I find this really odd, OP. Do you have trouble relating to all characters who fall outside your personal experiences? I mean, I didn't have any romances when I was 10, but I could relate to the idea. I've never been a sailor, but I enjoyed Mutiny on the Bounty and even related to the characters. I don't get why "romance" is such a special case to you.

(Putting aside the fact that maybe these are just poorly-written characters and that's where your true issue lies).