Belinda Rygier, a former contestant on "The Bachelor Australia," announced her engagement to her long-time partner Drew Jansen over the weekend. Rygier, who has been open about her past struggles with sex addiction, shared that Jansen has been fully accepting of her history.
Rygier, 44, revealed that she was upfront with Jansen about her sexual history from their first date. She explained that she sought "love and validation" through numerous sexual encounters in her 20s and 30s, during which she slept with over 700 men. Rygier stated that Jansen's acceptance stems partly from having a previous relationship with a woman who had a similar past.
"My fiancé Drew is just incredible," Rygier told the Daily Mail. "When things are challenging, he doesn't run away. He literally looks at what is going on. We work together to solve all those challenges. He is my biggest supporter."
Rygier attributed her sex addiction to past trauma, including a rape at age 18, which led her to "turn to sex as a way to find love and self-worth." She described the aftermath of her encounters as leaving her feeling "worthless" and experiencing a significant emotional "comedown."
She shared that her recovery involved self-development courses, neuro-linguistic programming, breathwork, and meditation. Rygier emphasized that while her past relationship involved events like swingers parties and orgies, her current relationship with Jansen is monogamous.
Jansen's acceptance, according to Rygier, was solidified through "deep conversations." She explained that he understands she was seeking love and validation during her addiction, and that her past is no longer a part of her identity. The couple also agreed to get STI checks on their first date, demonstrating their commitment to open communication about sexual health.
Rygier announced the engagement on social media with a gallery of photos. She wrote, "One sunset. One question. One answer. YESSSS… 1,000 times YES. We're engaged! He put a ring on it. The Love Expert finally gets the love story she's been dreaming of. I waited 10 years to find you. 1,376 days together… I get to marry my best friend."
| Belinda Rygier and Drew Jansen announced their engagement.
| Rygier wore a hot-pink gown and a floral crown to celebrate her engagement.
| The couple celebrated their engagement in Hawaii.
| Rygier shared her joy on social media following the proposal.