Couldn’t Fit Through The Door - Now I’m A Bodybuilder | BRAND NEW ME
KRISTA FRANCIS lost 248lbs after becoming too overweight to fit through the door whilst carrying her son. Krista has struggled with her weight since she was a teenager, weighing 386lbs at her heaviest. The breaking point for Krista came when she was unable to carry her son, Ezra, who was born with cerebral palsy, through the bathroom door having to call her husband for help.
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My Daughter Is 8 Years Younger Than Me | MY EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY
24-YEAR-OLD Tasia Taylor is the mother of two teenagers. Tasia and her husband Drew, 26, decided to open their home to foster children and Rory, 14 was placed with them. Tasia said: “We just thought with our age, we didn't know that they would even let us take a teenager.” They then adopted Rory, her brother Isaiah, 12 and Tamiray, 16 who is Tasia’s cousin, then Tasia gave birth to Ashtyn Rose two months ago. Within two years, they went from zero to four children. The couple are both teachers and feel this has helped equip them in becoming adoptive parents but they have still been subjected to judgement. Tasia said: “People say we're too young to have adopted teenagers.” But the couple explained that they are very mature for their age and are doing their best. Their families were ‘terrified’ at the prospect of them adopting at first but became so supportive. The family are entertained by the fact that people think they are all siblings or a friendship group rather than parents and children. The couple would like to have more children and foster again too. Drew said: “We're always going to be the family for them.”
With thanks to Canton Adams - Captures By Canton Photography for their photography work featured in this episode.
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My Butterfly Skin Rips With The Softest Touch | BORN DIFFERENT
TALENTED 20-year-old makeup artist, Claudia, was born with a rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa - also known as EB. The condition causes a lack of collagen, which in turn means her skin is extremely fragile and blisters into wounds that can cover "up to 80% of [her] body." Nurses come in daily to painstakingly remove all Claudia's bandages, clean her wounds and then re-dress them again - a process that can take up to four hours. As well as regular pain medications, these maintenance measures allow Claudia to go about the rest of her day - but EB is progressive and there is no cure, so her condition has deteriorated over time. Her fingers and toes have gradually "fused together" over the years and she has been left with only four fingers remaining on one hand. Claudia's parents, Elizabeth and Gary, provided all of her care growing up and had to develop best practices to protect her skin "on instinct." They have witnessed the gradual progression of her condition and felt helpless at times - but more so due to the social isolation their daughter experienced as a teenager: "We watched her, for six years, suffer the loneliness. You can't fix that as a parent, you can't make friends for your child." But Claudia found an outlet for herself during her tough high school years when she was inspired by watching makeup artists online. At the age of 13, she picked up a makeup brush for the first time and has never looked back - in the years since, she has developed into a "pure artist" and has recorded makeup content from her dressing table at home, which she posts to her rapidly growing fanbase on social media. This, as well as several media appearances in support of Debra Ireland - a charity funding research into potential treatments and cures for EB - has thrust Claudia into the spotlight and she has exciting options open to her as she embarks on the next stage of her career. Her parents couldn't be prouder: "You'd have to live with Claudia to be aware of the challenges that have been put in her way and she has overcome every single one of them... She is still here, still fighting physically and mentally." And Claudia's resilience is stronger than ever as she looks ahead to the future: "My achievements have definitely boosted my self-confidence - realising that you can do great things, no matter what the circumstances are. You have this disability, but you have defied the odds in many ways."
