Loved this Poorna. I do not know Demi, I have never met her and probably never will. But when she made that speech at the altar I clutched my heart like she was my own daughter. Sometimes the success of a relationship is in the way it’s taught you how gorgeous, smart and powerful you are and how you deserve to be treated. I felt like she went from thinking she was lucky to have Ollie to realising that actually *he* was the one who was punching above his weight. Can’t wait for the reunion, especially if there’s hidden juice….Becks X
I know what you mean. In a way whatever happened between them is inconsequential because what you saw was the journey of a woman who wanted to bend herself around another person to someone who was leaving with their head held high - and I have the hugest love and empathy for someone that can get to that point
I agree - a lot of people have pushed back and said ‘ah well but it’s only the first season’ but a critical difference has been an older cast. Mad that there are 24 year olds on the show in the US version IMHO
I binged the first US series during the pandemic and haven’t really watched much of LIB since then. However, I was interested in watching the UK one, and the heavy editing aside, I was pleasantly surprised how warm I felt towards many of the contestants (who made it past the pods).
Totally agree with you about the financial conversation, but I’d also add about kids too. I know that a few of the couples did discuss children (Sabrina and Steven’s conversation while still in the pods stands out), but it often felt secondary to other stuff.
Ah I know what you mean! I did wonder if the kids thing would be an issue down the line but assumed it would be okay as it didn’t seem to be a clear no. Wonder what the reunion will yield today!
Thanks for the recommendation - I was check it out. Having only watched the US and UK versions, it's an interesting snapshot of cultural differences (and similarities) in dating, with heavy editing!
The situation with Tom was awful…I didn’t like him at all and I think Maria got too much flack for being truthful about her wants and needs. It’s ok to want to be a stay at home parent, we see plenty of them in U.K. culture and especially around Hertfordshire where she grew up. Tom seemed immature and not a provider nor willing to provide which I think is a big deal in marriage. The fact he disliked her career path early on so said much about him (being a MUA is tough graft!)
Loved this Poorna. I do not know Demi, I have never met her and probably never will. But when she made that speech at the altar I clutched my heart like she was my own daughter. Sometimes the success of a relationship is in the way it’s taught you how gorgeous, smart and powerful you are and how you deserve to be treated. I felt like she went from thinking she was lucky to have Ollie to realising that actually *he* was the one who was punching above his weight. Can’t wait for the reunion, especially if there’s hidden juice….Becks X
I know what you mean. In a way whatever happened between them is inconsequential because what you saw was the journey of a woman who wanted to bend herself around another person to someone who was leaving with their head held high - and I have the hugest love and empathy for someone that can get to that point
Loved this piece, Poorna! I have been watching avidly. It’s been much better than the US ones I thought.
I agree - a lot of people have pushed back and said ‘ah well but it’s only the first season’ but a critical difference has been an older cast. Mad that there are 24 year olds on the show in the US version IMHO
Great piece, Poorna.
I binged the first US series during the pandemic and haven’t really watched much of LIB since then. However, I was interested in watching the UK one, and the heavy editing aside, I was pleasantly surprised how warm I felt towards many of the contestants (who made it past the pods).
Totally agree with you about the financial conversation, but I’d also add about kids too. I know that a few of the couples did discuss children (Sabrina and Steven’s conversation while still in the pods stands out), but it often felt secondary to other stuff.
Ah I know what you mean! I did wonder if the kids thing would be an issue down the line but assumed it would be okay as it didn’t seem to be a clear no. Wonder what the reunion will yield today!
You should defo watch LIB Japan! It was so thoughtful and they really went in with marriage in mind!
Thanks for the recommendation - I was check it out. Having only watched the US and UK versions, it's an interesting snapshot of cultural differences (and similarities) in dating, with heavy editing!
The situation with Tom was awful…I didn’t like him at all and I think Maria got too much flack for being truthful about her wants and needs. It’s ok to want to be a stay at home parent, we see plenty of them in U.K. culture and especially around Hertfordshire where she grew up. Tom seemed immature and not a provider nor willing to provide which I think is a big deal in marriage. The fact he disliked her career path early on so said much about him (being a MUA is tough graft!)
Great piece, thank you! Not a watcher of this type of shows (or reality tv in general, actually) but you articulated the key learnings beautifully.
I'm intrigued now, might have to start watching it.