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Nothing in this life can shake Dolores Catania — not even her split from now-ex Dr. David Principe.
In an exclusive new interview with Page Six, the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star, 51, explained that she felt “alone” in her relationship with the maternal-fetal medicine specialist when Season 12 began filming last summer.
“Once I moved into my townhouse, we grew apart,” recounts the Bravolebrity, who rented her own place as ex-husband and contractor Frank Catania finished renovations on her North Haledon home.
“David and I weren’t spending much time together to begin with,” Dolores adds. “It just felt like it was time to end things.”
As “RHONJ” viewers are well aware, Dolores frequently expressed hope that Principe, 57, would make more time to see her throughout their four-year courtship — but his hospital shifts made planning date nights nearly impossible.
“As you know, David was married to his work,” she acknowledged. “But I needed more, I knew I deserved more and so, ultimately, I had to make a change.”
Though the pair had built a house together, Dolores never moved in. Without an engagement ring from Principe — let alone quality time — the Garden State native didn’t feel comfortable committing.
“I always asked him to do things that he didn’t want to, so I got used to doing things alone. I did like having that independence, but that’s not a relationship. A relationship is between two people,” she says.
“If I was going to be alone and do things alone, then I might as well just be alone. I felt alone.”
While she was considering her future with Principe, Dolores said she often leaned on wisdom gained in the early Aughts during her divorce from Frank, with whom she shares kids Gabrielle, 26, and Frankie Jr., 23.
“When I was going through my divorce, I used to love ‘Ally McBeal.’ That was my entertainment and it really got me through a tough time,” she said of Calista Flockhart’s Fox dramedy.
“Ally said something like, ‘The loneliest I ever was is when I was with someone.’ I really connected with that.”
Though it wasn’t easy, Dolores pointed out that she and Principe parted ways amicably.
“David and I never yelled at each other. It was a peaceful relationship,” she said. “If we saw each other, we did. If we didn’t, we didn’t and that was OK. There was — and still is — no animosity.”
Though fans will eventually see the mom of two step into her power as a single woman on the latest installment of “New Jersey,” she has since found love with someone new.
Dolores’ pal, interior designer Vanessa DeLeon, introduced her to Paul Connell this fall after cameras went down. It wasn’t long before she fell for the hard-bodied New York City-based electrician, who she told us is “much different” than Principe.
“I’m very happy. I can’t say too much about him because it’s new and everything. But he’s truly awesome: He likes to do things, he’s really funny, he’s very generous, he’s very handsome. And he’s so fun!” she gushed.
Dolores, who rarely imbibes on camera, added, “I even drink Gentleman Jack now! You guys have never seen me drink on the show. I’m able to let loose with him and that feels so good.”
The TV personality — who enjoyed a Caribbean getaway with her man over the holidays — said that she hasn’t “even thought about” becoming Mrs. Connell one day. However, she teased that another marriage isn’t off the table.
“I would just like to find a really good companion who wants the same things as I do. I want to share my life with somebody and I want somebody to share their life with me. I have it all to give now,” she said, noting that her veterinarian daughter real estate pro son approve of her beau.
“They’re happy for me. They just want to see their mom happy,” she said. “Everything I put into them, I can now put into a relationship.”
“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” Season 12 premieres Tuesday at 8 pm. ET on Bravo.
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