by Naomi Foster

Like many Americans, I cannot escape Love Island. I didn’t join the watch parties last year, and I figured this year would be no different — but that’s where I was wrong. My FYP was flooded. My timeline? Hijacked. I gave in and watched an episode… then another, and another. Now, it’s safe to say I’m obsessed.

At its core, Love Island is a reality show, a dating game at best. But it’s the individuals within the cast who make us develop attachments and form opinions. We see ourselves in them. Sure, the show relies on tropes — Hannah as the ditsy blonde, Austin as the horny pool boy, and Cierra as the wannabe “Cool Girl”(I’m only half-joking), but there’s truth in some of these stereotypes.

Hannah’s naivety wasn’t just a flaw; it was a core part of her character. Austin’s weird obsession with voyeurism and his airhead energy made him entertaining in that “annoying older brother” way. And Cierra… that’s a story for another time.

Tonight, I want to talk about Nic and Olandria, or as I like to call them, Nicolandria. We watched them fall into each other’s arms not once, but twice. And each time, it got better. The slow burn only made it more satisfying.

Olandria represents the Black American princess. She’s the older sibling raised by a single mom. She’s a college graduate. She’s the woman who always puts others first while chasing her own goals. She’s the girl who tries so hard in love and still doesn’t quite get it right. She’s the girl who guards her heart because every time she lets her walls down, she gets disappointed.

We saw this with Taylor. We watched her pine for him for weeks, convincing herself their lack of physical connection was made up for by their “deep conversations” about the future. From our perspective, it was clear Taylor wasn’t that into her, but she couldn’t see that until it was too late. And even in her doubt, she didn’t let herself feel it. Instead, she clung to the hope that this was the best it could get.

Even down to her physical traits, Olandria is always polished. Her makeup? A full beat, bright under-eye, flawless. Her hair? Always styled, never messy. Her outfits are coordinated. Her posture is absolutely impeccable. None of this is accidental. She represents an entire demographic of women who have been taught to keep it together because falling apart isn’t an option.

Then there’s Nicholas — 24 years old, a travel nurse, part-time model, and total opposite. He’s laid-back and carefree. Originally coupled up with Cierra, their dynamic was… tepid. Think: stirring rice while it’s cooking. You have to keep doing it or the bottom will burn. Their relationship needed constant maintenance, and even then, the spark wasn’t really there.

Cierra found more intellectual stimulation with someone else at Casa Amor. Meanwhile, Nick didn’t push back. When he was with Cierra, we saw how she used sex to band-aid the bigger issues. Every time he pulled away, she’d turn up the physicality. But sex isn’t love, and love isn’t sex.

With Olandria, everything changed. The chemistry felt effortless. He looked comfortable in her space, and she in his. It was refreshing to watch. Their friendship turned romance felt like a natural evolution, not something forced. And even though it was risky, what if they lost the friendship? It was worth it. Because what if they didn’t?

When Nick speaks to Olandria, there is no hesitation. Compare that to how distant he looked when trying to reassure Cierra. With Olandria, he wants to be there. There’s something beautiful about watching two opposites come together and bring out the best in each other.

Since being with Nick, Olandria has been more playful, more relaxed. She didn’t get that with Taylor; she had to manage that situation constantly. There was no affection, no reassurance, no emotional support. With Nick, she gets all that and more. He tells her she’s beautiful. He tells her he likes her. And he doesn’t just say it to her; he says it in front of everyone.

And it goes both ways. Nick is different with Olandria too. He’s affectionate. He’s expressive. He’s intentional. It’s not just hot and heavy — it’s real.

At the end of the day, Love Island is a show, but Nicolandria is the kind of love story that feels like more. They balance each other, challenge each other, and remind us that softness doesn’t have to be sacrificed for strength and that real love doesn’t have to be earned. This is what it looks like when two people finally get what they deserve. And that’s why they’re the best.