Why Alexis Bellino Returned to 'RHOC'

The Real Housewives of Orange County is always a roller coaster, but perhaps nobody had a more extreme ride this year than Alexis Bellino, who started out brawling with nearly all her castmates at a party hosted by Tamra Barney and ended the season on good terms with nearly all the ladies at Vicki Gunvalson's winter wonderland bash.

But what inspired her to return to the show in the first place, considering how she felt so bullied last season? On last night's Watch What Happens Live, Bellino explained her motivations were close to home.

PHOTOS: See Pictures of Alexis Bellino Through the Years.

"I wanted to show my children it wasn't okay to quit when times got tough," Bellino says. "Things were tough for me, I worked through it, and I wanted to show them that you can be strong and carry on and things can be good in the end. I did accomplish that. I just think it's reality TV and it's not easy any way you slice it."

A call-in viewer also wanted to know whether Alexis can repair her relationship with Gretchen. "I like to be optimistic usually, but I honestly think that too much has happened and I have some huge trust issues, and I don't think I can overcome that, even with my therapist I've had for nine years."

Watch Alexis Bellino dish on why she came back to #RHOC and tell us in the comments: do you think it was a good idea for her to come back?

After Show: Why Alexis Returned to #RHOC