Kaitlyn Bristowe would love to “share more” about her current romantic relationship — but she’s just not there yet.
“I think it’s definitely a trauma response,” Bristowe, 41, said during the Tuesday, July 14, episode of Amanda Hirsch’s “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast. “I’ve talked to my therapist about it.”
The former Bachelorette star explained that her “last two relationships were so public,” so she took a different approach this time around.
Bristowe was previously engaged to her season 11 winner, Shawn Booth, for three years before their 2018 split. She later got engaged to Jason Tartick, but they announced in 2023 that they had broken up.
“It’s been so sweet,” Bristowe said on Tuesday about her current relationship. “I’m just trying to protect this little bubble, right now, of peace.”
Bristowe has been romantically linked to fellow Bachelor Nation alum Zac Clark since January 2024. While neither of them have publicly confirmed their relationship, they have dropped several hints about being together. Most notably, Bristowe moved to New York City earlier this year, where Clark is also based.
At this point, Bristowe doesn’t think that posting her man on social media will change anything.
“I just think people are like, ‘Oh, finally, she shared it.’ I don’t think it’s going to be a big [thing],” she said. “I want it to be, like, it’s just mixed into a carousel post. I don’t want it to be a big hurrah thing. Look at us.”
Bristowe explained that part of the reason she’s decided to stay private is because of fear.
“I realized how badly I was hurt in that last relationship because I felt like I lost that person who I thought he was to social media. I watched someone change in front of my eyes and not seem like the person I fell in love with,” she explained. “I think I’m so scared of that happening again.”
Bristowe also discussed the possibility of a future with her current man.
“Now, I’m on this third possible engagement,” she said. “If I’m gonna finally talk about someone out loud after however long, I hope this is the person.”
Bristowe added, “My ego holds me back too because I’m like, ‘What if I’m just a failure again in a relationship?’”
However, she’s learned how to be a “better” partner this time around.
“I’ve realized a lot, over my last two [relationships],” Bristowe added. “Not that I was a terrible girlfriend or fiancée.”
