Gabby Windey and Erich Schwer got engaged during the “Bachelorette: After the Final Rose”, however, the two decided to call off their engagement just a few weeks after the finale aired.
Now, months after they broke the news, Schwer is opening up about the breakup, and how mental health struggles played a role in his last relationship.
Schwer Opens Up About Mental Health
Schwer and Windey called off their engagement and went their separate ways after the two decided they were not “on the same page.”
Although the engagement was short-lived, Schwer does not regret anything and appreciates Windey coming into his life when she did. “[I] try to look at all areas of my life with a growth mindset, and always learn from my experiences,” he told OK! when discussing his time on ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
Schwer had to deal with the loss of his father while also navigating a new relationship, which ended in an engagement just a few weeks after he met Windey, which is a lot of change happening at once.
“I will say that I struggled personally with my mental health during my last relationship, and wish I could have coped with them better,” the 30-year-old continued before adding, “I was learning how to navigate the loss of my father and a new engagement, all at once, and on a public scale nonetheless. There were times I felt lost and unmotivated, and unfortunately this transferred into a few different areas of my life. I didn’t have the tools I’ve since learned on how to handle the pressure and pain I was feeling.”
What Did Schwer Learn From “The Bachelorette”?
Although it did not work out between Windey and Schwer, the 30-year-old aspiring model said he does not regret anything, and meeting Windey and going through the process of “The Bachelorette” helped him better himself.
“I learned how to be vulnerable and how to put myself out there 100 percent, to be more in tune with my feelings and express them openly. Overall, the experience allowed me to come out of my shell in a way I hadn’t before and find confidence in being my true self,” he continued to explain.
Now that the show is over, Schwer spends most of his time with his close friends and family, all while still “trying to ground myself after the whole experience.”
“Right now, I’m focused on being very intentional with my time and who I spend it with,” he told the magazine. “I can say I’m finally in a place where I am allowing myself to meet new people.”
Schwer Talks Next Relationship
When looking to the future, Schwer says he is still open to finding love and ultimately wants to find his best friend in his partnership.
“I want to find my best friend, someone that I can vibe with every day. I want a partnership where we can lean on and support each other through the highs and lows,” Schwer said when thinking to the future. “Someone open to adventure, but also down for the occasional White Lotus binge-watch in one sitting. And, fiery romance. Because at the end of the day, I’m a hopeful romantic. That’s not too much to ask for….right?”
