Real Housewives of New York fans know that Bethenny Frankel’s love life has been on a roller coaster most of the time she has been a cast member. In the early seasons of the show, divorced Bethenny made it clear she wanted a family. Along came Jason Hoppy, for better or worse. The two quickly became engaged, got married and had daughter Bryn Hoppy in 2010. The couple split after a few years and have been battling off and on in court ever since over everything from custody to finances. Jason was even charged with stalking Bethenny a few years ago.
Surprisingly, the former couple is still legally married as their divorce has never been finalized. Bethenny eventually moved on to an on-again, off-again relationship with Dennis Shields, which lasted for a number of years. Sadly, Dennis died in August of 2018. Since then, Bethenny has rekindled a relationship with Paul Bernon, whom she had dated briefly before. Happily for Bethenny, this relationship has lasted and appears solid.
Bethenny’s birthday was earlier this week and Paul expressed his affection for her on Instagram. In his post, Paul declared, “Happy birthday! You have brought me true happiness, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. No one is smarter, funnier, or makes a bigger impact to help those around us.”
Time to cue the awes! That is a really nice way to express his affection for Bethenny. She might not be the easiest person in the world, but everyone deserves that special someone who always has their back.
Paul went on to say, “Thank you for being the most loving partner. I can’t wait to celebrate you today.” I am sure that Bethenny appreciates such warm sentiments, as she has been through more than her share of adversity in her love life.
In an Instagram post of her own, Bethenny acknowledged her birthday greetings by stating, “Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Beyond grateful to celebrate with my family and friends… and YOU.” Her post was accompanied by a photo of herself with Paul. Whom I assume is the “YOU” in her post. I know it’s not Luann de Lesseps!
Viewers never got to see Paul on RHONY and now that Bethenny has left the show, that ship has probably sailed. Although Bethenny said her departure was to focus on her daughter, philanthropy and business ventures, you have to wonder if Paul wasn’t also part of the equation in her decision. Filming can be hell on relationships.
There has been some chatter about the couple’s future. Former co-star Sonja Morgan thinks Paul is Bethenny’s “soulmate.” Bethenny made a Twitter joke about being the only RHONY cast member who was actually married over the summer, leading to false speculation she had tied the knot with Paul. A photo Bethenny posted on Instagram with Bryn in September led to fans wondering if she was engaged, as she was wearing a shiny sparkler on her ring finger.
Time will tell what happens for the couple. Anyways, Happy Belated 49th Birthday, Bethenny–just one year away from nifty fifty!
TELL US–DO YOU THINK THAT BETHENNY HAS FINALLY FOUND HER LIFE PARTNER? DO YOU THINK HER LIFE WILL EVER BE DRAMA FREE?
[Photo Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo]