KATE GOSSELIN
The 44-year-old mum of eight carries on searching for romance on Kate Plus Date (continues Thu., Sep. 5 at 7.30pm; TLC).
Why did you decide to look for love on TV?
The decision to get serious and look for love at all was the big decision I made. To do it on TV felt natural because much of my life has aired on Kate Plus 8. And I had been unsuccessful using my own methods to find someone since my divorce. Dating strangers felt somewhat scary and unsafe to me, but having my film crew with me on each date provided a layer of safety. What were you hoping for?
I tried not to go into it with any expectations, however I was hoping all the time I put into this would be fruitful. Time is precious and I always do my best to have time spent pay off!
Has your reality TV fame been a stumbling block to forming genuine relationships?
It’s been a combination of helpful and, at times, more difficult to let others in, honestly. Over the last decade, I’ve met many new people, a handful of whom have become my closest friends. But I am definitely (as are my kids) cognisant of the fact that people often have ulterior motives and we’ve been burned by people we’ve met along the way. As a result, I feel like my guarded reaction to new people is safe and wise. I learn to trust slowly. With dating, this is no different and whoever sticks around long enough, and understands me and my process, is probably a keeper.
Have you always been guarded or did that stem from the breakdown of your marriage? I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t somewhat guarded but definitely the aftermath of my divorce and the gag order imposed by the court caused me to not be allowed to talk about a lot of it.
Do you have a love/hate relationship with fame?
Yes, very much. For starters, we hate the
‘f’ word. We are just regular people who happen to share parts of our lives on TV. Having said that, being perceived as famous has given us wonderful opportunities we would never have had. I have no regrets!
Do you think men find your no-nonsense manner daunting?
Perhaps, but honesty is the best policy, so if you find it daunting, you’re not for me.