Although I'm male, I find some Yuri manga to be quite good observers of relationships, and the "How do we" is really at the heart of this series and the lives of its characters.
I'd already enjoyed the fine psychological approach that followed the story arc in Bloom Into You. Like Octave, How Do We Relationship (this series' English title) is concerned with more adult characters and looks at relationships in both a frank and humorous, at times bittersweet way. This is very refreshing, and really good for anyone enjoying psychological intrigues. We get to see characters who have various reasons for getting together but by no means know the recipe for happiness together, and meeting their needs. The misunderstandings, the arguments and even the opposite sexual preferences, it all rings true!
I must confess a particular soft spot for Miwa, because the hang-ups she experiences as a shy nature are things I'm well acquainted with myself. Her portrayal is both touching and realistic. She's a decent and nice young woman who does have some weaknesses to overcome, and that affects her relationships, especially her first one with Saeko (who's got a whole developing plot of her own!). As the story is ongoing there's no telling where this will end, but we're seeing both Miwa and Saeko (and their other love interests) evolve and mature as the volumes go on. It's both love stories and coming-of-age, and it's nicely done. There's an interesting and recurrent use of flashbacks, or returns to episodes past told from an opposite point of view that is quite original on the part of the author.
This is a little gem which I'm happy to recommend to fans of the genre!
