Spoiler alert: Spoilers for Season 8, Episode 13 of Love Island USA follow. The idea of two super-fine hunks writing you a love letter sounds great in theory — but on Love Island USA, it makes things pretty damn stressful. ICYMI, Episode 13 of the latest season saw the Splits Queen herself, Kenzie, choose between Caleb and Corbin after receiving a love letter from both Islanders. As love letters typically go, they were both incredibly sweet — but what does each letter actually say about the way they see Kenzie and their connection? Well, I reached out to a relationship expert to get their take — and trust me, you’re gonna want to hear it.
If you’re a day behind on the Love Island schedule or need a refresher, I’ve got you. Episode 13 was an emotional one, where each Islander was tasked with writing a love letter to one other person on the island that they want to couple up with — regardless if theyre currently coupled up with them or not. (And they weren’t allowed to use ChatGPT! Romance!) When the time came to reveal who got a letter, Kenzie opened her mailbox to find two — one from her current match, Caleb, and one from her former match, Corbin.
First, she opened Caleb’s letter, which read:
Dear Kenzie,
From the minute I walked into the villa, I’ve been lost in your eyes. Your smile lights up every room you walk into, but your beauty goes way deeper than your looks. You have the kindest, most bubbly soul. Anytime I’m feeling down or just having an off day, I know I can count on your energy and even your presence to lift me up.
With every deep conversation and every kiss, I feel myself getting closer and closer to you. In my past relationships, I’ve struggled to have somebody communicate so freely with me, but you are so expressive with your emotions and vulnerable at difficult times.
You’re full of empathy for me, and that’s made it easier than ever to be open and honest with my emotions. I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us. And fufu.
Sincerely, Caleb
Then, she shared Corbin’s letter, which read:
Dear Kenzie,
Our connection from the start has been amazing. From the minute America broke us apart, I knew we had something that was not worth giving up. When I’m with you, my energy feels brighter. I love that you make me feel important, prioritized, and wanted.
The energy you give me makes me want to be the best version of myself for you. I am very proud of us for exploring connections while keeping ours alive. I want you to know I care for you, and I can’t wait to see where this goes.
Love, Corbin
And yeah, while both of these would probably make me fold if I were stuck on a tropical island with no access to the outside world, each man’s letter does approach his relationship with Kenzie differently. And Cady Moore, MPH, CSE — an AASECT-certified sexuality Educator at Age of Sexploration and a Love Island superfan — has some thoughts.
According to Moore, Caleb’s letter was “very thoughtful and intentional,” and is more about their connection. “It pointed out not only what he appreciates about Kenzie, but also how she makes him feel,” she says. “Most importantly, [he expresses] what their relationship is teaching him and what he sees for the future.”
In Moore’s opinion, Caleb’s letter shows him to be a “safer and more secure” partner. “Caleb [values] her energy and wants to express himself with her more,” she says. “He communicates how Kenzie’s empathy and communication make him more inclined to do the same.”
As for Corbin, Moore says that while his letter isn’t inherently “bad,” it definitely has “less substance” to it compared to Caleb’s. “I want to give the benefit of the doubt that he may just not be as comfortable expressing his feelings,” she says. “But with that being said, I think his letter touches on their sexual tension and the push/pull dynamic with his reference to him not realizing how much he cared for her until they were broken up.”
Moore says that while Corbin’s letter touches on how Kenzie makes him better and encourages his growth, it’s more centered on himself rather than their connection. “Corbin’s line about how she makes him feel important, prioritized, and wanted, to me, shows that if she ever slips from that, his insecurity might lead to him lashing out,” she says. “Corbin specifies that he wants to be the best version of himself for Kenzie, [when] he should want that regardless.”
So, how did the love letter saga end? Kenzie ended up writing a love letter to Corbin and coupling up with him once again instead of Caleb. But with Caleb still on the Island, time will only tell if he’ll continue to pursue Kenzie, or explore other relationships. “I love Kenzie and Corbin’s attraction and the sexual tension between them, and I do think that’s important,” Moore says. “But I would rather watch Kenzie grow with Caleb.”