S05.E09 : Bad Romance

[1011101010001]

13 hours ago, anoninrva said:

I don't feel a lick of sympathy for Caleb after he presented his "disco stick".  He would have had a bit more to go with if he'd admitted upfront that he wasn't as physically attracted to her in person as he thought he would be, but going along with a sexual relationship despite his mixed feelings is not fair to Alina.  It's not like she was demanding a shotgun wedding.  Wanting to know she was more than just a bootycall is not unreasonable here.

You can’t nag for sex for weeks and then when you get it claim he used you for your body.

[Mrs. Hanson]

41 minutes ago, mittsigirl said:

Do you think she talks to him the same way during foreplay?!

Memphis?  Oh my gosh yes:  "Hamza, penis go there.  Hamza, me not ready.  Hamza my neck need kiss."  Sorry if you were eating.

[anoninrva]

8 minutes ago, MrBuhBye said:

You can’t nag for sex for weeks and then when you get it claim he used you for your body.

No, but it's bad manners to have sex with people with whom you are not attracted.  I'm fine to agree to disagree on this point.

[Tuneful]

So I see from the preview that there's trouble in paradise, Ximena has backed off while requesting he pay for breast augmentation. Maybe I'm naive but who has that as a priority if they're engaged and nearly up the aisle? Like, why now?

Is she back on the sites...can't stay away from bad boys...or maybe got a threat from the "hitman"? Going for a last freebie from Mikey? Or did she or someone else research Mike's situation in NYS? I don't think he would lie about it, but she may have assumed he's wealthy and they'd have a prosperous life in an exciting city [90DF bingo square]. Mike lives in a small, rural-type town, is a civil servant , and lives with his disabled Dad and his brother. The winters are long and cold.

Ironically, I think Mike is now in a good position to get an agent in NYC (45 mins. away) and find some other kind of work -- and, most of all, could date American women who perhaps are young enough to have kids and don't have violent-criminal exes in the picture. 

About letting the boys down, ITA. Making the whole thing a family affair was not smart, IMHO. Let the couple find out if they are a match, on their own, and hold the engagement stuff until he has come for the wedding.  I'm glad those kids have a stable extended family, and a grandpa who looks pretty young. 

Edited February 8, 2022 by Tuneful

[TzuShih]

11 hours ago, KateHearts said:

Ximena and Mike: I know she has milked him for her rent, support for her children and whatever else, but I do also see that she views him as a way out of poverty- which most Americans frown on but again, we can't understand what it's like to live in the conditions she presumably has. She is trying to make the best of a dreary situation; still, based on the previews, she is starting to push her advantage.

Judging by Ximena's past so far, she has NEVER been treated the way Mike is treating her.  And I'm sure her children's connection to him genuinely tug at her heartstrings as a mom.  BUT -- I gotta admit that I saw TLC's introductory clip -- the one they do for the 'season ahead' -- and unless I misinterpreted it.....  OK, I'm not going to reveal it in case it's a Spoiler, but let's just say that I hope with all my heart that Ximena's innocent, sweet and optimistic boys are not let down in their dreams of a 'real father figure.' 

[Kid]

32 minutes ago, TzuShih said:

Judging by Ximena's past so far, she has NEVER been treated the way Mike is treating her.  And I'm sure her children's connection to him genuinely tug at her heartstrings as a mom.  BUT -- I gotta admit that I saw TLC's introductory clip -- the one they do for the 'season ahead' -- and unless I misinterpreted it.....  OK, I'm not going to reveal it in case it's a Spoiler, but let's just say that I hope with all my heart that Ximena's innocent, sweet and optimistic boys are not let down in their dreams of a 'real father figure.' 

If those kids are let down, that is on her, not him.  She is using them as pawns.

[TzuShih]

1 hour ago, Tuneful said:

Ironically, I think Mike is now in a good position to get an agent in NYC (45 mins. away) and find some other kind of work -- and, most of all, could date American women who perhaps are young enough to have kids and don't have violent-criminal exes in the picture. 

