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Keeping It Real With Alexis

Lydia considers herself a good friend to Alexis, but that doesn't mean she thinks she is being bullied.

By Lydia McLaughlin

This was another hard episode for me to watch and it stirred up a lot of emotions. Let me just start by saying that Alexis is an amazing person. She is kindhearted, funny, and I love being around her. I consider Alexis a true friend, and it was in the spirit of friendship that I was trying to calmly explain to her why I felt the other girls got so fired up. However, I don't believe she was being bullied, and I don't think feeling that way makes me a bad friend. I know my heart and intentions were good. I left the party with Alexis and checked in on her a few days later as any friend would do for someone they care about.

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Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that Alexis shouldn't have been upset about the evening. I truly believe she had every right to have hurt feelings. But don't forget, we signed up to be on a reality TV show. We get paid to show up and express our opinions and our feelings regardless of whether or not anyone else agrees with us. It's that dynamic that makes for good TV and why you all tune in to watch, right? So, for Alexis to call the girls bullies in my opinion is not playing by the rules and what I meant when I tell her, "you know what you signed up for."

Again, I'm not condoning the girls' actions at all -- as you can see by my "oh my goodness what is happening" expression and the fact that I ran after Alexis to see how she was and left with her. I have never witnessed such a spectacle and wouldn't have wanted to be in Alexis' shoes at the party. But she knew what she was walking in to. These women have unsettled history with each other. Alexis is a strong, articulate woman capable of defending herself and was not the "weaker person"as the definition of being bulled describes.

People have the right to disagree with each other. If more than one person in a situation disagrees with you than I think you should take a moment and reflect on that. That's not bullying. Bullying is when you attack someone for no justifiable reason -- they have a foreign accent, they have red hair, their religion or sexual orientation is different from yours. Bullying is an epidemic. I believe it exists. However, because of our circumstances, I don't think Alexis was being bullied.

On a happier note, my husband Doug and I celebrated 7 years of wedding bliss this weekend and renewed our vows in Vegas. (See our photo!)

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Marriage is beautiful and fun. When I've hung out with Eddie and Tamra, they seem so in love and a good balance for one another. I was surprised to see Eddie stressed about their wedding, but I know that opening a new business takes a lot of effort and focus. I think they should plan their wedding when they can really put the energy and time into it and do it right. . .Time will tell.

I love the fact that Vicki's son Michael won't tell her where he lives! It's interesting to see the two extremes of her children. Her daughter Briana and son-in-law Ryan are so involved in Vicki's life and live with her whereas her son is so secretive. Maybe boys are different then girls? If that's the case, I have two sons so I need a daughter!!!

To see what I'm up to check out my website lydiam.com or follow me on Twitter @OCLydia

Until next week.

Xoxo Lydia

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