Vicki GunvalsonIf you watched the last season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, you know -- Vicki Gunvalson was a mess. I say that not to be mean, because I've always had a bit of a weird soft spot for the crazy, Type A, woo-hooing Housewife, but because it's true.

She couldn't stop crying for more than a minute at a time, and when she wasn't drowning in her love tank, she was volcanically angry, sad, or a mixture of both. And not without reason -- her marriage dissolved; her daughter had a huge health scare; she was (and still is) dating opportunistic, deadbeat dad Brooks Ayers, who her friends and children detest; and her daughter, Briana, secretly eloped and got pregnant. I mean, that would throw anyone over the edge, right?

So to hear her start throwing out hints recently that she may not be coming back for another season of RHOC is somewhat of a relief.

She told Celebuzz:

I don’t know yet if I’ll be back. We have to see what happens. I really like peace and happiness and they just don’t like it. They want to bring me into this world of dysfunction and I’m just like ‘why can’t we all get along?’

She's been around long enough to know how ridiculous that question is.

But really, her leaving would be for the best in so many ways. She doesn't need any more drama in her life, and if there's one thing Real Housewives brings, it's drama. It seems like she'd be much better off taking some time to heal and regroup out of the spotlight. And of course, if she steps out of the spotlight, Brooks will likely hightail it out of her life, which might be painful for at first, but best in the long run based on what we know about him and sleazy ways.

As for the show, it could definitely go on without her. There's no shortage of drama queens in the group, and it would be great to see them get a boost of new blood. It would be a bit sad to see the long-standing O.G. of the O.C. exit the show after such a long run, but when it's time, it's time. And it seems like Vicki's time has come.

Of course, Vicki gave herself an out and told the site, "I’m a glutton for punishment so I might have to come back and show these girls what it’s all about." Of course, she might, and even if she doesn't this next season, we know -- Housewives never go away for good.

Do you think Vicki Gunvalson should say farewell to The Real Housewives of Orange County?

 

Image via Bravo