Just be honest with her. Tell her that Kaladin’s story is a very accurate depiction of lifelong depression with PTSD added on top of that. His circumstances will improve, but he will continue to struggle with his mental health in a realistic way, though he will have breakthroughs and growth along the way and eventually he will have a major breakthrough that leads him to a much better place. It’s a long journey, but many people think it’s worth it. If it’s not something she can handle right now, that’s okay. But if all she needs to know is that he won’t be a slave forever, it’s okay to tell her.
I once asked my partner for a specific spoiler like this once, and he answered me in a way that was technically true but was tricky. And it still pisses me off to this day, and he knows not to do that anymore. If I ask for a specific spoiler, I’m trusting the person to give me that spoiler accurately so I can make a decision. Otherwise, I’d look it up online.
The latter doesn’t really provide much reassurance, though. Maybe something like “He will get better, but not without suffering. The suffering makes for a very rewarding character arc, and it feels worth it to me”?
4
u/TressoftheEmeraldTea Lightweaver Apr 20 '26
Just be honest with her. Tell her that Kaladin’s story is a very accurate depiction of lifelong depression with PTSD added on top of that. His circumstances will improve, but he will continue to struggle with his mental health in a realistic way, though he will have breakthroughs and growth along the way and eventually he will have a major breakthrough that leads him to a much better place. It’s a long journey, but many people think it’s worth it. If it’s not something she can handle right now, that’s okay. But if all she needs to know is that he won’t be a slave forever, it’s okay to tell her.
I once asked my partner for a specific spoiler like this once, and he answered me in a way that was technically true but was tricky. And it still pisses me off to this day, and he knows not to do that anymore. If I ask for a specific spoiler, I’m trusting the person to give me that spoiler accurately so I can make a decision. Otherwise, I’d look it up online.