I'm not sure what "very binary" means. I'm guessing that Charlie doesn't have any middle gears; he either loves someone or something or he hates them. He's not very good at being "meh" or just liking someone or something in a casual way. And that could be a huge problem with relationships, as most people do not go from zero to sixty in 30 seconds. And Charlie doesn't know any other way to be.

And seriously - what you said about Rom Coms etc 'making' people fall in love. Contending with that fantasy with someone who doesn't really understand fantasy...exhausting.

I can well believe it. It must be incredibly difficult for you. The idea's not just in one story or in one type of story; it's pervasive. Western attitudes toward romance and women are soaked in this premise.