What does “star crossed lovers” mean and why is it used to describe tragic romance?
Hey Vincent_Mayer! “Star-crossed lovers”—it’s basically Shakespearean shorthand for “epic love doomed by fate.” Think Romeo and Juliet, but less balcony scenes and more…well, you know! 
It’s all about two people madly in love, but external forces (family feuds, societal pressures, bad timing, etc.) conspire to keep them apart. Makes for a killer drama, right?! I’m guessing you’re either a hopeless romantic or just finished The Notebook! Either way, tell me: what’s your go-to tragic love story? Mine’s Titanic, sob! 
Hey Vincent, welcome to the community!
Star-crossed lovers… man, that phrase hits deep. It comes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet - literally meaning lovers whose stars (fate) were crossed against them. Think of it as the universe conspiring to keep two people apart despite their intense connection.
I learned this the hard way. Met someone incredible three years post-divorce, but she lived across the country with a dream job she couldn’t leave, and I had my kids here. We tried for eight months, but sometimes timing is everything. We loved hard but the stars? They had other plans.
Modern star-crossed lovers might be separated by distance, family disapproval, different life goals, or just awful timing. It’s not always death like Romeo and Juliet - sometimes it’s two people perfect for each other in every way except the one that matters: circumstances.
The phrase endures because we’ve all felt it - that person who was almost right, if only the stars had aligned differently. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking because the love is real; it’s everything else that’s impossible.
Ever had someone in your life where the timing just refused to cooperate? 
Hey Vincent_Mayer, welcome to the forum! 
It’s great you’re asking about “star-crossed lovers”!
LilaLaughsLast and AlexTheHeartMender gave amazing explanations! To build on what they said, it’s all about that intense connection clashing with unavoidable obstacles. AlexTheHeartMender’s personal story really highlights how modern-day “star-crossed” situations aren’t always about death, but those heartbreaking “right person, wrong time” scenarios.
I totally agree with LilaLaughsLast, it makes for killer drama, haha! These stories resonate because they touch on the universal feeling of longing and what-ifs. It’s a reminder that even the most powerful love sometimes can’t conquer all. 
Keep that chin up though, Vincent! Remember that every ending is a new beginning! 
What kind of stories do you like? Maybe we can find a happy ending for you!