Ariana Madix: Scheana and Shay Are Like Family to Me

Bravotv.com: How did you feel when Scheana first confided in you about what was going on with Shay?

Ariana Madix: Scheana and Shay are like family to me, so to hear about the struggles they were going through as a couple and what Shay was going through individually made me feel helpless. I know from personal experience that it can be hard to open up to those you're close to about serious struggles because you always want to be positive and you don't want anyone to worry. However, it felt horrible to know that they were taking on such huge issues on their own. I also worried that because I don't have much knowledge about addiction combined with depression that I would give advice with the best intentions, only to be doing more harm than good. I wanted to urge them to see a professional immediately. I will always be there to help in any way I can, but I want what is best for both of them and I feel as though a specialist is exponentially better equipped to give them the tools to repair the problems at the root of it all.

Bravotv.com: When Shay came back home he admitted to being intimidated by Scheana and was glad you guys were there too. How did it feel being there?

AM: I was ready to do whatever they needed even if it was something as simple as a hug or someone to listen. It broke my heart to see Shay so broken-down, but it was really good to see him and have him back. I'm glad he found his voice because without open communication none of this would be resolved. The women in Scheana's life tried our best to be there for her while she was alone, but I know that nothing could ever replace the presence of the love of her life. 

Bravotv.com: Was it shocking to learn about his addiction?

AM: It was shocking because it didn't sound like him at all. All of the things Scheana told me sounded like a different person and that really concerned me. It made me feel like he must be hiding all of this out of shame and I hated the idea of him fighting this battle alone. I also felt horrible that Scheana had all of this bottled up inside and was worried that she would burden me with bad news. She could never be a burden. That's what friends are for and I'd drop everything if she needed me. All she had to do was ask.

Bravotv.com: During your dinner with Peter and his new girlfriend, the topic of marriage came up. Is the fact that Tom is open to marriage difficult given your stance on marriage?

AM: Tom and I poke fun at all of it. It's not a big deal. We are more likely to argue about what movie to watch than the idea of marriage. We have our sights set on so many future adventures that I can't really see us having the time for wedding planning (or the money- traveling isn't cheap).

Bravotv.com: Tom coined the term "adulting", what does adulting mean to you?

AM: This meme.