Mike would be a GREAT character actor/model!  He should check out NYC casting agents - send them a pic of himself (doesn't have to be expensive headshot at first) and then follow it up with a call to see if they are interested.  There are agencies in NYC that specialize in "character actors or models.'  Having been a member of SAG for "many moons" 😄, I really feel that Mike could hook up with an agent.  You don't have to be a union member to start out.  If he checked out/researched legitimate modeling agencies in NYC, he just may 'click' with one of them and find himself making some good money.  (Just DON'T give it all to Ximena for breast enlargement...😁)

[Mrs. Landingham]

Hoooo boy, that flash of pure hatred that Gino threw at Jasmine when she pulled off his hat was more chilling for me than any of Jasmine’s previous histrionics. Even the Phantom didn’t look at Christine that way when she ripped off his mask! 

Ben, may you contract crabs and may both your arms break so you can’t scratch, you sinfully ugly, revolting mother trucker. When he insists that he deserves love he means he deserves a hot woman half his age to make up for all those years of torture being held back by a woman he didn’t think was good enough for him and kids he clearly never wanted. What a colossal, steaming pile of excrement he is. His humiliation fuels me and warms my heart. 

 

[Cherpumple]

10 hours ago, FrancescaFiore said:

I liked [Alina] so much at first, but now I'm finding her to be overly assertive, then pouty and punitive when those tactics don't work.

I know, it cracked me up when she was having a hard time closing her suitcase and then passive aggressively suggested that she take out all the presents he gave her, fully expecting him to be hurt and sad about it. But he just casually said, "ok, if that's your decision," and she immediately backed down and tried to be cute again. Also, when Caleb was explaining his reservations and she said that she was so tired of having guys reject her by saying, "oh Alina, you're too good for me," and he responded with, "I didn't say that." 😄

[magemaud]

Was it ever established that Mike hasn’t told Ximena about his living situation? 

[nutella fitzgerald]

7 hours ago, Tuneful said:

Ironically, I think Mike is now in a good position to get an agent in NYC (45 mins. away) and find some other kind of work -- and, most of all, could date American women who perhaps are young enough to have kids and don't have violent-criminal exes in the picture. 

Didn’t Mike change the location on his Tinder? It sounded like he was specifically avoiding American women, kind of like Jorge.

[Gobi]

8 hours ago, anoninrva said:

No, but it's bad manners to have sex with people with whom you are not attracted.  I'm fine to agree to disagree on this point.

If he really has had sex with over 100 women, as he claimed, I’m guessing that it doesn’t take much to attract him and that a long term relationship isn’t a concern.

[Stuckathome]

So, in her instagram stories, Jasmine is now saying that Gino's ex sent the nudes to various bloggers who have posted them and even shared them with her employer and that she has lost her job as a result (the show and her temper didn't help i am sure). If this is true, it is disgusting and I really, really hope she kicked Gino to the curb. THAT is why you don't share shit that was only intended for you as a joke or to "make her jealous". WTF

[Meowwww]

13 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

I am surprised we did not hear her say, "Me so horny, me love you long time."

Me so done with her.

That’s EXACTLY what came out of my husband’s mouth when she said “me hungry” in bed. 
I can’t stand her, her demands, her voice, her negativity.  Run hamster!!!!

And Caleb?  I like you.  BUT PUT ON AN F’N SHIRT!!!!

Edited February 8, 2022 by Meowwww

[Baltimore Betty]

49 minutes ago, Stuckathome said:

So, in her instagram stories, Jasmine is now saying that Gino's ex sent the nudes to various bloggers who have posted them and even shared them with her employer and that she has lost her job as a result (the show and her temper didn't help i am sure). If this is true, it is disgusting and I really, really hope she kicked Gino to the curb. THAT is why you don't share shit that was only intended for you as a joke or to "make her jealous". WTF

Gino will be paying for this transgression for a very long time.  Jasmine will not kick Gino to the curb when she can hold this over his head and guilt him to bankrolling her life whether she is in Panama or the US with Gino.

I wonder if Gino's ex sent Gino nudes of who ever she is with now? I am guessing she did not and if it is an ex why does he care what the ex thinks?  

Jasmine does not care that Gino has showed her who he is, he is willing to put up with her and buy her electric toothbrushes, boobs and lips.

I for one do not believe that Jasmine was a teacher of anything professionally and what about her kids?

