AceShowbiz - Before his split from "Summer House" star Paige DeSorbo, Craig Conover, 35, from "Southern Charm, was enthusiastic about his plans to settle down with her. Conover's decision to stop drinking was rooted in his desire to become "more of a husband and father material" for DeSorbo.

He was candid about their long-term commitment, emphasizing their efforts to build a solid foundation for their future together. "We're playing the long game. It would be easy to go for instant gratification, but the foundation that we're building is so that we die together one day, not just make it fun," Conover shared.

He added that they knew marriage was in the cards for them and believed it would be a joyous occasion, though the exact timing was uncertain.

Despite his optimism, Paige DeSorbo confirmed their split in a December 30 episode of her podcast, "Giggly Squad". Despite their breakup, DeSorbo called Conover "definitely the best boyfriend I've ever had," and stressed that there was no animosity between them. "I have so much love and respect for Craig. I think he is one of the best people I have ever met in my entire life," she said.

The reasons behind their separation seem to stem from their life circumstances and evolving priorities. As DeSorbo humorously noted on her podcast, their relationship didn't fit into a dramatic narrative; instead, it was a mature realization of their differing paths and needs.

"I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didn't want, and I think that's extremely powerful to be able to voice how you're feeling in real-time and what you want for your future," DeSorbo elaborated.

The couple's relationship, which began in 2021 after a long-standing friendship transitioning into romance, faced challenges primarily due to their long-distance arrangement - Conover in Charleston and DeSorbo in New York City.

They openly acknowledged the difficulties, with DeSorbo reflecting on the complexity of managing a long-distance relationship. "I really do love my life the way it is," she said, highlighting her commitment to her career in New York.

Conover had even considered what their life together with kids might look like, stating his hopes of staying home with them while balancing their non-traditional lifestyle. Ultimately, it seems that both DeSorbo and Conover recognized the importance of striking a balance between their personal aspirations and their relationship, leading to their amicable split.

Both stars maintain that their relationship fostered immense love and respect, with DeSorbo declaring she would remain Conover's biggest fan. The end of their romance marks a new chapter for both, one founded on personal growth and mutual understanding.