Conrad Fisher's ambiguous behavior towards Belly Conklin is a central theme in the "Summer I Turned Pretty" series by Jenny Han. His actions, often perceived as cold and dismissive, stem from a complex interplay of factors:
1. Emotional Baggage:
- Past Trauma: Conrad carries significant emotional baggage from his mother's death and his father's subsequent struggles. This trauma manifests as emotional distance and a reluctance to open up.
- Fear of Intimacy: His fear of getting hurt again leads him to push people away, including Belly, despite his attraction to her.
- Unresolved Feelings: He struggles to reconcile his feelings for Belly with his need for emotional protection.
2. Family Dynamics:
- Competition with Jeremiah: Conrad's brother, Jeremiah, is also in love with Belly. This creates a dynamic of rivalry and fuels Conrad's insecurities.
- Protective Instincts: Conrad feels a strong sense of responsibility for Belly, stemming from their shared childhood. This protectiveness can sometimes manifest as overbearing behavior.
3. Miscommunication:
- Lack of Communication: Conrad often fails to express his feelings clearly, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
- Differing Expectations: Belly's romantic expectations differ from Conrad's, resulting in frustration and confusion.
Conrad's behavior is a source of much frustration for Belly, but it is important to understand the complexities of his character and the factors driving his actions.
