Steve Harrington has come a long way since the first season of Stranger Things. Originally introduced as the popular kid at school, Steve fell from high-school grace as he began a journey of remarkable self-growth and discovery. He was fiercely protective of the Party, taking it upon himself to protect the kids from threats emerging from the Upside Down. Steve ultimately stole the show in season 4, and became a leader in the fight against the Mind Flayer and Vecna.
While Steve has become quite the hero, he was unable to find love after the end of his relationship with Nancy Wheeler. In the fourth season of Stranger Things, it was revealed that Steve still had romantic feelings for her. This revelation drew a mixed response from fans, many of whom were against the two characters getting back together. Indeed, Steve would be wise to let the past stay in the past. Here are several reasons why Steve Harrington deserves a new love interest.
Nancy Already Broke Steve's Heart
The beginning of Season 2 marked the end of Steve and Nancy's romantic relationship. During a Halloween party, Nancy told Steve that she wanted to stop acting "like" they were in love. Nancy's words ended up causing Steve great pain, who was heartbroken but able to accept that his feelings were not reciprocated. Steve recognized that Nancy had fallen for Jonathan and told her she should be with him instead.
Most of the time, exes have stayed exes for a reason. Steve should not be going back to someone who told him she didn't love him and was also able to quickly move on. If Steve and Nancy were to get back together, nothing has indicated that things would be any different. A broken heart does not need to be broken again by the same person.
Nancy Is Already in a Relationship with Jonathan
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While Steve has been a consistently great character, it was very strange for him to tell his ex he dreamed of having six kids with her. It could be interpreted as a completely inappropriate comment, and more so since it was made when Nancy was already in a relationship. Although Nancy came to realize she still had feelings for Steve, she also made the decision not to end her relationship with Jonathan. She was with Jonathan for a much longer time than the time she got to spend with Steve. A love triangle was formed, as outlined by US Magazine, but it would be best for Steve to steer clear of it and find someone who did not struggle to choose him.
Steve Should Be Meeting New People
After graduating from high school, Steve worked dead-end jobs at an ice cream parlor and video rental store. He was not able to meet that many people, instead spending most of his time with his best friends Dustin Henderson and Robin Buckley. During Stranger Things season 4, Steve had still not entered his 20s. At such a young age, Steve has plenty of opportunities to meet new people and explore potential romantic options. Rather than clinging on to a past ex, Steve should move on to someone that would be a better match for him than Nancy. Indeed, Steve was not able to find new love as soon as he would have wanted, but that does not mean he would not be able to in the future.
Steve is Kind, Caring, and Brave
Steve was not some fearless individual who asked for danger to come to his door. Rather than getting rid of his fears, he overcame them by acknowledging them. Steve converted his concern for other people's safety into willpower that made him take action. Stranger Things has consistently shown Steve prioritizing other people's lives above his own. His strong desire to be a force for good impressed even that of Eddie Munson.
Someone who is mature takes responsibility for their actions, and that is what Steve has done. In the first season of Stranger Things, Steve hung out with a group of bullies and engaged in similar behavior himself. However, Steve quickly tried to rectify his mistakes and distance himself from negative influences. While Nancy was indeed a motivator, Steve primarily did the work to improve himself because he genuinely wanted to be a better person. There has been no other character in Stranger Things that over time, per Collider, has changed fan opinion of them as much as Steve Harrington.
By Stranger Things 4, Steve was recognized as a kind and courageous young man whom anyone could trust. It was difficult for anyone to dislike him because Steve radiated such good vibes. With his charm and great hair in addition to all of his other fabulous traits, it is only a matter of time before Steve meets someone. It is not that rare for people to meet that special someone when they are least expecting it.