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Bethenny Frankel is back on reality television with her HBO Max show, The Big Shot with Bethenny. The former Real Housewives of New York star is also busy in her personal life with her recent engagement to businessman and film producer Paul Bernon. Frankel recently commented on what she’s learned about herself when it comes to being a part of a couple.

'RHONY' alum Bethenny Frankel smiles for cameras as she attends the Creative Coalition's Annual Television Humanitarian Awards Gala 2019 at Ocean Prime
Bethenny Frankel | David Livingston/Getty Images

‘RHONY’ alum on balancing relationship and career

When asked in a recent interview what her takeaways are on dating while building a multimillion-dollar brand, Frankel revealed some personal assessments.

“I have learned that I’m a lot to handle,” Frankel told Vanity Fair. “But I need to be handled — I need someone who knows how to deal with me. And I need someone who understands this level of a career.”

Frankel’s ambitions go beyond wealth, where she may need help at times slowing down. With her new reality show, podcast, Skinnygirl brand, and BStrong foundation, she has more than a full plate.

“I don’t think it’s that easy to be in a relationship when you are so driven and so passionate,” the RHONY alum remarked. “Not driven for money… I’m just as passionate about philanthropy. My job is all-encompassing, and sometimes I need someone who can pull me out.”

Bethenny Frankel is making her relationship a ‘priority’

Announcing her engagement to Bernon in March, Frankel realizes that being a part of a couple takes time and attention.

“I have learned that you have to choose to be in a relationship,” she said. “You have to work on it, and you have to make it a priority. You can’t not work on your relationship and work so hard on your work.”

While the Skinnygirl founder is known for her strong career drive, she noted that other areas of life also need your foucs.

“You have to work on everything,” Frankel explained. “I think as you get older, you realize that it’s a choice to be in a partnership, and it’s a choice to be alone. And neither one is wrong.”

Bethenny Frankel called Paul Bernon ‘calm and centered’

Frankel and Bernon began dating in 2019. The reality star spoke of how her beau was bringing some balance into her life.

“I’m happy in a way that’s different,” Frankel said in a 2019 appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, according to Us Weekly. “Not a high or a low, just a balance. … If you know my personality at all, it’s not often that balanced. But I feel just balanced and healthy … My boyfriend’s very calm and centered and, yeah, balancing. And I’m just settled.”

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Though the two parted ways in October 2019, they got back together earlier this year and were soon engaged.

“It was intimate,” Frankel said of Bernon’s proposal. “Just the two of us, on an island off of Florida. No makeup, no manicure, no ring photos. It was very simple and beautiful. It felt like a strange thing to announce.”

While no wedding date has been revealed, Frankel and Bernon are clearly committed to their relationship as they both navigate demanding careers.

The Big Shot with Bethenny is now streaming on HBO Max.

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