 

 

[mytmo]

Why would anyone be surprised that Ximena is in it for the money?  She has the eye symbol from money as a tattoo on her arm.

[Breedom]

A boob job should not be present anywhere on X's priority list. True, why is she looking to do this now? What possesses someone to even have the nerve to ask their foreign fiance to pay for this kind of enhancement when it isn't something they both wanted? I suspect Mike couldn't care less and doesn't care either way what size breasts his partner has. So now I have to question her intentions again, just as I was warming up to her.

Mike should say absolutely not, but I betcha he says go for it. He probably thinks she would renege on their fiance-hood if he puts his foot down.

8 hours ago, Cherpumple said:

Also, when Caleb was explaining his reservations and she said that she was so tired of having guys reject her by saying, "oh Alina, you're too good for me," and he responded with, "I didn't say that."

Good for you, Caleb. I love that he wouldn't let himself be manipulated by Alina, Alina's girlfriend or Elijah.

[greekmom]

Whoever said that Gino's replies are the same as a politician is on the money.

I rewatched those scenes (best 90 day in ages!) and at first it's deny deny. Then it's "well I wanted to make her jealous" and "the boobs are not nudes" (yes they are Gino).  And as the poster above said, the look he gave her was pure hatred when she ripped the hat off.  Seriously how would he like if she slipped the hat off when he was sleeping, took photos and posted them online? 

[Stuckathome]

13 minutes ago, greekmom said:

Seriously how would he like if she slipped the hat off when he was sleeping, took photos and posted them online? 

OMG, LMFAO at the idea of this...as much as I want her to do it, because he would be LIVID, what would be her message? Check out my new man's shiny bald head....it shines more than yours!!! 

[1011101010001]

6 hours ago, Gobi said:

If he really has had sex with over 100 women, as he claimed, I’m guessing that it doesn’t take much to attract him and that a long term relationship isn’t a concern.

Sometimes pity fucks are kind, not bad manners.

[1011101010001]

3 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

 

I wonder if Gino's ex sent Gino nudes of who ever she is with now? I am guessing she did not and if it is an ex why does he care what the ex thinks?  

Plus if the ex is the porn actress I am sure she has seen many more attractive topless women than Jasmine so not sure why she would be jealous.  I think Gino’s motive was to say sure she’a loco but this is the reason I put up with it.

[Stuckathome]

3 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

I for one do not believe that Jasmine was a teacher of anything professionally and what about her kids?

I thought she said she was a professor of American lit......her English is excellent. I am guessing that by professor she means she teaches at an English based high school (not university). As for her kids, I wondered about them too---would she want to bring them to the US? At least she mentioned her kids in her intro, I remember being shocked that Larissa had kids because I don't think it was EVER mentioned early on..... 

[Baltimore Betty]

If Jasmine is so hot and desirable why is she putting all of her heuvos in one basket with Gino?  He is bland and not too bright, were her online choices that bad that he was the best of the crop?

Does the ex who he sent the pics to wonder if he sent out her nudies to the ex before her?

Have we heard from any of Gino's ex's?  Have we heard from any of Jasmine's ex's?

 

[mytmo]

2 hours ago, mytmo said:

Why would anyone be surprised that Ximena is in it for the money?  She has the eye symbol from money as a tattoo on her arm.

to prove my point

[Mondrianyone]

1 minute ago, Baltimore Betty said:

If Jasmine is so hot and desirable why is she putting all of her heuvos in one basket with Gino?  He is bland and not too bright, were her online choices that bad that he was the best of the crop?

This is why I'm convinced that Gino was never anything more than a means to an end for her. There's nothing remotely attractive about him (literally from head to toes), he's unemployed, he's creepy, he's cheap and thoughtless--what's the draw? How could this weasel break her heart? She wanted to be on TV, and I believe it more now than when I first threw out the idea, that she's auditioning for a telenovela part or something along those lines.

[Welshman in Ca]

20 minutes ago, mytmo said:

to prove my point

How is that the symbol for money? Not disputing what you're saying just that I've always heard/read that it has been used for hundreds of years with various meanings but usually something to do with the all seeing eye.

[magemaud]

I can hardly tell where Ximena's dress begins and her tattoos end. 

