Emily Simpson admits reality TV has significantly affected her marriage… in a positive way.
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Since joining The Real Housewives of Orange County in Season 13 (2018), the West Coast mom has been quite open about her relationship with Shane Simpson. Fans have seen the husband and wife endure their fair share of marital lows, including everything from communication problems to disagreements over parenting styles.
Emily Simpson reveals how RHOC changed her & Shane Simpson’s relationship
While these kinds of issues are fairly common among couples, it’s unusual to have them broadcast on national TV. Having millions of strangers weigh in on and dissect a relationship can often lead to more hardships, such as a breakup or divorce; however, Emily is convinced that her reality TV career has changed her marriage for the better.
The mother of three shared her reasoning during the July 17 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, after a Clubhouse audience member asked how she maintained a strong marriage despite the negativity that often accompanies fame.
RELATED: Shane Simpson Gets Candid About Problems with Emily Simpson in Rare Confessional
“The internet is horrible, but I mean, I’m numb to it at this point,” Emily said. “I would say I’m probably one of those exceptions to the rule, where I feel like reality TV has made my relationship with Shane stronger. It really has.”
Emily Simpson says her husband has “warmed up” to being on reality TV
WWHL host Andy Cohen said he found Emily’s comments “interesting.”
“Why? Because you’ve been able to look at [your marriage] objectively?” he asked.
“I mean, I don’t really watch the episodes, but I get so much feedback,” Emily explained. “And I think that Shane was — Shane didn’t want to be on TV. You could tell from the first two seasons, he wasn’t interested. And I think he’s warmed up to it. And he also knows that this is something that I do. It’s me, you know. And I think that we navigate it well. I think that we’ve done a good job. I think we’ve grown closer. And, you know, it’s worked well for us.”
RELATED: Emily Simpson’s Father’s Day Tribute for Shane Is an Epic Flashback to His College Days
Emily made similar comments in a 2019 interview with People magazine, just weeks after the premiere of her RHOC sophomore season. The Ohio native said being on reality TV gave Shane a new sense of self-awareness and motivated him to change his behavior.
“I think he probably had a moment of self-realization where he thought, ‘Emily is a really good wife and really good mom. I won the wife lottery. I need to step up my game,’” Emily told the outlet. “And he really has. I have to give him credit for that.”
How did Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson meet?
Emily and Shane were introduced to each other while working at a real estate consulting firm, but didn’t become romantically involved until years later. The OC Housewife said she and Shane reconnected after he divorced his first wife and tied the knot shortly after (2009).
“We began chatting on Google Chat, and one day he just said, ‘Want to get married?’” Emily recalled in the RHOC Season 13 premiere. “I was 32 at the time, ready to settle down and have kids, and thought, ‘What the heck!’ I really just took a huge leap of faith.”
Get more details about Emily’s 16-year marriage and how she reacted to swirling divorce rumors.
