This Still-Married Bachelor Contestant Points Out What Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Missed for True Marital Bliss

In the complicated world of reality dating shows, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s love story truly stood out, reminding us love knows no age limit. Their connection sparked on Golden Bachelor, captivating audiences with undeniable chemistry that blossomed into an epic love story. Cheered on by their fellow Golden Bachelor contestants, their engagement led to a magical, live-aired wedding in January. Yet, in a twist worthy of its own dramatic episode, the couple announced on Good Morning America last Friday, guided by their prenup, that they’re divorcing. It’s a reminder that even in the most enchanting love stories, reality can have its own script — and no one knows that better than fellow Bachelor contestants.

While the two seem to be amicable about the divorce, despite rumors otherwise, Trista Sutter, the original Bachelorette who has enjoyed nearly two decades of marriage to Ryan Sutter, thinks she might know exactly where Turner and Nist might have strayed from the path to lasting happiness.

“I thought, personally — when they did announce that they were going to be getting married so quickly — I thought, well, good for them, because if they know they know, then just do it,” Sutter shared on the Almost Famous podcast, which is hosted by fellow Bachelor alum Ashley Iaconetti and Bob Guiney, per Us Weekly.

This initial reaction echoed the sentiments of many fans: if true love is in the cards, why wait? However, it appears that, just like lovestruck teenagers, older individuals re-entering the dating scene can also become overly eager and move too quickly. Reports suggest that Nist was hesitant to relocate from New Jersey to South Carolina to be with Turner, who is currently residing in Indiana, due to her career commitments.

“But now hindsight’s 20/20 and you’re like, maybe you should have taken a beat and lived in the same home for a while.” This comment touches on an essential aspect of relationship-building that Turner and Nist perhaps overlooked: the value of spending quality time together off camera before making any lifelong commitments, no matter how “sure” you are.

“They both still love each other, but there’s only so much love can get over. If one person is living in one place and the other is living in another and they just can’t compromise, then there’s nothing to talk about,” Sutter explained. The inability to find common ground, especially regarding where to live, can indeed be a dealbreaker, regardless of the love shared between partners.

“If you’re deciding to prioritize where you’re living currently, then I think it should have been discussed.” Here, Trista points out another potential misstep by Turner and Nist: failing to have crucial conversations about each partner’s needs and priorities.

In the broader context of Bachelor Nation, lasting relationships are the exception rather than the rule. Icons like Trista and Ryan Sutter, Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici, and Arie Luyendyk Jr. with Lauren Burnham, wear this rare crown with pride. Though Turner and Nist didn’t make the cut, their tale highlights the rollercoaster of public romance, underlining the need for patience, communication, and compromise in the quest for enduring love.

Before you go, click here to see all of the ‘Bachelor’ & ‘Bachelorette’ couples who are still together: