My mind is made up: Amaya getting emotional over Ace in Love Island USA Season 7 is all for the cameras

I've seen enough Love Island USA to understand when feelings are genuine and when they run a bit too smoothly in front of the cameras. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when Ace declined Amaya's offer of a hug, and she started crying. It felt to me more like a reaction designed for the ideal emotional soundbite than sadness.

What stood out wasn’t just that she cried; it was why she cried. Ace told her up front that he only becomes comfortable physically when he is absolutely certain of someone. That seemed respectful to me rather than rude. That kind of transparency on a show where characters frequently fabricate connections to be safe is something I believe the majority of viewers, including myself, would value. However, Amaya's tantrum about not being able to touch him? It was at that point when something felt strange.

Her tears, in my opinion, were motivated by aesthetics rather than feelings of love or rejection. It seemed more like a performance than an actual agony because of the timing, the dramatics, and the hurried intensity for someone she hardly knew. I'm rather certain that the cameras received more attention from that time than Ace ever did, even though she may still be puzzling out her feelings.

Amaya’s reaction to her conversation with Ace felt like a performance in Love Island USA Season 7 Episode 7

I believe Love Island USA star Ace showed unexpected emotional maturity when he told Amaya that he wasn't ready to get physically affectionate until he was certain of their connection, especially on a show where individuals frequently rush intimacy for screen time.

Ace could have easily carried on the practice of switching between girls with Amaya after doing so for the first few days. Instead, he established a limit. That's not something we see from Love Island men very frequently, in my opinion, and it genuinely felt like progress.

However, the tone of that candid encounter was not reflected in what followed. For someone who had just recently begun talking to Ace, Love Island USA's Amaya's sudden emotional outburst felt excessive, particularly the way she sobbed as she described the exchange to Huda. It's one thing, in my opinion, to feel let down or rejected, but the degree of destruction she depicted didn't quite add together. It seemed to me that she was acting out heartbreak instead of experiencing it.

I was particularly struck by the way she phrased the matter to Huda. She didn't say Ace wasn't uninterested, but he wasn't prepared to kiss or cuddle. That was the cause of the meltdown. To be honest, it caused me to wonder about her intentions. Was she upset because a romantic opportunity had passed her by, or because she was unable to establish a bond quickly through physical intimacy?

We've seen Islanders become upset in past seasons of Love Island USA when someone emotionally withdraws, but Amaya appeared more concerned with the physical aspect of things. I believe that's what gave the entire response a performative aspect. Usually, vulnerability, time, and investment are the causes of true emotional suffering. Only a day had passed here.

If anything, I think Ace's reluctance was a show of respect. It's uncommon on this show for him to lead Amaya on or seem to be affectionate. But instead of valuing his candor, Amaya turned it into a show. That's the reason I'm doubtful. It felt more like an audition for pity than sadness. Additionally, I have no doubt that she felt anything at that precise moment.

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Stay tuned to watch Love Island USA Season 7 on Peacock every day at 9/8c.

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