Craig Conover had been planning for the future with Paige DeSorbo by taking proactive steps toward family planning, even months before their relationship ended. In the Jan. 2 episode of Southern Charm, Craig, 35, shared with friends Austen Kroll and Shep Rose that he had decided to freeze his sperm since he and Paige, 32, agreed to wait three to four years before starting a family.
The day prior, he visited a sperm bank to complete the process. “Becoming a dad is one of those things that absolutely has to happen for me someday,” Craig explained to Austen, 37, and Shep, 45. A flashback scene showed Craig discussing the idea with Paige, who responded with shock, saying, “What the f—? That’s like the craziest thing in the world.”
Paige’s shock at Craig’s family planning idea added a dramatic twist to their dynamic
Reflecting on his upbringing, Craig explained during an interview that his ideal vision of life involved a stable home environment like the one he experienced as a child. However, he acknowledged that life doesn’t always follow plans, especially when partnered with someone like Paige, who he described as a “feisty Italian from New York.”
Austen asked whether the family-planning timeline was Craig’s idea or Paige’s. Craig admitted it originated with Paige but made sense to him. Without Paige’s influence, Craig believed he would have followed a traditional sequence of dating, marriage, and then children. For now, they agreed to focus on building their finances.
Craig remained adamant about wanting to become a father but clarified it didn’t have to happen immediately. Austen, however, expressed doubts during a confessional, questioning whether Craig and Paige truly shared the same goals. On Dec. 30, Paige announced on her Giggly Squad podcast that she and Craig had ended their three-year relationship, though she did not specify a reason for the breakup.
Later in the Southern Charm episode, Craig FaceTimed Paige to discuss renovating a space in his home into a multifunctional craft room. While Craig enthusiastically detailed his plans, including areas for his Circuit and embroidery machines, Paige dismissed the idea of dedicating any space for her own use, saying, “What the f—? No.”
The episode also highlighted tension between Craig and Austen over a missed invitation to Patricia Altschul’s 83rd birthday party. Austen explained it was a misunderstanding, believing Craig was out of town and noting they hadn’t spoken much lately. Craig expressed frustration, saying he thought their friendship was fine.
Austen admitted he missed spending time with Craig, pointing out their failed attempts to schedule weekly golf outings. Craig, however, explained his new priorities, including making money, maintaining health, and spending time with Paige.
He also mentioned gardening as a work commitment tied to his brand’s upcoming gardening line. Austen expressed concern about Craig’s response, admitting, “I was so worried that that was how you were going to take it.”
