Clare Crawley spoke candidly Saturday about how she’s doing her best to “rise above the negativity” following her exit from “The Bachelorette” earlier this month.
Taking to Instagram, the 39-year-old hairstylist — who got engaged to former NFL player Dale Moss in a recent episode — told fans she’s “going through things” and is trying to focus on the positive amid outside noise.
“Hi. It’s me, Clare. Not Clare that you have seen edited on your television or social media squares. But the human one with feelings, insecurities, emotions, and a normal life just like you,” Crawley began.
“And just like you, I’m going through things, big and small, that all of us experience at some point or another. Just like some of you I can be shy and awkward or even fighting off my anxiety the best I can that day,” she continued. “There are good days and bad days. Being on reality TV doesn’t exempt me (or any of us) from that.”
Crawley’s journey as “The Bachelorette” began in March when she was named the leading lady of Season 16. Production on her season was halted in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once production resumed in the summer, however, reports surfaced that Crawley would leave her season early after falling for a suitor, with Tayshia Adams joining the show as a replacement.
Although Crawley and Moss, 32, have been enjoying their engagement bliss, the California native cautioned fans about how impactful words can be.
“I will always do my best to rise above the negativity and find the positive, but I am not superhuman. So when you choose to pass judgements without knowing someone personally or even something as small as a snide comment, please remember just like you, I am simply trying my best,” Crawley posted.
On Sunday, Crawley thanked fans for their support in a video shared on her Instagram story.
“Thank you for the sweet messages, they do mean a lot,” Crawley said.