OMG, where to start.
PRIMARY LESSON FOR TEENS:
Ines' behaviour is abusive.
Not funny.
Not "strong minded".
Not understandable because of her childhood.
Her aim is to belittle, control, manipulate and be cruel.
She wants to make Bronson feel small.
No one should try to make you feel less than, especially someone you're romantic with.
Male, female, other - no-one has the right to behave like this.
See the cycle of violence and see how closely Ines' behaviour follows it:
1. tension increases (before the boat ride)
2. threats start (on the boat)
3. explosion (yelling and belittling)
4. minimisation (I was just so stressed)
5. pursuit (being nice over dinner)
6. build up in tension (he'll hopefully learn / it wasn't my fault, he's just a dirty stripper)
Also, see how complicit others are with this cycle - most notably her friends and the "experts".
John Aitkin repeatedly referred to Ines' "strong personality" rather than her "abusive behaviour". They have done this in previous seasons too. Why point this out? Because it is mirrored in real life, even from health professionals. They are part of the cycle.
Other teachable moments:
"Virginity" is not a personality type (FFS).
The ONLY person who should be interested in knowing about your virginity is a potential lover (or doctor). No one else should give a shit.
If you are a virgin, you are unlikely to have sex for the first time in the Barossa Valley with candles and soft music. It is likely to be "less cinematic".
If someone leaves for New Zealand mid-date - let alone mid-honeymoon - eat lots of Nutella and go on Tinder.
GOOD NEWS:
SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE COUPLES ACTUALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER! (Martha and Michael)
Lauren = perfection
Finally, my guilty wish: that Elizabeth and Bronson get to "meet and greet." Both have an adorable (if slightly wonky) confidence in themselves and who they are. My waters tell me they'd be a lovely match ❤️
Nelly x
PS for those of you outraged that I watch this show - each to their own. I watch for two reasons: I enjoy tuning out for an hour after a hard day and, while these shows are contrived, they do offer a glimpse into reality outside "your bubble". This stuff absolutely is happening.
PPS you're not the boss of me 😀