Katie Thurston, now engaged to comedian Jeff Arcuri, recently opened up about how her experience on The Bachelorette reshaped her approach to dating. The 33-year-old shared insights during an Instagram Q&A on December 29, reflecting on lessons learned from her time in the spotlight.
“Dating with a large audience was the biggest adjustment,” Thurston explained. “I needed someone who wasn’t intimidated by my following or eager to leverage it. If someone had skeletons in their closet, they’d surface quickly — which worked to my advantage.”
Thurston, who previously got engaged to Blake Moynes during season 17 of The Bachelorette and later appeared on FBoy Island, emphasized the importance of discretion when dating publicly.
“I discovered it’s best not to post about someone within the first 90 days of dating,” she said. “Doing so often extended relationships past their natural end, just to avoid public embarrassment.”
Katie met Arcuri, 37, in April 2024, and their romance quickly blossomed. Jeff proposed on August 26 at Secret Beach in Kauai, Hawaii. Reflecting on their fast-paced relationship, Katie addressed critics with humor: “No no no. You can’t root for me on a reality dating show and then question this.”
She elaborated, “At 34 (almost), and Jeff at 37, we’re two independent adults who know what we want. Starting with long-distance dating gave us an unmatched foundation. For the first time, I understand the phrase, ‘when you know, you know.’ I feel it deeply for him, and those close to us see and understand it too.”
The couple’s engagement announcement was accompanied by the phrase “When you know you know” and photos of their scenic proposal. Thurston revealed that their relationship thrives on mutual support, openness, and emotional sensitivity.
“I won’t claim we’re perfect,” she admitted. “But when others saw challenges or quirks in us, we embraced, healed, and supported those parts. We’re both sensitive, which fosters patience and understanding. We openly work through disagreements and enjoy being quirky together.”
Katie and Jeff share a down-to-earth perspective, balancing humility with their public personas. She praised Jeff’s dedication as a comedian, noting it inspired her decision to move to New York in 2025.
As they plan their wedding, the couple envisions a venue with “outdoor forest” or Pacific Northwest vibes, ideally without unpredictable weather. Katie’s journey from reality TV to real-life love has been transformative, and her engagement marks the beginning of a deeply connected future with Jeff.
