Ariana Madix had a few words of wisdom for Love Island USA contestant Kaylor Martin before Casa Amor.
Throughout the show, Kaylor had been coupled up with contestant Aaron Evans, whose genuineness in the relationship had been questioned by the audience.
Before heading into Casa Amor, the ultimate relationship test that involves the couples being split up, Kaylor worried that the distance would strain their connection even more with Aaron away from the Villa. But Madix helped ease Kaylor's worries by offering her some kind words.
"I told her before Casa Amor that she would be okay no matter what," the reality TV show host, 40, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "And I absolutely meant that."
Madix also hoped that while Aaron was at Casa Amor, Kaylor would have time to "hang out" with the girls and herself, which would help her "reconnect with who she is without him being there."
"I don't think that's what happened, unfortunately," Madix says. "But she's very young. They're very young, and so, like I said, she'll be okay no matter what."
During Aaron's time in Casa Amor, he faced criticism for pursuing another new woman, Daniela Ortiz-Rivera. Throughout the three-day experience, Aaron and Daniela's relationship quickly escalated and became physical. At one point, he told her: "I already feel like I love you so much."
On the last day of Casa Amor, Kaylor received a text message that included a video of Aaron and Daniela interacting. This upset Kaylor and led to her declaring herself single after Casa Amor's recoupling.
Despite having arguments about the situation since returning to the Villa, Kaylor and Aaron have gotten back together and even made things official, labeling themselves boyfrie -
nd and girlfriend.
On July 3 and 5, Kaylor’s mom, Kara Kaylor-Stewart, shared her opinions about Kaylor's relationship with Aaron on Facebook. In the post, she explained why she thinks her daughter and Aaron's relationship won't last in the real world.
“My heart bleeds for you baby girl and I wish I could take the pain/hurt you will endure,” she wrote. “Kaylor, you're a strong advocate for empowering your loved ones, having faith and trusting one another and most of all… your loyalty to your friends and invested allegiance to do whatever it takes for them to feel joy, experience peace and serenity…. A God-given asset you were blessed with!”
Earlier this month, former Love Island star Liv Walker also shared her thoughts on the situation with PEOPLE.
“Kaylor is my ride-or-die. I absolutely adore her,” Walker said. “I’ve always said that she’ll be my maid of honor or bridesmaid for life because she’s such a genuine soul and she sees the best in everyone no matter if they’ve hurt her. Aaron has done her dirty many times, and it’s a hard situation because I have so much love for Aaron as well. And he does care so much about her, and he knows he messed up a lot.”
She continued: “Personally, I feel like if you’re given the chance to explain everything you’ve done, just say it all! I feel like him not saying it all and saying he forgot about things that happened with Daniela Ortiz-Rivera in Casa Amor kind of made the situation worse.”
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Love Island USA airs nightly (except Wednesdays) at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.
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