Bethenny Frankel has opened up about her fears of dating, likening her hesitance to the anxiety of experiencing food poisoning, revealing her struggle to connect with potential partners after past relationships, including her recent split from Tom Villante, and expressing a deep desire for love despite her emotional barriers.

Bethenny Frankel, the outspoken reality TV star and entrepreneur, has candidly shared her struggles with dating in a recent TikTok video, revealing her deep-seated fears and hesitations.

The former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” now 54, took to social media on August 10, 2025, to express her feelings about re-entering the dating scene after a period of solitude.

In her heartfelt confession, Frankel likened her aversion to dating to the fear one might experience after suffering from food poisoning.

“I’m afraid to date,” she stated in the video, capturing the attention of her followers. “It’s not like I’m actually actively afraid.

It’s like I am so hesitant, because you know how, like, when you get food poisoning, you’re just scared to eat that food again, even though rationally you know that, like, you’re likely not gonna get food poisoning again from that same food, but you just can’t bring yourself to do it?” Her analogy resonated with many who have faced similar fears in their own lives.

Frankel elaborated on her dating experiences, describing a pattern of dipping her toes into potential relationships only to retreat at the last moment.

“I dip my foot in and think I’m gonna do it, and then start talking to someone, and then I run away,” she explained, comparing the experience to stepping into a cold pool. “I like stick my foot in the pool and then I’m like, ‘It’s too cold.

I don’t want to go in,’ and I’m doing that a lot.” This vivid imagery painted a clear picture of her emotional state, highlighting the internal struggle she faces when considering romance.

Although Bethenny has been linked to businessman Tom Villante in the past, their relationship appears to have fizzled out.

The two made their first public appearance together at the Yellowstone New York City premiere on November 7, 2024, and shortly after, Frankel shared a cozy Instagram post featuring Villante building a fire for her.

However, by December 2024, they were no longer seen together, and Frankel has not publicly addressed their breakup.

Before her brief romance with Villante, Frankel was engaged to Paul Bernon. The couple got engaged in March 2021 after three years of dating but called it quits in May 2024.

Frankel’s tumultuous romantic history also includes a previous marriage to Jason Hoppy, with whom she shares a 15-year-old daughter, Bryn, and a brief marriage to entertainment executive Peter Sussman in the late ’90s.

In a podcast appearance earlier this year, Frankel discussed the challenges of finding a partner who can handle her success, stating, “It is difficult to find a partner who isn’t jealous of my success.”

This sentiment reflects her ongoing struggle not only to find love but also to maintain a healthy relationship dynamic amid her high-profile career.

As Frankel navigates her fears and hesitations about dating, her honesty has struck a chord with many fans who appreciate her vulnerability.

The reality star has built a brand around her candidness, whether discussing her entrepreneurial ventures with Skinnygirl or her personal life on social media.

With her career thriving and a loyal fanbase supporting her, Bethenny Frankel’s journey through love and relationships continues to be a topic of interest.

As she reflects on her past experiences and contemplates the future, many are left wondering if and when she will take the plunge back into the dating pool.

Will she eventually find the warmth and comfort she seeks, or will her fears continue to hold her back? The world watches as Frankel navigates this complex chapter of her life, hoping for the best as she seeks happiness and connection.