90 Day Fiancé: Asuelu's Controversial Kisses With His Mom

Hey, 90 Day Fiancé fans! Let's dive into one of the most talked-about aspects of Asuelu Pulaa's journey on the show: his relationship with his mother. If you've been following Asuelu, you know that his family dynamics, especially his interactions with his mom, have raised quite a few eyebrows. We're talking about more than just typical mother-son bonding here; it's about cultural differences, financial expectations, and, yes, those kisses that got everyone talking. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get into it!

The Cultural Context

First off, it's super important to understand the cultural background at play. Asuelu comes from Samoa, where family relationships and respect for elders are deeply ingrained. In Samoan culture, it's common for adult children to financially support their parents, and family ties are incredibly strong. This sense of obligation and duty is a significant part of Asuelu's upbringing and influences his decisions on the show. Understanding this cultural context helps to explain why Asuelu often prioritizes his mother and family back home.

However, this cultural difference often clashes with the expectations of American culture, where independence and nuclear family units are more emphasized. This clash is a major source of conflict between Asuelu and his wife, Kalani Faagata. Kalani, being American, has different expectations about finances and family responsibilities. She believes that Asuelu's primary responsibility should be to their immediate family – her and their children – rather than his extended family in Samoa.

This cultural divide isn't just about money; it's about differing values and priorities. For Asuelu, providing for his mother is a way of showing respect and gratitude for all she has done for him. In Samoan culture, it's seen as a way of repaying the sacrifices parents make for their children. However, Kalani views this as Asuelu neglecting his duties as a husband and father. She feels that their children's needs should come first, and sending large sums of money to Samoa puts a strain on their already tight budget.

These differing perspectives lead to frequent arguments and misunderstandings between Asuelu and Kalani. They struggle to find a balance between honoring Asuelu's cultural obligations and meeting the needs of their immediate family. This conflict is a recurring theme throughout their time on 90 Day Fiancé, and it highlights the challenges that can arise when couples from different cultural backgrounds try to build a life together. Overcoming these challenges requires open communication, compromise, and a willingness to understand and respect each other's cultural values. It's a complex situation with no easy answers, but understanding the cultural context is the first step towards finding a solution.

The Kissing Controversy

Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or should we say, the kiss that sparked a thousand memes? The scene where Asuelu kisses his mother on the lips definitely raised eyebrows and got people talking. In many Western cultures, this type of kiss is reserved for romantic partners and can be seen as inappropriate between family members. However, in some cultures, it's a common way to show affection and respect.

So, is it weird? Well, it depends on your cultural perspective. For viewers unfamiliar with such displays of affection, it can come across as strange or even off-putting. But for those who understand the cultural context, it might not seem like such a big deal. It's a reminder that what's considered normal or acceptable varies widely across different cultures.

This particular moment became a major talking point among 90 Day Fiancé viewers, with many expressing their discomfort and confusion. Social media was flooded with comments and memes, as people debated whether the kiss was appropriate or not. Some argued that it was a harmless cultural practice, while others felt it was inappropriate and disrespectful to Kalani.

Kalani herself has expressed her discomfort with Asuelu's close relationship with his mother, including the kissing. She has stated that she finds it strange and that it makes her feel uneasy. This has led to further tension between her and Asuelu, as she struggles to understand and accept his cultural norms.

The kissing controversy highlights the challenges that can arise when couples from different cultural backgrounds have different ideas about physical affection and boundaries. What one person considers normal and acceptable, another person may find strange or even offensive. Navigating these differences requires open communication, understanding, and a willingness to compromise. It's important for couples to discuss their expectations and boundaries regarding physical affection, and to be respectful of each other's cultural backgrounds.

Ultimately, the kissing controversy serves as a reminder that cultural norms and practices vary widely around the world. What may seem strange or inappropriate to one person may be perfectly normal and acceptable to another. It's important to approach these differences with an open mind and a willingness to learn and understand.

Financial Expectations and Family Dynamics

Now, let's dive into the financial side of things. Asuelu's family has been very vocal about their expectations for him to send money back home. This is a common practice in many cultures where family members rely on remittances from relatives working abroad. However, it has caused significant tension between Asuelu and Kalani, who feel that their financial stability is being threatened.

