This analysis is part of Claire Morgan's ongoing work identifying toxic emotional dynamics in modern relationships.

Why RHOM’s Alexia Nepola Still Wears Todd Nepola’s Wedding Ring After Divorce – The Shocking Co-Dependency Revealed

When fans of The Real Housewives of Miami noticed Alexia Nepola still wearing her ex-husband Todd Nepola’s wedding ring long after their divorce, many were puzzled. This public display, unfolding on a widely watched reality show, offers a striking example of a dynamic that quietly affects many women behind closed doors. What does it mean to hold onto a symbol of a relationship that has officially ended? And what psychological patterns might be at play beneath the surface of such a choice?

While the cameras capture the drama and headlines highlight the shock, this situation invites us to explore a deeper emotional framework that often goes unspoken: co-dependency. By examining this through a compassionate, educational lens, we can better understand the complexity of human attachment and the subtle ways it manifests, both on-screen and in everyday life.

Understanding Co-Dependency: A Psychological Framework

Co-dependency is a term many have heard but fewer fully understand. At its core, co-dependency describes a relationship pattern where one person’s sense of identity and self-worth becomes overly reliant on another person. This dynamic often involves excessive emotional or psychological reliance, sometimes to the detriment of the individual’s own needs and boundaries.

Many experts describe co-dependency as a learned behavior, often rooted in early family dynamics or past trauma. It can manifest as an intense need for approval, difficulty setting boundaries, or a persistent fear of abandonment. Importantly, co-dependency is not about blame but about understanding how deeply intertwined one’s emotional well-being can become with another’s presence or approval.

In relationships, this pattern often appears in the form of people staying connected to partners long after the relationship has ended—whether emotionally, physically, or symbolically. Wearing an ex-partner’s wedding ring, for example, can be understood as a symbol of lingering attachment or unresolved emotional ties.

It’s crucial to emphasize that co-dependency is a spectrum, not a fixed label. Not everyone who holds onto a symbol of a past relationship is necessarily co-dependent. Instead, this framework provides a compassionate way to explore the emotional nuances behind such behaviors.

Applying the Framework to Alexia Nepola’s Public Story

Returning to Alexia Nepola’s choice to continue wearing Todd Nepola’s wedding ring, we can consider how co-dependency might offer one lens to interpret this behavior. Publicly, Alexia has been open about the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of moving forward post-divorce. Wearing the ring could symbolize a variety of emotional states—attachment, identity tied to the marriage, or even unresolved grief.

“The ring is more than jewelry; it can represent a chapter of life, a shared history, and an emotional anchor,” relationship experts often note.

From a co-dependency perspective, this act might reflect an ongoing emotional reliance on the relationship’s past, a difficulty in fully separating one’s identity from the role of “wife,” or a subtle fear of letting go. It’s also possible that the ring serves as a comfort or a reminder of personal strength gained through the experience, which complicates any single interpretation.

Because public information is incomplete, we must avoid definitive judgments. Instead, this example encourages us to consider how symbols like wedding rings carry emotional weight that can persist long after legal ties are severed. This dynamic often appears in many women’s lives, though it rarely makes headlines.

The Mirror Effect: Reflecting on Your Own Patterns

Reading about Alexia’s story, you might find yourself wondering about your own emotional attachments. Have you ever held onto a symbol or memory of a past relationship longer than you expected? Do you sometimes feel your sense of self is intertwined with someone else’s approval or presence? These questions are not about judgment—they are invitations to gentle self-awareness.

What feelings arise when you think about letting go of past connections?
Are there ways you might be clinging to relationships or roles that no longer serve your growth?
How do you define your identity outside of your relationships?

Many women quietly experience these emotional patterns, often without naming them. Recognizing these feelings is a powerful first step toward understanding and healing.

The Path Forward: Embracing Clarity and Compassion

If these patterns resonate with you, please know you are not alone. Gaining clarity is the first step toward peace. We invite you to take our free, confidential "Relationship Clarity" assessment to better understand your unique situation.

Exploring co-dependency and attachment through a compassionate lens can help you reclaim your sense of self and build healthier emotional boundaries. Whether it’s through therapy, self-reflection, or supportive communities, the journey toward emotional independence is deeply personal but profoundly rewarding.

Remember, holding onto symbols of the past doesn’t mean you are stuck forever. It often means you are human—navigating complex emotions and learning to redefine your identity beyond previous roles. With patience and support, you can move toward a place where your worth is rooted within, not dependent on external validation.