I just don't see this Cullen acting like a lovesick pup, and I don't want to. Some cheese is absolutely acceptable, but I'd like to see Cullen more demanding than Alistair.
THIS
He's no longer a naive young man like Alistair (was). He's already nearing middle-age. And he's nowhere as goofy, nor childish (thank God).
Cullen was always a lot more subsided than Alistair, more down to earth. Like a man who accepted responsibility ever since a young age. Alistair, however, remained a tomboy until his twenties.
There are plenty of differences between the two men. Unlike Alistair, Cullen doesn't make a habit of avoiding difficult matters. He's cautious, takes charge when the situation demands (Wilmod's investigation), is rational (accepts Hawke's argument regarding the mages's lack og knowledge about the way the Chantry works), knows his place and respects hierarchy (follows Meredith and defends her) and the laws in general (doesn't abuse mages and applies a fair penalty to Keran).
What about Alistair? He's opinionated (argues strongly with you, even when you had no choice over a certain decision), doesn't like to lead (aversion to assuming responsibilities), he's incapable of dealing with life's inner conflicts (makes a habit of deflecting serious questions with humor), doesn't get along well with people who think too differently or are too foreign (his refusal to accept Morrigan's philosophy of survival as a valid one) and very childish (refusing to be king because he wishes to "live free"? seriously?).
I remember when he shattered his mother's locket and I couldn't help but think he was kinda spoiled, or better yet, sheltered. He grew up in a safe home, where his every need was tended to. Afterwards, he was sent to the Chantry, another sheltered place (he even comments on how people treated him differently when they learned of his true origin). There's a constant yearning in Alistair to know the world and its reality, while Cullen deals with it on a daily basis.
Based on the short chess scene, we can expect no funny, cheesy jokes from Cullen, but lots of normal talk, the sort that allows us to establish a connection to a "real" human being. We'll be able to understand the man and feel understood (I suppose). That didn't always happen with Alistair. You were either the hero he worshipped or a complete disappointment.
Having been betrayed by both mages and templars, Cullen has a broader view of human psychology and is less inclined to make such harsh and close-minded judgements. He may even surprise his colleagues with wise observations, detecting hidden truths where most people are blinded by their preconceptions and limited to seeing only one side of the facts.
Or maybe I'm overexcited about DA:I and rambling lots of crap.
Lol hehe
Sorry.
PS: There were times in DA:O when I wanted to shout in Alistair's face that the world was not like he idealized. Nor were the people bound by such high morl standards as the ones he upheld. Taking a leaf from Cullen's book (sort of), I would've loved him when I was younger. But after you've been through some things, you step down from your own ivory tower and get a bit more real. Alistair hadn't yet gone through that change.
So sometimes, I felt VERY frustrated trying to live up to his idealized version of the Warden. He doesn't understand that, in real life, you need to cut A LOT of slack, or you just don't make it. I tell you, it was like dealing with a younger brother. A handsome, deliciously fun to be with, kind and chivalrous younger brother, but still frustrating.
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