Kelly Dodd: Shannon's Jamaican' Me Crazy!
"Maybe after this conversation, Shannon will take steps to deal with her emotional pain so she doesn't take it out on other people."
Someone call the psych ward, because Shannon's Jamaican' me crazy!
Going into this trip, my goal was to get Shannon to let her guard down and bond with Emily and Gina. That's why I made the joke about her rooming with them when we first arrived. I knew she wouldn't do it, but I at least wanted to give her the chance to call my bluff. Oh well! I was happy to be in the Zika-free (and drama-free) suite!
I could sense the awkwardness between Shannon and the other girls. Heading out to The Sugar Mill for dinner, I was hoping that "fun Shannon" would get on Vicki's "fun bus," and we could all cut the drama and have fun together! Isn't that what these girls' trips are for?
Cue Shannon. As I've said before, I see both sides with Gina and Shannon. I like how Gina let Shannon know how she feels in such a direct way. She's no bullsh--, just like me. But Shannon doesn't take confrontation well. Instead of apologizing for hurting Gina's feelings, she started playing the victim. It's the Shannon switcheroo! The truth is nobody was out to get her. If I had been in her position and Gina confronted me, I would have said, "I'm sorry! I had no idea. Let's hang out tonight and have fun then!" That's all it needed to be.
Gina's comments about Tamra and Shannon's friendship were just her repeating what Tamra has been saying. Tamra said it to Shannon too! None of this should have come as a big surprise. In fact, I think Tamra repeats it so much, because it's the only way to get Shannon to really listen.
By the time we got back to the hotel, I thought things had cooled down...then Shannon ran for it. If you remember Vicki's birthday lunch at the golf course, you'll recall that Shannon stormed off and removed her mic pack once before. It breaks my heart to see her so sad, and to know she is feeling cornered and attacked. But then on the other hand, I don't see what the big deal is, so she can come off like a spoiled brat, who runs off whenever she doesn't get her way. I'll always be there for Shannon, and I'll do what I can to defuse the situation whenever possible, but the tantrums are beyond exhausting. Without breaking the fourth wall too much, I also think the producers deserve a little more respect.
It's a touchy subject to bring up somebody's emotional problems, but I can't help feeling like there is a deeper issue with Shannon that needs to be addressed. Depression? Paranoia? Rage? Victim-playing? Her levels are off the charts! Someone loosen this woman's ponytail!
Let me say this: I'm not saying or implying that Shannon is crazy. Life is crazy! What I have witnessed has given me concern. There's no shame in seeking treatment. It's up to everybody to find their own solutions and figure out what works for them. Maybe after this conversation, Shannon will take steps to deal with her emotional pain so she doesn't take it out on other people. I don't know what it will take for her to believe we were trying to help. In the meantime, there was nothing we could do to calm her down.
The next day, it felt like the storm cleared. Nobody could get ahold of Shannon. We were concerned, but I think we all had enough and also felt like we could finally relax. Bobsledding was awesome, and it felt good to just laugh and enjoy ourselves. Stay tuned to see how long this paradise lasts.
