The Summer I Turned Pretty and the Patterns That Don’t Look Pretty in Real Life

If you’ve seen The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime, you know it’s more than just summer flings and beach houses. At the heart of the story is a love triangle between two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, both grieving the loss of their mom, and the girl they’ve both loved in different ways.

It’s dramatic. It’s emotional. And in fiction, it works.

In real life? This kind of dynamic can quietly blow up the relationships we need most.

When Pain Makes Drama Feel Like Connection

Grief has a way of turning the volume up on our emotions.

Instead of seeking peace, we start chasing the next emotional high, the fight, the longing, the “will they/won’t they” tension.

Because in the middle of pain, calm can feel empty, and intensity feels alive.

But here’s the problem: drama might feel like connection, but it’s not the same thing as intimacy.

Where This Shows Up Off Screen in The Summer I Turned Pretty and in Life

Most of my clients aren’t caught in a beach town love triangle like in The Summer I Turned Pretty, but they are facing situations where:

• They’re pulled toward people or dynamics that feel familiar, even if they’re unhealthy.
• Grief, loss, or transition is quietly influencing choices they wouldn’t make in calmer seasons.
• They mistake emotional chaos for passion, urgency, or proof they care.

It’s the same pattern, just without the moody soundtrack and ocean views.

A Different Way Forward

If you recognize yourself in this, here are a few ways to shift out of intensity mode and into something steadier:

1. Pause before pursuing: Notice if you’re drawn to someone or something because it’s dramatic and new, or because it’s healthy and aligned.
2. Name what’s missing: Often, the pull toward drama is a sign of unmet needs — comfort, safety, or validation.
3. Choose connection over competition: In romance, friendships, or work, look for situations where everyone can thrive.

Drama makes for great TV. But real connection is quieter, safer, and far more sustainable, and it doesn’t leave you questioning what’s real when the season ends.

If you’ve noticed yourself choosing intensity over peace, just like in The Summer I Turned Pretty, therapy can help you slow the cycle and create connections that last.

I work with high-achieving professionals in Texas navigating burnout, anxiety, and relationship patterns that no longer serve them.

You can watch The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime to see the full storyline that inspired this reflection.