When it comes to Love Island USA season 7, one of the most talked-about couples, Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, took their time to explore their connection, much to the delight of fans who had been rooting for them from the start.
However, Olandria has recently shared the emotional journey behind why she initially held back from allowing herself to feel the spark with Nic, despite the chemistry between them being undeniable.
Olandria’s Initial Hesitation
Olandria and Nic, affectionately dubbed Nicolandria by fans, had a complicated start. After Cierra Ortega’s unexpected departure from the villa, they were given a second chance to explore their relationship. However, things weren’t always easy for Olandria when it came to pursuing a connection with Nic.
Despite a moment of passion with a kiss during their first coupling, Olandria felt a deep sense of guilt.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Olandria explained, “I didn’t allow myself to feel that spark. If I’m being honest, yes, there was [one].” She continued, saying, “I was like, ‘You know what? I feel so guilty.’ I’m just going to write it off and say that there wasn’t, out of respect for Cierra.”
Olandria’s hesitation stemmed from her strong sense of loyalty and respect for Cierra, who had been coupled up with Nic before Casa Amor. “I always preach about girlhood and sisterhood and all that stuff,” Olandria said, reflecting on how important those values were to her. “So I just wanted to stay true to my word.”
Putting Others Before Herself
Olandria’s commitment to respecting Cierra’s feelings was so strong that she was willing to suppress her own emotions for the sake of maintaining that loyalty. “I’m always considerate of everyone else’s feelings other than mine,” she admitted.
“I was willing to give this connection up for Cierra.” This selflessness led her to question her feelings for Nic, even though there was a genuine connection between them.
“I was willing to give Nic up and just ride it out, however that looked like for me,” Olandria continued. “Whether that was me going home or just coupling up with someone else, out of respect for Cierra.”
A Turning Point in the Villa
It wasn’t until Cierra was no longer in the picture that Olandria allowed herself to fully embrace what she had with Nic. “It was finally time for me to make my own selfish decision and not get in my head about how it’s going to make everyone else feel,” she shared.
For Olandria, putting herself first was a moment of personal growth. “And I’m so happy that I finally did that,” she reflected. “Because I feel like the entire season, I was always considering everyone else’s opinions and feelings, before my own. I suffered so much because of it.”
She called that decision to couple up with Nic the “best decision I could have ever made,” and it completely transformed her experience in the villa. “The one moment that I did make a decision for me was the best decision I could have ever made, and made my whole experience way better,” she said.
Nic’s Perspective: Always Interested in Olandria
From Nic’s point of view, his connection with Olandria was never just a rebound after Cierra’s exit. Nic emphasized that he had been interested in Olandria from the start, even before he coupled up with Cierra.
“I think the way that it was portrayed was me instantly leaving Cierra for Olandria,” he said. “In reality, I was her secret admirer from day one.”
Nic clarified that, while he did eventually pursue a connection with Olandria, it was never an impulsive decision. “I was very vocal with her and Taylor and Ace, that this is something I’m taking slow and we’re building towards something,” Nic said.
“Our connections are no longer here. Now that those doors are closed, I think we should explore this and enjoy however much time we have left in the villa.”
A Lesson in Self-Love
For Olandria, her journey in the villa taught her a valuable lesson about self-prioritization. She now believes that the “selfish me” is here to stay. “It’s a lesson learned,” she said, “I think the selfish me is here to stay, to say the least.”
Looking back on her time in the villa, Olandria is grateful for the experience, especially because it allowed her to put herself first and make a decision that was right for her, regardless of how it might affect others.
Olandria and Nic’s journey on Love Island USA season 7 proves that sometimes, taking a chance on love requires putting your own feelings first. Despite her initial hesitation, Olandria ultimately chose to follow her heart, leading to a stronger connection with Nic and a more fulfilling experience in the villa.
For both of them, it was a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and, ultimately, a love that was worth fighting for.
