'Bachelorette' Star Kaitlyn Bristowe Breaks Down While Talking About 'Painful' Breakup With Shawn Booth

Kaitlyn Bristowe has been struggling to "accept" her recent breakup from ex-fiance Shawn Booth.

The former "Bachelorette" star got candid about her split on her "Off The Vine" podcast on Tuesday, addressing the end of her three year relationship earlier this month. The Canadian television personality explained that while fans had suspected the separation "over the past few months," she and Booth wanted to reveal the news on their terms.

"I was getting a lot of messages from people, you know, over the past few months saying, 'we know it's done so just tell us,'" she said. "But, to be honest, I guess I just wasn't ready to accept it, until I was, and that is when we announced it. It had to be on our timeline for our relationship, and not what other people expected from us."

"It's been a really hard few months now," she added. "I really did think we'd get through it."

The reality star explained that she and Booth were in a "crossroads" in their relationship, but she thought they would "choose the road" where they'd end up together.

"I just never took our commitment or being engaged lightly at all," she said, beginning to fight back tears. "I had the mindset of doing whatever it took to make it work. And now realizing maybe to a fault, but I do believe that with all the hard moments in life come life lessons and that's what I need to take from all of this. Sometimes you need to take a moment and take a step back to think about what you are fighting for and if it makes sense for your long-term happiness."

Bristowe said that the two of them realized how "important fundamental values weren't lining up" and there were certain things they'd "probably never see eye-to-eye on."

"We were left with no choice but to be honest with ourselves -- and with each other -- and we are so lucky for the memories we've created and all the beautiful moments that we had," she said.

"I want to reiterate to people, what you saw on social media was real and what we had was real love," she continued. "But when it comes to roadblocks, and those fundamental values and getting through things together, I just don't think we were on the same page -- and it's painful to admit that. But you need that foundation and you need that partnership if it's going to last forever."

The Dew designer expressed that she's not only grieving over her breakup from Booth, but also from losing her dog. The couple's furry friend stayed with Booth.

"Knowing that Tucker isn't in my home anymore --" Bristowe added through tears. "Sometimes I feel like he was almost the glue to our relationship. I clearly love that dog so much, but I will still see him."

Bristowe went on to thank those that have "respected" her decision and for sending "kind messages."

"I know that there are so many bright days ahead and, in a weird way, as much I was dreading releasing that statement and accepting it was the end, it has let me close the door on that thought of forever and start envisioning my new future ahead, which I am excited about," she explained. "I hope with all of this I can choose to look forward and not in the rear view mirror at what could have been and what could have been different."

"I just hope, through this time, I can help other women who might going through a hard time, men too, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel," she added. "And you always have to choose the right path for you and for your own happiness, even if that means battling heartbreak or hard times."

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