As the Bachelor nation awaits Rachel Kirkconnell His separation from her broke his silence Matt JamesA source is provided our weekly Exclusive insight into their relationship.

“The split may seem sudden, but it has been brewing for some time. It's been a long time coming," the source says. "Matt couldn't commit to her."

James, 33, and Kirkconnell, 28, met on its 25th season bachelor, Select the date After the show instead of the engagement. when they Briefly isolated As the show aired, they were back together by spring 2021. James announced on Thursday, January 16 that they had called it quits.

According to sources, the pair struggled with trust issues. "It was hard for Rachel to trust him," the source said our.

Still, "Rachel really wanted to get married and settle down and they weren't on the same page," the source continued. "He felt like he was waiting around and that he would never give him what he wanted."

Although "they're both very upset about the breakup," according to the source, Kirkconnell is "ready to move on" and knows "it's for the best."

During their four-year relationship, James and Kirkconnell were often asked about their plans for the next step. Just weeks before the breakup, Kirkconnell was interacting with fans via Instagram who were asking about a proposal, joking that he would pop the question to James "next Thursday." James Dr. last June our that she wanted to marry Kirkconnell.

“We are doing great. I think when you feel pressure, you don't want to do anything,” he said our At the time “So I never really felt pressure (to get hired) because it's something I've always wanted to do. It's something we're going to do at some point. This is why we are together and what we are working towards. I'm excited about our future."

Over the years, the two have also been very active on social media, with James posting videos of their recent trip to London as recently as Wednesday, January 15. As a result, her breakup statement came as a shock to many fans. (our noted that James often posts his travel content late, so it's possible the pair are no longer together abroad, but they haven't confirmed when their trip took place.)

"Father God, give Rachel and I strength to mend our broken hearts," James wrote Thursday. "Give us peace over this decision to end our relationship that is beyond earthly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord 💔"

While some fans questioned the post's religious tone, James has been open about his faith in the past, even beginning his Bachelor journey with a prayer. Kirkconnell was tagged in the statement — which was written alongside a photo from their season of the ABC show — but did not share the post. She later "liked" a comment on her own page that referred to James or her split The announcement blindsided him. our Realized that she was surprised by the post and not the actual breakup.

"The more I think about it, the more I think she totally blindsided him with it," the comment read. "Give him some grace and let him respond in his own time."

our weekly James and Kirkconnell have been reached for comment.