiveness does not automatically mean "I love you" or even "I want a relationship"), and so neither makes a move.
This is totally un-useful, isn't it?
Heh, no, you make a good point. I think you're right about Buffy not allowing herself to be vulnerable. At the very least, it affirms my premise that Buffy needs some quality therapy in order to properly communicate with Spike. :)
no subject
Hmmm. I generally agree with you on the miscommunication thing (particularly the I love you/No you don't), but I do think the message here is pretty clear. I don't see how Spike could interpret Buffy's behavior as NOT having forgiven him - I think the problem arises when it comes to taking that step from forgiveness to relationship. Neither is sure if the other wants it (and that makes sense. Forgiveness does not automatically mean "I love you" or even "I want a relationship"), and so neither makes a move.
This is totally un-useful, isn't it?
Heh, no, you make a good point. I think you're right about Buffy not allowing herself to be vulnerable. At the very least, it affirms my premise that Buffy needs some quality therapy in order to properly communicate with Spike. :)