"An ex for a reason" — Southern Charm star Austen Kroll shares his rules for dating during the holidays

Austen Kroll, from Bravo's Southern Charm, shared dating advice with Us Weekly on December 20, 2024. He stressed the importance of moving forward and avoiding the temptation to rekindle past relationships out of convenience or nostalgia, especially during the holiday season.

“They are an ex for a reason,” he said.

With a blend of personal experience and practical advice, Kroll shared his guidelines for handling holiday dating, covering introductions, gift-giving, and timing for major decisions.

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Southern Charm star Austen Kroll's rules and advice to holiday dating

Navigating new relationships during the holidays

The holiday season, often associated with "cuffing season," is a time when people seek companionship. Kroll noted that starting a new relationship during this period can be a positive move, but it requires careful consideration.

“How serious is this partner and how long have you been dating? Have you been dating for longer than three months?...Then yes, you can introduce your partner to your family during the holidays.” he asked.

For couples that have spent more than three months together, Kroll says that it is logical to invite the partner during the holiday season to meet the family. On the other hand, Kroll warned against rushing in if the relationship is still so young.

Kroll shared that, in terms of dating dynamics, a balance needs to be struck. According to the Southern Charm star, holidays come with social gatherings and expectations, but clarity about the relationship's status and boundaries can help avoid unnecessary complications.

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Avoiding missteps in holiday romance

Kroll also addressed common pitfalls during holiday dating. One key piece of advice is to avoid calling an ex for companionship during the festive season. Kroll suggested that revisiting past relationships might lead to complications rather than comfort.

However, if an ex reaches out with an invitation, the Southern Charm star described it as “dealer’s choice,” leaving the decision up to the individual but with caution. Another potential misstep Kroll highlighted is the timing of ending relationships. He advised against breaking up with a partner just before Christmas, saying,

“If you’re on the fence about the relationship, you wait until after Christmas and the new year, probably [to break up]...That would be cruel to break up with somebody right before Christmas.”

Instead, the Southern Charm star suggested waiting until after the holiday season to make decisions about the future of a relationship, allowing for a more considerate approach.

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Gift-giving and seasonal activities

Gift-giving during the holidays can be a challenge, particularly in new relationships. Kroll admitted that he is not an expert in this area, noting that “gift-giving is not my love language.” While he finds traditional options like jewelry or flowers uninspiring, he recommended consulting trusted friends for advice on meaningful gifts.

“I’m terrible because I feel like jewelry is such a lame gift, but women love jewelry, right?” he questioned. “I don’t know. … I mean are flowers, like, a lame gift? Yes.” he stated.

For holiday activities, Kroll encouraged embracing the season's warmth, whether through movie nights or festive outings. The Southern Charm star shared that this experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen the connection between partners.

“My favorite holiday rom-com to watch by the fire during the holidays at the moment is The Holiday...I’ve seen it two times already this December.” he shared.

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