stumpy

Good point, Fozzy Bear. I also think on top of that being on the show that young and getting so much attention didn't help her.

Vicki and Brianna have an interesting clinical relationship. Not so much entertainment for a reality show. I think Vicki would be hysterical without her family or Brooks involved. The relationships with them just drags her entertainment level down. Hell, watching Vicki on a first date would be reality comedy gold.

I never said Brianna said or asked for any of this. It's my response to the idea that Vicki should have done something different, IMO, she's provided more than enough to Brianna and Ryan. That's all my post was.

I think it's pretty entitled for parents to expect grandparents to provide babysitting for get aways or pay for housekeepers. A gift is gift is a gift - you want a housekeeper? Guess what, since you don't have a car payment you can afford to get on your own. Having the expectation that any grandparent needs to step up to the plate and provide this stuff to a young couple who choose to have children is just an idea that is beyond me. Vicki has visited a lot, has taken them on trips, has housed them and on and on and on. Asking for more is just pure entitlement and greed.

Meh, whether Brooks was joking or serious about hitting her - I would never have anything to do with him either. i can't say I would handle it like Brianna, I'd most likely just tell Vicki over and over like a broken record that "we've already talked about this". Allow Vicki to visit but not go to her home. If Vicki stays with Brooks long term, I'd be willing to take the fall out/consequence from not visiting Vicki in her home. His statements were that bad to me that I really wouldn't have anything to do with him again. Although Ryan taping it makes it seem like he encouraged on some level, however I would never marry a Ryan either. while I think Brianna is drama prone with Vicki, I do think she's trying to do the best for the situation that she can with her limited tools. Being raised by a narcissist really does a number on a person, it's clear to me Brianna doesn't have a normal meter like others do.

I was cringing watching that. It's a sure bet it was thrown in bc of the Ashley Madison stuff. Even without knowing about Josh & AM you could see there were problems. Their speech was beyond awkward.

Eh, everyone else knew about the affair before Shannon. I have no doubt other kids knew before Shannon just by overhearing their parents talk about it, so then even before the Beador kids knew. I have always heard that if kids aren't told the truth they make up something even worse in their mind, like they are at fault for their parents problems. It's not exactly the best that it's on tv, however it's their life as it is. In some ways Shannon gets that platform to tell her side that others wouldn't normally have, unless they wanted to alienate their friends and family with talking non stop about it. Instead of all these rumors flying around and the kids having to hide, they have the freedom to address it. It's a lot better than the alternative to keep a family secret despite everyone else knowing and gossiping about it, imo.

David had to know that others knew he was having an affair before Shannon. He went out in public with her on dates. He wasn't not aware of the rumors. How could he not have enough empathy (even if he was unhappy with Shannon), where is the basic humanity to think he should probably tell her before anyone else does? This goes beyond just trying to cover up your tracks. To me, it comes across as if he was getting off on others knowing without Shannon knowing. It's pretty sick and twisted. And even worse, I don't think Shannon is telling everything that went on. If most women were her they'd blast the affair partner, it shows me that she isn't malicious enough to do that. She could even sneak it into the press if she wanted, right now it's largely unknown who it is. I can't imagine everything else she's hiding for David.

Their situation prompted me to do a bit of reading on long term/chronic cheating. What my impression is that these kind of cheaters who can go a long time with the affair without divorcing or feeling guilt enough to tell their spouse are usually the power game players. They can come across as the kindest, most caring people. But in reality they're getting off on the power of the game, divorcing their spouse isn't an option because it takes away the thrill. If divorce happens they usually end up with the other person and began cheating on them too. My best guess is that Shannon has been leaning a little too much on the alcohol, is easily manipulated and has become co-dependent on David. She's in a FOG similar to a physically abused woman. The conversation where David was saying he tried for her birthday dinner seemed to have undertones that he was telling her she's high maintenance. I think that repeat loop of invalidation is a common theme in her marriage and we all see her reacting to it, which is a catch 22. She gets more negative feedback for her reactions that *should* be anger. She should be incredibly angry over the betrayal yet she gets tons of comments that she should be over it, not miserable, and so on. Yet, that makes no sense. She should be, and should be concentrating on how to get out of this negative loop. You can't stop behavior patterns by doing the same thing.

Megan reminds me of a malicious Kelly (from RHONY). Something about her living in an alternate reality than everyone else and can't understand how she comes across to others. The whole scene with her in the car with Jimmy and muttering about justice, reminds me of satchels of gold.

Honestly, I think Shannon should have at least 8 months (the same amount of time as the affair) to be upset, at the very least. I have no sympathy for him. None. He's so unhappy he cheated? Whatever, get a divorce. He's unhappy Shannons unhappy over being cheated on? He can't be real at this point. Can't stand the dude.

Shannon & Davids talk over her birthday dinner has been bugging since last night and I think I finally figured out why. Normally someone like David who knows he's going to come off as a douche this season would try to redeem themselves when they could while filming. The best he has is "sorry, I tried". Knowing this is all going to be aired. Not even in a "let me make it up to you" kind of way. Just "I tried, we done?" way. WOW, I mean...that says a lot. When she tried to explain how the memories hurt her he's just brushing it off as he can't fix the memories, well no shit, but you can try to create better ones. How did he not know that he should try a little (and lets get real here, how hard would it have been for him to pick her favorite restaurant, come on) extra special this year? He couldn't have thrown a surprise party? Rented a limo to take her on a winery tour? Shit, anything. How does he behave without cameras is my question. With the past domestic assault charge and how he behaves currently my suspicion is that Shannon is not treated very well by him. Chronic and long affairs can be emotional abuse in some ways. then to add onto Shannon's situation she was befriended by the affair partner! I can't even imagine. I really can't.

Ewwww Heather & Terry. I really thought that Heather staged the bloody leak so that it would make it on camera. The way both of them were showing it off was just a look at me attempt. H & T really have nothing else going for them this season but the house. Heather isn't involved in any sort of interesting drama that I can recall. Couldn't they have picked something less disgusting to get attention?

Heather isn't my favorite but I'll be irritated if they're pushing her out to make room for Bethenny. I would have liked to see their fight because it was surprising to me in the reunions that Heather didn't take B on. Hearing now that she did makes sense. Heather doesn't back down from anyone and I don't think B likes it.

I think that Heather (and Beth) can maintain a crafted appearance on the show. That they want people to see. Like how Beth figured out how to diss Jason without getting sued or in trouble legally with her divorce from what it looked like on the reunion. I've no doubt that *anyone* who appears on the show has some dirt. Heather can have a lesser pile but it still doesn't mean it's not juicy. It was like Heather and Lu were playing chicken, Lu just had more to lose and caved first. Doesn't mean the dirt is gone and won't come out at some point.