The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards opened up about her first romantic relationship since her 27-year marriage to Mauricio Umansky ended in July 2023. In the December 11 episode, Richards revealed that speculation and gossip from fellow housewives ultimately caused the relationship to end, despite her strong feelings for her partner.

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Richards Talks About Keeping Her Romance Private

During an intimate conversation with co-star Erika Jayne, Richards explained why she had chosen to keep the relationship under wraps:

“Erika, if you were seeing someone that you cared very much about, that specifically says, ‘Please, I’m not a part of this group, be respectful.’ Would you betray that person because people are curious?”

Richards emphasized her honesty and openness:

“I’ve always told everybody to be honest, and I’m an honest person. I’m not a liar. But I don’t know what people want from me. I am single now, okay? I was seeing someone who I cared about very much.”

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Relationship Details and Challenges

In a confessional, Richards reflected on her connection with her former partner, whom she described as someone she “fell hard for” after her split from Umansky. She noted:

“When I’m in love with somebody, I want to share that. I’m an open person like that. That doesn’t mean the person I’m with feels the same way. All the speculation and the gossip and the talking is ultimately what ended it. I could’ve weathered the storm, but this is not for everyone.”

While Richards did not publicly disclose her partner’s identity, she previously sparked romance rumors with musician Morgan Wade in 2023, after appearing in Wade’s music video for “Fall in Love with Me.” She admitted during RHOBH season 14’s reunion that public attention caused anxiety for both her and Wade, contributing to her decision to stay quiet.

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Erika Jayne on Richards’ Post-Divorce Journey

Jayne commented in a confessional on Richards’ emotional journey:

“Imagine getting out of a close to 30-year marriage, unexpectedly falling in love with someone, but you can’t talk about that love. That’s a really hard place to be. Even though this relationship is over, the women are still going to question Kyle until she addresses it once and for all.”

Jayne praised Richards’ honesty and vulnerability:

“She’s the most honest with herself than she’s ever been in her entire life. She’s open, understanding, finally willing to be vulnerable. I’m very proud of Kyle.”

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Looking Ahead: Kyle Richards’ Dating Life

Ahead of the December 4 premiere of RHOBH season 15, Richards told PEOPLE she still hopes to settle down and remarry one day:

“I hope to get married again one day. I mean, listen, I’m someone who really enjoys being married. So I won’t be single my whole life.”

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Peacock.