Why did Ingrid’s mother refuse to eat with Brian in 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days? Details explored

On October 27, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days episode titled, Things Fall Apart was released. The long-distance relationship between Brian Muniz, a 52-year-old American quadriplegic, and Ingrid, a 33-year-old Brazilian woman, faced a cultural roadblock.

Brian, who had traveled from Illinois to Brazil to meet Ingrid’s family, encountered tension when Ingrid’s mother, Luiza, refused to share a meal with him. Ingrid’s mother, Luiza, expressed doubts about her only daughter dating someone from another country, which led to her refusal to join Brian and Ingrid for lunch.

The moment highlighted the strain Ingrid felt as her mother remained unwilling to accept her relationship with Brian. Though 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days often showcases such cultural challenges, this episode underscored the unique hurdles Ingrid and Brian faced in their attempt to unite two families from different worlds.

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Luiza’s reluctance to join Brian for lunch in 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

When Brian joined Ingrid’s family for a meal, Luiza’s cold response made for a tense encounter. Sitting outside the family home, Ingrid encouraged her mother to join them, saying,

“Mom, just come have a little bit with us.”

Yet, Luiza firmly declined, stating that she didn't wish to join them. Brian, noting her resistance, asked Ingrid why her mother refused to join them for the meal. In her confessional, Ingrid expressed frustration, saying,

“My mom is making zero effort with Brian, and I’m feeling really bad about it.”

Ingrid’s mother later explained her reasoning in a private interview with producers, stating,

“It’s not a prejudice against anything, but why does she want to date and marry someone from another country? She is our only daughter and she has to stay close to us.”

Despite Ingrid’s disappointment and Brian’s attempts to engage with Luiza, the gap between them remained wide. Luiza’s refusal to meet Brian halfway hinted at a deeper concern over her daughter’s choices, particularly her relationship with a foreigner.

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90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days: Major concerns in Ingrid and Brian’s relationship

In addition to cultural differences, Luiza’s concerns included fears about Ingrid’s potential departure from Brazil. Luiza emphasized her unease about her daughter marrying someone who might encourage her to move far from home.

While she denied that Brian’s wheelchair use was an issue, her apprehension centered on Ingrid’s independence and loyalty to her family. Despite Brian’s efforts, Luiza remained adamant, noting that Ingrid's dad does not support her decision as well.

The tension grew as Luiza revealed the strict control her husband exercised over Ingrid’s decisions, particularly about traveling. In a conversation with Brian, Ingrid acknowledged the limits placed on her by her father, stating,

“Sometimes I have to lie to him and tell him I’m taking an aesthetician class.”

This dynamic between Ingrid and her parents complicated her relationship with Brian, who in his confessional expressed surprise over the extent of her father’s influence.

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Brian’s perspective: 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

The resistance Brian felt from Ingrid’s family surprised him. He admitted,

“Ingrid warned me about her parents being tough, but I really didn’t think it would be this bad.”

While Brian appreciated Ingrid’s support, he questioned the viability of their relationship if her family remained unwilling to accept him. Ingrid’s mother's views did not deter Brian’s commitment, but he expressed concern over the implications of Ingrid’s parents’ refusal to embrace their relationship, adding,

“I don’t know how we can have a meaningful relationship if the parents don’t accept me.”

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The outcome for Ingrid and Brian on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days remains uncertain, but their story will continue on the show. 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days airs new episodes on Sundays at 8 pm ET/PT on TLC.