The Bachelorette season 1 star Trista Sutter is setting the record straight after her husband, Ryan, posted some cryptic messages in her absence that had fans concerned for her well-being. Trista and Ryan met, fell in love, and got engaged during the first season of the reality dating show in 2003. They were married on December 6, 2003, on national television. Together they have two children, Maxwell and Blakesly. Trista was the first Bachelorette and paved the road for many others, including Jenn Tran, who'll star in The Bachelorette season 21 beginning in July.
"I’m safe and sound, happy and healthy, in love and grateful."
In an Instagram post, Trista responded to fan speculation after Ryan posted cryptic Instagram messages about how much he missed her. Fan theories ranged from believing that Trista and Ryan had split up to worrying that Trista had passed away.
Trista's Instagram post began with her jokingly saying, "Geez people. Can’t a girl have a nervous breakdown/trial separation/midlife crisis/death/divorce in peace around here?!" She continued, "In all seriousness, for those concerned, I’m safe and sound, happy and healthy, in love and grateful. For those who’d rather focus on being critical and searching way too hard for darkness, good luck with that."
Trista Had An "Opportunity For Perspective & Personal Growth"
Trista shared a photograph of herself, Ryan, and their two children, which was taken on a beach in Mexico. In regard to her absence, she explained, "An opportunity for perspective and personal growth presented itself and with the unconditional support of my family and friends, I chose myself and betterment." Trista added that the "stoic" Ryan, "who usually chooses privacy over posting," decided to share his love for her in messages that he knew she'd see in her travels. She added that Ryan "doesn’t owe anyone any explanation or require permission to post what he wants." Trista promised that she'd share "the rest of the story" "in due time."
While Trista is correct that Ryan doesn't "owe" anyone an explanation for his posts, they do need to remember that they're public figures and messages like his will cause concern. Most fans were simply worried about Trista because of Ryan's words. Trista's post also said, "We look at Instagram like a digital diary." While this might be fine for people who aren't celebrities, it's unrealistic for Trista and Ryan to believe that they can simply post their "diary" entries and not expect any public reaction. Perhaps they don't realize just how loved and cherished they are as Bachelor Nation's longest and most successful relationship at 21 years.
As for why Trista was away, many people have speculated that she might've been gone because she was filming another reality television show, such as Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. The challenging reality competition show would certainly be an opportunity for personal growth. Trista wouldn't be the first Bachelor Nation member to take on the show. Hannah Brown passed the course during Special Forces season 1, while Tyler Cameron and Nick Viall did the same in season 2. Whatever Trista was doing, hopefully she got what she wanted out of it. It's definitely a relief to know that she's safe and sound and back with Ryan and their children.
