One Tree Hill star, Barbara Alyn Woods, and The Golden Bachelorette season 1, fans were vying to see Mark find love. He was eliminated just before the hometown dates.

While he and the leading lady may not have been the perfect match, this opportunity led him where he needed to be. Rumors of Mark and Barabara’s relationship started after Barbara posted an image of them around Halloween. The picture featured Barbara dressed as Cinderella, Mark aptly dressed as Prince Charming, and Natalie Lind (Barbara’s daughter) dressed as Grogu. The caption reads, “When Cinderella and Prince Charming have a baby.” Fans of both shows populated the comments and shared their . This couple seems to be expertly balancing their stardom and privacy. They will last longer than critics believe.

Mark & Barbara Are Flying Under The Radar

Mark & Barbara Avoid Scrutiny

Despite the chatter online, and the opportunity to profit off their relationship and recognizability, Mark and Barbara have remained secretive. Neither party commented on the rumors as they spiraled on the internet. She opted not to disclose further details surrounding their initial image together. Fans are sure of their relationship only because outside sources confirmed it.

They’ll be glad that they prioritized their privacy over monetizing the relationship.

Mark endured criticism on The Golden Bachelor. From supposed red flags to questioning his character, critics have dissected every detail of his personal life and time on camera. This relentless scrutiny undoubtedly took a toll on the retired army veteran. Throughout the season, Mark proved that he prefers a private life and this value seems to have carried over into this relationship.

Public relationships, especially those associated with the franchise, will always be criticized. By remaining quiet and flying under the radar, Mark and Barbara are setting themselves up for success. Rather than internalizing the criticism and second-guessing their relationship, now they can focus on what matters most: them and their families.

Mark & Barbara Are Celebrating The Holidays Together

Mark & Barbara's Families Meet

As their relationship grows, so do the family connections. Barbara and her three daughters were included in the Anderson Christmas celebration. Here, she met Mark’s five children and their partners. This included iconic Bachelor alum, and winners of The Bachelor season 28, Kelsey Anderson and Joey Graziadei.

A post shared on Barbara's features the large family enjoying their traditions in an incredible mansion. The comments are filled with as one , @a.cheat44, writes, “This is actually the craziest crossover and we are all here for it.” Fans are clearly excited to see their worlds collide. Another fan, @mommabythemarsh, noted the warm atmosphere by offering, “What a beautiful Christmas vacation.”

Their extensive get-togethers didn’t end there as the pair shared a decadent meal with their loved ones for the New Year. In a post on Mark’s , Barbara and Mark are eating alongside 16 people at a Las Vegas restaurant. From outdoor movie theaters with Barbara’s girls to private getaways, they have nurtured all relationships. The integration of their families seems to have gone smoothly as several have commented on the relationship.

Mark & Barbara Families Are ive

Barbara Is Loved

Kelsey was the first to post the image of the big Christmas celebration. While Mark and Barbara have regularly featured one another on social media, they have not openly disclosed any information. When fans saw the image shared on her , talk spread fast. By the time Barbara shared the pictures of her and Mark, fans were anticipating the reveal.

Kathy Shwarts was one of the first to publicize this romance.

While Kelsey may have “let the cat out of the bag,” the relationship was heavily hinted at by Bachelor alum, Kathy Shwarts, when she posted a picture alongside Mark with the caption, "He isn’t mine AND this is a fine guy who has found his happy." Other alumni, such as Joey, were equally excited by the revelation.

On “Bachelor Happy Hour” with hosts Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt, Joey confirmed the relationship. He stated, “We are going to actually spend [the holidays] with Kelsey’s family and Mark’s new girlfriend as well. The new girlfriend’s family is going to be there, which is gonna be great" ... "Barbara’s awesome.” Not only are the family ive of the relationship, but Barbara appears to be a welcome addition.

Mark and Barbara have done everything in their power to ensure the relationship’s success. They have avoided criticism, integrated their families, and nurtured all relationships. While The Golden Bachelorette alum may not have found love through the show, he seems to have found his forever partner the old-fashioned way: off camera. Fans can expect this relationship to persevere despite any criticism.

The Golden Bachelorette season 1 can be streamed on Hulu.

Sources: Barbara Alyn Woods/Instagram, a.cheat44/Instagram, mommabythemarsh/Instagram, Bachelor Happy Hour/Podcast, Mark Anderson/Instagram