Kaitlyn Bristowe has opened up about her past relationships, particularly her engagement to Jason Tartick, suggesting that their connection may have stemmed from shared experiences of trauma. During an episode of the “Bobbycast” podcast on **November 22, 2023**, Bristowe, 40, discussed her engagement to Shawn Booth, 38, whom she dated for over three years after meeting on the reality show *The Bachelorette* in 2015.
Reflecting on her past, Bristowe stated, “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.” The couple announced their separation in 2018, after being engaged since the season finale.
Bristowe went on to explain her subsequent relationship with Tartick, 37. “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,” she reflected. This connection led to their engagement in 2021, but they ended their relationship two years later, confirming the split in a joint Instagram post.
“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,” they wrote. The post expressed gratitude for the support they received during this challenging time.
In the aftermath of their separation, Bristowe and Tartick have continued to attract media attention. In April, Bristowe commented on Tartick’s decision to name his newly adopted dog Teddy, stating it was her “dream baby name” and implying that her ex was aware of her preference prior to choosing the name.
Bristowe elaborated on her feelings regarding their relationship dynamics, saying, “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.” She expressed a desire to move forward while acknowledging the emotional challenges involved.
Despite the complexities of their past, Bristowe and Tartick were recently spotted at a live taping of *Dancing With the Stars*, indicating a cordial relationship. Since their split, Bristowe has been linked to fellow Bachelor Nation member Zac Clark, although she has chosen to remain private about her current relationship status.
“Privacy is so hot, like, I am turned on by being private. There’s something really special and sacred about it,” she told *Us Weekly* in August. Meanwhile, Tartick has been linked to Kathryn Hurley, founder of Wags & Walks Nashville, although neither party has made official comments on their relationship.
As both individuals navigate their respective journeys post-engagement, the story of their relationship continues to resonate with fans and followers, highlighting the intertwined nature of personal experiences and public life within the realm of reality television.
