Jessi Draper is sharing an honest update on her love life just one month after her estranged husband Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce. In an April 25 Instagram video, the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star reflected on her five-year marriage and her approach to moving forward.
"I did a lot of mourning in my relationship," she said. "I know a lot of people don't understand that I'm dating and hanging out and just having fun. When you're in a relationship where you don't feel valued or treated well, it feels so nice to talk to people who make you feel valued."
Jordan, who shares sons Jagger and Jovi with Jessi as well as daughter Peyton from a previous relationship, filed for divorce on March 19. Since then, the hairstylist has been candid about seeing multiple suitors, but she emphasized that her dating life doesn't interfere with her responsibilities as a mother.
"I have my kids 50 percent of the time now, so I am focusing on healing and spending time with them," she explained. "But when I don't have them, I'm also focusing on myself and reprioritizing being happy. It's been really fun to just be happy and giddy and let loose, and see that men don't have to be what I've experienced for so long."
Jessi, who has been linked to Vanderpump Villa costar Marciano Brunette after they were seen kissing, noted that therapy and journaling are key parts of her healing process. However, she believes "another part of healing is dating."
"I am definitely jaded when it comes to relationships now and I am really scared," she admitted. "So it's been kind of nice to just be happy again and experience other things. I do plan on being single for a long time, just hanging out with different people, having fun, finding connections, and focusing on myself."
She also shared that she no longer wants to "talk badly" about her divorce, adding that she lived in "fight or flight" mode for years. With Mormon Wives resuming filming after a brief hiatus, Jessi is ready to share her story on camera.
"Divorce is so freaking scary and hard and heartbreaking," she said. "I am so excited to film again and show that process for me."