Why exactly did Nala and Simba fall in love?

[Godric]

They fell in love because it is the nature of animals. Simba hadn't seen anyone from his species in a very long time, not in his adolescence and not since then. Then he suddenly met Nala again, who was a flirty friend when they were little cubs.

Animals (and humans) have a strong desire to reproduce, and that desire consists of sexual attraction. And when they haven't seen one of their kind in such a long time, they will probably be attracted pretty quickly. That also explains why Mowgli suddenly fell for Shanti at the end of Jungle Book.

I just realized that I've only explained Simba's side of it. As for Nala, I don't think there were many male lions at Pride Rock who were close to Nala's age (Scar was much older, and Nuka was a cub), so I think that explains her affinity for Simba.

I agree.

[PotterYouRotter]

lol ya i just always assumed it was one of those things that nala had been scarred by his "death" and then when she realized her best friend was still alive she went "FFFFFF TWITTERPATED " and then plus simba is all grown up and handsome and now see's a girly girl for first time in ever and HORMONES KICK IN

[SimbasGuard]

Like several others have said I believe, that Simba and Nala's friendship as cubs was of the strong enough capacity that It most likely would have become love when they grew older had they not been separated. It is obvious that Nala's memory had not faded from Simba's mind and heart because he was quick to recognize her when she pinned him. I think Simba must have spent a lot of time thinking about Nala as he was growing up and wished he could see her again. So when he actually sees her again, it was a dream come true scenario. His feelings of love for Nala that were always there but never had a chance to manifest. Emerged and falling in love with Nala was easy for him because it is what his heart wanted. Simba would not have this emotional reaction to any other lioness.
As for Nala, I think even as cub the idea of marrying Simba when they were older was less weird than she wanted to to admit. I imagine thinking that Simba was dead was a heartbreaking thing for her, it is likely that she mourned not just for her best friend, but as she grew older the life together that they would never have. So when Simba turns out to be alive, it seems like a miracle to Nala, a part of her heart that she thought was locked forever suddenly flies open and falling in love Simba is easy for her because it is what her heart had been aching for, for a large part of her life. It was a chance to realize a dream she thought she would never be able to attain. I don't believe Nala would have had such an emotional reaction with just any lion.

[Daenerys]

Wow, people sure are ranting on XD

[PotterYouRotter]

Wow, people sure are ranting on XD

that wasnt really a rant but ok > _ o

[PrincessKiara]

I think it was pretty natural for Simba and Nala to fall in love. They had a very close friendship as cubs, and things became very emotionally strong when they were finally reunited again.

[Whitelionesseyes]

They were meant for each other <3

[Nitro]

The script said so.

[SweetNala]

Haha jeez, what's with all the cynicism about love discussions lately?!

Why'd they fall in love? I mean, why not? It just happens. You don't go around asking every single couple why they fell in love and scrutinize whether or not they should be in love with each other. Simba and Nala were friends in a younger life. They don't see each other for a good while. They grow up. They find each other. There's elation. That elation can almost certainly become deeper if it wasn't already.

I guess I just don't see why they wouldn't/couldn't fall in love. Love just happens. And it's fairly indisputable that they were cubhood friends, probably as close-knit as could be. Strangely enough, this kinda happened inside my real life circle. Two friends of mine were really, really close in elementary school. He had to move across the country while she stayed behind. Fast forward to about two years ago, they meet again for the first time in about 8 years. Guess what? They're getting married next year. So I guess it's easier for me to accept since I've seen it play out in person!

Though if we're to go one route... I think what makes it all the more believable for Nala to claim Simba for herself is the fact that... well, who else was there? Scar? I'm sure Nala would've loooooved that, eh? ^^

^This

[Panthera Arohanui]

Haha jeez, what's with all the cynicism about love discussions lately?!

Why'd they fall in love? I mean, why not? It just happens. You don't go around asking every single couple why they fell in love and scrutinize whether or not they should be in love with each other. Simba and Nala were friends in a younger life. They don't see each other for a good while. They grow up. They find each other. There's elation. That elation can almost certainly become deeper if it wasn't already.

I guess I just don't see why they wouldn't/couldn't fall in love. Love just happens. And it's fairly indisputable that they were cubhood friends, probably as close-knit as could be. Strangely enough, this kinda happened inside my real life circle. Two friends of mine were really, really close in elementary school. He had to move across the country while she stayed behind. Fast forward to about two years ago, they meet again for the first time in about 8 years. Guess what? They're getting married next year. So I guess it's easier for me to accept since I've seen it play out in person!

Though if we're to go one route... I think what makes it all the more believable for Nala to claim Simba for herself is the fact that... well, who else was there? Scar? I'm sure Nala would've loooooved that, eh? ^^

^This

I second the motion--very nice essay there, YFWE