Does chick lead need romance?

Because I thought mine would have some, but then my prospective romantic lead (male) decided to be gay, so my protagonist is kind of chilling by herself. It's a story of self-discovery and self-exploration as she lives in Germany for a few months, but I'm kind of worried that it might be too character driven (it's journal style) and not plot driven enough...

And then there's no hot guy for her to mack around with... :P

What do you think?

I don't think the lead needs serious romance. I'm not planning on 2 of my MCs having anyone with them in the end. But I think there should be an explanation of why she isn't interested in romance and at least a fling or two.

While romance can be a good plot-driver and hear-tugger, I don't feel it's necessary (says the chick whose plot centers around potential romance).

Perhaps this is a time in your character's life, she need's to discover how to become independent. It is chick lit after all, not romance.

No it doesn't need romance but I think it does need plot and conflict...in the sense that at some point, something has got to happen involving another living creature...

A lot of chick lit has romance as a subplot, but no, it's not necessary. As long as it has some sort of point or plot then it should be able to survive without it.

I can't believe it...but I'm at 50012 and done! :D