The announcement of Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo’s breakup sent shockwaves through the reality TV world, especially for fans of Bravo’s Southern Charm and Summer House. After three years of dating, the couple, who became a fan-favorite due to their public relationship, has decided to go their separate ways. However, for Craig Conover, the split is not just a personal matter, but a deep emotional journey that is transforming both his personal and professional life. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, sources close to Craig reveal the state of his mind post-breakup and how he is attempting to heal and move forward.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Craig’s Emotional Rollercoaster After the Split
The first source shared that Craig has been “in good spirits” since the announcement of the breakup, despite the emotional turbulence he has been experiencing internally. The 35-year-old Southern Charm star has tried to put on a brave face for the public, particularly during the festive season. “He had a lot of fun on New Year’s Eve,” the insider explained, hinting that Craig remained active and engaged with friends, even if the internal sadness was hard to shake.
It’s clear that, despite trying to keep things light on the surface, Craig’s emotional state is not as carefree as it seems. “He’s internally upset over the breakup,” said the source, “but he’s doing his best to stay positive and push through.” His approach? Surrounding himself with a strong support system. Sources reveal that he’s been spending a lot of time with his closest friends and has been focused on creating positive, fun memories.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Temporary Escape to Aspen
To further distract himself and ease his mind, Craig took a brief getaway to Aspen, Colorado, following the breakup announcement. “He spent the last few days in Aspen, trying to get his mind off of things,” the insider revealed. In such a tumultuous time, taking a break from daily life was crucial for Craig, as it allowed him to focus on his emotional well-being away from the pressures of his public life and the media scrutiny that typically follows his every move.
Here's ads banner inside a post
While some might think of Aspen as a place for luxury and indulgence, for Craig, it served as a peaceful retreat. “He’s just trying to be around positive and fun people,” said the source. It’s clear that he’s not running away from his emotions, but instead taking a moment to recalibrate and focus on what truly matters: his mental health and happiness.
The Business of Staying Busy
One thing that has been keeping Craig grounded amidst the emotional chaos is his career. Conover has always been a workhorse, and the breakup seems to have only heightened his focus on his entrepreneurial ventures. He is the founder of Sewing Down South, a home decor brand that has grown exponentially over the past few years. With two locations—one in Charleston and one in Nashville—his business has become a significant part of his life and is providing him with a sense of purpose.
In addition to running his business, Craig is also heavily involved in his podcast Pillows & Beer and recently opened a restaurant, By The Way, with fellow Southern Charm star Austen Kroll. The new venture opened in late 2024, and although the timing may have been less than ideal considering his personal life, it offers Craig a productive and fulfilling way to stay occupied. “He’s really focused on his businesses, and that’s keeping him busy,” said the insider. It’s clear that Craig is channeling his energy into his passions, allowing him to stay forward-focused during this tough time.
A Relationship Tested by Time and Distance
While the decision to break up may have been mutual, the challenges that led to it were far from simple. A second source revealed that the root cause of the split lay in their differing life goals and, notably, the physical distance between them. Craig, who has voiced his desire to settle down, get married, and have children, was ready to take the next step with Paige. However, Paige, who resides in New York City, was not as eager to make such commitments, especially considering the challenges that came with living in different cities.
“Craig was ready for the next steps,” the insider shared. “He had plans to propose to Paige. He was really pushing for the next steps and wanted to settle down with her.” However, Paige was not ready to move to Charleston, where Craig resides, nor did she seem ready to take on the responsibilities of marriage and children anytime soon. For Conover, this sense of uncertainty and the differences in their timelines made it increasingly difficult to maintain the relationship.
The physical distance between New York and Charleston, along with their differing perspectives on the future, created a wedge between the couple. “Logistically, it was never going to work out long term,” the source explained, further elaborating that these tensions made it impossible for the couple to keep going without addressing their future together.
Maturity in the Breakup
Despite the emotional pain, both Craig and Paige have approached the breakup with maturity and respect. Paige recently addressed the split on her Giggly Squad podcast, stating that the decision was amicable and based on their evolving needs and desires. “Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,” she shared. “It wasn’t a bad thing. I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didn’t want.”
Craig and Paige’s maturity in handling their breakup is something that has impressed their friends and fans alike. While their friends were not surprised by the split, the breakup still hit them hard, as many had seen how happy the couple once appeared. “Everyone is sad for them,” the insider admitted, acknowledging that, despite the decision being mutual, it’s still a painful moment for both of them.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Craig
While the breakup is still fresh, sources reveal that Craig and Paige are not cutting all ties just yet. They are in communication and have both expressed that they miss each other. “It’s been a hard transition emotionally so far,” said the first insider. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, both are hopeful that they can remain friends and support each other moving forward.
As for Craig, his journey ahead remains filled with possibilities. With his businesses thriving, his friendships growing stronger, and his personal life on the mend, Craig is taking things one step at a time. His resilience and focus on self-care will likely guide him through this difficult period, and for fans of Southern Charm, this is far from the last chapter in his story.
