RHONJ Breakdown

So I have been watching them from the beginning. A part of me is glad to see that “rich” people have screwy lives, too. I know that sounds kind of bad, but hey I’m tired of being poor and screwed up. Out of all the Housewives shows, this is my favorite one. It is more family-oriented and I do like that. But the extended families and friendships are quite a mess! So last night’s episode really got me thinking about them and their craziness. So here’s my thoughts.

Caroline is the matriarch of the show. She’s the strong-willed, opinionated, fierce, and loving woman. She loves her family and is like a pit bull when it comes to them. If you think you’re going to hurt them, you better watch out! She’s got a strong a strong bark and bite! She has been married for many years to the same man and appears to be very in love. They have three kids, Albie, Christopher and Lauren. I do think Caroline is way too easy on the boys and is more critical with Lauren. So far this season they’ve been focusing on weight loss for Lauren. Yeah, she needs to lose some weight but she needs to focus more on her self-esteem it seems. Christopher could lose a few pounds, too, I think. (And I’m one to cast stones…we won’t discuss how many pounds I need to lose!)

Jacqueline is Caroline’s sister-in-law. She is married to Chris. (Not Caroline’s son, Christopher.) She has a daughter, Ashley from a previous marriage, as well as two sons with Chris. Ashley was not disciplined well it seems throughout her life and is now a spoiled brat. I think Jacqueline and her ex-husband tried to make up for splitting up by just letting Ashley have free reign. Chris, the step-father, tried to give her the benefit of the doubt way too many times and possibly buy her affection. From the way Jacqueline interacts with people it seems that she is used to trying to take care of people and having them not care. She isn’t used to people just being nice and genuine. I feel sorry for her for that because I relate. I have experienced the same thing. It’s hard because she tries so hard. I like her because she is nice and she really does try to help others.

Teresa is a friend of Jacqueline’s and has been a friend of Caroline’s. Teresa is married to Juicy Joe (as she calls him). They have four daughters. Teresa is loud, brash and proud to be Italian. She coined the phrase “fabulicious” and she loves just about anything that sparkles. Teresa makes me shake my head a lot. She has had financial problems and just seems to be quite oblivious to the way most people really live. I just don’t get it. She is always wearing over-the-top clothing. She seems to constantly be in some sort of conflict. And what gets me is she is too busy explaining herself or yelling about what someone else did that she doesn’t really listen to what the other person has to say.

Melissa is Teresa’s sister-in-law. She married Joe Gorga, who is as over-the-top as his sister. Melissa and Joe have three kids who are basically their mini-me’s. Melissa and Teresa are like oil and water; they do not mix!  Melissa is skinny, loud, pretty, feisty, and not afraid to give as good as she gets. Melissa does have a lot and she seems to want a lot. According to the show, Joe works hard. Now we don’t seem to see this very often, but they say he works.

Kathy is the cousin of Melissa and Teresa. She is the peacemaker. She hates all the fighting and just wants some peace. She has a crazy husband and two funny kids. I honestly think Kathy is the most normal out of all of these women. She knows what is important in life.  Kathy and Richie don’t seem to have as much money as everyone else but they don’t really seem to care. They have a great family. She values her family and friends and tries to do the right things. I love Kathy!

So I watch the show from last night and was disappointed I didn’t get much time with Kathy and Melissa. I missed them. But I did have some time watching Juicy Joe doing work on their property. Now I realize that even though you have money problems you still have to keep living, but to build such elaborate buildings with chandeliers? I’m sorry; you don’t do that when going through bankruptcy.

As Jacqueline and Teresa were talking I could see Jacqueline’s frustration building. Teresa wouldn’t let her talk really. One thing that got me is that Teresa says that of course her life was open to Jacqueline but then she says it is none of her business. Make up your mind! Teresa also says how she wants to let things be bygones and yet she is trying to dig up things from two years ago with Danielle who she swore she hated. C’mon, Tre! You caused that chaos when you did that! Now I do see how when Caroline came out that Teresa would feel ambushed. But if Jacqueline didn’t know she was coming over and she just showed up then there was nothing she could do. And as far as Teresa calling Jacqueline crazy, that really made me angry. I have seen so many crazy antics from Teresa that it was definitely the pot calling the kettle black. I think Teresa needs the therapy (btw, it isn’t physical therapy as she stated on a previous episode) that her brother brought up. She doesn’t see reality as everyone else does. I know reality is unpleasant but it is still reality.

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