Kristin Cavallari being back on the dating scene is big news — but this time she’s older, wiser and has a few rock solid dealbreakers that she’s exclusively revealed to Us.
It’s been three years since Cavallari, 38, divorced Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler, with whom she shares sons Camden, 12, and Jaxon, 10, and daughter Saylor, 9. Since then, she’s dated influencer Mark Estes but has been officially single since their September 2024 split. While she’s been dabbling — including via the gatekept, celebrity-friendly dating app Raya — she hasn’t yet thrown herself headfirst back into the dating pool. Sure, she’d like to meet someone, but, as we’ve all seen on her new E! show Honestly Cavallari, her kids come first.
“I actually haven’t dated at all this year,” she tells Us. “It’s going to take someone so incredibly special to take up that little bit of free time that I have. I think a lot of times dating was like passing time. Instead of just being alone or sitting with myself, it was really easy to flirt or text someone, even though deep down I knew they were not my future husband. What I’ve realized is that it’s all noise.”
Deprioritizing dating has given Cavallari time to reflect on what she really wants from her next big relationship — and that’s why she now has a few important dating rules.
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Rule 1: NO SWIPING!
Cavallari has hooked up with men via apps in the past, but this time she’s determined to do things the old-fashioned way — by which we mean real life, not Match.com. “I’ve sworn off dating apps and am manifesting meeting someone in real life,” she told Us.
Rule 2: NO MANCHILDREN!
Alexa, play Sabrina Carpenter! Cavallari needs a guy who understands she’s a mom first — which means her kids need to approve too. “They agree with my rules, which are now no one younger and no one without kids,” she says. “They do have very strong opinions!” Commiserations to any guys under 35 or so who were hoping they might stand a chance with the gorgeous former Laguna Beach star — you’re just too young!
Rule 3: NO CELEBRITIES!
She might have been married to a high-profile athlete, as well as admitting on her show that she “dry-humped” Hollywood star Glen Powell, but now she says she’s had her fill of famous men. “I just want to meet a normal guy!” she insists. We’re not sure whether influencers like Harry Jowsey count as celebrities, though — watch this space!
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Rule 4: NO SETTLING!
Despite the fact that Cavallari is definitely a catch, she got annoyed when her BFF Justin Anderson suggested on the show that it’s easy for her to meet someone. “Telling a single woman that it’s easy to find someone is the absolute worst thing to say,” she says. “It’s actually very hard for me to meet someone that I’m attracted to who I’m also compatible with. It’s very rare that I like someone and the past couple of men I have liked weren’t good matches long term for me. I just refuse to settle even in the slightest so I’m waiting for my ‘perfect’.” Too right!
Rule 5: NO COMMITMENT-PHOBES!
She’s had enough of casual dating — and divorce hasn’t put her off getting married again; now Cavallari is seeking out husband material. “I would love to get married again when the time is right,” she reveals. “I’m a completely different person than I was in my twenties, so the entire thing will be different.” Good luck Kristin — but just remember, sometimes rules are made to be broken …
