Jane Austen, the 19th-century English novelist, died at 40 and never married, yet her novels perfectly describe a variety of relationships that are relatable even in this modern era. Many are put off by Austen's descriptions of upper-class 19th century English society, but her characters are incredibly relevant and relatable. Whenever I have a personal struggle, I love to find parallels in Austen's novels and seek out the characters with which I can commiserate. Her excellent dynamics of relationships between the various characters have also helped me better understand how people think and act because, when it comes down to it, people never really change. Here are 8 of Jane Austen's most relatable romantic relationships, relationships with which we or friends can personally identify.

1. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice

Lizzie and Darcy are the most famous Austen couple and for good reason. It's not the classic love-at-first sight story, but rather, the story of you and that person you met at a party that you complain about to anybody that will listen. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet at a party and instantly loathe each other, especially Elizabeth. But as time goes on Elizabeth learns there is much more to Darcy than her first impression and each character learns to recognize and overcome their flaws that kept them apart for so long. This relationship teaches to not dismiss someone because of one bad encounter (in fact, the novel was originally titled First Impressions, but publishers made Austen change it to parallel Sense and Sensibility), but to look deeper at both ourselves and the people around us.

2. Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickam from Pride and Prejudice:

Have you ever met someone handsome and funny who turned out to be a jerk, but you were too much in love to realize it? That's Lydia and Wickam. Lydia is a naïve, boy-crazy teen who jumps at the chance to run away with Wickam, a charming young man who turns out to be a gold-digging player, though no one can convince Lydia of that. Hopefully you don't find yourself or a friend caught in a Lydia-Wickham relationship.

3. Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley from Pride and Prejudice

No matter how much you care about someone or enjoy their company, it can be hard to express your true feelings. If you have ever had someone leave you because they doubted your feelings and sincerity, you can relate to Jane. Jane and Mr. Bingley quickly become friends and everyone thinks they will marry. But Jane, quiet and reserved, does not state her affection for Bingley plainly enough and Bingley is coaxed into leaving Jane to find someone who clearly wants to marry him. This relationship is a lesson in communication and understanding how people communicate because everyone expresses and receives feelings differently.

4. Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility

Have you ever hit it off instantly with someone and spent countless amazing hours over several weeks with them, only to find out they aren't interested? Marianne knows exactly how you feel. Marianne and Willoughby quickly become fast friends until Willoughby has to return to London. Marianne's numerous letters go unanswered and an ill-received surprise visit ends in tears when Willoughby writes a letter apologizing to Marianne for her naïve misinterpretation of their short friendship (though there is more to the story than that). Fortunately, Marianne finds someone much more sensible and committed, showing that things often work out for the best in the end.

5. Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars from Sense and Sensibility

There's nothing worse than finding out someone you really liked (and thought liked you back) already has a significant other. Elinor is sure she will end up married to Edward, only to discover Edward has been secretly engaged for three years, though that doesn't deter Elinor who is still convinced she is the only girl for Edward. Most people won't have an ending like that of Elinor and Edward, but Elinor, like her sister Marianne, knows what unrequited love feels like and they can both be a great comfort in times of sadness and disappointment.

6. Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth from Sense and Sensibility

Sometimes we break up with people we still love, whether to pursue our own lives or due to family pressure. Whatever the case, it is always awkward running into them again. Anne was once engaged to Frederick Wentworth, a lowly sailor at the time, but broke it off because he wasn't rich enough for her family. Many years later she runs into Wentworth, now a wealthy captain, and a series of tense yet humorous encounters ensue.

7. Emma Wood and Mr. Knightley from Emma

Though most can't relate to the sixteen year age gap between Emma and Knightley, many can relate to having that one person who will always challenge you and call you out. Emma, intelligent yet undiscerning, gets away with almost anything unless Knightley is involved. He is the only person who will criticize her and point out her flaws, making him the perfect balance to her pride. Emma and Knightley complement each perfectly and they are a great example of a couple that works well together.

8. Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram from Mansfield Park

Sometimes it takes mutual love a long time to blossom and you may have to wait years for your best friend to see you the way you see them. At age 10, Fanny is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, where she quickly becomes friends with her older cousin Edmund. As the years pass Fanny falls in love with Edmund (remember, it's 19th century England when marrying your cousin was okay), but it takes Edmund nearly the whole novel to realize his feelings for Fanny.

Austen was a master of crafting real relationships and her romance novels have so much to teach about what real love is. If you are looking for a novel that is real and relatable, any of Austen's six novels are fantastic choices with so much to offer.