Southern Charm’s Craig Conover Breaks Silence on “Very Unexpected” Breakup From Paige, Admits He Was “Shocked” and Says His Best Friend is “Gone”

Craig Conover has broken his silence in regard to his recent split from Paige DeSorbo.

After Paige, 32, confirmed the news on her podcast, saying the breakup was the “right decision” for them both, the 35-year-old Southern Charm cast member spoke out on his Instagram Story, admitting that he did not expect to be single coming into the New Year as he also vowed to be “kind” to Paige as he moved forward with his life without his “best friend.”

“Hey everyone, what’s up? Oh, figured it’s finally time to check in with everyone. Sorry about the delay. This has all been very, very unexpected to say the least,” he began on January 7.

Following a years-long relationship in which he and Paige split their lives between Charleston and New York City, where Paige recently moved into her “dream apartment,” Craig said he’s having to find out what his “new normal looks like” and focus on the advice he’s been getting from loved ones.

“Gratitude will get you through this. With time comes clarity. All of the advice, I’m trying to listen to,” he noted.

According to Craig, he and Paige broke up prior to the holidays.

“I was very shocked and it’s okay. It takes two people to be in a relationship and you can’t control other people. You can only control how you react to it. So I’m going to be kind to Paige,” he vowed.

Continuing on with a second video shared to his Instagram Story, Craig revealed he’s still processing the breakup.

“It’s your best friend that you talk to all day, every day. And then they’re just gone,” he explained. “So one day I’ll be able to talk more on it, but right now, I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind messages. It has been really nice to read them and it’s just life. I have to take my own advice that I give when I go around and speak at these home shows, that no one’s ever not better off after a breakup.”

While Craig spoke frequently about his plans for marriage and children with Paige, he now has to “practice what [he preaches]” and have faith in God that everything happens for a reason.

“But I love you all and I’ll see everyone on my travels this January. We got a lot coming up,” he concluded.

Southern Charm season 10 airs Thursdays at 9/8 on Bravo.