Follow Claudia:
https://www.instagram.com/claudia.elizabeth.scanlon
https://www.tiktok.com/@claudiascanlon
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115lbs Down After My Crush Called Me Fat | BRAND NEW ME
27-YEAR-OLD Anthony Bayer from Queensland, Australia has lost a spectacular 115lbs after being rushed to the hospital. Anthony says his weight issues started in high school, using food as a coping mechanism and consuming over 1,000 calories a day. “Every time I was stressed out I would eat. I would consume three pizzas, three bottles of coke and three packs of Magnum ice cream in one sitting,” he told Truly. Weighing in at 330lbs at his heaviest, Anthony would spend his days at home playing video games. He said: “I had absolutely no confidence, I thought I was going to be alone for the rest of my life." And his fears of ending up alone really intensified when he was stood up for his high school prom. “I asked the most attractive girl in school to be my date and she said yes. I knocked on her door on the day of the formal and she started laughing, at that moment I realised I was set up.” A few months later, Anthony woke up in the middle of the night suffering from heart palpitations. Rushed to the hospital, the doctor explained to him that his irregular heartbeat was down to the pressure put on his body by the excess weight. On the verge of type 2 diabetes, Anthony was urged to make a drastic change to his diet. Researching healthy diets, going for walks and eventually joining a gym, Anthony managed to lose 115lbs in total. He added: “My transformation changed me mentally, now I’m confident, willing to go out there and live my life to the fullest."
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Cottagecore Fairy Embraces Her Dark Side | TRANSFORMED
THIS music fairy describes her aesthetic as ‘cottagecore’, ‘fairycore’ and ‘goblincore’. Zelda, aka Freckled Zelda said: “I’ve always been interested in fairies because they always make me happy.” She loves bright colours and has never tried ‘emo’ or ‘gothic looks. She said: “In a way I feel like I can pull off anything but I’ve never tried anything like this before.” A key part of her cottagecore fairy look is the accessories she adds - including ears and hair spirals she makes herself. Today, Zelda will be transformed into a gothic-inspired look complete with black leather, lace, chunky boots and a wig. She said: “Fingers crossed I look hot.”
Follow Freckled Zelda here:
https://www.instagram.com/thefreckledzelda
https://www.tiktok.com/@thefreckledzelda
YT: @FreckledZelda
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Pro Car Racer To Millionaire Glamour Model | HOOKED ON THE LOOK
RENEE Gracie, from Queensland, Australia, is living the high life after swapping a career as a professional racing driver to become a full-time glamour model. Renee began go-karting aged 13 and quickly got into competitive racing, graduating to the V8 Supercar circuit. But by the time she left racing, she was struggling to survive. Determined to make some money, Renee signed up to OnlyFans and made $24,000 in her first month - but since July 2021 she has been clearing over $100,000 a month. In this episode of Hooked on the Look, we meet up with Renee as she goes to collect her newest purchase - a $170,000 Dodge Ram 1500 Limited SUV, freshly imported from the USA, which she’s paying to have custom-wrapped in neon yellow by the team at Gangsta Wraps. We also see her go on a blind date with Caique. The male entertainer says his daily life is 'good' because he is around girls all the time... But his love life is a different story. Will they be able to accept each other's chosen career?
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Off-Grid To City Banker - Who Even Is This?! | TRANSFORMED
UNARIK, 34, from Tenerife, describes his look and lifestyle as free, authentic, without labels and nonconformist. After spending a large portion of his early years being told how to act, dress and live, an 18-year-old Unarik decided that he had enough of the shackles of society and began to live his truth. Unarik told Transformed: "Mostly we are told how we need to be, so that we are loved, so that we are accepted. I don't care what you think about me, I don't care what you say about me anymore, I just want to live my freedom." Since leaving Germany and moving to Tenerife, Unarik has found a freedom that he has been looking for since a child and now lives completely free and away from traditional society. Today, with the help of makeup artist Denisa, Unarik will be stepping back into the corporate world once again as he is going to be Transformed from his 'Nonconformist' look to an 'Investment Banker' style. Unarik will be revealing this new and rather shocking look to his best friend Nelhe, who shares his free views on life, but how will she react? Will Nehle hate what she sees? Or will she surprise herself by actually liking Unarik's new look?
