Kelsey Swanson is pulling back the curtain on her relationship status—and it’s anything but simple. On “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” Kelsey introduced viewers to William “Bill” L’Europa, a longtime connection who is now stepping into the spotlight as rumors swirl about her “very unorthodox” dating life.
Kelsey Swanson Explains Her ‘Unorthodox’ Relationship
Kelsey addressed the chatter head-on during a confessional in Episode 3.
“It seems like the hot topic is who I’m dating, especially the other man that all these girls love to talk about,” she said. “With my boyfriend, we’ve always kind of had a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ relationship. But I do know that he’s not being loyal to me. And if you can do it, why can’t I?”
She has been in a relationship with her unnamed boyfriend for about 10 years, but has been open about the challenges.
“I love my boyfriend, but he will never budge on having kids,” she shared. “He has his own. But I don’t want to sell myself short of being a mom one day and having kids.”
Kelsey also admitted she is at a turning point in her life.
“For the first half of the year, my boyfriend is in Miami, and when he’s in Miami, he’s with somebody else,” she said. “But now, I’m at that crossroads where I just hit 30, and I want more for myself. I want to be in a committed relationship with one person.”
The Former Beauty Queen Introduces Bill L’Europa on RHORI
Bill made his on-screen debut during a coffee date with Kelsey, where it became clear the two have a long history.
“We actually grew up together,” she told BravoTV.com. “I’ve known him since the 7th grade, and he was actually one of my first crushes.”
She added that they reconnected in recent years.
“Eventually, we connected a couple years ago and kind of stayed connected ever since,” she said. “He’s very, very generous and kind and sweet — and probably loves me more than anyone I’ve ever met in my life, other than my parents.”
Kelsey’s family is also aware of the situation.
“My parents, they know exactly how my relationship is with my boyfriend,” she said. “I’ve never lied to them. They really do love him, but they want me to have more for myself.”
Her mom even referenced Bill directly, asking, “How’s my future son-in-law, Billy?”
Despite their connection, Kelsey said she is still figuring things out.
“I’m somewhat keeping him at arm’s length until I kind of figure out where my relationship is going,” she explained.
Bill, for his part, made his feelings clear during their conversation.
“I think you deserve happiness in your life, and whatever makes you happy, make some big girl moves now,” he told her. “And obviously, if you need anything, I’m here to help you.”
Kelsey Swanson Weighs Future With Bill vs. Longtime Boyfriend
Even with Bill entering the picture, Kelsey acknowledged she has reservations.
“Although he’s very successful, he can’t offer me the life that I’m living, not having to work,” she said. “I don’t have any problem working. I can do it. It’s just, do I want to? No.”
Bill even floated the idea of her moving in with him, though he noted his home would be smaller than her current 16,000-square-foot living situation.
Later in the season, the two reunited at a party, but Kelsey clarified the situation.
“Bill is not my plus-one to the party,” she said. “He is really good friends with Gerry, and he was always going to be at this party, no matter if I was there or not. So, this is not our hard launch.”
While Bill’s presence is now public, Kelsey has continued to keep her longtime boyfriend out of the spotlight.
Still, she made it clear she is open to what comes next.
“I would be very happy,” she said, whether she ends up with her current boyfriend or Bill.
New episodes of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” air Sundays on Bravo.
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