Separation Anxiety

Woah, this episode was a surprise for many fans, and the ending was a nod to a real life tragedy that unfolded in real time for the villa. We saw the couples choose each other via love letters, which left two islanders without a mate.  But in a shocking twist, the newly singly islanders got to remain coupled up, in the spirit of love. Host Ariana Maddox referenced the sudden passing of the show’s producer, and the surprise ending was followed by a beautiful tribute to producer James Barker.

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This one hurts. It was just a few months ago we heard Jelly Roll praise his wife of 10 years in his Grammy acceptance speech, crediting her with changing and saving his life. Bunnie XO had been talking about surrogates, IVF and growing a family with Jelly Roll and his two children from different relationships. Now, we’re hearing Jelly Roll filed for divorce more than a month ago, citing irreconcilable differences. Meantime, Bunnie XO has posted on both Tik Tok and instagram. sending cryptic messages to fans.

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Say it ain’t so, but this episode ends with possibly the end of Aniya and KC! Meantime, Kenzie and Corbin say “F*ck it” and secretly resume their makeout sessions, but first swear each other to secrecy, so Mel and Caleb won’t get upset. Still, poor Caleb is left questioning his status at the villa, while Mel and Sincere take baby steps back towards one another. There is so much to unpack and so many relationship lessons to learn, as we lean in to all the unfolding drama.

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The episode began with tons of tears! Gabe cried over Beatriz, Mel sobbed over Sincere, and an overall awkwardness descended upon the villa. So much so, Mel refused to sleep with the group and KC seemingly made a play for Sol. Then an innocent game of soccer turns the heat up on a potential KC, Sol connection that sends Aniya over the edge and Amy and T.J. each have thoughts on her reaction. Finally, Kayda and Zach… just get it over with, please. 

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There have been numerous headlines over the past few days of Brad Pitt’s children dropping Pitt from their last names. So far, 3 of his 6 children have legally pursued their name changes, with his twins dropping Pitt’s name from their diplomas and playbills. We go over the only public statement one of his children has made as to the status of their relationship, and it’s brutal. Much like the situation with David Beckham and his eldest son, Brooklyn, who was a no show at Beckham’s big moment in LA this week, getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beckham had the perfect response to reporters who asked about Brooklyn’s absence following that eviscerating instagram post he made about his parents earlier this year. 

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Episode 9 begins with Mel and Sincere repairing their toxic relationship, but by the end, dramatic changes have Melanie in tears, and their relationship seemingly finished. From a drama fueled pie-in-the-face game to Bryce’s bless-his-little-heart choices, this episode left us with plenty of relationship lessons.

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Yes, we have a new term in the dating world and it’s called Kittenfishing. Basically, it means you tell little lies about yourself in order to appear more attractive. Whether it’s adding an inch to your height, editing your age by a couple of years or even filtering your photos, dating experts say nearly everyone is guilty of kittenfishing. It’s not malicious, like catfishing, but experts say it only makes relationships harder, because the truth always comes out in the end. 

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We’ve all been there, friendship drama is real, but how do you know if it’s worth your time and emotions to keep making the effort. This week, a fascinating article in the Washington Post highlighted what therapists go over the three signs that tell you it’s time to reevaluate the friendship. Remember, with the right friends, it rarely feels like “work," but we all have to recognize that most friendships need maintenance. 

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The boys are making bad decisions, and multiple islanders are paying the price. First, Sincere goes from telling Mel he does NOT want to continue to explore bombshell Sol, and then proceeds strait to exploring Sol for more than an hour. Then Bryce decides to go from reassuring Trinity about their connection, to making a play for Kayda. In the process, he risks his bromance with Zach, his relationship with Trinity and potentially his ego with Kayda.

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Finally, no endless over sexualized kissing scenes in this episode, and we’re here for it! The islanders’ shaky relationships continue to be tested with three new bombshells in the villa. With tensions rising between Zach and Kayda, and Melanie and Sincere, we sense some new couples forming. Also, KC is a case study in being a loving partner with how he responds to Aniya’s hurt feelings. We share our votes for who we think Caleb, Jen and Sol should couple up with, and we’re willing to bet, most of America is on the same page. 

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