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Are You Just a Vehicle for Your Emotions?
Emotional awareness can be the difference between joy and sorrow — just consider Love Island.
I bet you didn’t expect this disclaimer in this piece:
[WARNING: SPOILERS FOR LOVE ISLAND SEASON 3 AHEAD]
For the last month or so, my roommate and I — both of whom generally disparaged reality TV — started watching Love Island. At his boyfriend's suggestion, we went with season 3. And wow, I’m completely taken with the show.
Not only is it entertaining, funny, and well-curated, it’s an incredible social experiment. Throw a bunch of people in an isolated villa where every game and rule is designed to bring emotion right to the surface. Despite it being the game’s purpose, the participants can’t help but feel a spark, become emotionally volatile, and fall in love.
With respect, the armchair-psychoanalyst in me enjoys the show more than any other sub-personality. It’s fascinating to watch the dynamics play out, to see the different patterns of behavior in those who find love and those who bomb out.
And while I’ve watched too little to present a thorough analysis, one thing does stand out. One feature of personality seems to make a big difference in an Islander’s prospects: emotional awareness.
