Kaitlyn Bristowe has opened up about her past engagements, describing her connection with ex-fiancé Jason Tartick as potentially a “trauma bond.” During an episode of Bobby Bones’ podcast on November 22, 2023, Bristowe reflected on her relationships with both Tartick and her former fiancé Shawn Booth.
Bristowe, 40, first became known to the public after her appearance on season 11 of *The Bachelorette* in 2015. She and Booth, 38, were engaged for approximately three years before announcing their split in 2018. Bristowe mentioned, “In the contract for *The Bachelorette*, if you stay together longer than two years, you get to keep the ring. So I still have the ring from that, but we broke up.”
Following her breakup with Booth, Bristowe began dating Tartick, 37. She remarked on their relationship, saying, “I started dating another ‘Bachelor’ guy which was… in my head, it just felt… you know when you bond with people— I guess it could be a trauma bond and you just know what other people go through.”
The couple got engaged in 2021 but announced their separation two years later. In a joint statement on Instagram, they expressed, “After sharing the news with family and close friends first, and taking the time to properly process it ourselves, we are saddened with heavy hearts to share that we have decided to end our engagement.”
In the aftermath of their split, both Bristowe and Tartick have continued to make headlines. Bristowe notably commented on Tartick’s adoption of a dog named Teddy, claiming the name was her “dream baby name” and that Tartick was aware of this before choosing it.
Bristowe has since stated, “Navigating a world where sharing your story is risky, freeing and extremely hard,” adding that she encourages others to embrace their truth. She expressed a desire to move forward while acknowledging the complexities of her past relationship, stating, “Do I have anxiety around my calculated response? Do I think he subtly shades me a lot? Yes. But I’m choosing light, and prayer. Moving forward. For everyone.”
Recently, during a live taping of *Dancing With the Stars*, Bristowe and Tartick were spotted sitting near each other, indicating that the two may still have a connection. In the wake of her breakup with Tartick, Bristowe has sparked rumors of a new romance with fellow Bachelor Nation member Zac Clark, although she has kept details of that relationship private. In an interview with *Us Weekly*, she noted, “Privacy is so hot, like, I am turned on by being private.”
Meanwhile, Tartick has been linked to influencer Kat Stickler and is now reportedly dating Kathryn Hurley, founder of Wags & Walks Nashville. The couple was recently seen together at the opening of Craig’s in Nashville, although they have not publicly confirmed their relationship.
As Bristowe reflects on her past relationships, she emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the complexities that come with sharing one’s story in the public eye.
