Toradora!

Gets off to a wobbly start but improves greatly as it goes along. Each character has their own unique arc, culminating in one of the sweetest/most frustrating endings ever.

A revisit: definitely stands above the majority of anime romances. At the same time, it actually does a lot more things well: namely coming of age, slice of life and comedy (of course), But the centerpiece: Ryuji and Taiga's relationship is develops so well. Of course, you'll just have to look past the ""abuse"" (I see it as slapstick, it's an anime, whatever).

It's tropey sure but oh my god its so adorable and charming. Great animation too. Taiga is possibly the most likeable tsundere as well you think you'd hate her but she has the proper balance of sweet and mean and you know quickly that she's just a naive girl with poor social skills.

odd character motivations and a really slow pace, but has some nice character developments

Taiga is a bully. Can't immerse myself in such relationship dynamic.