Joe's Bad Behavior

Hi, everyone! We finally moved to Franklin Lakes. I feel like I have been unpacking for days. I can’t rest until every single thing is in place. The kids were so nervous to start their first day at a new school today. It’s the little things in life that make you smile, and watching Gino go to his first day at kindergarten still has me smiling. I’m going to miss him so much during the day. I hope all of your children have a great school year!
 
We’re getting down to the home stretch of the season. This episode reminded me how much water has gone under the bridge in our family. We came a long way in Arizona with a long way yet to go.
 
The high wire was not for the weak of heart or calf muscle. As Rosie said, “It’s not about the wire.” Having to lean on Teresa was an exercise in trust. The high wire did force us to support each other at least in a physical sense. Teresa and I got farther than anyone else, so props to us.

I was grateful for the opportunity to thank our family and friends at my birthday dinner. I addressed individuals as part of a couple and I gave extra love to those who needed the positive attention and appreciation. Joe Guidice, Kathy, and Rosie really opened up in Arizona. They showed their hearts. I was proud of them for it, and said so. Somehow, my singling out some with special admiration got twisted into “snubbing” others. That was not the vibe in the room or my intention. Frankly, I was upset to hear that anyone interpreted it that way. When Joe exploded in anger that night, I called him an idiot. He was acting like one. Even though I knew how much pain and pressure he was under about the rumors, Joe shouldn’t have thrown his glass. I got him out of the room, and told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of his actions. Hey, if a wife can’t call her husband out when he acts badly, who can? We have a real marriage. We correct each other when we are wrong. We also trust each other completely. We can say pretty much anything and know it comes from a place of love and respect. In Love Italian Style, I wrote an entire chapter about how Joe and I fight. It’s not always pretty, but talking it out (or yelling it out) is much healthier than biting your lip and letting an issue fester.
 
The collective agreement at the end of the episode was that we’d go home to New Jersey, confront the people who started the rumors together, and put the lies to rest. Keep watching to see how it turns out. Love Italian Style is officially out next Tuesday! I’m so excited and can’t wait to meet all of you at one of my book signings. Also, I am curating a home décor collection with Joss & Main. Some of the pieces are really amazing and I love that they have something for everyone on the site. You can shop my Home Italian Style collection now through September 23rd! And don’t forget to download “Never Let Me Go” on iTunes.

XOXO,
Melissa