Warning: This article contains spoilers for People We Meet on Vacation.
The on-screen romance between Poppy and Alex in Netflix's new rom-com might captivate audiences, but relationship experts warn their dynamic would face significant hurdles in real life. The film, based on Emily Henry's bestselling novel, follows two best friends who take annual holidays together and eventually question whether they are meant to be more than friends.
Claire Rénier, a relationship specialist at dating app happn, told The Express that while Poppy and Alex share undeniable chemistry, their differing lifestyles could cause friction. 'Poppy is spontaneous, adventurous and constantly searching for excitement, while Alex is thoughtful, risk-averse and values stability,' Rénier explained. She noted that although their differences can complement each other in fiction, real-life relationships require honest conversations and compromise to avoid conflict.
Another issue is the couple's tendency to avoid discussing their romantic feelings for years, fearing it might ruin their friendship. Rénier pointed out that such emotional avoidance can create unhealthy habits that are difficult to undo once a relationship begins. 'In reality, years of emotional avoidance can create habits that are difficult to unlearn,' she added.
Despite the film's happy ending, the expert suggests that viewers should not model their own relationships on this fictional couple. The challenges of mismatched aspirations and poor communication would likely prove too great in the real world.
