Teresa GiudiceandLuis “Louie” Ruelasare refusing to take any more criticism when it comes to their relationship.

During Tuesday’s episode ofThe Real Housewives of New Jersey, the couple’s romance was once again put under the microscope, as the cast continued to question Louie’s alleged past. However, that didn’t stop Louie from taking the next step in their relationship and asking Teresa’s brother,Joe Gorga, for his blessing to propose.

While out on the town during their group Nashville trip, Louie pulled Joe aside to have a heart-to-heart conversation.

“I just wanted to take this moment to thank you for being genuine with me… you helped give me a fair shape with the guys. With the girls, it’s been a little bit different just because there’s so much judgment about my past,” Louie told Joe. “The only person I want to judge me in life honestly is your sister. I truly love her.”

Luis Ruelas and Teresa Giudice (left) with Joe Gorga.Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Manny Carabel/FilmMagic

Luis Ruelas and Teresa Giudice, Joe Gorga

“I need your sister, so I’m gonna take her to Europe next month, and I’m gonna propose to her,” he continued. “I want to respect you like you’re her dad, so I want to ask you for your blessing.”

Though Joe said he was “glad” Louie asked him for permission, he couldn’t help but address therumors about Louie’s past, including claims that he allegedly beat his ex-fiancée in front of their kids. (Louie hasdenied all allegations.)

Teresa Giudice and Louie Ruelas.TERESA GIUDICE/Instagram

Teresa Giudice Celebrates Her Fiancé Luis Ruelas’ Birthday: ‘You’ve Changed My Life'.https://www.instagram.com/teresagiudice/

“I’m gonna be honest: when I first met you, I said, ‘I love this guy,’ and then all this stuff came out about you,” Joe explained. “I haven’t asked you anything ‘cause when I did get involved with her ex, it was problems for me. But she’s my only sister, man, and she’s been through hell and back. I don’t want her to go through anything else again so what’s up with your past?”

In a confessional, Joe added: “I know my sister doesn’t like anyone asking him any questions, and up to this point, I’ve kept my mouth shut. I’ve just sat back and listened, but now he’s asking for her hand in marriage so I want to know the truth.”

Similar to his previous explanation, Louie said he got involved in “toxic relationships” with “desperate, thirsty, low-life exes” after getting divorced at age 35. But Joe didn’t seem to be entirely convinced.

“You could’ve been involved in a toxic relationship but they’re constantly coming. There’s obviously some truth to some of those stories,” Joe said.

Taking responsibility for his actions, Louie acknowledged that he made some mistakes, but adamantly denied he was ever abusive to another woman.

“I’m not gonna sit here and say I was this crown of a man… I was trying to figure things out and in that process, I made my own mistakes. I take ownership for that,” he shared. “However, I wasn’t abusive. Was I perfect? No, but when I met your sister, my life changed.”

“I just want to assure you that I will always be there for her, I will never let her down, I will be there for her every second of the day because she deserves that,” he added.

Teresa Giudice and her brother Joe Gorga.Paul Zimmerman/Getty

Gorga’s Homemade Pasta & Pizza Grand Opening

After hearing Louie’s side of the story, Joe said he would “absolutely” give him his blessing to marry Teresa.

“Louie’s admitting that he wasn’t perfect, but what he is doing in the present, that’s what’s important,” Joe said in a confessional. “Andsince my father’s not here, I appreciate that Louie is showing me the respect. He understands what family’s all about, so I support their marriage.”

Though Joe and Louie smoothed things over, things were far from settled between Teresa andMargaret Josephs, whocontinued to feudafter Margaret continuously questioned Louie’s alleged past.

“I feel bad for him because people from his past are trying to hurt him, and I feel like Margaret’s bringing light to it, and that’s what’s upsetting to me,” Teresa explained to Joe and his wifeMelissa Gorgaduring the episode.

Wanting to resolve their ongoing drama, Teresa attempted to confront Margaret during the outing. But things only got worse between the pair when Teresa claimed she’s only been good to Margaret.

“Ditto? Vice versa?!” Margaret exclaimed, referring to Teresa’s response. “You know what, Teresa? I have championed you from f— day one. You have broken my f— heart, and I am f— done.”

Teresa Giudice and Margaret Josephs.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty

Teresa Giudice, Margaret Josephs

After the group got involved in the blowout fight and began to ask what unfolded between the women, Louie reached a breaking point.

“Let’s go, I wanna get out of here. I just wanna get a jet and go home. It’s just too much,” Louie told Teresa. “Like seriously, I’m done. We don’t need this. I work hard, you never have to work a day in your life. How lucky is that? Let’s go move into our 50,000-square-foot house, alright? I love you.”

Added Joe in a confessional of his own: “Do I see some of the pressure getting to him? Yes, but you gotta be very strong — thick, thick, skin — to handle being withTeresa Giudice. Let’s see if he can handle it.”

As fans know, Louie eventuallypopped the questionin Porto Heli, Greece, in October 2021. The couple is currentlyplanning a wedding for this summer.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey’sseason 12 reunionwill air next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. The three-part reunion concludes on May 17.

source: people.com