Rue and Jules are two of the main characters in the hit HBO show Euphoria. Their relationship was one of the major storylines in season 1 and left viewers divided on whether it was a healthy portrayal of young love or an example of a toxic dynamic.
Quick Summary of Rue and Jules’ Relationship
Rue Bennett is a 17-year-old recovering drug addict who meets Jules Vaughn soon after leaving rehab at the beginning of season 1. Jules is a vivacious transgender girl who quickly captures Rue’s attention, and the two begin a romantic relationship. However, cracks in their young love soon emerge as Rue struggles to stay sober and lies to Jules, while Jules secretly continues to hook up with older men she meets online.
By the season 1 finale, Rue relapses and lashes out at Jules during an intervention by her family and friends. A distraught Jules leaves town on a train out of fear that Rue will die of an overdose. This leaves their future uncertain heading into season 2.
Evidence That Rue and Jules Are Toxic
There are several red flags that indicate Rue and Jules have an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship:
Rue’s addiction issues
Rue is still in recovery and battling substance abuse. She even admits early on that she’s using Jules as a distraction and replacement for drugs. Relying on another person for sobriety is a sign of toxicity.
Dishonesty and lack of communication
Rue lies to Jules about being sober several times. She even stands up Jules on a date after taking fentanyl. Jules is dishonest about continuing to meet up with men from dating apps. Neither is fully open with the other.
Jealous and controlling behavior
When Rue finds out about Jules hooking up with “Tyler” from the dating app, she spirals and shows up at Jules’ house drunk and confronts her jealously. Jules also makes Rue feel guilty for talking to her ex-boyfriend.
Trauma bonding
As two teens with traumatic pasts, including Rue’s addiction and Jules’ troubled family life, they bond over their emotional wounds. But this creates an unhealthy foundation.
Codependency
Rue relies heavily on Jules for her sobriety and emotional stability, while Jules craves Rue’s attention and affirmation of her femininity. This leads to needy, clingy behavior.
| Evidence of Toxicity | Rue | Jules |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction issues | Uses Jules as sobriety crutch | |
| Dishonesty | Lies about drug use | Hides hook ups |
| Controlling behavior | Drunk confronts Jules | Guilts Rue over ex |
| Trauma bonding | Bonds over past trauma | Bonds over past trauma |
| Codependency | Relies on Jules for sobriety | Craves Rue’s attention |
Counter Evidence That Rue and Jules Are Healthy
However, there are also signs that Rue and Jules genuinely care for each other and their relationship has potential to grow in a healthy direction:
They confide in and support each other
Rue and Jules open up to each other about their mental health struggles and difficult pasts. Jules helps Rue open up about her grief over her father’s death. Rue affirms Jules’ gender identity.
Normal teenage mistakes
It’s easy to forget Rue and Jules are only 17. Their lies, jealousy, and clinginess could be chalked up to immaturity and normal teen drama.
Potential for growth
Despite their issues, Rue and Jules seem to genuinely love and accept each other by the end of season 1. They could potentially mature into a healthy relationship with time.
Shared interests and chemistry
Rue and Jules have natural chemistry and get each other’s humor. They both love fashion and makeup. Their artistic passions connect them.
| Evidence of Healthy Connection | Rue | Jules |
|---|---|---|
| Confiding in each other | Opens up about grief | Opens up about gender identity |
| Normal teenage mistakes | Immaturity | Immaturity |
| Potential for growth | Loves Jules by end of S1 | Accepts Rue by end of S1 |
| Shared interests | Fashion, makeup, art | Fashion, makeup, art |
Conclusion
Overall, Rue and Jules exhibited both toxic traits and positive traits in season 1 of Euphoria. While their relationship is flawed and dysfunctional at times, they also share a profound connection and their story arc is left open-ended. So there is potential for growth if they choose to stay together in a healthier way in future seasons.
As 17-year-olds with traumatic pasts at formative times in their lives, some toxicity could be expected as they learn who they are. But with communication, honesty, boundaries, and maturity, Rue and Jules could potentially have an enduring romance. For now, viewers will have to tune into future episodes of Euphoria to find out if this fan-favorite couple can leave toxicity behind and create a supportive partnership.