Michelle Young, the star of season 18 of The Bachelorette, had a whirlwind romance with Nayte Olukoya, who proposed to her in the finale.
However, their engagement did not last long, as they announced their split in June 2022. Here is a brief overview of their relationship timeline and what led to their breakup.
A Strong Start
Michelle Young and Olukoya had an instant connection when they met on the first night of The Bachelorette.
Olukoya received the first impression rose from Young after opening up to her and showing his vulnerable side.
They shared their first kiss and seemed to be on the same page.
Their chemistry continued to grow as they went on a one-on-one date in Young’s hometown of Minnesota.
They enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Minnetonka and had a picnic on the shore.
The two also visited Young’s elementary school, where she taught her students and Olukoya joined in.
They ended the night with a private concert by Andy Grammer.
Young and Olukoya also had a strong emotional bond, as they both shared their experiences of being biracial and facing racism.
They also talked about their families, their values, and their hopes for the future.
Young told Olukoya that she was falling in love with him, and he reciprocated.
A Bumpy Road
Young and Olukoya, despite their initial success, faced challenges along the way.
Clayton Echard, a late addition, quickly became a frontrunner for Young’s heart due to their shared interests and playful rapport.
Olukoya felt threatened by Echard’s presence and became insecure about his relationship with Young.
He also clashed with other men who accused him of being arrogant and dishonest.
Olukoya denied the allegations, but Young was confused and hurt by the drama.
Another challenge was the distance between them, as they lived in Minnesota and Texas, with different lifestyles and preferences.
Young preferred a simple life, while Olukoya enjoyed traveling and socializing.
A Happy Ending?
Despite the obstacles, Young and Olukoya made it to the final two, along with Echard.
Young had a hard time choosing between them, as she had strong feelings for both of them.
However, she ultimately decided to follow her heart and chose Olukoya.
Olukoya proposed to Young with a stunning diamond ring in front of a beautiful backdrop of roses.
Young happily accepted his proposal and said that he was her soulmate.
The two kissed and celebrated their engagement.
They also made history as the first-ever Black couple to get engaged on The Bachelorette.
To show their support, the franchise gave them a $200,000 check for a down payment on their first home.
A Sad Breakup
Two months after their engagement, Young and Olukoya shocked fans when they announced the end of their engagement on Instagram Stories.
They said that they had tried to make their relationship work, but realized that they were not compatible in the long run. They said that they still loved each other and respected each other, but decided to part ways as friends.
The couple also thanked their fans for their support and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
They said that they would always cheer each other on and wished each other happiness.
A New Beginning?
Michelle Young and Nayte Olukoya have been focusing on themselves and their careers since their breakup.
Young has been teaching her students and spending time with family and friends, while Olukoya has been traveling and pursuing his sales career.
They have not confirmed if they are dating anyone new or open to finding love again, but they seem to be happy and healthy in their own ways.
Michelle Young is not currently dating anyone, but she was engaged to Nayte Olukoya for a short time before their breakup.
Their relationship was filled with highs and lows but ultimately ended in friendship.
