Beyond Team Jeremiah and Team Conrad: The Choice That Matters Most

What 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Finale Teaches Us About Timing, Growth, and Love

I don’t know exactly how the Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 finale ends. I do know how the books close (spoiler alert!), with Belly and Conrad together, but in real life, that’s not the ending I’d hope for either of them. At least not yet...

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Both have growing to do! Conrad can’t continue to repeat the pattern of pulling Belly close, then shutting down, failing to communicate, or sabotaging the very love he longs for. And Belly, after years of a co-dependent dynamic with Jeremiah, needs to continue to step into independence. She needs to keep learning who she is, apart from the familiar, before she can fully choose anyone.

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That doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. Down the line, Conrad would need to grow into the kind of partner who communicates openly, supports rather than withdraws, and shows consistency instead of falling back on the push-and-pull that has defined so much of their relationship. Belly went across the sea and chose to stay, creating the space she needed. She hasn’t responded to his letters, making her intentions clear. For Conrad to truly love her, he’ll have to respect that boundary rather than ignore it.

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Belly, in turn, needs to continue building her independence and self-awareness outside of romance. And Jeremiah deserves the time and space to heal – his love for Belly has been genuine, and stepping back is as much about protecting his heart as it is about honoring hers. It’s just too soon.

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And here’s the real-life lesson: love, on its own, isn’t always enough. The strongest relationships aren’t built by rushing back to what’s most familiar or what feels most intense in the moment, but by taking the time to understand ourselves and our needs. That’s why Belly choosing herself, at least for now, is the wisest choice.

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In my work as a matchmaker and coach, I see this every day. The couples who last are the ones who match strong feelings with readiness—clear communication, consistent follow-through, and respect for boundaries. That’s why so much of our work at After Hello goes beyond introductions: we help people do the inner work so that when they say yes, it’s the right yes.

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So if watching Belly’s journey has you reflecting on your own, know that you’re already in the right place. When you’re ready for that next step, we’re here to help.

PS: Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah… or Team Belly? Reply and let me know your take, I’m curious what resonated most for you.

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