i don't really know if it is common but with yuri i've had the misfortune of always coming across a story that involves a high school girl with an older woman. like i see something that looks interesting, i start to read only to find it it's about a grown ass adult having innapropiate interactions with a minor. i don't mind age gaps but that's just too much, what the hell. i can maaybe ignore it if a character actually looks way older and acts more mature but most of the time they literally look like high schoolers i don't see this as often with yaoi, most of the times the couple are around the same age, and the age gap stories i've read are usually about two adults too. idk i'm very picky with my yuri, so i haven't read a lot either.
The MC is always dumber in yaoi, especially when the ML is toxic and abusive, compared to yuris. Like the yuri MCs seem to have more of a backbone when they what to come to a conclusion or end things etc. There's less rape in yuris too, so I prefer them (>.<)y-~
For those that read both yaoi AND yuri, what are some main differences you notice in general when comparing the two? (If there are any?)
For example, are some tropes more popular in yaoi compared to yuri? Are certain themes seen in yaoi not seen as often in yuri (or vice versa), etc. I’ve only ever read straight (very few) and yaoi, so I’m curious before I jump in!