Kalani has often voiced her frustration with Asuelu's family's demands for money. She feels that they are being unreasonable and that Asuelu is prioritizing his family's needs over the needs of his own wife and children. This has led to numerous arguments and disagreements between Kalani and Asuelu, as they struggle to balance their financial obligations to both families.

The financial strain is further exacerbated by the fact that Asuelu and Kalani are not wealthy. They live a modest lifestyle and are constantly trying to make ends meet. Sending large sums of money to Samoa puts a significant strain on their budget and makes it difficult for them to save for the future.

Kalani has also expressed concerns about how the money is being used in Samoa. She suspects that Asuelu's family is not being entirely transparent about how they are spending the money and that they may be taking advantage of Asuelu's generosity. This has led to trust issues and further strained their relationship.

Asuelu, on the other hand, feels obligated to support his family in Samoa. He sees it as his duty to help them financially, as they have supported him throughout his life. He also feels pressure from his family to send money, as they often remind him of their needs and expectations.

This financial conflict is a recurring theme throughout Asuelu and Kalani's time on 90 Day Fiancé. It highlights the challenges that can arise when couples from different cultural backgrounds have different expectations about financial responsibilities. It also underscores the importance of open communication, compromise, and mutual understanding in navigating these challenges.

Ultimately, resolving the financial conflict requires Asuelu and Kalani to find a balance between honoring Asuelu's cultural obligations and meeting the needs of their immediate family. This may involve setting clear boundaries with Asuelu's family, creating a budget that allocates funds for both families, and having open and honest conversations about their financial concerns.

Impact on Asuelu and Kalani's Relationship

So, how does all of this affect Asuelu and Kalani's relationship? Well, it's safe to say that it's been a major source of conflict and stress. The cultural differences, the kissing controversy, and the financial expectations have all taken a toll on their marriage. They've had their fair share of ups and downs, and it's often been a struggle for them to see eye-to-eye.

One of the biggest challenges they face is communication. Asuelu and Kalani often struggle to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person understands. This can lead to misunderstandings and resentment, which further exacerbates their conflicts.

Another challenge is their differing expectations about family roles and responsibilities. Asuelu comes from a culture where extended family plays a significant role in decision-making and support. Kalani, on the other hand, is more independent and believes that their immediate family should be their primary focus.

These differing expectations often lead to clashes over issues such as where to live, how to raise their children, and how to manage their finances. They struggle to find a compromise that satisfies both of them, which can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.

Despite these challenges, Asuelu and Kalani have also shown moments of love and connection. They clearly care for each other and want to make their relationship work. They have also demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow, both as individuals and as a couple.

Ultimately, the success of their relationship depends on their ability to overcome their cultural differences, communicate effectively, and find a balance between their individual needs and the needs of their family. It's a difficult journey, but if they are willing to put in the work, they have the potential to build a strong and lasting relationship.

What Can We Learn?

What can we learn from Asuelu and his mom? Their story highlights the complexities of intercultural relationships and the challenges that can arise when different cultural values clash. It reminds us that what may seem normal or acceptable in one culture can be completely foreign in another.

It also underscores the importance of open communication, understanding, and respect in any relationship, especially those that cross cultural boundaries. Couples need to be willing to learn about each other's cultures, communicate their expectations and boundaries, and find a compromise that works for both of them.

Furthermore, Asuelu's story raises important questions about family obligations and financial responsibilities. How much should adult children support their parents? What happens when family expectations clash with personal needs? These are difficult questions with no easy answers, but they are important to consider in the context of intercultural relationships.

In conclusion, Asuelu's relationship with his mother on 90 Day Fiancé has been a source of controversy and discussion. From the kissing controversy to the financial expectations, their story has highlighted the challenges and complexities of intercultural relationships. By understanding the cultural context and engaging in open communication, couples can navigate these challenges and build strong, lasting relationships. And for the rest of us, it's a reminder to be open-minded and respectful of cultural differences.