The poster said the symbol "FROM" money, not for. But I doubt if it's on Colombian bills. 

[mytmo]

3 minutes ago, Welshman in Ca said:

How is that the symbol for money? Not disputing what you're saying just that I've always heard/read that it has been used for hundreds of years with various meanings but usually something to do with the all seeing eye.

Its on the back of the dollar bill.  I should've said it is a symbol used on money.

[Mondrianyone]

I always wonder how people who can't afford to feed their kids or put a roof over their heads can manage to swing such elaborate body ink. Priorities . . .

[Welshman in Ca]

5 minutes ago, Mondrianyone said:

I always wonder how people who can't afford to feed their kids or put a roof over their heads can manage to swing such elaborate body ink. Priorities . . .

The same people who put $5000 wheels & $2000 in in car entertainment on a car worth $1000. It's called ghetto rich, when you buy what you want but borrow what you need.

Edited February 8, 2022 by Welshman in Ca
Fingers faster than brain.

[Stuckathome]

1 hour ago, Baltimore Betty said:

If Jasmine is so hot and desirable why is she putting all of her heuvos in one basket with Gino?  He is bland and not too bright, were her online choices that bad that he was the best of the crop?

Have you done online dating recently?? She isn't just looking for a love match, she is looking for a man who is willing to pony up $$ to a woman he may possibly never meet.....in an age where there are tons of slutty people willing to send out nudes or meet up for one night stands on these apps. There are decent people too, I mean, I met my BF online. But, I lost count of how many dick pics I got, or even the guys who seemed nice but then a few texts in were sending pics or offering to let me watch them jerk off. My BF has similar stories of women sending nudes or videos of themselves performing sex acts.....So, that is what she is competing against. And then trying to get the guy to actually send $$....a good looking dude with lots of options won't go looking for a match online that is not in the US. Gino may be broke now, but didn't he pay for her lips, boobs and other procedures? 

[Nuckles]

Just noticed that Mahogany was online when Ben was reading out ‘The Runaway Train’ poem 😳

[Mr. Miner]

Seems like a complete waste of money, what's wrong with what she's got?

Edited February 8, 2022 by Mr. Miner

[Welshman in Ca]

1 hour ago, magemaud said:

I can hardly tell where Ximena's dress begins and her tattoos end. 

The poster said the symbol "FROM" money, not for. But I doubt if it's on Colombian bills. 

You are correct, my mistake.

Like you say it is A symbol used on american currency but only Americans or people using a dollar bill would notice and I doubt any other country uses it.

[magemaud]

Now if Xi had a $$$$ tattoo, I’d be much more suspicious of her intentions 

[Polliwollidoodle]

2 hours ago, magemaud said:

Now if Xi had a $$$$ tattoo, I’d be much more suspicious of her intentions 

And only then.

 

Bwahahaha.:) 

[greekmom]

6 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

Does the ex who he sent the pics to wonder if he sent out her nudies to the ex before her?

Have we heard from any of Gino's ex's?  Have we heard from any of Jasmine's ex's?

 

The ex in question is a porn star/sugar baby. There's an interview with her in one of the podcasts. 

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by greekmom

[Auntie Anxiety]

On 2/7/2022 at 11:17 AM, seacliffsal said:

  So, the other passengers on the runaway train were supposed to be so enthralled with the true love of the dancing couple that it calmed them and distracted them from the ensuing disaster?  I guess they had no other choice because they were dancing in the aisle and therefore the others could not leave their seats.

Ben, if I wanted to watch “Snowpiercer,” I’d be watching “Snowpiercer.” But it, like you, sucks.

[Kid]

On 2/8/2022 at 1:23 AM, Cherpumple said:

I know, it cracked me up when she was having a hard time closing her suitcase and then passive aggressively suggested that she take out all the presents he gave her, fully expecting him to be hurt and sad about it. But he just casually said, "ok, if that's your decision," and she immediately backed down and tried to be cute again. Also, when Caleb was explaining his reservations and she said that she was so tired of having guys reject her by saying, "oh Alina, you're too good for me," and he responded with, "I didn't say that." 😄

I thought he handled the whole situation beautifully.  He was honest but kind.  It would have been cruel for him to have left her hoping when he knew there was no future and why there would be no future.  

