It's supposed to be a TV series about Los Angeles' biggest and most beautiful homes - but the people selling them often steal the show. And the latest episodes of Netflix reality series Selling Sunset, now in its ninth season, have begun to ignite a debate on how to manage friendships when one party dislikes another’s partner.
The show depicts two stars, Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan, embroiled in a feud centered around Hernan's boyfriend, Blake Davis, whom Stause finds objectionable. This on-screen tension has spilled into the public discourse, prompting discussions about whether it’s possible to sustain friendships with those whose partners we dislike.
Relationship expert Anna Williamson emphasizes the delicate nature of navigating these relationships. She advises that being vocal about concerns without crossing into judgment can help: Find a way to express your feelings that illustrates your care for your friend rather than an attack on their partner. Williamson suggests opening conversations with phrases that focus on emotional well-being, steering clear of labels that could provoke defensiveness.
Anecdotes like that of Hannah, who fell out with a friend over comments made by a partner, underscore the real-life implications of this dilemma. Hannah recalls that her efforts to address inappropriate remarks were dismissed, leading to a painful decision to step away from the friendship.
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, another relationship expert, stresses the importance of remaining civil, especially when confronted with differing values and beliefs between friends and their partners. Maintaining boundaries while respecting individual choices can help uphold friendships amid tension.
As pop culture reflects these nuanced realities, it serves as an important reminder of the need for careful communication, understanding, and sometimes, difficult choices in friendships influenced by romantic relationships.
