Reality TV show star Brittany Cartwright is ready to reenter the dating world. The 36-year-old single mom to Cruz Michael Cauchi, age 3, is best known for shows like The Valley, Vanderpump Rules and Vanderpump Rules: Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky. She has also made headlines in recent months because of her ongoing divorce from Jax Taylor—another reality TV show star, who is also the father to her son.
Even so, Cartwright isn’t letting that keep her down this Valentine’s Day, telling First for Women that she’s “gonna have a good time.” Keep scrolling to read our entire conversation with the reality TV star that’s filled with juicy details on her split and what her main priority regarding Taylor is going forward.
First for Women: As we head into Valentine’s Day, what can you tell us about your current relationship status?
Brittany Cartwright: I’m still single. You know, flirting and going on a couple dates here and there, and doing things like that. But, yeah, I’m still single. I’m actually heading to Canada for Valentine’s Day, so I’m not even gonna have a big Valentine’s Day date, but I’m gonna have a good time.
FFW: Speaking of relationships, what do you look for in a partner?
BC: I have to have somebody that makes me laugh. You have to be able to have fun and you can’t take everything so seriously. I’m a girl who gets over things very fast and I don’t hold a lot of grudges, so it needs to be somebody that’s pretty easygoing.
I also just want somebody who’s family-oriented, really loves having fun and who puts the effort into the small things. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just little, tiny things that make a difference.
FFW: You’re a part of TP brand Charmin’s ‘Prevent the Dump’ campaign—which focuses on the importance of having a dating-ready home space, including the bathroom. What made you want to be a part of it?
BC: I’ve been a Charmin girl for years, but in my new dating life, I just love the angle. It just aligns with everything that’s going on with me right now, and so many people can relate that if you go into somebody’s bathroom, that can be a game changer.
So I just love the angle and I relate to it, because it’s all based on first impressions, and if you can’t do the smallest things to give a good first impression, then see ya.
FFW: Let’s talk about your time on The Valley. During it, you went through a lot of ups and downs, specifically in regards to your marriage with Jax Taylor. What did you learn about yourself throughout that time?
BC: Season 1 of The Valley, I went into saying, “We’re gonna be a strong couple. Things are gonna be great. It’s gonna be amazing.” And then as the season continued, it just really went downhill.
Having a camera in my face was really holding me accountable and made me say, “This is not okay. I need to change these things. I need to stick up for myself.” And I did. I feel like I gained a lot of strength last season. My son is a big reason for that. Just making sure that he’s in a very safe and amazing environment, seeing his mom happy is going to do him so much better than being in a household where we’re not getting along.
FFW: Aside from The Valley, you also appeared on Vanderpump Rules and Vanderpump Rules: Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky. What do you wish you knew about reality TV before getting involved with it, and is there anything you regret?
BC: The only thing I wish I would have known was how the trolls were gonna behave. When I first started on The Valley, I had, like, 4,000 Instagram followers, so having so many people trolling me can really hurt your feelings, especially for a people-pleaser like me.
So I wish I would have known a little bit more about that, but at the end of the day, I’m very lucky for everything that’s happened in my life. I never, ever dreamed I would be living in L.A. and doing all these fun things.
I’m very grateful.
FFW: Finally, what are you hoping 2025 has in store for you and is there anything you plan on leaving behind in 2024?
BC: I think 2025 is going to be my year to come into my own. I’m trying new things and just taking everything as it comes.
I’m going to leave the negativity and anger that I had towards my relationship in 2024. I’m really trying to let go of how much anger I felt in that relationship, and I’m really trying to just focus on co-parenting.
