why does jeremiah cheat on belly

Project Fab

3 min read

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19-03-2025

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The Unraveling of Jeremiah and Belly: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Infidelity

The Netflix series The Summer I Turned Pretty captivated audiences with its exploration of teenage romance, complicated friendships, and the bittersweet pangs of first love. Central to the show's emotional core is the love triangle between Isabel "Belly" Conklin, Conrad Fisher, and Jeremiah Fisher, twin brothers with vastly different personalities. While Belly and Conrad's tumultuous relationship forms the backbone of the narrative, Jeremiah's infidelity throws a wrench into the established dynamics and leaves viewers questioning his actions. Understanding why Jeremiah cheats on Belly requires delving into his character, his relationship with Belly, and the pressures of his adolescent world.

Jeremiah, unlike his brooding and guarded brother, Conrad, is portrayed as the charming, fun-loving, and seemingly carefree twin. This outward persona, however, masks a deeper insecurity and immaturity that ultimately fuels his infidelity. He isn't inherently malicious; rather, his actions stem from a complex interplay of factors, none of which excuse his betrayal, but all of which offer context for understanding his choices.

1. Fear of Commitment and Emotional Immaturity: Jeremiah's age plays a significant role. He's still navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, grappling with identity, and lacking the emotional maturity to handle a serious relationship. His actions reveal a fear of commitment, a reluctance to relinquish his freedom and embrace the responsibilities that come with a committed partnership. He thrives on the thrill of the chase and the validation of romantic attention, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term stability. His casual approach to relationships reflects this immaturity, leading him to prioritize fleeting pleasure over genuine connection.

2. The Pressure of Family Dynamics: The Fisher family, while outwardly idyllic, harbors its own set of underlying tensions. Conrad's quiet intensity and Jeremiah's playful exterior mask a competitive dynamic between the brothers, both vying for attention and approval from their emotionally distant mother. Belly, caught in the middle of this brotherly rivalry, becomes a pawn in their unspoken competition. Jeremiah's infidelity could be interpreted as a desperate attempt to prove his worth, not just to Belly but also to his brother, in a warped and ultimately destructive way. He may subconsciously seek to outdo Conrad, even in matters of the heart.

3. The Influence of External Factors and Peer Pressure: The show portrays a world of summer romances, casual hookups, and a pervasive sense of freedom among the teenagers. Jeremiah, surrounded by this atmosphere, may be influenced by the prevailing social norms. He might feel pressured to conform to the expectations of his peer group, where infidelity is perhaps viewed as less of a taboo than in more conservative settings. This societal influence, combined with his inherent lack of emotional maturity, could have contributed to his decision.

4. Unresolved Emotional Baggage: While not explicitly explored in the show, Jeremiah's past experiences and potential insecurities could also contribute to his actions. The absence of a strong father figure, hinted at in the series, could have left him with a need for validation and a fear of vulnerability. This emotional baggage, unresolved and unexpressed, could manifest as reckless behaviour in his relationships, seeking fleeting connections to compensate for deeper emotional needs.

5. Misunderstanding of Belly's Feelings and Expectations: Jeremiah's actions may also stem from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Belly's feelings. While Belly cares deeply for both brothers, her feelings for Conrad are more complex and long-standing. Jeremiah, perhaps due to his own insecurity, may have misconstrued Belly's attention as a sign of deeper romantic interest, leading to a false sense of assurance and ultimately justifying his infidelity in his own mind. He may have seen her affection as validation, leading him to believe that crossing a boundary wasn't a significant betrayal.

6. The Nature of Summer Romance: The context of the show—a whirlwind summer romance—plays a crucial role in understanding Jeremiah's actions. Summer flings are often characterized by intensity and impulsivity. The temporary nature of the summer setting could have led Jeremiah to rationalize his behaviour, viewing it as a less consequential betrayal within a limited timeframe. However, this perspective diminishes the gravity of his actions and the pain inflicted on Belly.

It's essential to reiterate that none of these explanations excuse Jeremiah's behaviour. Infidelity is a significant betrayal, causing deep emotional pain and damage to trust. However, exploring the underlying reasons behind his actions provides a more nuanced understanding of his character and the complexities of his relationship with Belly. The show doesn't simply portray Jeremiah as a villain; rather, it presents a flawed, immature character grappling with his emotions and navigating a confusing adolescent landscape. His infidelity serves as a catalyst, forcing both him and Belly to confront the realities of their relationship and the challenges of growing up. The fallout from his actions drives much of the narrative, demonstrating the lasting impact of betrayal and the difficult path towards healing and self-discovery. The exploration of Jeremiah's motivations adds depth to the story, challenging viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of human behavior, even within the seemingly simplistic context of a summer romance.