Why Couldn't Mike Say "I Love You" To Eleven?
Warning: contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things 4, Volume 1.
Stranger Things season 4 saw Mike struggle to say «I love you» to Eleven – but why? Stranger Things 4 split the Hawkins crew across the world, with Joyce taking her kids out to California to start a new life, Hopper stuck in a Russian prison, and the rest of the group remaining in Hawkins. The latest season of Stranger Things takes place throughout spring break, with Mike going to visit the Byers family over in California.
Though Mike’s arrival is met with much enthusiasm, there’s an underlying tension between Mike and Eleven as well. It turns out that Eleven has been lying to Mike about how wonderful her life has been in California, lies which unravel as soon as El’s bullies show up at the roller rink they’ve just arrived at. Though the couple has been keeping in touch by writing each other letters, it’s clear that the distance between them has made it hard for them to be honest with one another. Eleven feels she has to lie to Mike to keep up appearances — one reason some have speculated that Eleven should break up with Mike — and Mike has been finding it hard to express his feelings for her.
Related: Stranger Things 4 Fixes Season 3’s Biggest Villain Problems
Long-distance relationships can be difficult, especially for two teenagers who have been through the wringer and were used to spending so much time together. Though Mike’s actions throughout Stranger Things’ previous seasons have always indicated how much he cares for Eleven – he nearly gave his life to protect her in season 1, he called her every day on the radio for a year in season 2 – he’s always had more trouble telling El exactly how he feels, instead generally showing this by his actions instead.
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