Don’t Be Put Off by First Impressions

The new series of Love Island started last week and with it some quite strong opinions based on first impressions of the Islanders. People can be quick to judge and judge harshly those that put themselves out there. These young people with their bravado and bikinis, who are still working out who they are and how they want to be, can become easy targets for the anger and frustration that some of us hold on to for other things in our lives.

I started watching Love Island, I guess, because of what I do. As a psychologist I have an inherent interest in human beings, how they behave and the relationships that they develop. Love Island gives an opportunity to watch how human beings, as they get to know each other and no longer need the protection of their bravado and posturing, can connect in such an intense and amazing way. I have watched a few, if not all (!), of the Love Island series and have always been pleasantly surprised at how heart warming I have found watching these relationships develop. The romantic relationships often play second fiddle to the friendships that emerge and the kindness, generosity and humility these young people show despite knowing, but often forgetting, everything that they do is being watched and probably criticised, is really quite impressive. The loyalty that they demonstrate for those they share the closest bonds with and their integrity, despite often being only a few years out of school, really does restore my faith in human beings.

So, if you can get past those first few ‘glitzy’ episodes, there is something really good here.