Episode 1 - What Are We? - relationship defining guidance

Aug 21, 2026

Episode 1 “What Are We?” follows Luis and Ahmed as they start an awkward moment after Luis posts an unapproved selfie while eating pizza. Heat from a scalding bite escalates the tension, then a TV infomercial for “The AwkLine with Shan Boodram” provides guidance on having partner conversations. Shan recommends DTW—honest, direct, and open—focusing on wants, timing, and being receptive to Ahmed’s needs before turning the relationship official.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Episode 1: What Are We?

Pizza moment turns awkward

TV infomercial guidance: DTW and DTR

Applying the advice together

Episode 1: What Are We? Cheesy MUSIC plays, a synth and saxophone vibe, like a super upbeat 90s TV Special . “Episode 1: What Are We?” with OWN THE AWK logo appears on screen. Luis comes in with a pizza box, as Ahmed sits on the couch. Luis: Pizza, pizza, pizza... Ready? Ahmed: Yes. Luis: Wait until you see it. Luis opens the pizza box, showing Ahmed what’s inside . Ahmed: Aww It's a heart. Luis: Isn't it cute? LUIS and AHMED are on the sofa, watching TV and eating pizza straight from the box . Ahmed grabs a slice and takes a big bite, only to be hit with the scalding heat . He gasps in pain, hyperventilating . Ahmed: Oh, hot, hot. Oh, hot. Luis grabs his phone and snaps a selfie with Ahmed mid-pain, the photo flashing full-screen for a moment . Luis starts typing a caption: "A hot slice for my hot slice @AhmedUnplugged . " Ahmed: You're not posting that, right? Luis sheepishly shows Ahmed the screen Ahmed: Crop me out. Luis: Why? You look good. Ahmed: I'm not ready for you to post about us. Luis looks at Ahmed, taken aback and disappointed . Ahmed: Hey, you need anything from the kitchen? Ahmed: My mouth is killing me. Ahmed gets up, leaving Luis alone . Luis sighs dramatically . The TV flickers to an infomercial-style scene with the words "The AwkLine with Shan Boodram” pops up . Shan: Need to have an awkward conversation with your partner? Luis turns his attention to the TV . The cheesy PSA graphic on the screen shifts to an infomercial-style scene . “Call Now! THE-AWK-LINE" flash in bold, neon letters with an exaggerated jingle playing . Shan: Call The AwkLine now. Luis stares at the TV shocked before quickly grabbing his phone . Shan: Call us. Luis dials the phone . Shan: You've reached The AwkLine where we can help you Own the Awk. Luis and Shan are shown side by side on the TV in a splitscreen Shan: Hey Luis. Luis: I really like this guy and want him to be my boyfriend, Luis: but he shut down a soft launch of him on my story. Luis: What do I do? The words “HOW DO I MAKE THIS OFFICIAL?" flash in bold, neon letters on the TV screen . Shan: Ah, deﬁning the relationship or DTR. Shan: Yeah, that can get scary. So instead, focus on DTW, deﬁning the wants. Super appears on screen saying “HONEST, DIRECT, and OPEN”. Shan: I want you to be honest about what going deeper means for you. Shan: Next, you're going to be direct about why you want to have this talk now. Shan: And of course, you gotta be open to Ahmed's needs as well. The TV flickers, and Shan disappears as Ahmed returns with a glass of milk . Luis: I'm sorry I tried to post that pic without asking. Ahmed sits down on the couch next to Luis . Luis: I just want people to know how much I care about you. Ahmed holds Luis’s hand . Luis: How do you feel about us being together? Shan appears on the TV screen . Shan: Yes Luis. Start with your wants and then be open to his. Ahmed: I like you a lot, but social media can be messy, you know? Luis: I get that. But what I really want to know is that we're headed somewhere. Ahmed: Listen, I love where this is going. Ahmed: I just want to spend some more time together before we get serious and start, you know, hard launching on social media. Ahmed: How about we give it a few weeks and see how we're feeling? Luis: I'm good with pausing on socials, but what about seeing other people? Ahmed: It's just you, babe. Ahmed: This pizza is my only hot side piece. Ahmed grabs another slice of pizza, holding it up wi th a grin and gives Luis a bite . Cheesy music plays with “Real talk . Real Connection” on screen . Ends with [OWNTHEAWK. org](OWNTHEAWK. org) logo.

FAQs

Why does the episode become awkward between Luis and Ahmed?

Luis tries to post a selfie of Ahmed without asking, and Ahmed feels not ready for the relationship to be shared publicly.

What does Shan Boodram suggest for having the relationship talk?

Shan recommends defining the wants (DTW) instead of forcing a scary “DTR” immediately, using HONEST, DIRECT, and OPEN communication.

How do Luis and Ahmed decide to move forward after the guidance?

They agree to pause on social media, spend more time together first, and give it a few weeks to see how they feel before getting serious.

Aug 21, 2026

Upload by Berry Peter