Culture & Entertainment
In a world where instant gratification is the norm, the concept of a “slow burn” seems to go against modern dating norms. We live in an age where chemistry is king, and everyone is looking for someone to match their freak or, even better, be their twin flame.
And with instant sparks and burning attraction being celebrated over personal connections grown over time, there's something uniquely satisfying about the slow burn.
A “slow burn” refers to a narrative style where the development of the characters and their relationships is gradual and deliberate. From sitcoms, '90s romance films, and reality TV, slow burns have always taken their time to build tension, emotions, and connections, leaving the audience spun in the tension of a “will they, won’t they” web.
It’s safe to say that just about everything is so high-speed these days — from how we consume media to how we expect to form connections.
But this summer, one spunky and outspoken woman showed us that you can pace yourself in dating, and the right one will be there to love you.
Serena Page, one-third of Love Island USA’s bestie squad, Powerpuff Gang (PPG), became an instant fan favorite for standing on the business of her heart.
On day one of the season, Serena and fellow islander, Kordell Beckham, coupled up in matching lime green attire, foretelling their final victory at the end of the season. Still, it wouldn’t be without their fair share of bumps along the way.
Upon initial viewing, one would say that it was hard to tell if Serena was really feeling Kordell’s openly affectionate, lover boy ways; catching moments of him being lost in her eyes while she went on about her interests, background, non-negotiables, and relationship goals.
While Kordell gushed over Serena, she stated her intentions to take things slow with him. Over a few weeks, she eventually shared with her fellow PPGs that she saw Kordell as just a friend, and took a step back to explore other options.
When Casa Amor came around, video footage of Kordell’s escapades with a new Bombshell, left her heartbroken.
Upon the recoupling, Serena’s frustrations were brought to a head by Kordell breaking her trust and the other male islanders, who she saw as friends, not being considerate of her feelings.
While these moments were hard to watch, a Black woman being publicly embarrassed, something was forming underneath the surface: a story worth rooting for.
Some say that things have to fall apart before they come back together. What we saw from Serena and Kordell’s love arc was an authentic illustration of what it’s like to love, lose, and love again.
In real-life relationships, people rarely meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after in the span of a few days or weeks. It takes time to truly understand someone, to build trust, and to develop a deep, meaningful bond.
This gradual unfolding allows for a richer, more nuanced exploration of emotions and dynamics, creating a story that resonates on a profound level.
And we were all invested.
When you allow time and space for you and a new love interest to gradually build upon your connection beyond the physical, you’re building trust, a rapport, friendship, and a story that will act as the foundation of your relationship.
You allow yourself to make mistakes, grow through awkward moments, and ultimately become better versions of yourself, together.
Sometimes things do end up being worth the wait and the slow burn is a testament to the power of patience and the beauty of taking things slowly.
So, the next time you find yourself getting antsy by a connection that doesn’t have the “spark,” remember to savor those “early days.”
After all, good things come to those who wait.
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Feature image Love Island USA screenshot
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