1. Too many differences spoils trouble.
*Unless there is healthy compromise. [Natalie and Shayne].
Nick and Danielle are a good example of this statement: Though age differences can be largely incidental sometimes, their age difference shines a spotlight on maturity differences. Danielle is 28 and Nick is 36. Again, not normally a glaring red flag, but Nick is living is a pretty adult-like 36-year-old life, while Danielle is still spending significant time, at least I can gleam that from their frequent disputes on this topic, partying with friends on the weekends. At one point, she normalizes "breaking things" and dancing on tables. Again, not a huge red flag, but those things could be considered rough at 28 years old. Poor Nick seems blind-sided and annoyed that he has to explain how breaking things just isn't cool. The frequent disputes, some petty, others not so much, might spoil their emotional bond formed in the pods. Danielle also has an admitted tendency to over-analyze, which causes her to hyper focus on Nick's words. Because no one is perfect, the scrutiny will inevitably invite a fight. Rooting for them though!
Jarrette is evidently still enjoying a bachelor lifestyle and appears content coming home at 3am. (woah). Iyanna beautifully and maturely addresses the issue, and he continues to express agreement in changing his ways. But Iyanna smartly dismisses his words alone and demands actions. Iyanna is clearly more aware of the issues and remains cautiously optimistic. Again, lifestyle differences can be enough to disrupt a healthy relationship.
Then, comes Shayne and Natalie- the most opposite of the bunch. Though both are equally silly and adorable, Natalia acknowledges that she cannot match Shayne's energy, but she understands that she can still love him just as well. Shayne doesn't ask her to change, nor does she him. They seem content with each other's differences. They honestly seemed captivated by each other, though I worry their conversations lack substance sometimes. I am rooting for them too!
2. Physical chemistry is a must.
Shake and Deepti. Both avoided dating Indian men or women in their prior relationships. Shakes apparently liked blonde women and focused heavily on looks. It has been fulfilling watching Shakes grow and fall in love with Deepti. He finally recognizes that looks alone are not enough to sustain a marriage, but he cannot separate Deepti's physical similarity to one of his aunts. He is almost repulsed at any sort of intimacy with her. Normally, this sounds like a deal breaker, but Shake seems unwilling, at least for now, to break it off. Some of the best wisdom of the season comes from Shake's mom, who basically advises him that Deepti deserves better. Deepti has no idea that Shake is struggling with the physical portion so badly, but she senses tension and too believes she deserves better.
Sal and Mal struggled, at least initially, with physical chemistry, but I admire their ability to work on it. Sal also puts a lot of effort into planning romantic dates. It is worth noting though that Mal did not find Sal initially attractive upon seeing him post-pod, questioned her choice, and almost forgot about their emotional connection. So, chemistry, and sadly physical appearance, are still on people's minds.
3. Some of the couples seemed able to form close bonds, or thought they did, without discussing their dealbreakers.
Shaina and Kyle. Shaina apparently was willing to say yes to Kyle's proposal even though she was aware that his beliefs (or lack thereof) constituted a dealbreaker for her. There is probably pressure for participants on the show to get engaged, so much so, that maybe Shaina didn't want to scare off Kyle. But Kyle ended up being unnecessarily strung along and it was no surprise that her family did not approve. It shows that major dealbreakers should be discussed in the relationship right off the bat to avoid wasting time and leading people on. Another lesson is knowing your non-negotiable dealbreakers and drawing an immediate line in the sand.
4. The "experiment" or premise of the show is good, but the participants should be discussing more practical things in the pods.
I was surprised that the participants in both seasons seemed so surprised about each other's day to day lives and general lifestyles once they left the pods. Shouldn't important matters like that be addressed?
Nick and Danielle. Clearly, Danielle did not entirely disclose her lifestyle choices to Nick in the pods. As I mentioned in the first portion of this article, Nick was clearly thrown for a loop with Danielle's partying with friends and willingness to dance on tables/break things. Given his level of surprise, it is curious what would have happened if she disclosed that in the pods. They also quarrel over each others' level of cleanliness, but again, might seem petty, it could lead to resentment over time.
Jarrette and Iyanna. Jarette clearly did not allude to his tendency to stay out late with his buddies a few times a week. Iyanna is more of a home body. Opposites attract with limits. I love their relationship, but worry that the strength of their relationship.
Can't blame Shake and Deepti too much here. Shake made it clear early on that he is career-driven and wants to open his own vet practice.
Hard to tell with Natalie and Shayne, except the obvious financial dispute. Shayne apparently doesn't care about 401K's, etc., and admitted that he spends around 2K a month on food alone. One would hope he isn't too careless with money because he's a real estate agent. Natalie is visibly horrified by the convo. Financial disputes can obviously be catastrophic, so fingers crossed for them.
Mal and Sal have had disputes, but they haven't necessarily seemed relationship ending. He apparently dated someone before the show aired and she randomly resurfaced. It didn't seem like a major issue though and Sal was apologetic about it.
Can't wait for the weddings!
About the Creator
Margo
Professional by day; interesting and sophisticated writer (I wish) by night.
My short stories are a combination of fiction, fact, and advice to fellow readers.
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