‘VPR’ Star Ariana Madix Opens Up About ‘Risky’ Relationship with Tom Sandoval

VPR Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval Instagram

Vanderpump Rules couple Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval are cementing their connection in ways other than marriage. They recently bought a house together. A jointly-written cocktail book, Fancy AF Cocktails, was a huge success.

With her relationship stronger than ever, Ariana is finally opening up and giving fans insight into her long-lasting partnership. Ariana and Tom began dating between Seasons 2 and 3 of Vanderpump Rules, after he split from co-star Kristen Doute.

While Kristen long-suspected the relationship began while she was still with Sandoval, Ariana has always maintained it didn’t. Speaking to The Daily Dish, Ariana gives more details about how (and when) the relationship started.

VPR’s Ariana Madix: Tom Sandoval Was Interested First

According to Ariana, Sandoval was single when their relationship progressed from friends to more than friends. Shortly after her father’s death, Sandoval reached out to Ariana to make plans to hang out.

The VPR star recounts how something in Sandoval’s behavior was different. Ariana now recognizes that as the moment their friendship became something more. She says,

“There was a shift in him that I was like, ‘He’s acting differently.’ And then I was like, ‘I might be open to whatever this is that’s happening. It feels weird, but also, I don’t hate it. Confused, but I don’t hate it.’”

Ariana Admits It Was a ‘Risky’ Move Taking Their Friendship to the Next Level

Ariana and Sandoval were friends for several years before they started dating. The now-couple bonded while working side-by-side behind the bar at SUR.

She reveals there was some hesitation to date Sandoval. She explains,

“It’s risky! It’s a risky move because especially if you like that person as a friend and that is somebody you value as a friend, if it doesn’t work out, that could be very bad once you cross that line.”

The risky move seems to have paid off. She shared that Sandoval’s vulnerability is her favorite thing about him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzn645WJjTy/

Despite Happy Relationship, VPR Star Fights Depression

In the past seasons of Vanderpump Rules, Ariana has played her cards close to the vest. In fact, her lack of openness caused a rift with co-star Jax Taylor, TV Shows Ace wrote.

However, fans are seeing a more vulnerable Ariana during the show’s current Season 8. She has spoken frankly with Lisa Vanderpump about her depression.

In an earlier episode this season, Ariana asked if she could pick up some bartending shifts at SUR to help keep her busy. During the most recent episode, Ariana tells her boss about having suicidal thoughts in the past.

Fans are thanking Ariana for being so honest with her mental health struggles.

Vanderpump Rules airs Tuesdays on Bravo. In an upcoming episode, Ariana bonds with a surprising co-star over coming out as bisexual.

Jennifer Havener
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