Welcome To Plathville: Olivia’s New Boyfriend Brendan Is The Opposite Of Ethan (Is She Dating Him For Revenge?)

Welcome To Plathville star Olivia Plath recently introduced viewers to her first boyfriend since divorcing her ex-husband, Ethan Plath. Ethan and Olivia got married in 2018 when they were only 20 years old. They both left behind extremely religious families, and their marriage struggles were well documented. Although Ethan and Olivia loved each other, they had differing opinions about how to process their upbringings. They announced their divorce in October 2023.

Olivia, who favors a nomadic existence, started over in Los Angeles. She dabbled in casual dating but realized she wanted the security of a monogamous relationship. Although she hinted at a new long-distance love interest, Olivia shied away from introducing her boyfriend on-screen for most of the season. Finally, after Olivia ended her pursuit and became official with her new beau, Brendan made his first appearance in Welcome To Plathville season 6.

Brendan Was Happy To Get Matching Tattoos With Olivia

His Adventurous Spirit Matches Olivia’s

Olivia and Brendan got matching tattoos soon after starting their relationship. They each got turtles on their wrists during a trip to the Bahamas. The matching tattoos represent their shared love for adventure and travel. Olivia and Ethan also have matching wrist tattoos, but the experience was vastly different. Olivia pushed Ethan to get the tattoo after their marriage had already experienced turbulence and a trial separation. Ethan and Olivia’s tattoos were a last-ditch effort to seal their commitment, which was unfortunately unsuccessful.

Olivia noted how the tattoos on her wrists were symbolic of the changes in her life. The tattoo from her marriage to Ethan signifies the life she had, while the tattoo she got with Brendan signifies the life she wants. Brendan’s willingness to get the tattoo contrasts with Ethan’s reluctance, and it proves the drastic difference in their personalities.

Brendan Is Affectionate With Olivia

She Always Craved More Intimacy With Ethan

Brendan and Olivia’s first scenes together in Welcome To Plathville were full of outward signs of their affection. Brendan doesn’t hold back from saying he loves Olivia, something he felt very early in their relationship. They even shared a bathtub scene together, which is something Ethan never would have considered. Olivia explained she had always wanted an affectionate relationship like she now has with Brendan, but she had never known how to ask for it.

Ethan was always very guarded in his emotions. His sheltered upbringing left him without many of the tools he needed to engage in an intimate relationship. Ethan only used words of affirmation when Olivia threatened to leave the relationship, but he still didn’t change his actions. Olivia craved more affection than Ethan was able to provide, and she finally found it with Brendan.

Brendan Welcomes Olivia’s Differences

Ethan Resented Olivia For Changing

A major conflict in Olivia’s marriage to Ethan was her constant desire to learn and evolve. Olivia was deconstructing her religious background and questioning the values she was raised with, which was hard for Ethan to handle. Although he disagreed with many of his parents’ choices, Ethan still maintained a lot of the traditional beliefs that Olivia was shedding. Their different growth paths contributed to their inability to move forward together.

During a trip to Sedona, Arizona, with Brendan, Olivia commented on how he accepts her for who she is. Brendan is open to Olivia’s free spirit. He is comfortable with her having different interests and beliefs from him, which allows Olivia the freedom to grow.

Is Olivia Rushing Into A Relationship To Spite Ethan?

Her New Romance Moved Fast

Olivia’s decision to introduce Brendan on the show may be met with resistance. Welcome To Plathville is about Ethan and his family, which no longer includes Olivia. Olivia has a right to bring her new boyfriend onto the show, but her constantly pointing out how different Brendan is from Ethan may be perceived as an intentional dig at her former relationship.

Olivia seems happy with Brendan, but she is rushing from one serious relationship into another. Olivia was so young when she married Ethan that she never had time to live independently and find out who she is on her own. She spent much of Welcome To Plathville season 6 exploring her own needs. Olivia seemed to flourish in her single life, so it’s surprising she intends to settle down with Brendan so quickly.

Olivia left her marriage to Ethan because it was inhibiting her growth. Brendan, on the other hand, encourages Olivia’s freedom. This means her new relationship will not restrict her individuality as she continues to find herself. Olivia has fought hard to find happiness during her time on Welcome To Plathville, and she deserves to enjoy her new romance.