In a surprising revelation, former *Bachelor* contestant Rachael Kirkconnell recently opened up about her breakup with Matt James, sharing her thoughts on their relationship and what led to their split. Appearing on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy” on January 28th, Kirkconnell discussed how unexpected the end of their four-year romance was, especially since they had been discussing marriage just days before their breakup.

The Shocking Announcement

The couple announced their breakup via Instagram on January 16th, a move that seemingly took Kirkconnell by surprise. According to her, James’s communication about their separation left much to be desired, feeling like she was left in the dark about many of his thoughts. The announcement included a mention of seeking healing through prayer, which left many fans questioning what really happened between the pair.

Unequal Living Situations

One of the topics Kirkconnell addressed was their unique living arrangement. Despite spending a lot of time together, the couple never officially lived together, which eventually raised some red flags for her. Kirkconnell shared that James’s strong religious beliefs influenced their decision to avoid cohabitation, even though they frequently stayed at each other’s homes. This unusual situation contributed to feelings of insecurity and power imbalance in their relationship.

Concerns About Compatibility

Kirkconnell revealed that James had expressed doubts about their long-term compatibility, which was a significant concern leading up to their breakup. She recalled how James voiced his reluctance about marriage, stating he did not see himself proposing or building a future with her. Such discussions can be challenging, especially when expectations are high, and it seems both had different views about what their future would hold.

A Trip to Tokyo

The couple’s breakup came shortly after a trip to Tokyo, which was meant to be a romantic getaway. Kirkconnell admitted that she felt blindsided, especially since they had spoken about marriage days before the trip. It’s quite common for couples to have disagreements leading up to a breakup, and Kirkconnell mentioned that one particular argument about a restaurant added tension to their relationship. Such moments can magnify underlying issues.

Social Media Reactions

Following the announcement of their split, Kirkconnell’s reactions on social media suggested she felt as though the announcement had caught her off guard. She even liked comments from fans who suggested the breakup seemed sudden, leading many to believe there was much more happening behind the scenes. Maintaining a public relationship can be challenging, especially when private feelings become intertwined with social media perceptions.

Addressing Infidelity Rumors

In the wake of their split, many fans speculated about the cause, but Kirkconnell was clear in denying that infidelity was a factor. She insisted that despite feeling disrespected at times, she did not believe James had cheated on her. This stance helps to clarify that their breakup, while painful, stemmed from deeper compatibility issues rather than betrayal.

Looking Forward

As Kirkconnell navigates this difficult time, she emphasized that while she still considers James a good person, the relationship had ultimately run its course. Both individuals had enjoyed many fun experiences together, but it seems that the happiness they had could not outweigh their differences. Kirkconnell remains hopeful and wishes James all the best, even as she takes the time to heal and reflect on the lessons learned from their relationship.