They’re young, hot and in love — so why can’t Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson get it on?
It might have something to do with Parker leaving MJ on her own while he swings over New York City as Spider-Man, or that she’s always in danger from some villain nabbing her to get to Spidey.
The lovebirds, however, also are to blame, according to two local relationship experts. Barbie Adler of matchmaker Selective Search and Eli Finkel, an associate professor of psychology who studies relationships at Northwestern University, ponder the prospects of our young protagonists.
Secrets and lies
Problem: Should he tell her, or should he not? For a long time, Peter pushed MJ away to hide his superhero alter ego. Eventually he caved and spilled it. But he still has secrets.
Solution: Both Peter and MJ need to be upfront and honest, our experts said. “It is a highly unusual case but, in general, people don’t like their loved ones holding secrets from them,” Finkel said.
Cheating
Problem: Peter gets flirty with Gwen Stacy, which sends MJ into the arms of her ex, Harry Osborn — and that doesn’t sit well with Peter. A vicious circle, indeed.
Solution: “The fact that she was jealous — and for good reason — to go to someone else who she was fond of is just a safety mechanism,” Adler said. “He needs to decide, instead of sitting on the fence, to end one thing before starting another.”
Professional jealousy
Problem: In the movie, MJ feels resentment when her acting career stalls while Peter finds success as Spider-Man.
Solution: Since they are still young, the pair likely will experience successes at different times, Adler said. They need to be supportive of each other regardless, she said.
Long-term forecast
If Peter and MJ came into her matchmaking business, Adler would have paired them up.
“If someone has had a troubled past, they need someone who’s also overcome some difficulties,” she said. “… If they both show each other their true colors, I think they could be a good match.”
Only time will tell if Peter and MJ can live happily ever after, however.
“Their love can support each other,” Adler said. “When two people are in love with each other, they can make it if they lean on each other.”