[Xebug67]

On 2/4/2022 at 9:16 PM, Frozendiva said:

Ximena seems a bit overdressed for the casual dinner with Mike and her family. Does she have any idea of the real situation with him? Does she know about his dad and gramps? That she will be looking after two kids and three adults? At least if the restaurant has a view, maybe not put her where she can't see anything. Being proposed to in front of family and being pressured for an answer? Will her kids come with her or will the parents have to look after them for a while?

Ah, Ben, you catfish. Mahogany may not have a vehicle to get to Lima, she may have to take the bus or get a ride from someone. And she told you not to come. And now you are chatting to your friend, who is being reasonable with you and ensuring that you may be a catfish and that Mahogany may not exist. Nice little story. Am sure she appreciated that.

So Memphis and Hamza had much better sexy times at the hotel. The breakfast looked huge. Still too much caveman 'me' speak. One probably does not bring up a pre-nush with a guy whose culture most likely does not have them. Suuuuuure, he wants her money. And the opportunities she can bring for him and his family.

 

Ximena probably has only two modes or styles for dressing - slut casual and slut dressy.  She is also facially the spitting image of her mother.  It's so sad how grateful her two little boys are to have a father figure in their lives.  I was thinking the exact same thing about the view from the restaurant.  What was the point of it if not for Ximena to be the one to enjoy that view?  I don't think that the proposal taking place in front of the entire family was so unusual.  The now husband of a close friend of mine contacted all of her close friends and family to gather them together for a surprise party and marriage proposal, and it worked out beautifully for them.  My friend was overjoyed to have the people who matter the most to her in attendance.

Ben, desperate much?  What a pathetic, gross, delusional loser this guy is.

Geez, Memphis is beyond disgusting.  Does she ever wash her wig/hair?  She looks like she stinks to high heaven as well.  She really is nothing but a nagging, bossy, controlling, demeaning, emasculating bitch.  I'm not saying that Hamza is any prize either, but in comparing the lesser of two evils, I'd choose him over her any day.

[Xebug67]

On 2/4/2022 at 9:45 PM, CruiseDiva said:

With the heavy makeup and that too short, too tight, too shiny dress that showed off her cleavage and tacky tats, she looked like a very low rent hooker. She could have at least washed and curled her greasy, stringy hair. I'm sorry if I'm being too blunt, but she just looks so cheap. Yet her father was concerned about Mike's "intentions" when he's probably the only decent man she's ever known.

Exactly.  Her father's clearly unaccustomed to his low rent daughter being with anyone that isn't a jailbird.  And where did she learn her makeup application troweling techniques?  From Crayola?  She is another one who always looks stinky, dirty and greasy.

[Kid]

23 hours ago, Breedom said:

A boob job should not be present anywhere on X's priority list. True, why is she looking to do this now? What possesses someone to even have the nerve to ask their foreign fiance to pay for this kind of enhancement when it isn't something they both wanted? I suspect Mike couldn't care less and doesn't care either way what size breasts his partner has. So now I have to question her intentions again, just as I was warming up to her.

She is not buying them for Mike to play with!!!

[Xebug67]

On 2/6/2022 at 10:33 AM, Kid said:

OK. I understand the whole betrayal thing with sending the picture to the ex.  But, Jasmine is basically parading around in a bathing suit with her ass hanging out and most of her boobs all around the resort and on national television. So she obviously is not concerned about strangers seeing her body.

I was quite surprised to see that she has such a saggy, droopy ass if she's so into working out all the time.  Not that there's anything wrong with being like most real women.  I guess I'm more surprised that she didn't mind the rest of the world viewing her imperfect body (unless, is it possible, she's not aware that she doesn't have an ass that you can bounce a coin off of? LOL).

I'm only making fun of her because she's so vain and pretentious about her vanity.  I would not poke fun at a humbler real person.

That being said, Mike is the biggest POS to do what he did and violate her trust in that way.  I loved when she peeled his baseball cap off of his head.  The sad thing is that he looks so much better letting the bald fly than trying to pretend he's not and wearing a stupid hat 24/7.  I hope she has zero forgiveness for him, becuase he doesn't deserve any.