Follow Unarik:
https://www.instagram.com/intu.empa.art/
Follow Makeup Artist Denisa:
https://www.instagram.com/denisa_makeup_tenerife/
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He’s Not ‘Gay’ Because I’m Trans | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
WHEN Eden came across Christian on TikTok, she couldn't resist sliding into his DMs and from there, things moved pretty fast. Eden told Love Don't Judge: "Within a week he was in my house and within a day he got my name tattooed on him. About a month after that we got engaged." While the pair are blissfully in love, their relationship has encountered a fair amount of criticism. Christian admitted: "People judge us because my fiancée is trans and I'm straight." And online, the hate is particularly bad. Eden explained: "The biggest misconception people have is that he's gay and I'm a man." Christian's, son, Ashton, also lives with the couple and the trolling continues when it comes to their family dynamic. Christian admitted: "Those comments calling me a bad father are the ones that hurt the most." In this episode of Love Don't Judge, the pair will be calling Christian's dad, Cameron, for an honest conversation. Upon Christian asking his dad if they ever told him that Eden was trans, Cameron revealed, "No!"...
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Marrying A Trans Barbie Doesn't Make Me 'Gay' | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
AYLA and David met on Instagram and sparks flew when they decided to meet in person. David admitted to Love Don't Judge: "I was attracted to her the second I saw her and I knew that she was attracted to me, too." When they initially started chatting, Ayla revealed to David that she was trans. "I was incredibly nervous. I expected to get some aggressive messages," she explained. But an unfazed David said: "It was never anything to me. I've only ever seen Ayla as a woman and that was it." At times, family has struggled to accept the relationship which has been tough for Ayla. Opening up, she said: "It was really hard for me. Nothing positive from family." Ayla's transition started when she was 24 and since then she's had multiple cosmetic surgeries and procedures. Ayla said: "I've always been drawn to the plastic look. I need to have this surgery done." In this episode of Love Don't Judge, the couple will give us an insight into the judgement they often cop and Ayla's future surgery plans. Summarising on their relationship, David said: "Nothing's forced, nothing's tried. I can be completely myself."
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Dropped 90lbs - Now I Empower Other Women | BRAND NEW ME
A WOMAN who has maintained her 90lb weight loss for 15 years is now empowering thousands of women on their own wellness journey. Tameika, 34, weighed 230lbs at her heaviest and wasn’t able to go on theme park rides or fit into airplane seats. She is now a certified personal trainer and wellness coach. Tameika told Truly: “I quit my corporate job to empower women on their journey, helping them take control of their health.”
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I Was After His Money But We Fell In Love | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
NOVA is an adult entertainer and lives in Melbourne, Australia with her partner of five years, James. The pair met through a sugar daddy website and despite the age gap they fell in love. The biggest thing he has gifted her was her apartment as well as a new engine for her car and the usual things like jewellery and clothes. He invested almost $400,000 into Nova’s business to help her buy an apartment so that she had space to livestream and film content. In the beginning, their relationship was purely an arrangement. Eventually they fell in love. They then established they were in a relationship once Nova graduated. Nova’s family had concerns whether they were both in the relationship for the right reasons, considering the circumstances in which they met. They get the most judgement in public, people stare, gossip behind their hands and wonder whether she is his daughter or an escort when they go check into hotels. They are not bothered by it and like to have fun and play up to people’s assumptions. In this episode of Love Don't Judge, the pair chat with their friend Mia about what she thinks of their unconventional relationship.
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I'm 24 & Moved In With My 60-Year-Old BF After 3 Hours | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
WE first met Willow, 24, on Love Don't Judge back in 2022, but since then, the model has split from her past partner and has a new man, Rob, 60. The couple knew each other for years, but only recently got together when Willow found herself in LA and decided to hit up Rob. He explained: "I was actually half asleep. I was laying down, I was exhausted. I heard her voice saying she was in LA and probably had the fastest shower and hair blowout I've ever done in 60 years." Things moved fast and within just 30 days of dating, Willow's mum, Deborah, married the couple. Reflecting, Willow gushed: "Our wedding day was incredibly casual, it was just focusing on pretty much how we love each other and that's it." But despite their happiness, they're often judged for their 35-year age gap. Willow said: "They call me the black widow because this is like my second or third age gap relationship. I don't know why they're calling me that?" Today, we'll hear how the couple's relationship developed after all these years and why they are madly in love. Summarising, Rob said: "Has she changed my life? She's completed it. I'm done."
