RHOBH star Erika Jayne talks struggles with dating after 20 year marriage to Tom Girardi

Erika Jayne announced her separation from estranged husband Tom Girardi in November 2020 after more than 20 years of marriage.

Thrust back out into the single’s life for about a year-and-a-half now, The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star opened up about her love life, confessing how her transition to dating has been a struggle at times, during an appearance on E! News’ Daily Pop on Wednesday, June 22.

‘It’s hard because I don’t think people really know what to expect,’ Jayne, 50, told show host Justin Sylvester, before sharing about one of her nightmare dating fears. ‘And I can’t get on an app. What if [Jeffrey] Dahmer shows up?’

Open book: Erika Jayne, 50, shared about her love life, following her split from estranged husband Tom Girardi, during an appearance on E! News’ Daily Pop

After referencing her fear of meeting a serial killer like Jeffrey Dahmer through a dating app, Jayne went on to admit she’s ‘really socially awkward.’ 

And awkwardness can present some problems for someone trying to get out and meet new people, especially someone like Jayne, who can be an outspoken open book.

‘I say exactly how I feel, and I realize that men don’t like that,’ Jayne explained, adding, ‘They say they want a woman that’s forward, but they really don’t.’ 

Lesson learned: ‘I say exactly how I feel, and I realize that men don’t like that,’ Jayne explained to Daily Pop host Justin Sylvester, before adding, ‘They say they want a woman that’s forward, but they really don’t’

Scared men: The reality star shared that some men have told her they are ‘afraid’ of her

Sylvester jumped into the conversation and shared that he thinks men ‘are scared of you,’ which Jayne was quick to agree with his assumption.

‘They actually told me, “I’m afraid of you.” And I was like, “Why? I’m modern. I thought I was doing what women are supposed to do, which is speak your mind and say what you like,” and no.’

Despite all the potential pitfalls that can arise when it comes to dating, Jayne revealed that she is embracing her new ‘downsized, simple life.’

‘What I like the most is that I have had a chance to completely start over and be free from an over 20-year marriage and almost wipe the whole slate clean in a way, so it’s my life to rebuild,’ Jayne said of her new life as a single woman.

‘So, in that way, it’s a lot of opportunity, but it’s scary at the same time,’ the Georgia native continued, while at the same time confessing: ‘I really don’t know what I’m doing. I’m just out here trying to make it happen.’

The new single life: Jayne and estranged husband Ton Girardi announced their separation in November 2020 after more than 20 years of marriage; they are seen on an episode of RHOBH

After sharing a life with someone for more than two decades, sleeping alone can be a big adjustment for many people.

But when asked whether she has gotten comfortable waking up by herself as an ‘independent woman’, Jayne was quick to share that it actually ‘feels nice even though my dog is now sleeping with me.’

She did go on to confess: ‘There are moments when you get nervous; there are moments when you hug the pillow; but it is okay.’

Confessional: ‘There are moments when you get nervous; there are moments when you hug the pillow; but it is okay,’ Jayne said, after revealing that it’s been nice to wake up alone

Jayne was also asked to share ‘one thing that she is mourning’ since her breakup with Girardi in November 2020. Taking a moment to reflect back their relationship, the singer said she mourned the ‘Tom that was good,’ all while she nodded her head almost like she was agreeing with herself.

Jayne and Girardi, a founding partner of Girardi & Keese in Downtown Los Angeles, first met in 1998, and were eventually married in January 2000.

The reality star, who joined the main cast of RHOBH for season six that debuted in December 2015.

The reality world: Jayne joined the main cast of RHOBH for season six, which debuted in December 2015; she is pictured in Las Vegas in September 2021

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