“Letting Somebody Down Gently on Love Island”

It might have gone higher… (Image: ITV)

Throughout final night time’s episode of Love Island, everybody’s new favorite bombshell, Keenan, took fellow Islander, Sophie, to the terrace, and bravely confessed his emotions for her.

‘For the final couple of days, I simply really feel myself gravitating in direction of you,’ mentioned Keenan, with a smile on his face.

Did Sophie swoon? Did she soar into his arms? Sadly not.

‘Awwww that’s actually cute!’ she replied. And the nation collectively cringed behind their cushions.

Even Keenan knew that ‘aw’ wasn’t a very good response – and Twitter backed him up.

‘A girl repeatedly saying “awww”, if you inform her you want her is just not the BEST signal,” wrote one consumer.

‘Keenan, simply take pleasure in your vacation lad,’ mentioned one other. Ouch.

It’s pretty to listen to that somebody thinks you’re nice, but when the sensation isn’t mutual, it will possibly get awkward.

Once we requested folks for their very own experiences, they shared equally cringe-worthy encounters.

‘A buddy informed me he cherished me, and all I might say was thanks,’ got here one response. ‘I simply checked out him with utter confusion and walked away,’ mentioned one other.

However, it seems there are methods to softly place somebody within the friendzone – with out uttering the dreaded ‘aw’.

Psychologist, Emma Kenny, says: ‘Sophie was caught off guard, however ‘aw’ wasn’t one of the best response. It got here throughout as a little bit patronising.

‘It’s higher to be clear, type however direct. One thing like, “I actually admire that, thanks, however I don’t really feel the identical and I don’t need to take this any additional.”‘

Regardless that that may really feel merciless, it’s one of the best plan of action.

‘Nobody likes letting anybody down, however it’s far kinder,’ says Emma. ‘This fashion, the individual is aware of the place they stand, and doesn’t get caught up in hope.’

And it’s vital to not fake that there’s a risk of one thing extra.

‘Don’t say it’s essential to get to know them higher, otherwise you’re undecided or it’s not the appropriate time. These blurry boundaries imply that the individual continues to be hanging on, and received’t scale back their efforts.’

And even in case you really feel unhealthy, there’s no must apologise.

‘You don’t must be sorry that you just don’t occur to imagine that somebody is the individual for you.

‘They’re the one which determined to let you recognize their emotions – you don’t must really feel unhealthy for not reflecting them.

‘However simply ensure you’re not merciless. You don’t must say, “Oh my god, no means” – even when that’s true. They don’t want a listing as to why you’d by no means think about them as a accomplice!”

And a very powerful factor? You don’t want to present them a cause.

‘You don’t owe an evidence,’ says Emma. ‘You simply must be type, clear and direct.

‘The reality is, it’s going to sting, however they’ll be tremendous in the long run.’

Do you might have a narrative to share?

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