Kriti Mehrotra
Although Paula Barbosa hails from São Paulo, Brazil, and Thomas Dintino is a native of North Carolina, they first met at a beach volleyball class in Los Angeles, California. The former was on a short one-week vacation in the Golden State, whereas the latter had relocated to the area from his hometown just days prior, so their encounter was by pure chance. According to both their accounts in TLC’s ’90 Day Fiancé’ season 12, their connection was initially purely platonic, but things gradually changed, and they became much more.
Paula Barbosa and Thomas Dintino Ended Up Clashing on Several Issues
While Paula and Thomas started as just friends who truly just enjoyed spending time together, their long-distance friendship evolved into romance as they really got to know one another. There was a time they considered setting their “friend” up with someone from their local group, but they never did, as they ended up engaged by the time 2023 rolled around. As someone who believes in the power of manifestation and had prayed for a “Gringo,” the 41-year-old Brazilian actually credits the universe for bringing them together.
“I always dreamed of having a boyfriend exactly like you, but I didn’t think it would happen to me for real,” Paula expressed while announcing her engagement to Thomas. “It felt more like a crazy fantasy in my head. So the universe prepared you, much better than I ever imagined!… thank you for being the best boyfriend in the world! When I’m with you, I forget about everything, you are my dream materialized! Now my fiancéee omg!!! I looove you, Thomas Dintino, and yes, I said yesss!” Thus began their planning for the future, which included deciding that it would be best for her to relocate to the US so they could build a good, stable life.
However, issues between the couple arose almost from the moment Paula landed in California on her K-1 Fiancé visa because Thomas refused to budge on his minimalist, spartan lifestyle. In fact, he only gave her a box for all her belongings before almost begrudgingly conceding to give her some hanging closet space when what she wanted were drawers for her personal items. She then seemed to constantly put him down in the days to follow by referring to him as a “little boy,” especially as he didn’t appear to understand her spirituality, manifestations, or emotional needs. They even disagreed on furniture, money, perfumes, and future expectations.
Paula Barbosa and Thomas Dintino Have Likely Parted Ways For Good
Paula and Thomas undeniably had several conflicts within just a week of being together in California, since they are polar opposites in every way. While she is a quirky, fun-loving individual who likes some of the finer things in life, he is so frugal that he doesn’t like to splurge on anything he deems wasteful, including a couch and a dining table. However, what really rubbed her the wrong way was when her partner glued her perfume bottle shut after he smelled a fragrance coming from her. The 31-year-old had told her he was sensitive to scent, so he was furious when she seemed to disregard his rule of no fragrances applied/used in the apartment.
Paula suddenly felt as if she had no idea who Thomas was because the entire situation felt “controlling” to her, resulting in them having an emotional conversation about where they stood. They both promised to do better in the ensuing weeks leading up to their wedding, but they couldn’t help who they are, and it kept them arguing over every little thing. His rules for her family, her spending habits, and their personal conversations with their respective loved ones didn’t fill them with confidence about their potential future either. Therefore, from what we can tell, the couple chose not to marry and parted ways before things became even more complicated. In fact, as of writing, it appears Paula is back to living in São Paulo, Brazil, where she is focusing on her family, friends, and career.
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Paula Barbosa is a Successful Entrepreneur, Whereas Thomas Dintino is an Established Scientist
With a passion for beauty and fashion, Paula always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the industry, and she eventually managed to do so by establishing her own brand called Piercing Joia. Her enterprise is Brazil’s first-ever piercing clinic and jewelry studio, offering not only ear spas but also ear curation/visagism and Australian piercings (piercings that sit on the outer edge of the mid-helix). As for Thomas, it seems he is a Scientist, but it’s unclear precisely which field he chose or what his exact job is. All we know for certain is that he is still ready to find his forever love, with whom he hopes to have 6 children — Raimunda, Perpétua, Cicera, Socorrinha, Tomilho, and Rapadura.
