Kristin Cavallari Explains Why She Broke Up with Mark Estes Even Though He Was 'The Best Boyfriend I've Ever Had'

Kristin Cavallari is opening up about her breakup from boyfriend Mark Estes and she’s explaining why she decided to end the relationship, despite him being the “best boyfriend” she ever had.

The 37-year-old jewelry designer and the 24-year-old Montana Boyz TikTok star began dating back in February 2024 and they had a whirlwind relationship that just ended in September 2024.

During the latest episode of her Let’s Be Honest podcast, Kristin explained the reason behind the breakup.

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“It’s hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it’s not right. It’s not because of love lost or something bad happened. No one cheated. No one was mean. No one did anything,” she said. “Those breakups are always the hardest I think because it’s almost easier if the guy does something that makes you hate him.”

Kristin continued, “Mark has been nothing but so sweet and so supportive. He’s always been there. He’s been the best boyfriend I’ve ever had. I just know long-term he needs to experience life.”

Kristin explained how their age gap started becoming an issue.

“I started to feel the age a little bit just with life experience. I look back when I was 24 and how much life has happened for me in between,” she said. “Those are crucial years. Those are formative years. This is when you find yourself. He needs to be able to do that.”

Kristin defended herself from people who initially criticized the age gap, adding that she was “always well aware that he is 24.”

“It wasn’t like I was ignoring that fact that he was younger,” she said.

“I really look at our relationship as such a beautiful relationship. Probably the best relationship of my life, quite honestly,” she said. “It was very healthy and very mature. It was nothing but sweet and loving. Mark is a really good guy. And that’s what makes it hard.”

Kristin thinks that “one day he will thank me” for ending things.

“It was such a good, happy relationship. I will forever look back at Mark and I with such fond memories and pure happiness,” she said. “Mark is someone I would really love to have in my life in some capacity. I do care a lot about him. My kids like him.”

See where Kristin ranks on the list of the richest The Hills cast members.