Ashley revealed that she and Michael have separated in an attempt to save their marriage.
The couple figured they needed some time apart to work on things, and Oz has really placed a strain on their relationship.
In a recent interview with People, Ashley revealed that they actually separated in February.
People writes:
The two have been living apart since February — with Ashley, 29, moving out of their place and into her own apartment in Arlington, Virginia. And though they’re not spending time romantically, they’re still working together closely on their restaurant.
“We are 50-50 partners,” she explains, adding that the business is a dream (and a big financial investment) she wouldn’t just walk away from. “We both share in everything that goes on there and that’s not going away, like a child. You can’t just get rid of your child. We’re co-parenting!”
They also still spend time together socially, which is one of the reasons her RHOP cast mates were so surprised to hear they had split on Sunday’s reunion. “It is a very small town, so we have common friends and we go to the same events. The only difference now is we just retreat back to our separate quarters,” she says. “It took me this long to talk about it because I wanted to deal with it in private, since it was something that I wasn’t really comfortable with or sure how to explain at first.”
Ashley even confirmed she didn’t want to rush to divorce because she thinks it’s a chance they can stay together:
But the restaurant has been the main issue, even halting their plans to have kids. “It was definitely an emotional roller coaster,” she tells PEOPLE. “All the trials and tribulations one goes through with opening a new business? It was challenging. It took a toll on me personally and on our marriage. Being in business with your spouse is certainly not for the faint of heart.”
While its been a catalyst, Ashley was nervous about making impulsive and drastic decisions based solely on the conflict they’ve had around the restaurant. “Businesses, they come and go,” she says. “They’re not permanent. So, like, maybe in five years if it’s doing better or we decide to not have it anymore, then we’d be sitting back thinking like, “Oh my gosh, we let something so temporary affect the connection that we have with each other.’ That’s the reason that I didn’t put the gas pedal on getting the divorce immediately.”
They would have been ok if they learned how to work together.
This!
I think they will get back together. Their problems aren’t that serious and can be worked out.
Well I think Ashley needs to focus less on Robyn and Juan and more on her own situation. I cringed at how she dragged Michael on the show. You just don’t do that.
Reality television is just hard on married couples. Rarely do married people survive it. I just don’t think the checks are worth the risk.