KEEPING THE PEACE
Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Joe Gorga explains to In Touch what it’s like to be caught between his wife, Melissa, and sister, Teresa
He’s a reality star, real estate developer, husband and dad. And according to The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Joe Gorga, he’s also a top-notch middle man. It’s a title he inadvertently earned thanks to the tumultuous relationship between his wife, Melissa, and his big sister, Teresa Giudice. Since Melissa, 40, joined the hit Bravo series in 2011, the women have fought hard and often. “That’s my wife and my only sister, and I love them both,” says the 39-year-old, who’s also had his fair share of beef on the show — he and brother-in-law Joe Giudice (who is currently at an immigration center while he awaits a deportation ruling) famously brawled during Season 5. “I can’t pick a side so I get in between them like a referee. I try to fix things.” Here, the father of three (Antonia, 13, Gino, 11, and Joey, 9) and author of the new book The Gorga Guide to Success chats with In Touch’s Lexi Ciccone about being a peacemaker, keeping things spicy with his wife of 14 years and why he’s just fine being an Average Joe.
Are you able to get through to Melissa and Teresa when they fight?
JG: Ninety-five percent of the time, yes. I’ll say, “Listen, you did this, and you did that, so you can’t say that.” I help repair the issue.
They argued on the RHONJ reunion show in February when Teresa accused Melissa of being disloyal. Are they still fighting?
JG: They’re actually good. Teresa called and apologized. She’s going through a lot right now, and she blew up. But they’re good.
How is Teresa doing these days?
JG: It’s hard. She’s a mess. She’s raising her four daughters by herself, so she has to be strong. She tries to keep busy.
If Joe’s deported to Italy, do you think she and the girls will visit him often?
JG: That’s tough. It’s not an hour plane ride. But I’m sure they’ll go there for vacation.
Tell us about your new book and your “Growth With Gorga” seminars.
JG: It’s all about motivating people. I came from nothing; I grew up in an inner city with immigrant parents. I made my money by working hard and built myself from the ground up. I want to show people it’s challenging, but you can’t give up.
Now you’re successfully flipping houses.
JG: Yes. I buy them, rehab them, put additions on, put them back on the market. Or I buy land, build a house and sell it.
You and Melissa have been together so long. How do you keep the spark alive?
JG: You have to date your spouse. I treat Melissa like my girlfriend. I call her every day and tell her sexy things.
How do you deal with disagreements?
JG: We talk. Communication is huge. However you feel, you have to express it.
You have three kids. What’s your plan to keep them grounded?
JG: Sports and school. In a year my daughter will get a job. They’re all going to start from the bottom. Look, I still shovel dirt. I’m not too good for that. I want to keep it real. I’m an average guy, and I always will be.