TV couple's 'gloomy fate' was clear from the start - but we didn't see the 'red flags'

3 weeks ago 2

EXCLUSIVE: 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way is in full swing and fans are finding out more and more when it comes to the cast’s unique relationships. This fall, Reality Tidbit catches up with an expert who breaks down the key red flags she saw coming for one couple. Licensed therapist Afton Turner details how she foresaw Tigerlily and Adnan’s fate.

TLC‘s 90 Day Fiancé stars are no strangers to drama. But, this October, Tigerlily’s hairstylist expresses some concerns over her tumultuous relationship. After meeting online, Tigerlily and Adnan tied the knot the day they met. Their romance got off to a fiery start, but things look like they could go down in smoke if they continue in the same vein.

Therapist spots 90 Day Fiancé ‘red flags’

As Reality Tidbit catches up with Afton of Fresh Pages Therapy this fall, she explains how a relationship “red flag isn’t just a bad habit or minor disagreement. These are consistent behaviors or dynamics that undermine trust and respect.”

As 90 Day Fiancé scenes featuring Tigerlily and Adnan play out, Afton gives her take.

The expert breaks down the key red flags she’s seen so far.

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Firstly, Afton says red flag numero uno is “isolation.”

She explains to Reality Tidbit: “When one partner discourages or prevents the other from spending time with friends, family, and other support systems, it’s a red flag.”

Afton adds: “One of Adnan’s early rules for Tigerlily is that she can’t be in a room with, or touched by, any man—including a close friend who’s traveled with her. This restriction immediately begins to shrink her support circle.”

However, Adnan was raised in a Muslim culture, and this is likely where this stems from. While some dating gurus may suggest certain behaviors can seem difficult in a new relationship, each couple will have to establish their own circumstances they’re happy with. Tigerlily knew this about her husband-to-be, understanding it was the biggest reason Adnan wanted to marry her on the first day they met in Jordan. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to physically touch or interact with other if they hadn’t.

Afton tells us how healthy relationships rely on clear, open communication.

“When one partner sets confusing or ever-changing ‘rules’ that only the other must follow, it creates a sense of constant imbalance and unease,” she explains.

After analyzing Adnan and Tigerlily’s on-screen romance, Afton concludes: “This dynamic can be exhausting, as it leaves one partner feeling they’re always at fault or never ‘getting it right’.”

The licensed therapist notices how in the latest episode, Tigerlily shared that, since returning to America, Adnan has introduced more and more rules that apply only to her, while he doesn’t follow them or honor her own requests in return.

According to Afton, “…this one-sided setup creates a moving target she can never quite hit, which undermines her sense of stability and autonomy.”

Excessive jealousy or possessiveness

Lastly, Afton touches on “excessive jealousy” she’s seeing in the relationship.

She tells us: “In early episodes, Tigerlily seemed flattered when Adnan insisted that no other men be around her, interpreting this as a sign of how much he valued her.”

Afton explains it’s “normal for some partners to feel occasional jealousy,” but “excessive possessiveness is a different story.”

The therapist breaks down possessiveness, explaining how it “…shows up as an intense need for control, constant reassurance, and monitoring interactions, making the relationship feel restrictive.”

Relating back to Adnan and Tigerlily, Afton says: “What started as a seemingly flattering ‘protectiveness’ can actually signal distrust, slowly chipping away at her independence. It may feel like a form of devotion, but when it becomes a rule rather than a preference, it creates an unbalanced dynamic that can undermine trust and autonomy.”

With Tigerlily and Adnan’s drama resulting in him having to pay a visit to the hospital with “breathing problems,” it’s clear to see the drama is getting too much for the duo at times.

According to Afton, spotting these red flags early helps maintain relationships that are respectful, safe, and genuinely supportive.

She tells Reality Tidbit: “Ignoring these signs can lead to cycles of emotional harm and a gradual erosion of self-worth. Identifying them empowers people to set boundaries, seek support, and make informed decisions about their relationships.”

The therapist concludes how healthy relationships are about “trust, respect, and equality.”

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