In a candid revelation, Shannon Beador, the star of “Real Housewives of Orange County,” shared how stepping back from the dating scene has transformed her life for the better. Following her arrest for DUI in September 2023, Beador made the intentional choice to remain single for an entire year, prioritizing her mental health and personal growth.
During an appearance on Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast, Beador highlighted that the decision to forgo relationships cultivated an unexpected happiness within her, marking what she described as the happiest period of her life. “I can honestly say that today and in these last two years I’ve never been happier,” Beador remarked, indicating a significant shift in her self-identity.
The 61-year-old reality star is traditionally known as a “relationship girl,” often defining herself through her partnerships. However, her recent journey demonstrated a profound personal evolution, as she reflected, “I am good being by myself… that’s a lot of growth for me.” This introspection allowed Beador to reconsider her past and her choices, illuminating the underlying issues that contributed to her DUI incident.
Shannon’s DUI arrest stemmed from an argument with her boyfriend at the time, John Janssen, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship from 2019 until their ultimate split in 2023. Initially facing charges for a hit-and-run after crashing into a home, the charge was dismissed once she compensated for the damages. Ultimately, Beador pled no contest to DUI charges, receiving three years of probation, community service, and a mandated alcohol program.
Reflecting on her past relationship with Janssen, Beador acknowledged, “I stayed in a relationship that I knew wasn’t healthy, and I made the choices. Nobody put a gun to my head and said, ‘Get in the car.’ I did it, and I’ll own it over and over again.” This level of accountability showcases her commitment to understanding and learning from her past mistakes.
Shortly after her DUI, Beador and Janssen ended their relationship definitively. While Janssen has since moved on and is engaged to fellow RHOC star Alexis Bellino, Beador continues to navigate the complexities of her past as she steps back into the dating world.
Currently, she is starring in Bravo’s “Love Hotel,” a reality show where she and several fellow “Real Housewives” search for romance in picturesque Los Cabos, Mexico. The program arrives at a pivotal moment for Beador, enabling her to rediscover love after a turbulent chapter of her life.
Bellino, showing support for Beador’s new journey, expressed a desire for her to find a lasting partner, quipping, “Well thank God, so she can stop obsessing over John and I… we pray she finds her Mr. Right.” This playful yet supportive acknowledgment speaks volumes about the camaraderie within this unique circle of friends.