Kristin Cavallari Spark Online Controversy After Going Instagram Official

Kristin Cavallari has a new beau in her life! 

The television personality pleasantly debuted her new romance with Mark Estes on social media, using a sweet image of them smiling happily.

The news promptly divided her millions of followers, and many of them shared their opposing opinions in the comment section.

Cavallari was the reflection of joy as she and her new man posed for the camera during what appeared to be a couple's trip to Cabo, Mexico, on Tuesday.

In the singular picture she posted to Instagram, she and Estes placed their heads together and smiled serenely as the latter snapped the selfie.

While the "Laguna Beach" alum wore a yellow halter-neck outfit with a beaded strap, Estes donned a white shirt with tiny black-and-white designs and a blue baseball cap, which he turned backward.

Cavallari highlighted her emotion about her new love in the picture's accompanying caption, writing, "He makes me happy 🤍."

Reacting to the Instagram post, one fan quipped, "When the picture came out HOT, and it's too good not to post. Hard launch!" Another online personality similarly commented, "I just saw pics of him without a shirt on. Congratulations." 

A third commenter shared, "I need to tune into the podcast for the tea on this hot country man." Bethenny Frankel also stepped in to state, "Does anything else matter? ❤️❤️❤️❤️ be happy!" and yet another follower claimed to "love it" for Cavallari. 

Notably, it was not all joy from fans, as a few critics focused on the age difference between the fashion designer and the model. While one person declared she was in her "cougar era," another dubbed Estes "a college frat boy," and a third asserted that the age gap gave them "the ick."

Luckily, others came to Cavallari's defense with one noting, "D—n no wonder she doesn't post anything personal, people have SO much to say for no reason! She's happy, leave it at that!" and another elaborating:

"When it's an older man, with a younger woman, hardly anybody blinks, a eye, when it's an older woman with a younger man, there's always a lot of chatter. Do what makes you happy, girl."

Amid the variety of reactions to the 37-year-old's relationship debut, insiders indicated to TMZ that Cavallari and Estes have been hanging out for approximately a month.

Although the jury is still out on just how serious the duo's relationship is, sources added that Estes tagged along with the author to Mexico for her Uncommon James jewelry line work last week.

Cavallari's latest romance debut comes three months after she opened up about the new phase of her relationship with her ex-husband, Jay Cutler.

Speaking candidly about finally finding common ground after their split, the mother of three said on her "Let's Be Honest" podcast:

"I never thought we would get here. I never thought we would get here. I didn't. I'm so happy about it. Oh my god. I'm so happy about it because, you know, everyone wins when parents are on good terms."

Continuing the conversation, she emphasized the effect of her amicable relationship with Cutler on their children. In her words:

"My kids see it; I mean, it's just easier. And listen, I get it. When people's hearts are breaking, it's really difficult. It's really, really difficult, and so, you know, seeing Jay happy is the best." 

Later in the podcast, Cavallari referred to the ex-football player as one of her "soulmates" while acknowledging that soulmates could have a purpose beyond romance. She said, "I think we can have soulmates, and they can be really difficult relationships in order to spur growth for both people."

In case you missed it, Cavallari announced that she and Cutler were getting divorced in April 2020. The Uncommon James founder, who walked down the aisle with the former quarterback in 2013, disclosed at the time via Instagram:

"After 10 years together we have come to a loving conclusion to get a divorce. We have nothing but love and respect for one another and are deeply grateful for the years shared, memories made, and the children we are so proud of. This is just the situation of two people growing apart. We ask everyone to respect our privacy as we navigate this difficult time within our family."