So, I've always kind of hated anime, or so I thought. I had no issues with people liking it! But the exaggerated tropes in a lot of what I'd seen really annoyed me, and the community can be a lot sometimes (dub vs sub as an example) which always kinda threw me off, as well. I just generally found I didn't really like the storytelling in most anime.

However, growing up, there were a couple I loved. I'd always say I hate anime, EXCEPT these two. Kuragehime and Ouran Host Club were the two. Kuragehime is just a joy with a wonderful story. Ouran is VERY tropey, but something about it was always so cozy to me as a teen, and it's become a bit of a comfort show.

Well I recently rewatch Ouran, and decided to watch Fruits Basket (2019), as I was on a nostalgia kick and I remembered sort of liking the manga a bit as a teen (though I didn't read much). I liked Fruits Basket a LOT.

I also cried more than expected xD And thaaat somehow led me to watching Orange, which I also cried at a lot. And really enjoyed. And now I'm watching Your Lie in April and suddenly I think I might like anime.

HOWEVER, I'm still kind of picky about it. Which is why finding more is going to be difficult. I can't even pinpoint a genre exactly. Romance isn't quite it - I like the romance elements of stories, but I haaaated Toradora and SAO once they got married. I like dramas, but I need that little bit of romance in there too, and I like it to be a sort of upbeat drama? I dunno, I like cozy shows I guess? It's really awkward to define, sorry.

So I'm basically looking for something similar in vibe to the anime I DO like to watch after Your Lie in April. But avoiding some of the anime aspects I hate.

For example, I really did not like Anohana. I didn't get far in, but the really exaggerated female protag and the weird sexual humor the first few minutes in was an immediate throw off for me.

I don't really care for fantasy much. I'm looking for more slice of life stuff.

So, I'd appreciate any recommendations you might have! If it'll make me cry, even better!