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Dina Manzo: Why I Returned to 'RHONJ'

She also hopes to "go back to normal" with sister Caroline.

Jun 26, 2014, 10:39 AM ET

When the Real Housewives of New Jersey returns on July 13 at 8p ET/PT, fans will be excited to see a familiar face: Dina Manzo, who left during Season 2, has returned as a full-time cast member.

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So what prompted her to come back into the fold? "It felt natural," she tells the new issue of Us Weekly, on-sale now. "It's a completely different vibe this time."

During her last stint on the Housewives, Dina had a dramatic falling out with her sister Caroline and sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita. And Dina admits she wouldn't do a reality show with family "ever again."

"It's just not a healthy environment," she adds. Does she feel she could ever reconcile with them? "I love my brother [Chris] and sister, and I feel like we're just taking a break from each other. I hope one day things can go back to normal."

For now, Dina is happy to be spending plenty of quality time with her BFF Teresa Giudice—and also giving her plenty of support as she faces legal issues. "She finds relief in our friendship because I'm not asking about the case," says Dina. "I don't give a sh-- about the details. I care about her and her family. When we talk, it's 'What are the kids doing? Let's go have lunch.'"