Rachael Kirkconnell has opened up about her recent breakup with former Bachelor Matt James, delivering her side of the story in an emotional interview on the popular podcast Call Her Daddy hosted by Alex Cooper. Nearly two weeks after James announced their split on Instagram, shocking fans and sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship, Kirkconnell took the opportunity to seek closure for herself and share her experiences.
Their breakup came as a surprise to many, particularly following a solid period of four years together that included frequent appearances on social media. Kirkconnell expressed her desire to speak out, stating, “I wanted to do this for me.” She revealed that she needed to clarify her feelings and move forward after such a significant chapter in her life.
Throughout the interview, Kirkconnell recounted some intimate details of their relationship, including discussions about the future and even engagement ring shopping. She indicated that James had previously encouraged her to start thinking about their future together, mentioning topics like marriage and children. Kirkconnell reflected, “At first, I think marriage scared him a lot… It just seemed easier and easier as our relationship went on.”
However, their relationship took a turn during a trip abroad, where a seemingly minor argument about choosing a restaurant escalated into a significant breakup conversation. Kirkconnell described how James ultimately expressed doubts about their compatibility and his readiness to propose, leading to an overwhelming conclusion for both of them.
Adding to the shock was the timing of James’s Instagram post announcing their split, which Kirkconnell discovered shortly after boarding her flight back to Atlanta. “I’m still in total shock,” she said, underlining the difficulty of processing the breakup publicly. While James attempted to apologize for the way he communicated their breakup, Kirkconnell feels that the situation has irreparably changed their dynamic, stating she doesn’t think they could ever reconcile romantically.
In conclusion, Kirkconnell emphasized the importance of self-respect and moving on from relationships that no longer serve one’s happiness. “I forgive him, but … I felt like he disrespected me,” she stated, reinforcing her commitment to standing up for herself moving forward.
This candid discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of their breakup and the challenges faced in relationships formed in the public eye but also serves as a reminder that self-advocacy and personal growth are vital in the aftermath of heartache.