Tom Sandoval Addresses Why He Feels “Pressure” in His Relationship with Ariana Madix
The Vanderpump Rules couple even opened up about the surprising thing they may do together “years” from now.
Season 10 of Vanderpump Rules finds nearly everyone in the group single and at different levels of ready to mingle. Of course, that isn’t the case for Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, who have been together for nearly a decade. And when speaking to BravoTV.com recently, they revealed what it’s like to be essentially the last couple standing among the OG Vanderpump Rules couples.
“It’s a lot of pressure,” Tom shared with BravoTV.com in a recent Q&A with fans. “But we don’t really think about it like that. People’s relationships are where they need to be. Some have run their course. I don’t really think of it like us outlasting or anything like that.”
And with that said, Ariana is here to clear up once and for all that she and her longtime love are very much not in an open relationship: “I don’t know what gives, but we are in a monogamous relationship.”
After shutting down that rumor once again, Tom and Ariana shared more secrets from their relationship, including the “key ingredients” that have helped them keep their relationship going after all these years.
“I would say definitely having a good banter, communication, and taking adventures together,” Tom said, with Ariana adding, “I would say being friends first. Because when you’re friends with somebody in addition to being in a relationship with them — or before being in a relationship with them — you really get to know that person on a level that’s not just ‘I think they’re hot. Do they think I’m hot?’ I think that level of connection is really important.”
Tom, as it turns out, also makes Ariana laugh. “I think Tom’s really funny,” she said. “And I like the way he goes full-on with everything he does. Even if Tom’s gonna sing a karaoke song, he’s gonna go full out!”
Tom then revealed what he loves most about Ariana: “I like how smart Ariana is. I often refer to her as my information booth!” Tom said with a laugh.
And while fans get glimpses into Ariana and Tom’s relationship on Vanderpump Rules, the longtime romantic pair shared a few more relationship secrets — including how they have each other’s names saved in their phone contacts. “Tom is ‘Tom Sandoval Villa Blanca’ in mine,” Ariana shared. Tom actually has a similar way of knowing when Ariana is calling him. “She’s actually in my phone twice,” he said. “Once as ‘Ariana Madix’ and once as ‘Ariana Villa Blanca.’”
By the way, Ariana also wanted to clear the air on one more subject when it comes to her romance with Tom: So, have they ever gotten intimate while Vanderpump Rules was on? “Absolutely not!” she confirmed.
Speaking of Vanderpump Rules, viewers have watched the couple’s relationship evolve (including getting an inside look at when they worked on their cocktail book idea together), so could a joint venture of a bar or restaurant be next? “That’s definitely something we’re open to,” Tom said. “I just need a minute after Schwartz & Sandy’s, and she’s working on the sandwich shop [with Katie Maloney].”
Ariana added, “People expect things to happen so fast on TV, but in real life, things take time! Maybe we’d do that one day, but it would be years down the line for sure.”
As for any possible collaborations of another kind between Ariana and Tom’s band, Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras, well, they haven’t ruled out that prospect. “Not officially, but we’re definitely down to have her come up and perform!” Tom said, with Ariana adding, “Maybe one day I’ll come up and do a song or two with the band, but the commitment is something that, if we were both involved in it, there would be no one here to feed the dogs and stuff!”
(We wouldn’t mind seeing Ariana jump on a remix of Tom’s new original track, “Superstars,” set for release on March 1 after being teased in the February 22 episode of Vanderpump Rules.)
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix answered fan questions that were submitted via text message! To get notified about future Bravoleb Q&As, breaking news, and more, text “DailyDish” to +1 (917) 809-2240.
Watch Vanderpump Rules on Bravo Wednesdays at 9/8c and the next day on Peacock. And catch up on all past seasons of Vanderpump Rules on Peacock.
