Days of our Lives Recap, May 19: Lexie insists on meeting Paulina

On the Days of our Lives episode that aired on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Lexie asked to meet Paulina, Gabi told Theo about Tony’s offer, Abe thanked EJ, Philip reconnected with Joy, and Stephanie asked Alex to skip Tripp’s wedding.

Abe’s Difficult Choice

Abe thanked EJ for saving Lexie | Image: Peacock

At the DiMera mansion, Abe thanked EJ for bringing Lexie back to life. EJ explained that Stefano had always blamed himself for Lexie’s cancer, and his final wish had been to save Lexie. Abe admitted that Theo still did not know what Stefano had done to Lexie. “Why protect my father when I know how much you hated him?” EJ asked. Abe explained that Theo loved his grandfather, and he wanted Theo to keep those fond memories. Abe asked EJ if he had told Theo about Lexie to push him out at DiMera, and EJ said yes.

Although Abe said he appreciated that, he asked EJ to stay away from Lexie and Theo. When EJ smirked as he mentioned Paulina, Abe accused EJ of enjoying how much the situation was hurting Paulina. EJ countered that Paulina had attempted to ruin his life and that he was looking forward to seeing Abe dump her. “Who said I was doing that?” Abe said. Abe told EJ that he refused to turn his back on a loved one. EJ noted that neither Lexie nor Paulina was known for their patience, and that Abe would need to make a decision soon.

In Lexie’s hospital room, Lexie asked Kayla about her family, so she told Lexie about Tripp. Overwhelmed, Lexie said she could not believe all she had missed. Lexie admitted that she had researched Paulina and was concerned that Paulina had manipulated Abe. Kayla defended Paulina. After a moment, Lexie admitted she had done plenty of horrible things to Salemites, including Bo and Hope with baby Zack.

“Maybe I’m just looking for reasons to hate the woman who married my husband,” Lexie admitted. Lexie explained that although everyone else had experienced 15 years of memories and adventures, she felt like she had only taken a long nap. Kayla told Lexie that Abe had mourned her for years until he met Paulina. Kayla added that Abe had taken his time leaving behind Lexie, even then. Lexie asked Kayla for her genuine opinion of Paulina. When Kayla recounted Paulina’s attributes, Lexie chuckled and noted that Abe had always had good taste in women.

Lexie argued that Abe was avoiding discussing what to do about his two wives, and she worried that she would have no place to go when she was discharged from the hospital. Lexie told Kayla that she was prepared to accept Abe’s decision either way, but she needed to meet Paulina first.

When Abe arrived, Lexie told Abe that they needed to face their problem together. Abe agreed to introduce Paulina to her.

Kayla summoned EJ to the hospital to inform him that the hospital board had met to discuss EJ’s actions. “The board has no teeth,” EJ said. EJ reminded Kayla that he could dissolve the board on his own. Kayla informed EJ that the board had filed a complaint with the state medical regulatory agencies.

Joy meets with old and new friends

Philip and Joy on Days of our Lives | Image: JPI

Joy was sitting with baby Kelsey at the pub when Philip walked in. Philip admitted that Chloe had asked him to check on her and the baby. Joy guessed that Nancy had been behind the push because she was eager to see Joy squeeze Alex for money. Joy stressed that she only wanted to let Alex be a part of his daughter’s life, not his money. Philip asked about Stephanie. Joy guessed that Stephanie was Philip’s main concern. Philip said he was concerned about all parties in the complicated situation.

Philip told Joy that the Kiriakis family could not offer her a job or much child support because their money was tied up in Titan. Joy reiterated that she was not interested in money, and she asked Philip if he wanted to push her to return to New York. Philip explained that he just wanted to make sure that Joy understood clearly what was going on with the family. Joy stressed that her only focus was to be a good mom.

Theo ran into Gabi in the square, and they sat in the cafe and talked about Lexie. Theo admitted that although he was happy to have his mom back, he was concerned about Abe. Gabi asked Theo if he had quit Dimera because of Lexie, and Theo said yes. Gabi told Theo that Tony did not want Johnny to run the company because he did not see him as a businessman. Eager to make his mom proud, Theo refused to return to DiMra. Gabi admitted that Tony had offered her the job.

“I thought it was all about keeping it in the family,” Theo said. Gabi reminded Theo that she was Stefan’s widow and that she was part of the family. Gabi added that Tony had told her that he had admired how she had handled Tony’s betrayal. Theo agreed that Gabi would make a good CEO. With a shrug, Gabi told Theo she had declined the offer. Gabi noted that other than Theo, Tony had been one of the only DiMeras that she had trusted, and she had learned her lesson.

As Theo reminded Gabi she could talk to him any time about DiMera, Philip interrupted. Philip asked about Lexie. “Getting better by the day,” Theo said. Theo forced a smile, and he left. “Kind of seems like I made Theo uncomfortable,” Philip noted. Gabi confirmed that were true, but only because Philip had interrupted a personal conversation.

Theo walked over to the pub, and he introduced himself to Joy as Abe’s son. As Kelsey started to cry, Theo noticed the stuffed elephant on the floor. When Kelsey stopped crying after she got her elephant back, Theo told Kelsey that he knew how awful it was to lose the things that you wanted.

Save the last dance

Alex and Stephanie on Days of our Lives | Image: JPI

When Alex returned home from his meeting with Joy, he told Stephanie that he would not finalize an agreement until he discussed it with her first. Stephanie asked about the next steps. Alex said they would revise the birth certificate and spend time getting to know Kelsey when they returned from China. Stephanie suggested that Alex skip the wedding and stay behind to bond with Kelsey. Alex did not want Stephanie to go stag to her brother’s wedding, but Stephanie reminded Alex that she would be with her family.

Stephanie told Alex that she believed that his first play date with Kelsey should be on his own. When Stephanie noted that one-on-one time with a parent was important at Kesley’s age, Alex realized that Stephanie had been reading up on parenting. “I’m trying,” Stephanie said. Alex agreed to stay behind. After dinner and a movie, Alex lamented that he would not be at the wedding. Alex turned on some music, and he and Stephanie danced in their living room before they made love.

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