[Xebug67]

On 2/6/2022 at 9:24 PM, Adeejay said:

I thought it unfair of Alina to put Caleb on the spot like that, especially since what she wants is asking a lot.  I know this sounds coldhearted but taking care of her seems to require a lot of hard work.  I feel for Alina because I believe she is going to have a hard time finding a man who is willing to make such a commitment.  

I find it interesting that after a night of passion, Hamza started having second thoughts about marrying Memphis.

I am starting to understand why Ben didn't appear on the show until episode 6.  His storyline is clearly DOA.  

It's ridiculous that the best TLC could come up with was David in the Ukraine restaurant 2.0.  Word must be out on the street amongst the Americans who are importing spouses/fiances to NOT give TLC the time of day because all they will do is exploit them all for our viewing entertainment LOL.

[Jeanne222]

I'd like to hear more about X's  father and his child bride!

[magemaud]

1 hour ago, Xebug67 said:

She is also facially the spitting image of her mother. 

That’s Ximena’s young step-mother. I don’t think we’ve ever seen pictures of her mother. 

 

1 hour ago, Xebug67 said:

That being said, Mike is the biggest POS to do what he did and violate her trust in that way.  

I’m pretty sure you mean Gino. 

[Xebug67]

22 hours ago, mytmo said:

to prove my point

Ever since Mike first appeared on the show, all I can think of when I see him wearing eyeglasses is those gag fake noses attached to fake eyeglasses.  I can never unsee that in my mind's eye.  He's so goofy and offputting looks-wise.  It's not just normal homeliness with him.  He's just odd looking.

Edited February 9, 2022 by Xebug67

[Jax7917]

On 2/7/2022 at 1:12 PM, Joan van Snark said:

I just want to beat Ben with a baseball bat (not really but it's a fantasy).

"I love you so so much baby" is not the type of conversation that indicates you are a SOULMATE. Has he ever even spoken to her over the phone before?  I can't remember.  He may be the most egregious 90 day player I've ever seen when it comes to projecting a deep spiritual relationship based on NOTHING!

He looked like an absolute douchebag reading that cringe-y poem.  He is not a bad looking man with a good body (wonky eye aside).  I'm sure he could find someone suitable in the US.  

Yes, but then he wouldn't be able to be on trash reality tv. 

 

Ximena is playing the game well, but I also think she genuinely appreciates the person that Mike is. Do I think she's in love with him? No. But she's not a horrific person like others on this show. She just needs a way out and she is likely sick of back-to-back losers. One thing I will continue to not understand is how people are "in love" someone and have patience to carry on a conversation via translator app. How do you ever enjoy yourself or truly get to know the person? You rely on a phone that can die at any moment or that often times misconstrues what you say. Not to mention if you want to tell a story, it takes a lifetime to tell it via translator. I can understand the people who fall in love with someone who lives in a different country, but I can't understand falling in love with someone who doesn't speak your language at all. 

 

 

 

[Breedom]

3 hours ago, Xebug67 said:

I guess I'm more surprised that she didn't mind the rest of the world viewing her imperfect body

My thoughts exactly, but for a different person - Kimbelly. I've said this before as has other people: has she no mirror? She hasn't a clue as to how she really looks. Cheap, style-less, old and let's just say no where near as attractive as she thinks she is. Oh, I also notice she has a similar stupid laugh that Angela had during her talking heads. A big laugh after what she thinks is her smart, funny and adorable commentary. Cringe-worthy stuff.

59 minutes ago, Jax7917 said:

Ximena is playing the game well, but I also think she genuinely appreciates the person that Mike is. Do I think she's in love with him? No. But she's not a horrific person like others on this show. She just needs a way out and she is likely sick of back-to-back losers.

Totally. I will say that Mike must have paid a nice chunk of money to treat everyone to dinner at the proposal dinner - and agree with others, X should have been sitting looking out at the view. Well, Mike, you can't think of everything!

[Breedom]

23 hours ago, Mondrianyone said:

I always wonder how people who can't afford to feed their kids or put a roof over their heads can manage to swing such elaborate body ink. Priorities . . .

Or buy materialistic things to impress others. It's all about external appearance for some people.

Edited February 9, 2022 by Breedom