Dolores Catania has basically been a part of The Real Housewives of New Jersey since the show began but she didn't become a Housewife until season 7. Until then, she was a guest and friend of the series. Now that the series just wrapped up season 11 and are filming season 12, Dolores is back for another season of truth-seeking.
Known for her diehard friendship and dedication to the Italian family dynamic, Dolores makes a fantastic Housewife — especially considering her relationship with the cast. But as much fans love (or loathe) Dolores, she hasn't always made the wisest decisions.
She Had Surgery Without Letting Her Boyfriend Know
At the start of season 11, Dolores mentioned that her long-term boyfriend David was upset with her over her plastic surgery. While everyone is entitled to the ins and outs of their own body, David was more upset with the fact that she had a seven-hour surgery without telling her loved ones.
If anything happened to her, everyone would have been in shock. This decision of hers caused quite a bit of friction in her relationship. It was clear David didn't want to talk about it on camera because he would storm off when they did.
She Supported Siggy Flicker
Siggy Flicker had so much promise as a Housewife, but her glittery halo soon faded. She became one of the most argumentative housewives of RHONJ and was always going after Margaret Josephs, in particular.
After an entire season of picking fights with the cast, Dolores—for whatever reason—stayed by Siggy's side and defended her when her acts were indefensible. Dolores stood by Siggy even though her claims were far from the truth and incredibly damaging.
She Walked In The Posche Fashion Show
In season 8, Teresa was finally back from jail and on a new, calmer pather. Her calm era faded though when she heard that Dolores and Siggy were going to walk in her nemesis's, Kim D., fashion show. Dolores had known Teresa since they were 16 — if there was anyone she should have been loyal to, it should have been Teresa, not Kim D.
Teresa and Kim D. went after each other and shockingly, Siggy and Dolores stayed by Kim D.'s side. It wasn't until the next day when Dolores talked to Frank Sr. that she realized she made a mistake.
She Told Jennifer Too Much
Jennifer Aydin makes a remarkable cast member of RHONJ because of her vast wealth, traditional family life, and the fact that she can't hold her tongue the minute she sips tequila. Jennifer can't help herself but call people out and tell everyone the juice that she's heard.
Sadly, she got on Dolore's bad side in season 10. Dolores and Jackie were bickering when Jennifer chimed in "[Dolores] said today she doesn't consider [Jackie] a friend." The look on Dolores's face said it all. One cannot tell Jennifer sensitive information because it will eventually come out.
The Battle Between Dolores & Jacquline
Jacquline Laurita has had a long history on RHONJ as an original Housewife, but she realized the show wasn't for her after a brief stint in season 7.
Like Teresa, Jacquline and Dolores had a long history together but they got in a blowout fight in season 7 over the opening of Dolores's Ladies Night event at her gym. Jacqueline was sick and told Dolores she couldn't make it, but on the night of the event, Dolores called Jacqueline and asked if she could make it despite her illness. In return, Jacqueline felt like Dolores was setting her up and making it seem like she was a no-show.
She Confided In Danielle Though She Didn't Trust Her
When Danielle Staub came back as a friend of the series in season 8, Dolores had her guard up. She has never trusted Danielle since her time as an original Housewife in the early seasons. Danielle has done too much to Teresa for Dolores to ever fully accept her as an acquaintance. But if that were the case, then why did Dolores supposedly confide in her?
One night, Teresa goes after Dolores about being too close to Siggy. Dolores assured Teresa she would never let someone badmouth her. This is where Danielle chimed in and said that Dolores made remarks about Teresa only caring about money. Dolores became triggered immediately and went after Danielle for her "lies."
Her Relationship Choices Appear Staged
When Dolores began dating David, she made comment after comment about being ready to get married and settle down. She wanted the ring, she wanted the house, she wanted it all. However, as years went by, there was no ring and there seemed to be a great deal of incompatibility. Andy Cohen and her friends asked Dolores why she was staying with David if she wasn't fulfilled in the way that she thought she deserved.
But all of a sudden, Dolores changed her tune. As long as she was able to renovate David's home to her liking, she no longer cared about a ring or marriage. The issue with her sudden change of heart is that it reads as a staged romantic storyline to fans.
Her Contradictions On Being 'Old School Italian'
At first, Dolores's dedication to old school Italian traditions was admirable. Like Teresa, Dolores was family-oriented and revolved her life around what her Italian parents did. Time and time again, she said in her confessions that she does or doesn't do things based on Italian tradition.
However, she seems to only really believe these things as long as the traditions work in her favor. She has said that a person shouldn't ask their friends questions if it isn't their business, family sticks with family, etc... And yet, there have been numerous occasions where Dolores gets involved in things she shouldn't and judges those who aren't Italian (like she did with Jackie).