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When it comes to anime and manga I was pretty simple if it is:
You'll win my heart.
But that's not always true. There are some standouts that break away from that mold. The main being "Welcome to the N.H.K". This contains elements of slice of life, comedy, and romance. But its first and foremost a drama about anxiety, depression, and self loathing. It is honestly my favorite anime series. I watched it shortly after release and it just stuck with me - as a depressed high-schooler. Rereading the light novel in 2023 casts a slightly new light on it, as one character gives off major incel vibes... it makes the story even more tragic... knowing that this epidemic has only gotten worse since the mid 2000s.
But I am amending my typical list. Not for standout dramas like NHK, but for Yuri. No not that kind of yuri! Just "girl love" stories. It does irk me a bit that in U.S at least "yuri" is basically synonymous with "yuri hentai"... but I digress.
Right now its all I am reading: yuri romance manga. It makes sense when you think about it I am finally living my life as a woman after so many years of fighting it. So, being in a lesbian relationship, I would find this relatable. And it is true, a big aspect of this is that I find myself really connecting with these stories. I see myself in these girls and I understand their emotions. I also wish I could be like them... in high school actively discovering my sexuality and engaging with it... instead of running away from it, or keeping it just to my bedroom and internet forums.
Realistically, I just like a good story, and I've had thousands of people before me build up good lists of "yuri manga not set in high school" which are what I seek.
Right now there are maybe three I would recommend any romance, LGBTQIA+ love, and yuri fans to read:
It's funny putting those three on a list together:
Catch These Hands is nothing like the other two. It's a short simple yuri romance, but I found it to be really endeering and honestly a good love story.
Run Away With Me, Girl is a heavy drama - but really well done, with great art, and doesn't shy away from heavier topics (heed my CWs).
And How Do We Relationship. I'm sure if you're a yuri/romance fan you've heard of this. But this was me in a book. I've never seen myself in a character more and frankly it's embarrassing considering they're not exactly the most likable character. But I made mistakes, she makes mistakes, and I know exactly why. I was reading this like "Noooo stopp don't!" because I know exactly why and what she is thinking... Plus any story about musicians is like... my home base. I have a gemlog drafted on this I'll probably share but yeah read it.
I guess I am sharing all this because its my new hobby right now. But also because I've been really, really sad. I can't seem to pull myself up, I don't know if I should be vicariously living through these girls while I'm in a state like this..., but I am not doing great ya'll. So when I wake up in the middle of the night... or I can't sleep... I open up my manga reader and just start reading.
If you're like me and just love a good simple, human, story - check out the romance genre. And if you're a big ol queer like me - yuri romance is more than just cute girls kissing. There is a lot of that you have to sift through - but there are some real gems here. And even if its not healthy for me to be reading them right now... I can't seem to put them down. I guess I've found my new niche.