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I'm Chinese, He's Black - And Racists Call Us 'Shameful' | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
T'MARH, 29, and Kathryn, 25, live together in Shanghai. He is British and she is Chinese, they have been together for seven months and have blended their lives, residing in an apartment in the city with their dog. The pair first met after briefly seeing each other at a party, then shortly after matched on Tinder and clicked. However, not all has been plain sailing for the couple, with some people in the outside world condemning their interracial relationship. When they are out in public together they often get stares, as local people can be shocked at their mixed-race relationship, especially because T'Marh is black. He explained: "You'll notice as we're walking past, people's faces will follow you as you go." But since staying longer in the city he has come to accept that these looks don't always come from a place of malice, "I've been living in Shanghai for the past five years," he said. "When I first came that would have bothered me, but I know that people will stare at something they haven't seen for a long time, it's just how it is. People will take out their phones to record, it's just how it is. It can be a bit awkward at first but it's just something that I've phased out." The couple both have their respective Instagram accounts where they have been praised for their distinctive styles but, since starting their relationship, they created a joint account and have begun to experience racist and sexualised comments aimed at both of them, Kat said: "Someone called him a gorilla, it's so bad." T'Marh added: "Someone said, 'How much can you buy him for?' People say, if you are with a white person maybe you'll stay together, if it's a black person, he's gonna go somewhere." But the couple have many supporters online too: "There are people who think our relationship looks great, we have an authentic connection and they think we look great together," T'Marh said. Kat agreed: "A lot of people think that we are a lovely couple with a special vibe that other couples don't have." She added: "The most important part is not which country he comes from, or what race he is. The most important part is who he is and the feeling from this relationship that he gives me, and that's why I [am] with him."
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My Tatts Are Gone - Now My Daughter Won't Hug Me | TRANSFORMED
CHRIS Dalzell, 36, from Belfast, became fully covered in tattoos around seven years ago as a coping mechanism for when his daughter Jessica got really ill and was in and out of hospital. Chris is so used to being fully tatted that he "forgets that they’re there" until he sees himself in a reflective surface. "My daughter has never seen me in the flesh without tattoos, so it will be a big change for her", he tells Truly as he gets ready to be covered up. As he starts getting covered by the MUA, Chris says that he can't anticipate how he will feel. How will he react to having no tattoos at all after seven years? And how will his daughter, who has never seen him without them, react to her dad's new look?
Follow Chris here:
https://www.instagram.com/dalzellc/
https://www.facebook.com/chris.dalzell.501
https://www.facebook.com/NITattMan
https://www.tiktok.com/@nitattman?_t=8Ujz6Lgqi3y&_r=1
Follow MUA Paddy McGurgan here:
https://www.facebook.com/paddymcgurgan
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Strangers Say Our Child Is Adopted | MY EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY
BELVANA and Natalino are regularly asked questions due to their daughter’s condition. And these questions range from being asked out of intrigue to ignorance. The couple have three children; five-year-old Zivah, two-year-old Zayana and six-month-old Xander. Zayana has albinism and when the family are out in public, they are approached by strangers. Natalino said: “People ask me unnecessary questions like whether she is my child or not?” Belvana explained that when she is out with Zayana and Zivah, people approach her too. She said: “They'll ask if they share a dad, or people would want to touch her hair, or they'll ask me if I'm the nanny.” The mum-of-three began posting content on social media and creates informative videos about albinism as well as family life. She said: “I like to use my platform to create awareness about albinism, because I realise that people are actually ignorant about it.” The family hopes to help educate people and address some of the discrimination people with albinism face. Belvana said: “My hope is really that she grows into a confident young girl. But also that she doesn't let comments get to her.”
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Losing 300lbs Left Me With Extreme Saggy Skin | BRAND NEW ME
A MAN who shed an incredible 310 lbs after becoming morbidly obese has had 13 lbs of loose skin removed in a life-changing procedure. At one point, John Allaire was so morbidly obese he wore 8XL shirts and had to be weighed on a commercial scale at a fish market, as standard scales would not hold his weight. But after joining a fitness programme and dropping from 540 pounds to a lean 230 lbs, the 27-year-old was left with severe excess skin. John underwent skin removal surgery in March which saw the bulk of the loose skin on his torso and arms removed – but will require further surgery in the future to remove the skin on his lower body.
