Teddi Mellencamp revealed her split from Edwin Arroyave has led to feelings of loneliness — so much so that she began doubting her decision to file for divorce.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum detailed her experience during the January 16 episode of Diamonds in the Rough in which she and her co-host, Erika Jayne, were joined by psychotherapist Dr. Nadine Macaluso. About halfway through the conversation, Teddi recalled attending a couple’s therapy session and being identified as an introvert — something she suspected for quite some time.
“It was shocking information for everybody, even though I’ve been saying this my entire life,” she explained. “I’m like, no, if I’m being paid to show up and do it, I can do it but I’m naturally an introvert. So, I enjoy my alone time, I need to recharge — all of these things.”
Teddi gets emotional while discussing her split from Edwin
Although her moments of solitude were previously pleasant, Teddi said they’re now sparking uncomfortable emotions and confusion about her marital split.
“There’s moments that I’m feeling now where I feel really lonely,” she revealed before getting emotional. “And I don’t know if those loneliness feelings mean that I’ve made a mistake or [if] this is just something I have to get used to and this is like the new change in my life. Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed, getting emotional… But that is such a confusing part of all of this. Are you supposed to power through or are you supposed to give it [time]? I don’t know.”
Dr. Nadine reassured Teddi that her feelings were common among people going through separation, and confessed she had a similar experience during her own divorce proceedings. She told Teddi that daily journaling alleviated feelings of loneliness, as it can help people “develop a deeper relationship” with themselves.
Erika Jayne gives Teddi words of encouragement
Erika, who filed to divorce her estranged husband in late 2020, expressed sympathy for her good friend and gave her credit for being so vulnerable.
“She’s in the thick of it right now, and it’s very fresh and very hard,” Erika said about Teddi. “I feel for her because none of this is easy, and to pick yourself up and even be on a podcast today and talk about it… Teddi, you need to cut yourself a break. If you didn’t say you felt lonely, I would be worried that you were not in touch.”
Teddi reveals her “only goal” while going through divorce
Teddi said she’s felt “a constant ache” since she filed for divorce in November and has spent the past couple of months “trying to fake [her] way through it.” While she’s understandably struggling with her separation, Teddi said her main priority was her children.
She and Edwin — who married in 2011 — share a 12-year-old daughter, Slate; a 10-year-old son; Cruz, and a 4-year-old daughter, Dove. The former Housewife is also a stepmom to Edwin’s teenage daughter, Bella.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs in my life. And my only goal has ever been I just want to give my kids stability,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s loneliness [or] if I’m scared. I also feel maybe I’m not enough.”