Kaitlyn Bristowe Reflects on Past Bachelor Nation Engagements and "Trauma Bonds"
Bachelor Nation’s Kaitlyn Bristowe is reflecting on her past romances with ex-fiancés Shawn Booth and Jason Tartick.
During the Saturday, November 22, episode of Bobby Bones’ “Bobbycast” podcast, Bristowe, 40, explained of Booth, 38, “I was in a relationship with him for three and a half years.” She added, “According to the Bachelorette contract, if you remain together for over two years, you are entitled to keep the ring. So, I still possess that ring, despite our split.”
Bristowe and Booth first met on The Bachelorette season, which aired in 2015. The couple was engaged from the season finale until their separation announcement in 2018.
Bristowe recounted, referring to Tartick, 37, “I started dating another ‘Bachelor’ guy which was … in my head, it just felt … you know when you bond with people — I suppose it could be a shared experience or ‘trauma bond’ and you just understand what others go through.” She continued, “So my thought was, ‘Oh, I’ll pursue another Bachelor alum.’ Perfect.”
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Months after Bristowe and Booth confirmed their split, the former Bachelorette revealed she had moved on with Tartick. The couple became engaged in 2021, but announced their separation two years later.
“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,” the duo wrote in a joint Instagram post at the time. “We are thankful for all of you who gave us the time and space to process this life-altering decision as there are many emotions and changes to navigate.”
In the years following their separation, Bristowe and Tartick have continued to generate headlines for their comments about their relationship — and the complicated aftermath. After Tartick adopted a dog named Teddy, Bristowe claimed in April that the moniker was her “dream baby name” and that her ex was aware of this fact before choosing the name for his dog.
“Navigating a world where sharing your story is risky, freeing, and extremely hard. But I encourage everyone to think about ‘yes and.’ I do not wish ill on anyone. I’m choosing now to ‘let them,’ and I&m glad I gave some context,” Bristowe wrote via Facebook at the time. “I don’t like that I’m still talking about it, but it felt good to stand up for myself. I, of course, have moved on, AND, it doesn’t mean I can’t speak my truth.”
Kaitlyn Bristowe Lightheartedly Comments on ‘Two Broken Engagements’ Following Jason Tartick’s Departure
She continued, “Do I have anxiety around my calculated response? Do I think he subtly criticizes me a lot? Yes. But I’m choosing light and prayer. Moving forward. For everyone.”
Earlier this month, Bristowe and Tartick were seen seated near each other at a Dancing With the Stars live taping while watching the semi-finals.
Since her split from Tartick, Bristowe is rumored to be linked to Bachelor Nation’s Zac Clark. The twosome have yet to address their relationship status, and Bristowe has hinted at remaining tight-lipped about it.
“Maintaining privacy is incredibly appealing; I find discretion very attractive. There’s something truly special and sacred about it,” Bristowe exclusively told Us Weekly in August.
Tartick, meanwhile, was previously associated with influencer Kat Stickler before Us validated his current relationship with Wags & Walks Nashville founder Kathryn Hurley. While the couple has not officially spoken about their romance, Tartick and Hurley appeared affectionate at the recent opening of Craig’s in Nashville, as captured in a photo shared via X by hospitality expert Dante Deiana. Us Weekly had contacted Tartick’s representative and Hurley for comment at that time.
