So c/StardewValley, who do you usually romance and why?

I'm an Emily kind of guy. Abby's a close second.

I usually romance Leah because I like her vibe, and I appreciate how easy it is to just give her foraged items

Leah for the difficulty, Abigail is my usual

Leah is so easy! Driftwood every day. I get that shit for free.
- I just gave her salads

I think I've romanced Maru and Abigail the most often

Penny. She seems sad about her situation with her mom, and then becomes happy after moving to the farm.

Shane - I really like him, even his messy room. He resonates with me overcoming his issues, and I like what he says. He's very sweet and kind!

Plus he moves his chicken to your farm and sometimes he hugs it - I'm a sucker to NPCs that love animals.

Also you can fix him

In my first playthrough I choose Leah and I still think that was a solid choice. But I never setteled on one partner.

Currently I try or rather plan to romance Penny.

Alex.

I’m a trans woman with a problematic attraction to any man who would’ve bullied me in high school.

Before you ask—yes, I am aware this is the only reason anybody ever marries Alex.

Nah, I'm pretty sure some people romance him as a man to see a dude come out of the closet and his grandpa change his mind on homophobia.
- Yooo is that actually a storyline in the game? Cutee

Abigail or Krobus

No one. Ace/aro in all things.

This is why I'm so glad that reaching Perfection doesn't require you to be married. Ace but not aro myself, just happy to see aro people not excluded.

I’ve put quite some hours into the game but haven’t pursued anyone romantically yet. Do they help on the farm if you partner up?

Spouses do end up doing chores sometimes, but if I recall correctly (maybe this was updated away) sometimes they end up "watering the crops" when you have sprinklers do it all or something like that… it is unintentional but usually by the time the farmer is ready to propose marriage they are also far enough in the game the chores they do around the farm will not always be helpful.

Sebastian, every time. I have attempted others, but I always come back. I guess emo twink that plays D&D is just my type.

Leah or Penny. Both have personalities that match my current partner.

Harvey. I picked up the game during the covid lockdown and I guess "wash your hands" is my love language, lol.

I'm still working my way through experiencing all the romances I'd like to. But for some reason I often marry Haley. I am not romantically interested in women. ??? I know I'll pursue them in games anyways to see the story bits, to learn more about them, but I have already seen the story and learned more so not sure why I do this. Pretty sure it is not a case of secret closet for various reasons that are probably off-topic to Stardew Valley.

Haley and mommy <3

Mary, she's just generally the most happy to live her life still and yet ecstatic to be living with you as well. It seems like the most wholesome relationship imo.

*Maru, phone auto corrected and I didn't notice

Is Mary from a mod or newly added?
- My phone autocorrected Maru to Mary lol.

By now, I feel weird going for those that feel barely out if their teens. I like Leah and Elliot. I love creative types and those who work hard to pursue their passions, even in the face of adversity. I also like that they still pursue their passions when they live with me. Others have felt kind of empty after moving to my farm. One time I chose Krobus over marriage, no regrets there either.

Abigail was tailor made to bait me into playing the game, to be honest

Krobus. But we're just roommates ;)

On my first playthrough. I'm in year 6 and just about ready to start doing Qi quests once I finish off perfection. Haven't romanced anyone yet. Thinking about either Leah, Penny, or Abigail.

Interestingly, the first accessory I picked up was a "Perfect Ice Rod," so combat has been easy since that. I have a big stone chest that is about ¾ full of all the accessories, but only one Level 3 Parrot Egg.