Craig Conover is evolving. He’s not just the life of the party anymore. Conover seeks a deeper connection. In an exclusive interview, he revealed how he transformed his life for love.
“It’s easy to fall into old patterns,” Conover tells PEOPLE. “I used to fill my time with drinking.” But those days are behind him. He stopped drinking regularly to build a future with his girlfriend, Paige DeSorbo. This isn’t merely about personal choice; it’s about commitment.
As he stars in the 10th season of Southern Charm, his story has shifted. He now only drinks every couple of months—an impressive feat for a socialite. It’s a drastic change from his former lifestyle, which revolved around nightly outings. “Having fun became finding balance,” he states.
Conover is not alone in this journey. His father’s decision to quit drinking influenced him significantly. “I could see that my surrender to alcohol wasn’t leading to joy,” he reflects. These revelations led him to take charge of his destiny, wanting to show DeSorbo he was “husband and father material.”
This deep dive into his psyche was not just a personal awakening. Craig now invests his energy into his business, Sewing Down South. “A lot of my focus went away from having a drink to building something meaningful,” he shares. As a result, he feels more grounded than ever.
Imagine attempting to refocus your life while being under the scrutiny of reality television. For Conover and DeSorbo, every decision is amplified in the public eye. Yet, both seem determined to rise above the chaos, focusing on their relationship’s long-term potential.
When questioned about their plans, Conover paints a picture of future security. “We’re playing the long game,” he muses. His idea of love extends beyond fun nights; it’s about building a foundation to last.
This shift has come with social challenges. His Southern Charm co-stars may not understand his journey. “Some people want to keep the party going,” he admits. But for Conover, it’s more than that now; he wants depth. He acknowledges the potential pushback, saying, “Some may not get it right away.”
Shep Rose, another cast member, expressed needing a change, but Conover hesitated to jump in immediately. “My gut said he wasn’t ready to make sacrifices,” he says, reflecting on friendships that sometimes feel due for an update. It shows just how delicate the transformation process is.
Regarding DeSorbo, Conover remains optimistic. Last Thanksgiving, they quelled breakup rumors, signaling their commitment. “When it’s meant to be, everyone feels it, including us,” he says. But it’s not just about romance; it’s about creating a formidable partnership through life’s ups and downs.
Amidst all the intrigue, he also notes the importance of low-pressure commitments. “We’ve taken the pressure off,” he admits. The couple knows marriage is in their future but isn’t fixated on timelines. Reflecting on marriage becomes easier without the noise.
Life, Conover believes, doesn’t need to follow a traditional path. As they travel and learn together, it’s all about communication and understanding. They share countless moments, hinting at deeper connections.
Conover admits he used to fear the changes: “I thought I’d lose myself,” but he learned to reconcile his past and present. This evolution hasn’t blurred his fun side; he’s just found different avenues for joy now. Gardening, workouts, and family activities fill this space.
In the wake of his transformation, sentiments linger. Friends who enjoyed his wild side might need time. “I never considered that people could mourn that part of me,” he states, showing empathy for those grappling with change. Adjusting social ties can be harder than facing his inner struggles.
Yet, this phase isn’t solely about him and DeSorbo. It’s about their future. Starting a family is in the plans, but it’s a delicate dance of timing and preparation. He envisions, “When we do have kids, we want to be present for them.” Conover expresses the importance of work-life balance for family life.
Reflecting on his path, Craig Conover’s story is inspiring. He stands at a crossroads of personal growth and relational hope. Negotiating fame and personal life can feel overwhelming. Still, he’s determined to make his mark as a devoted partner while maintaining clarity about his goals.
In blending these facets of life, Craig’s evolution shines through. He’s stepping away from the party scene, embracing a future filled with commitment and resilience. What further challenges await? Only time will tell, but for Conover, the sky certainly seems the limit.
