Kristin Cavallari recently opened up about her breakup with Mark Estes. On the Tuesday, Oct. 1 episode of her Let’s Be Honest podcast, the Laguna Beach alum, 37, discussed the reasons behind her decision to part ways with the Montana Boyz TikToker, 24, after seven months of dating.
She candidly shared with listeners, “Mark and I broke up,” letting out a sigh. “It’s hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it’s not right, and it’s not because of love lost or something bad happened.”
Kristin Cavallari Shares Insights on Her Relationship with Mark Estes, Calling Him ‘The Best’ in a Heartfelt Revelation.
Cavallari emphasized that there was “no cheating” or malice involved, noting that breakups can be easier when someone has done something to warrant negative feelings. Meanwhile, she described Estes as “nothing but sweet and supportive.”
Reflecting on their relationship, she stated, “He’s been the best boyfriend I’ve ever had. I just know long-term he needs to experience life; he’s young… I started to feel the age a little bit with life experience.” She recalled her own experiences at 24, acknowledging how formative those years are for personal growth.
The television personality admitted she has always been aware of their 13-year age difference, stating she hasn’t ignored his youth. Nevertheless, she reiterated that their relationship was “the best of my life” and characterized it as “very healthy and very mature,” despite their differing life stages.
“He will make someone so happy one day … and he will have a beautiful family of his own,” she expressed, confident that he will one day understand and appreciate her decision.
Cavallari noted that it can be challenging for a 24-year-old to gain perspective on life choices, but she feels equipped to recognize what is best for Estes.
“I don’t regret going public with him. I don’t regret introducing him to my kids,” she shared. “I don’t regret anything. It was such a good, happy relationship. I think with every relationship you learn and grow from, and I will forever look back at Mark and I with such fond memories and just pure happiness.”
Although they have parted ways, Cavallari remains optimistic about maintaining a friendship and expressed her desire to keep him in her life “in some capacity.” She also mentioned having “no interest in getting back into the dating world right now.”
She explained, “I’m really happy and really content having my life right now being about my kids and work,” adding that her focus is on achieving personal happiness, which includes creating a peaceful home environment.
Cavallari elaborated, “I just want to really take care of myself. I’m feeling this energy of just wanting to feel really good and making myself a priority, so I don’t really know where men fall on that list. I guess they sort of don’t, and in a few months, I’m sure that’ll change. But right now, that’s kind of all I want to do.”
Her remarks come after a source confirmed to PEOPLE on Sept. 27 that she and Estes had split. Cavallari also addressed the breakup during Alex Cooper’s Unwell tour stop in Austin, Texas, describing the situation as “fresh.”
Shortly after the news broke, another insider revealed to PEOPLE that the couple had been on different pages prior to their separation. “They were just heading in different directions,” the source explained, citing the age difference as a contributing factor but clarifying that there was no drama involved. “She has love and respect for him.”
