Lydia McLaughlin: It Was a Nightmare

This week shows Doug and me doing his consult for his vasectomy. This is a big decision and something neither of us take lightly. We love our family of three boys and we both know that our family feels complete. Neither of us knew what to expect at the appointment, but the doctor was so gracious with us and answered all of our questions. Note: they don't actually cut off the balls! I'm joking around and hope no one out there takes me literally! Of course, Doug came up with the idea of a "snip gift," and now I have to think of something to get him while he is on bed rest...

Moving onto Kelly's volleyball party. What a mess. The day started out really fun. Doug and I love the beach and are always excited for some fun in the sun. However, because of my coffee date with Tamra, I knew she and Vicki were at odds. Seeing Tamra cry in Kelly's kitchen was very hard for me. She seemed to me to be very torn. Tamra seemed like she wanted to move on, and Shannon didn't want to allow her to do that. Shannon was telling Tamra "be strong" and giving her a look that made me feel uncomfortable. Shannon doesn't want Tamra to be friends with Vicki and has made that very clear. I just felt that if the sight of Vicki was making Tamra cry, she obviously has unresolved issues, and in my opinion, communicating is the key to moving forward.

Obviously, it didn't go well. Everyone was upset, and it was a nightmare. Vicki ended up storming off, and the rest of us were left to sit at the table and try to move on with the party. At that point, I was spent. It's emotionally draining for me to see my friends cry and yell and storm off. When we are at the table, it seems to me like Shannon wanted to pick a fight and make the day all about her. She kept poking at Peggy, and even when the subject changed, Shannon brought up shade again to Peggy. Peggy felt so uncomfortable that she left the table. I quickly followed her and told Doug I wanted to go home. Why? Not just because everyone had been fighting but also because there was this underlying "mean girl" vibe coming from Shannon.

While Tamra was asking me about my boobs, Shannon was squeezing legs under the table. This isn't something Shannon denies. Really, picture yourself at a table with your friends, and one of them is squeezing legs. What are we, 12? It made me feel like she was excited that I would somehow feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. I was over it, and I was ready to go. But Shannon wouldn't let me leave without a fight. Inside, I was so upset with her, and I was done with all the drama. She was looking to pick a fight with me, and I just tried to keep calm. I kept asking her to talk about it tomorrow, but she wouldn't allow that. She was talking loudly, explaining to everyone in the room, including all the men, that I got a boob job (I should count how many times she said that in the scene...maybe eight?) and trying to embarrass me. The only thing that got through to her is "I'm done with you". At that moment, I was done, and I wanted to leave. I’m actually glad I didn’t leave angry; we talked a bit more and even ended with a hug.

I do wish Shannon all the best. I feel like I have been trying to connect with her, but there have been so many bumps in the road, and I have never experienced this with a new friend. While at coffee with Tamra, I say half-jokingly that I don’t like Shannon. It’s partly true because I don’t understand her, and I don’t like where our relationship is. Hopefully we can have a breakthrough soon.

Watch a preview of what's still to come this season on #RHOC:

Still to Come This Season on RHOC...