On TikTok, it's not uncommon to find videos of Cuban women claiming their partners would never travel to Cuba alone under any circumstances. Some justify this by saying there are "too many temptations on the island," while others set it as a couple's rule—"we leave together and return together." There are also those who issue an ultimatum: "If you want to go, I'm coming with you, or you're not going." These stances often ignite heated debates, splitting opinions between those who support "protecting what's theirs" and those who criticize such attitudes as excessive or controlling.
Amidst this landscape, Ale Yemaya (@ale.yemaya) broke the mold and went viral after sharing a video of her airport farewell to her boyfriend, just before he traveled to Cuba. In the clip, she appears cheerful and confident, with a hint of mischief, delivering a line many interpreted as a challenge: "Mine is going. Why the worry, if in a lioness's territory, a hyena can't approach?"
Her demeanor sparked a wave of comments ranging from camaraderie and jokes to warnings. "I would never worry; he's the one who should be concerned," wrote one user. Another advised, "Let them go, don't blow up their phone while they're there... the result might be an early return."
Some applauded the young woman's confidence: "That's self-love and trust above all." Others took it with humor: "And that smile and dance of hers? Is she up to something???" Skeptics also chimed in: "Now she'll meet up with the guy who texts her on WhatsApp" or "Check the GPS in that little backpack."
Amid laughter, insinuations, and camaraderie, the comments kept multiplying. "If you're scared, get a dog," quipped one follower, while another celebrated: "I used to say no, now let him go for two weeks." There were even bolder comparisons: "She's playing chess while he's barely at checkers."
Ale Yemaya's stance favored trust and humor over prohibitions and jealousy. Her smile, a little impromptu dance, and a defiant phrase turned the farewell into a spectacle. And the audience loved it: "She who knows her worth doesn't live in fear," wrote one user; "That's true security, let the one left alone worry," added another.
The contrast highlights a debate that continues to simmer both inside and outside of Cuba: how far does trust in a relationship go, and what happens when it involves returning alone to the island?
Exploring Trust and Relationships in Cuban Culture
Why do some Cuban women not want their partners traveling alone to Cuba?
Many Cuban women feel that there are numerous temptations on the island, leading them to insist on traveling together to avoid any issues of infidelity.
How did Ale Yemaya's video challenge conventional norms?
Ale Yemaya challenged the norm by confidently sending off her boyfriend with humor and trust, rather than restrictions and jealousy, which sparked widespread discussion online.
What reactions did Ale Yemaya's video evoke on social media?
The video evoked a mix of reactions from humor and camaraderie to skepticism and warnings, reflecting diverse opinions on trust and relationships.