Since 2013, Vanderpump Rules fans have had an inside look at Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz‘s bromance. The two models seemed to be thick as thieves, with Sandoval clearly being the dominant of the pair. I can’t help but feel Schwartz got the short end of the stick. He made all the decisions and wanted his ideas to be heard. Schwartz went along with his friend’s ideas most of the time and turned into quite the welcome mat. But after Scandoval broke, it became clear that their friendship wasn’t a safe space as it dripped toxic green slime through their cracks.
Over the course of their friendship, Sandy manipulates Schwartz multiple times, including using him as a shield for his hookup with Rachel Leviss. He repeatedly lied to Schwartz, all while slowly destroying his life, only to abandon him for his lame world tour, making Schwartz look stupid.
Toxic Or True Love?
Even though Schwartz is a bit of a dud, he is wholesome for the most part. The two mega losers will most likely remain dedicated to one another until their last breath, but thanks to Scandoval, a rift was formed, showing viewers the duo was not perfect. For years, Sandoval has preyed on Schwartz’s people-pleasing attributes. Season 11 could show Schwartz staying loyal to Sandoval even though the two noted they were taking a step back from one another at the Season 10 reunion.
The simple fact that Schwartz stays loyal to Sandoval shows how toxic their friendship is. Sandoval became a social outcast from the WeHo group, and Schwartz also became a pariah of the group for backing him for so long. It gets a bit foggy when Schwartz tries to claim he was blameless for the affair, but it has become clear he was involved in the inorganic hookup with Rachel. Is Schwartz just as bad as Sandy? Probably.
Schwartz Will Pay a Price for Bro Code
Schwartz’s unwavering loyalty to Sandoval, all in the honor of bro code, will end up costing him big time. When the scandal first broke, it almost cost him his business, his money, and all of his family’s savings. The affair, and by connection, Sandoval, has isolated Schwartz so much from the group already that he may start resenting his best friend. Schwartz currently has no one to lean on, and that could be exactly what Sandoval wants so he can continue to control him like a puppet.
Sandoval Takes Advantage of Schwartz
Watching Schwartz and Sandy interact, it mainly felt as if Schwartz was a battered wife. He was always put second and literally rode in Sandoval’s sidecar for the opening of TomTom. The former bartender always had his thumb over Schwartz, rarely letting him excel. During the last few seasons, he was taken advantage of, manipulated, gaslit, and isolated. and financially abused…by Sandoval.
It was Sandoval who refused to open Schwartz and Sandy’s even when they were bleeding money. Sandoval was happy to leave on his tours, leaving Schwartz confused and unable to act on their tasks without him. It always felt like Schwartz wanted to speak up but couldn’t.
Sandoval Helped End a Marriage
From early on in the friendship, Sandoval was a top manipulator. I personally think Schwartz might still be married to Katie Maloney if his friend just knew how to mind his own business. Sandoval often tried to convince Schwartz that he was an abused spouse. Unfortunately, Scwartzy just wasn’t smart enough to notice what was happening around him.
They Are in for the Long Haul
Sadly, I doubt that there is anything Sandoval can do to end his friendship with Schwartz forever. The two are just in too deep and can’t seem to quit one another. After Season 10, it very much felt as if Schwartz gave up everything for his bestie, only to be mildly pissed. There is no doubt that these two are toxic and codependent. Personally, I’d be holding interviews for a new best friend immediately. Honestly, at this point, they deserve each other.
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