ON BEATING THE BACHELOR CURSE: You Have to Put Your Relationship First

The original Bachelorette shares the secrets of her success

The odds weren’t exactly in their favor. But Trista and Ryan Sutter — who fell in love on the debut season of  The Bachelorette back in 2003 — have the longest-lasting union in franchise history. “The No. 1 thing is prioritizing your relationship,” says the 50-year-old mom of two. (She and the firefighter share son Maxwell, 15, and daughter Blakesley, 13.) “If you come off the show and put your fiancé first, as opposed to all the exciting things coming your way, you’re going to have a much better chance.” Here, the Almost Famous OG podcast host talks to In Touch about her nearly 20-year romance with Ryan, how she stays in shape, and whether she’d ever return to the show that made her a household name.

Tell us more about beating the curse. 

TS: If you compare how often people find success in relationships on the show compared to the real world, it’s probably very similar. But it’s about making time for each other. You have to continue to work at any relationship.

How do you and Ryan keep the spark alive?