Here’s a heart-to-heart conversation between Hoda Kotb and Today cohost Jenna Bush Hager, where they dive deep into their biggest dating regrets. These two powerhouse women shared their experiences on a recent episode, offering a candid glimpse into their personal lives and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Hoda Kotb’s Journey Through Self-Doubt and Confidence
During an episode of Today on Thursday, May 23, Hoda Kotb, now 59, opened up about the challenges she faced while dating in the past. She admitted that she often found herself questioning her worth and second-guessing her decisions when it came to romantic relationships. "One of the things I used to want when I met someone was, 'Does he like me? I so hope he likes me,'" she confessed. "I was so focused on whether the other person approved of me that I lost sight of who I truly was."
Reflecting on her past, Hoda shared an analogy that perfectly captures her evolution: "You can be the juiciest orange in the bunch, but some people don’t like oranges. And that’s okay. If someone doesn’t like what you bring to the table, there’s nothing you can do to change their taste. I’m that orange, and I’ve learned to embrace it."
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Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Hoda’s journey has been marked by growth and self-discovery. She was once married to Burzis Kanga from 2005 to 2008 and was in a long-term relationship with Joel Schiffman from 2013 to 2022. Together, they welcomed daughters Haley and Hope. After her split from Joel, Hoda decided to re-enter the dating world with a fresh perspective. "Something happened the other day that hasn’t occurred in two years—I went on a date," she revealed during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on March 5. "It was just a date. Nothing more, nothing less. And you know what? That was enough."
Jenna Bush Hager’s Perspective on Love and Dating
While Jenna Bush Hager, 42, is happily married to Henry Hager since 2008 and has three children—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—she admitted during the Today episode that she wished she had dated more before settling down. "I dated in college, I dated in high school, but I didn’t date enough," Jenna confessed. "Looking back, I realize how much more I could have explored before finding my forever partner."
Advice for the Next Generation
Jenna shared her wisdom with Hoda, emphasizing the importance of dating and understanding oneself before committing to someone. "I want to talk to my kids and tell them not only the Tracee Ellis Ross advice of 'You’re the chooser' but also that 'You don’t have to stay in a relationship if you’re not fully engaged in it,'" she explained. "I was a serial monogamist, which was fine at the time, but I should have dated more. It’s about having fun and experiencing life while you can."
Jenna met her husband, Henry, during her father, former President George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign, where Henry was working. Despite meeting the right person early on, Jenna encourages others to explore different relationships before settling down. "I met the right person early, and we’ve built an incredible life together," she said. "But I also believe in having fun and enjoying the dating process while you have the opportunity."
