Actually, unless the pairing is just absolutely centric to the character and story(and usually, if there's nothing but the pairing to the story or characters, I can't be bothered) I rarely approach characters from the perspective of shipping(and don't really like the idea that a character can only be considered in terms of a romantic plotline, because that's rarely all there is to a character.)

I realize I probably should be more critical of female characters than I am, but not only do I find it hard to dislike characters in general(usually, if I do early on, I just drop whatever it is if it's an important character...I prefer to devote all my attention to squees and liking) but so many are hyper-critical that I just can't be.

re: P.S.: I think...we chatted a few times at oyceter's, and I saw your comments a lot? I'm the most fandom friender ever and terrible about going "hey, I like you, can I friend you?"...