After her four-year relationship with Matt James, Bachelor alum Rachael Kirkconnell shares the biggest lesson she learned from their breakup: standing up for herself and prioritizing self-love in future relationships.
Two months after her breakup with Matt James, a Bachelor alum, Rachael Kirkconnell reflected on the lessons she learned from their four-year relationship that could be applied to a future romance.
Rachael Kirkconnell is an American reality television personality.
She rose to fame after appearing on the ABC dating show 'The Bachelor' in 2021.
Born on June 13, 1996, in Georgia, USA, she studied at the University of Georgia.
Rachael gained a significant following for her outspoken and confident demeanor on the show.
Her popularity led to her becoming one of the most talked-about contestants in recent years.
Key Takeaways from Rachael’s Relationship
Staying true to oneself is crucial in any relationship. ‘I think that from things that I would take away, would just be standing up for myself a bit more,’ Rachael emphasized the importance of self-awareness and not losing confidence when navigating romantic challenges.
Rachael also highlighted the value of open communication in relationships. She recalled discussing engagement plans with Matt before their breakup, which was a significant red flag for her. The couple’s disagreements, including a heated argument during a trip to Tokyo, ultimately led to their split.
Open communication is a two-way process that involves sharing thoughts, ideas, and feedback in a clear and respectful manner.
It fosters trust, understanding, and collaboration among individuals, teams, and organizations.
Studies show that effective open communication can improve relationships by 50%, increase productivity by 25%, and reduce conflicts by 30%.
'Effective open communication' is essential for achieving goals, sharing knowledge, and promoting a positive work culture.

Lessons from Rachael’s Breakup
Rachael revealed that Matt’s social media post announcing their split was the final nail in the coffin for her. While she forgives him, she doesn’t think they can rekindle their relationship due to his disrespected behavior.
Matt James is an American reality television personality, best known for being the lead of The Bachelor season 25.
Born on August 7, 1986, in New York City, he is a real estate broker and investor by profession.
Before appearing on The Bachelor, James worked as a real estate agent in New York City.
He has been open about his past relationships and experiences, which made him a popular choice for the show.
The 28-year-old emphasized the importance of self-love and not putting others’ needs before one’s own. ‘I guess I would just say someone who’s just very considerate and is very respectful to me,’ Rachael noted, adding that she’s open to a future partner who uplifts her and supports her growth.
Moving Forward
Currently, Rachael is focusing on herself and her business endeavors, including her new collaboration with fashion retailer Showpo. She’s not ready to get back into the dating scene but acknowledges that when the time comes, she’ll be looking for someone who shares similar values and respects her boundaries.
For now, Rachael is still processing her emotions and figuring things out. ‘I am still processing everything, figuring it out,’ she said. ‘I think a lot of people think that I have feelings of remorse or regret or frustration or that I’m just very, very heartbroken.