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I'm A Punk & My Bestie's A Pin-Up - Today We Switch | TRANSFORMED
A METALHEAD has been transformed into a pinup girl for the day - to surprise her husband. New York-born, Stacie lives in Winter Springs, Florida with her husband Josh. The pair are both metalheads with black clothes, Mohawks and tattoos. Stacie has even gone so far to have her tongue split, and an entire arm filled in with black ink. Her best friend Jessie, is not so keen on the body mods. Jessie has a slightly different style with long curls, dramatic feminine makeup and pinup-style dresses. For one day only, Jessie transformed her best friend from a metalhead to a pinup girl - and then they surprised her husband.
Follow them here:
Stacie: https://www.instagram.com/lets.get.weird/
Jessie: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_leigh_x/
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I'm Trans - And This Is My First Date As A Woman | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
Jessica Alves is back and ready to go on her first blind date as a woman. Transgender woman Jessica has been living as a woman for 3 years and has found dating really difficult. Her previous dates have been really awkward because men didn't want to be seen with her in public and preferred to be hidden away in the corner at restaurants. Jessica hopes to meet a man who will accept her for who she is. Will her date Shojon live up to that expectation? Will the two hit it off?
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Haters Say I'm 'Too Big' To Be With Her | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
BRI and Marley are social media influencers and have been in a polyamorous relationship for 11 years. Before this, Marley was married to her husband for 17 years. 6 years into their relationship they decided to become poly and introduced Bri. Recently Marley’s husband left the relationship. Now Bri and Marley are looking for a third woman to join them for the long-term. But through this search, Marley has been shamed for being bigger than Bri. "I’m plus size, and people say I can’t be poly," Marley said. "They say I’m too big to be with her." They vlog their lives together because "Our life was just too lit to not have it on camera, it had to be known," Bri said. Being online has opened them up to commenters, some cruel about their mixed-weight relationship. "They say everything under the sun, 'whale', 'free w****, 'she gets the crown ‘cos she ate the last royalty," Marley explained. "In the beginning, everybody wanted us broken up. I think it was that we looked a bit weird to them. I don’t know what they’re talking about, cos I don’t see nothing. They say I’m too big for Bri, they ask if I’m her mom." This is despite the fact that they are only a few years apart in age from each other. The couple focus on their love rather than what others with prejudicial minds think. "I laugh at that stuff because I’m different, I know who I am, and I know I’m beautiful in and out. None of this affects me. It’s really funny to me. I stand high and look low," Marley said. "We fight that negativity with positivity for sure," Bri added while she beamed at her loved one. "I can handle all of [Marley], everything. We’re each other’s best friends." Marley agreed: "This is my person."
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I Was A Lesbian - Now I'm Marrying An Older Man | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
HONEY, 23, began dating Shawn, 51, after a chance encounter. "In 2018 we met at a vegan restaurant, we sat at the same booth and had a date we didn't plan," she explained. "We've been talking every day since." They quickly fell for each other, despite the 28-year age difference. "It just felt right," Shawn said. "I'd say it was love at first sight," Honey agreed. Commenters criticised their partnership once they started opening up about their relationship online. "They assume sugar daddy, sugar baby," Honey said. But this didn't bother Shawn who conceded: "She is old enough to be my daughter." Their match is even more unconventional, due to Honey's past romantic preferences. "Before we got together I was a lesbian," she explained. And despite their age gap, her family fully accepted Shawn. "They were never the biggest fan of me being a lesbian because my family is Haitian, Christian. It was never an issue on my end, even though he is older than me. They were just happy that future kids were happening." The same couldn't be said for Shawn's loved ones, with many of his support network raising concerns. In this episode of Love Don't Judge, the couple sit down to discuss the initial reservations of the family, with his cousin Dwain, and Dwain's wife Carlette. When asked about their reservations about the relationship Carlette said: "It could be a recipe for disaster. Not only is she a former lesbian but she's a lot younger than him. And I feel in a way, she's been somewhat attracted to me." But after a heated conversation with the age-gap couple Carlette admitted: "I really like Honey, I think you are a great person. I love you both." Whatever others think, Shawn knows that his love for Honey is real, and disregards criticism from the outside world: "To people who like to judge us, judge yourself, look at your own life. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, could you take being judged?"
