For Some ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ Nostalgia, Let’s Talk About The Show’s Top 5 Couples

It’s that time of year again. The sun is beating down on the pavement, our BBQs are fired up and we’re all yearning for a sunkissed tan. It’s summer; the best time of year (excluding Christmas which will always hold a special place in my heart). And it’s the best time of year for a reason. It’s the time we can be free and start afresh for the next academic year. It’s the time to travel, learn and grow without even realizing it. It’s gone in an instant, yet it also lingers far too long and we find ourselves wishing school was back in session (strange, I know). It’s that period of time where some things shift and others stay exactly the same and nothing captures this best than Jenny Han’s ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ follows Belly (Isabel Conklin), a kind-hearted teenage girl who experiences a glow-up that places her into a love triangle with her childhood friends Jeremiah and Conrad. As brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad experience this strange familial feud as they compete for Belly’s love. Their constant competition for Belly’s affection is at the core of the plot and, yet, there are plenty of other little romances added as sub-plots. Love is all around in this series and that’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to configure a list of the show’s top 5 couples. After all, if we have to wait till summer 2025 for the show’s next season, we may just want to reminisce. 

5. Shayla & Steven

Shayla and Steven had the epitome of a sweet summer romance. Their feelings for one another were sudden and short-lived but they were wonderful while they lasted. I’m sure many of us can relate to them as we remind ourselves of the summer romances we once had. 

Shayla and Steven weren’t meant to last and they broke up before the first episode of season two. Both distance and their backgrounds likely played a factor as they lived in different places and had different economic backgrounds. Steven had far less money than Shayla and this was something they discussed frequently in the first season. While it never seemed to phase Shayla, it was definitely an insecurity of Steven’s. He never felt like he could give Shayla what she needed and this likely drove them apart. Either that or their love never extended past the typical crush and they never felt the need to carry on seeing each other.I don’t think they were soulmates but they were cute. Hence, why I placed them at number 5.

4. Skye & Cameron

Skye’s summer situationship with the loveable “Cam,” Cameron was wholesome and it has plenty of potential if Skye returns for season three. I felt that they were perfectly matched, given the fact that they both have quirky personalities that shine through on the big screen.

Cameron is the clever and compassionate type of guy that seems to match Skye’s vibe. I love that. I also really appreciate Skye asking for consent before kissing Cameron. It was super respectful and great to see.

3.  Belly & Jeremiah 

Belly and Jeremiah have a history that spans years and years and this is shown in their chemistry. They understand one another from a simple glance and they have a relationship that has a foundation of friendship. That’s important. Yet, the spark they have is far from eternal. It can’t span decades and, as much as Belly tries to deny it, it will never measure up to the spark she has with Conrad. Love may be immeasurable but you know when you’ve found the one. Jeremiah just wasn’t the one even if Belly wanted to believe that. 

Jeremiah wore his heart on his sleeve when Conrad contained it all inside. Because Jeremiah was so open, Belly leaned into his openness when Conrad pushed her away in fear. Conrad let every emotion build up within him and acted out because he was afraid of watching it all crumble. He self-sabotaged and learned his lesson too late. Later, he realized Belly was going to slip away completely and he couldn’t allow it. For him, a life without Belly was no life at all. For Jeremiah, a life without Belly was bearable and he just didn’t know that yet. You may disagree but I believe this wholeheartedly (and I read the books). 

2. Taylor & Steven 

If you spent five minutes with Taylor and Steven, you’d probably think that they hate each other. If you spent ten minutes with them, you’d know that they’re madly in love. The playful banter is nothing but a cover-up for what’s brewing under the surface. 

Steven feels like he can be himself with Taylor and Taylor knows that she is understood and valued when she’s with him. They spend all their time circling around their crushes one another until Steven finally admits that he likes her. It evolves from there and cements itself into something real and very promising. They have history, much like Belly and the Fisher boys. This history gives them so much potential and I am looking forward to seeing them together in the next season. They BETTER be together anyway!!!

1. Belly & Conrad

Some loves are boundless and test the means of time and space. They’re for eternity and no one can change that (not even your brother). Conrad and Belly have that kind of love and it cannot be taken for granted.

In every room, they will search for each other and every lingering touch between them is electric.

There are some people you can never forget, no matter how you try. You’ll always find yourself glancing across the room at them and seeing them with someone else cuts deep no matter how many years go by. Because they understood every part of you and you could be vulnerable with them. Because they taught you how powerful love can truly be and no one else is capable of doing the same. Conrad and Belly have that. They are eternity. 

The image above was uploaded to pexels.com for free use by Asad Photo Maldives. It does not depict the TV series in question but has been chosen to represent it.