Why You Should Watch Love Island – Bravado And Bikinis

Why You Should Watch Love Island – Bravado And Bikinis

by Dr Emma Gray - 6th February, 2023
From ITV Studios – Love Island: SR4 on ITV2 Pictured: Callum Jones, Leanne Amaning, Sophie Piper, Ollie Williams, Shaughna Phillips, Jess Gale, Eve Gale, Connor Durman, Nas Majeed, Mike Boateng, Paige Turley, Siannise Fudge

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.

If you are suffering with any of the issues discussed in this article and would like to seek professional help then you may find our Problems Pages helpful.


Dr Emma Gray

Dr Emma Gray

I am often the first person with whom my patients share significant and intimate thoughts and memories; I never take that privileged position for granted nor the opportunity to help someone to feel better about themselves and discover a more fulfilling life. One of my colleagues once described me as a natural psychologist; I guess she was alluding to the fact that I feel at ease being a therapist, I can empathise with people’s distress and discomfort but don’t feel overwhelmed by it, I can understand their problem and know how to help, it has always just felt like what I should be doing.


Read more about my approach to counselling here...


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