Top 10 Romances on The Walking Dead

Already together when the two are introduced, Abraham and Rosita were a couple who brought out the fighting spirit in one another. Although Rosita’s attempts to have Abraham open himself up to her aren’t reciprocated, it’s clear that their time together empowered them to survive the zombie apocalypse. One of the more endearing character traits Abraham and Rosita exhibit together is their ability to intimidate anyone, with neither of the pair wasting time on sensitive issues. However, their tendency to ignore their emotional side is what leads to Abraham’s feeling of dissatisfaction with their relationship. It’s after their break up when things get more interesting, as Rosita’s contempt for the way Abraham leaves her paves the way for her growth in independence.

#9: Rick & Lori

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While they were never shown at their best, the pairing of Rick and Lori always remained interesting. This comes down to their many issues, stemming from Lori’s relationship with Rick’s best friend Shane, after she thought Rick was dead. The intrigue about them is how they seem so close to resolving their problems, only to never quite be able to mend their relationship. Although Lori tries her best to regain Rick’s trust, she becomes the reason for Shane’s turn for the worst, making Rick blame her when things go bad. Ironically, it’s after her death that Rick realizes how much he loved his wife, allowing him to become a better father who resolves to live up to her memory.

Despite a romance that was clearly doomed to begin with, Henry and Lydia had a connection to cherish for a lifetime. Feeling left out by his peers at the Hilltop, Henry finds Lydia and instantly forms a relationship with the daughter of the feared Whisperer leader, Alpha. After spending most of her life on the receiving end of her mother’s abuse, Lydia experiences genuine kindness for the first time upon meeting Henry. Their friendship blossoms into real attraction, with both teenagers trusting each other with the insecurities that have held them back for so long. Unfortunately, this new love is cut short due to Alpha’s interference, as she ends any future Lydia and Henry might have had.

Although they were teenagers who went through similar journeys, Carl and Enid found each other with different outlooks. His hope for finding peace even in such a hellish world is met with skepticism from Enid, although Carl’s influence begins to slowly make its impact. Being around Carl, who doesn’t let go of his fighting spirit even after losing his eye, makes Enid gain a newfound respect for life. Meanwhile, Carl also respects Enid for her independence, finding it an endearing quality that he can relate to. This mutual respect turns into a romance after some time, as the young couple realizes they can lean on each other for support. Sadly, this relationship is cut short due to Carl’s demise, although the impact he has on Enid always remains.

It takes a special someone to inspire a person to open up to love once again, and this is who Denise was to Tara. Having lost her girlfriend to the The Governor’s war at the prison, Tara had all but sworn off the idea of love until she met Denise. Their relationship thrives under pressure, as the two work together during Alexandria’s stand against the walkers. It’s here when they act upon their attraction, with Denise sealing this with a kiss. Despite being separated, Tara and Denise hold out for one another during their journeys. The hope of being reunited keeps their fighting spirits alive, remaining in each other’s thoughts until the end.

Carol’s psyche reaches a breaking point by the sixth season. Traumatized by the many people she’s had to kill, she tries to settle in isolation near The Kingdom community. Unlike others, King Ezekiel’s the one who sees how Carol needs companionship rather than solitude. Succeeding in letting Carol be honest about herself, Ezekiel reignites her fighting spirit and willingness to love again. After being an abused wife who had troubles trusting another romantic partner, Carol opens herself fully to another man. The two experience what it’s like to have a happy marriage, becoming parents to Henry and leading The Kingdom for years. Unfortunately, Carol’s depression at Henry’s death shatters their bond irretrievably, ending this once-impenetrable relationship.

Finding love in the apocalypse was the last thing they wanted, but meeting one another changed things. Unable to overcome the trauma that comes with survival, Bob gets on the wrong side of the group due to his drinking problem. It’s after he gains acceptance among his new friends when he begins to appreciate his life. This change in perspective draws Sasha’s interest, as she finds Bob’s optimism an admirable quality. Their relationship is strengthened after teaming up to help Maggie reunite with Glenn, with Bob serving as a reminder for Sasha that she doesn’t need to be alone.Their short-lived romance proves to be Bob’s happiest memories, eventually allowing him to pass away in peace with Sasha by his side.

Sasha falls into a spiral of depression following Bob’s, and her brother Tyreese’s, deaths. Having suffered these major heartbreaks, she tries to distance herself by putting hers in harm’s way. When she’s paired with Abraham, a man who’s had a death wish himself since losing his family, Sasha finally finds someone who understands her pain. Having been in an emotionally satisfying relationship with Rosita, Abraham realizes he needs Sasha to fill the emptiness in his life. Despite their tough personalities, Sasha and Abraham enjoy a tender relationship where both feel safe sharing their insecurities and fears with one another. Their love is cemented in death, as Sasha and Abraham have each other in mind before meeting their ends.

#2: Rick & Michonne

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This romance is easily the most developed in the series, with Rick and Michonne starting out at odds. After earning his respect, Michonne goes on to bond with Rick’s children and becomes one of his most valuable friends. The two rely on each other for support both in the heat of battle, as well as their difficulties in adjusting in Alexandria. After being single for a while, Michonne and Rick realize they’ve been in love with each other the whole time, making their relationship official. The couple lead Alexandria together, staying close, no matter how difficult things get with the Saviors, and numerous conflicts. Their love remains pure enough for Michonne to remain faithful to Rick’s memory even years after his disappearance, along with adopting his children as her own.

Easily the longest-lasting relationship in the series, Maggie and Glenn prove that love does win in the end. Starting off as a minor fling, Maggie becomes genuinely interested in Glenn after witnessing his fearless nature. It’s through Maggie’s influence that Glenn matures from his boyish attitude to become the backbone of their group, as the couple bring out the best in each other. It also becomes clear nothing can break their marriage, with Maggie and Glenn sharing everything from laughs to the many losses they suffer. Their relationship survives almost every disaster the main characters encounter, through which the couple finds ways to reunite each time. Tragically, Glenn has Maggie in mind even in his last breath. However, his memory empowers her to become a true leader in her own right.