Amanda Batula's Suburban Life Without Kyle Cooke: Why It May Not Be Enough

Half of the fun of watching Summer House is seeing how well Amanda Batula and Loverboy founder Kyle Cooke are getting along. In my opinion, the couple has some kind of relationship issue every summer. More often than not, Amanda seems visibly annoyed by her husband, and she always talks about not wanting to spend time with him, choosing rather to hang out with her friends. I believe that Amanda loved Kyle, but I don’t think she ever got over his cheating in the past, which, in turn, put a lot of anxiety on her. Kyle triggers certain insecurities and/or frustrations, but I don’t get the sense she would be any happier with someone else, to be honest.

The honeymoon is over

Amanda and Kyle have only been married since 2021, so the fact that they can’t seem to agree on where to live or how to live is a serious issue. Both couldn’t be more different, as Kyle loves to be social, and Amanda just wants to stay at home with her dogs. The two disagree a lot, as fans have seen Amanda shutting Kyle down during house dinners, especially when he might be acting a bit rudely. At times, it is hard to watch. Amanda also wants children when Kyle still seems to be on the fence about the entire situation. 

For years, the two have swept their issues under the rug, but this season is revealing just how hard they might be struggling. Navigating a difficult situation as a couple is hard, and I imagine it would be a lot harder if you’re on TV when everyone knows what you’ve both said in past interviews. Personally, I think they both need separate work and personal lives. 

Amanda wants to be alone

It has become evident that Amanda is ready for some time on her own, and that is worrisome. As someone who has been married for ten years, I understand there are moments you want some alone time, but to openly state you want to buy a house so you can escape your spouse for a month is a red flag. Go to a spa for the day or something! During the latest episode, Amanda and Kyle looked at homes in Southhampton, NY (not NJ like the episode claimed), and Amanda told her friends, “It would be an investment property. We’ll still keep the apartment. But this would be somewhere I can get out of the city.”

Amanda told her pals, “Sometimes I just need to remove myself from New York,” Amanda said. “So having somewhere I could go for a week or two or a month at a time and it not be at my parents’.” My jaw just about hit the floor with this revelation from the graphic designer. It’s weird to me that Kyle wouldn’t go with her or be invited to tag along. Kyle clearly wasn’t on board with the move as he muttered, “I love our apartment, though.” 

Amanda needs to compromise 

I think, just like fans, Amanda is a bit over her relationship with Kyle. For the last few seasons, it doesn’t feel like Kyle can do anything right in her eyes, and both seem to be struggling to find their happy place. The Bravo scenes show Amanda constantly putting Kyle down or in his place, which seems to be a trending theme for these two when they interact. At times, it also feels like Amanda is constantly punishing Kyle for his past, but even when it comes to the best of couples, cheating can happen. So, as we know, running away from your problems never truly solves them. That is why Amanda really should know better than to drive a few hours north of New York City to find her inner peace. 

Sadly, if Amanda doesn’t get her house in the suburbs, I suspect there will be more cringey Kymanda moments to come this season. But ignoring Kyle’s feelings about his love of the city isn’t helpful either. They make good money that they could find a compromise between a backyard and a black top. I think Amanda is trying to rush her family dream, but Kyle is dragging his heels. I will say if Amanda does get her way, we need Andy and a camera for when Kyle is left to his own devices in the city.