90 Day Fiancé: Signs That Erika & Stephanie's Relationship Won't Last
Although Erika Owens and Stephanie Matto smoothed over some of their issues on May 3rd's episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, their relationship is still doomed to fail. While they may have been in love before Stephanie's trip to Australia, their short time together has only proven that this couple isn't meant to be.
Before appearing on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, Stephanie and Erika met through Stephanie's successful YouTube presence. What started as a friendship eventually turned romantic, and the two women made plans to test their chemistry in person. When Stephanie arrived in Erika's home country of Australia, however, things were far from picture-perfect. Stephanie felt a sense of discomfort engaging in intimacy with her girlfriend, which started their connection on an awkward note. In addition, Stephanie managed to complain about nearly everything she and Erika did together. Not only that, but Stephanie also called Erika's relationships with her friends into question, since Erika had been intimate with some of her pals in the past. While Stephanie's reactions were frustrating, the lack of communication in the relationship was equally as annoying. Although they've managed to move past some of their issues for now, there are many signs that Erika and Stephanie's relationship won't last.
First and foremost, the physical intimacy in Erika and Stephanie's relationship is sorely lacking. Stephanie explained that she hadn't been intimate in months before visiting Erika and that she simply needed some time to warm up to the idea. However, the couple hasn't grown closer in their short time together. They only have a limited time to spend with each other and they haven't explored their physical connection at all. How can they continue a relationship across the world when they don't even know if they're compatible in that area?
In addition, there's little fun in their relationship. Erika expressed that she fell in love with Stephanie because she saw this fun, vibrant YouTube personality who inspired and excited her. During her time in Australia, Stephanie has been pessimistic and nit-picky, rather than cheerful. She's showing her true colors, and it's the exact opposite of what Erika wants in a relationship.
Perhaps the biggest sign that this 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days couple is doomed to fail is their total lack of healthy communication skills. When a problem arises, Erika will often storm away in anger, eliminating the chance for the women to come to a healthy conclusion. At the same time, Stephanie uses manipulation tactics to swing the conversation in her favor. She claims that Erika thinks everything is her fault and storms away in tears. This tactic only serves to victimize herself and place all the blame on Erika in the hopes that she'll drop her side and apologize. While Stephanie expects Erika to see her side of things, she refuses to grant her girlfriend the same courtesy. Even when Erika finally sits down to have a civil conversation, Stephanie refuses to change her point of view, instead insisting that Erika meet her standards rather than finding common ground.
Although Stephanie and Erika agreed to start over with a clean slate, they can't forget the many arguments they've had during Stephanie's time in Australia. There is too much bad blood in this relationship to allow these women to move forward and find genuine love, especially one that would lead Erika to move across the world. If they're still together after this season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days is over, it will be nothing short of a miracle.
90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days airs on Sunday at 8pm EST on TLC.