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“Funny Fat Kid” To Bodybuilding Champion | BRAND NEW ME
AT 410lbs, David Roden realised enough was enough and has now lost around 200lbs - nearly half his body weight. By the time David, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was 15 years old, he weighed 300Ibs and had super high blood pressure. He told Truly: “I was 18 years old, weighed over 400Ibs and just fluctuated over the next few years till I was 22 which is when I really made the shift to take more control of the actions I was doing in my life." With an addiction to diet soda, David drank 15 to 20 cans a day and would drink privately rather than publicly. David knew he had to cut his weight in half and had a vision of looking 200Ibs lighter. After hitting 50Ibs down, everything changed and he felt in control to make it work. David continued: “I remember looking at myself in the mirror, and broke down crying. I changed not just physically but mentally and spiritually on how I treated myself and others around me. After that it was just a massive shift."
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My Crazy Tattoo Cover-Up - I Look So Old | TRANSFORMED
DANIEL, from Germany, has tattooed 98% of his body and hasn't seen his face in over 20 years... He has spent an eye-watering €30K on ink during his tattoo journey so far and has plans to continue until he is 100% covered. Daniel told Transformed: "I started to get face tattoos when I was 22 years old and I knew from the start that I would always be an outcast of society. When I did my first face tat, my mom cried a little bit but she knew I would always be her little boy." Daniel is constantly judged because of his body art, from people staring at him in the street to people assuming he is an 'evil person'. He said: "When they see my look, they think I'm a bad person, that I'm a drug dealer, that I do bad stuff, but actually I think I have a good heart. I try to help everyone that I love, I'm a positive guy, I'm a vegan... Just don't judge a book by its cover." Today, with the help of makeup artist Lina, Daniel will surprise his best friend 'Fetisch Barbie', by having his tattoos completely covered for the first time ever! But how will they feel seeing a brand new tattoo-less Daniel? Will he look like the same person?
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My Beauty Queen Wife Is Younger Than My Daughter | LOVE DON'T JUDGE
JOYCELINE, 27, met Dino, 56, after he slid into her DMs on Instagram for her crochet business. Joyceline remarked: "He was literally looking for crochet for three of his girlfriends!" But when Dino met Joyceline in real life, he soon made sure that she was the only woman in his life. He explained: "We knew there was chemistry, we knew it was there." Soon enough the pair were married and were living in tropical paradise in Puerto Rico. However, the couple's age gap means that they often have to endure some harsh judgement. Joyceline, who is a beauty queen, is often accused of being a sugar baby. Dino quipped: "Let me tell you something. The rules when it comes to sugar babies and sugar daddies. Sugar daddies never marry sugar babies. They give them money to go home. It's that simple!" Today, the couple will be having a video call with Dino's daughters, Zaza and Antonette, to find out what they really think about their dad's relationship. Speaking candidly, Antonette admitted: "First thoughts were definitely I hope she's older than me!"
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Our Love Life Isn't 'Damaging' Our Children | MY EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY
ADAM and Eve have been together for 10 years and started in a polyamorous relationship. Since 2020 they have dated about 60 people. They are dating coaches and have applied their knowledge to their own dating lives. Adam and Eve have five children and describe their parenting style as ‘pretty standard’. Eve said: “When it comes to our children we didn’t really sit down and have a specific conversation like ‘Mommy and Daddy are polyamorous’ - so for them it’s just another friend until about six months in.” Despite having dated around 60 people, the couple have only properly introduced three of their partners to their children. The couple have faced judgement about their dating lives and misconceptions about their behaviour in front of their children. Adam said: “I don’t believe our dating life impacts our children in any major way, other than to help them be more tolerant and open to other ideals.” They are currently in a relationship with Bella with whom they got romantically involved a few months ago. Their children adore her and especially enjoy baking with her. Eve said: “The best thing about being in a poly relationship is you’re making your own rules. It’s like you have your cake and eat it.”
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