The enduring friendship between Austen Kroll and Craig Conover, stars of the reality television series Southern Charm, is facing a period of strain and re-evaluation, as evidenced in a preview for an upcoming episode. Austen expresses his longing for the close camaraderie they once shared, lamenting that Craig seems to prioritize other commitments, particularly his burgeoning business ventures, over their friendship. He cites instances where Craig has declined invitations to socialize, often using his gardening or work as an excuse, leaving Austen feeling overlooked and undervalued. This sense of disconnect has prompted Austen to seek a direct conversation with Craig, hoping to rekindle their bond and understand the shift in their dynamic.
Craig, seemingly taken aback by Austen’s candid expression of his feelings, attempts to deflect the blame, suggesting that Austen should take more initiative in planning their outings. He questions why Austen expects him to be a mind-reader and proposes a weekly tee time as a solution to their dwindling interaction. This suggestion, however, appears to miss the mark for Austen, who feels that Craig’s response lacks genuine understanding of the deeper issue at hand. The underlying tension is further highlighted by the fact that Craig was not invited to Patricia Altschul’s birthday dinner, a social gathering of the Southern Charm cast, seemingly due to his increasing absence from group activities.
A specific example of their miscommunication revolves around a planned golf outing. Austen recounts an incident where Craig canceled their Sunday golf game the night before, opting to tend to his garden instead. Craig defends his decision, emphasizing the importance of his work and the satisfaction he derives from it. He frames his gardening as "work," highlighting his commitment to his various entrepreneurial endeavors. This clash of priorities underscores the central conflict in their friendship: Austen’s desire for quality time and shared experiences versus Craig’s focus on building his businesses and financial success.
Austen joined the Southern Charm cast in its fourth season, quickly forming a strong bond with Craig. Their friendship extended beyond the realm of the show, culminating in a joint business venture, a bar named By The Way. Despite their professional partnership, Austen finds himself yearning for a more balanced relationship with Craig outside of work. He expresses a desire for Craig to be more present in his life, including socializing with Austen and his girlfriend, Audrey. Austen describes Craig as a "hermit," highlighting his friend’s increasing tendency to isolate himself and prioritize work over social interaction.
Austen’s concerns are not fueled by jealousy of Craig’s success but rather by a genuine desire to maintain their friendship amidst Craig’s growing list of commitments. He acknowledges Craig’s achievements with Sewing Down South, Spritz Society, and other ventures, expressing genuine happiness for his friend’s accomplishments. However, he also worries about being sidelined in Craig’s life, fearing that their friendship will become secondary to Craig’s business pursuits. This worry reflects a common challenge in maintaining friendships, particularly when life paths diverge and priorities shift.
While Austen anticipates that airing his grievances on television might make him appear "childish," he believes that the message needs to be conveyed. He recognizes the potential for vulnerability and potential judgment in publicly addressing their personal issues. However, he underscores the importance of open communication and hopes that by expressing his feelings openly, he can initiate a dialogue with Craig that will lead to a better understanding and a more balanced friendship. The upcoming episode of Southern Charm promises to delve into this conflict, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of navigating evolving friendships in the public eye. The show, airing on Bravo, provides a platform for Austen and Craig to address their differences and potentially find a way to bridge the gap that has grown between them.
