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Stick to the Facts!

Simon talks about the "girls only" trip, his marriage, and his conflict with Vicki.

By Simon Barney

 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on  Peacock and the Bravo App.

Let's stick to the facts! I have no problem with my wife going on a "girls trip." Didn't she go to Vegas last year, and San Diego with the girls the year before? According to Tamra, on both trips there was one housewife whose behavior as a married woman was inappropriate. So no! I don't approve of my wife going on a girls trip with that housewives anymore. Then add the fact that Vicki is the only housewife trying to disrupt and interfere with my marriage.

Let me get off the trip for a moment to address again the theme this season. "Simon the controlling evil husband." I have been presented over and over as being controlling. Yes, it’s true! I admit it again. I am controlling! Controlling the damage and protecting my family. If you have seen my wife in the last few seasons, you know that if I was controlling I must suck at it. Or on the other hand if I am controlling, can you just imagine what she would be like if I wasn't?

Back to Florida - I have to say I was not looking forward to this trip. Unfortunately, this was the only vacation my wife and I were going to be able to take this year, so spending it with Vicki was not on the top of my vacation list. We would have preferred to vacation with our kids or just the two of us. One thing nice about our relationship is we do enjoy each other's company.

During the trip you see Vicki get upset every time she isn't in control, or when it came to the guys. The funny thing is this was never a girls only trip. To tell the truth, Jim, Donn and I were invited by the staff (not Vicki) once our wives expressed that we don't take vacations apart. Vicki labeled it "girls trip" when she didn't want Donn to go. We have all seen Vicki tell him, "you're not invited" in the past. Unfortunately she doesn't realize how much it hurts his feelings. I actually had no plans to be on film in Florida and went at Tamra's request to give her support.

 

The men ended up being on their own 90% of the time. I think that was pretty unselfish of us to spend our vacation away from our spouses, 3000 miles away from home. You'd think Vicki would have shown a little more appreciation and courtesy. And she should have joined us at the bar and yacht cruise. Like Lynne, we would have made her welcome and we would have all had fun.

Vicki’s conversation at the nail salon with my wife was very tiresome for me to watch. I really don't care if Vicki is an "independent woman." Guess what? So is my wife. And I wouldn't want it any other way. Tamra has never done anything in her life she didn't want to do. Anyone that knows her or watches the show can attest to that. What is even more laughable is Vicki questioning my wife's loyalty. And the audacity of Vicki to ask Tamra to choose between me and her. It’s unfortunate that my wife feels the need to accommodate Vicki, no matter what she does or says. As of late, she has become an anchor in our marriage. Since Vicki is no longer trying to destroy her own marriage, she seems to have shifted her destructive attention to ours. However it is a little disconcerting when Tamra says she does not want to be in the middle of the conflict between Vicki and me. Sorry my love, you are involved up to your eyeballs as my wife and best friend. Vicki is fighting me to gain control of you and your life, something she does with every part of her life. She seems to think the world revolves around her and we all must obey. So yes, you are in the middle.

It’s ironic that a few years ago, I was in the reverse situation with my best friend of 23 years. My friend and Tamra were both part of a huge disagreement. I confronted him and found out he had lied to her and me. Immediately I cut all ties until he apologized to her. He refused and our friendship ended after 23 years. He was my friend, and I was in the middle and acted accordingly. It still saddens me that I lost my best friend. But that is where my loyalty is and should be. Family is family, friends come and go. I have no regrets, and will always stand by my wife. I pride myself in being loyal and old-fashioned. I believe in marriage and all it stands for. In the 14 years Tamra and I have been together, I have never broken my word to her once. I have stood by her side - wrong or right. That's what marriage and marriage vows mean to me.

 

Two last items I would like to address. One is a comment this week about me also being the sixth housewife. Seriously! Being on a reality show is not my priority in life. My wife and children's happiness and well being is. And I have a full time job, two companies, and children that keep me busy.

I'd also like to comment on the many group discussions in Florida about Vicki. I personally hate gossiping about someone, especially when they're not there to defend themselves. You should have noticed my disinterested behavior in the limo and at the bar. I tried to change the subject on both occasions, and failed. The last thing I wanted to do during the limited time with my wife was discuss Vicki.

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