Warning: This content discusses eating disorders and abuse, which may be triggering for some readers.
Exploring the Depths of Eating Disorders in Manhwa: A Closer Look at How to Win Over My Husband
Manhwa, similar to other forms of entertainment, serves as a refuge from reality, with the villainess genre often leaning into this escapism through its fantastical settings and romantic narratives. As an enthusiastic reader of villainess manhwa, I’ve encountered numerous light-hearted romances and cathartic revenge tales. However, no series has resonated with me quite like How to Win Over My Husband, primarily due to its authentic depiction of eating disorders.
While many manhwa bravely tackle darker themes, the topic of eating disorders remains largely overlooked, leaving a significant gap in representation. How to Win Over My Husband, along with its protagonist Ruby, offers a refreshing perspective in this saturated genre. As someone who has grappled with food-related struggles, this series provided the representation I never realized I needed, culminating in a nuanced portrayal that profoundly moved me.
An Authentic Narrative: How Eating Disorders are Woven into the Story
Ruby’s Journey: A Realistic Depiction of an Eating Disorder
Initially, How to Win Over My Husband appears to be just another lighthearted otome isekai, as suggested by its title. However, the first chapter quickly reveals a deeper narrative that challenges these conventions. The plot follows a contemporary South Korean woman, who dies in a tragic accident and is reincarnated as Rudbeckia De Borgia, the villainess in a novel titled Sodom and the Holy Grail.
Ruby’s eating disorder becomes more than a mere character trait; it embodies the consequences of her painful past. While many contemporary manhwa introduce trauma into their characters’ lives, often as a superficial means of creating depth, this series meaningfully connects Ruby’s emotional turmoil with her disorder. Her struggle with food emerges not only as a reflection of her past trauma but also influences the plot by establishing ties to her deceased mother-in-law.
After enduring severe abuse in both her previous life and her current existence, Ruby finds solace in controlling her eating habits. This realization resonates deeply, exposing the emotional complexities faced by those who suffer from eating disorders. Additionally, Ruby resorts to purging as a means to cope with her distress, revealing how her eating disorder serves as both a survival mechanism and a distorted form of comfort.
As demonstrated by the title, Ruby’s mission is to win the approval of her husband and his family while navigating life in an unfamiliar environment filled with disdain. In this challenging scenario, her eating disorder feels like her only companion. This sentiment resonates with many who face similar issues, and How to Win Over My Husband articulates this toxic relationship with food with remarkable clarity.
A Sympathetic Approach to Eating Disorders
Recognizing the Nuances: A Thoughtful Representation of EDs
The series excels in presenting realistic details surrounding eating disorders. A notable aspect is Russell’s sign, which refers to calluses or scars on knuckles from frequent self-induced vomiting. This element plays a crucial role when a character discovers Ruby’s struggles through the observation of these physical indicators.
While some characters minimize Ruby’s anorexia by labeling it a “bad habit”or referring to her as “cursed,”the narrative effectively clarifies that Ruby’s condition is not a cry for attention, effectively challenging a prevalent misconception surrounding eating disorders.
The Urgent Need for Enhanced Representation of Eating Disorders
It is crucial to see more manhwa approach complex issues like eating disorders, a topic often overlooked in contemporary discourse. Popular media and social platforms frequently trivialize or romanticize eating disorders, highlighting the pressing need for authentic representation in today’s world. It is my hope that more manhwa will follow How to Win Over My Husband‘s exemplary model in handling sensitive subjects with the empathy and respect they deserve.
How to Win Over My Husband is available for reading on Tapas.
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