If you’ve ever watched an episode of “My Lottery Dream Home,” you know David Bromstad as a burst of positive energy. He’s the guy with the vibrant outfits, the infectious laugh, and a genuine sense of joy that seems to radiate through the screen. As a proud and visible member of the LGBTQ+ community, he embodies a spirit of bold authenticity that has won him a massive and devoted fanbase. But what you see on television is only one carefully curated piece of a much more complex picture. Behind the sequins and the smile lies a man who has fiercely guarded his private life, especially when it comes to matters of the heart and profound personal challenges.
The Mystery of a Guarded Heart
In an era of oversharing, David Bromstad’s silence on his love life is notable. While he’s an open book about his design passions and his love for his family, he shares little to no details about his romantic relationships. This isn’t without reason. For Bromstad, the decision to keep this part of his life private is likely rooted in a deeply painful chapter that played out very publicly.
A Painful Public Split and Legal Battle
The source of this caution traces back to his split from longtime boyfriend Jeffrey Glasko in 2015. After being together for 11 years, their separation was anything but amicable. Glasko filed a lawsuit against the HGTV star, making damning allegations that included claims Bromstad used shared funds to pay for illicit drugs and prostitutes. For someone whose brand is built on positivity and dream-making, these accusations were potentially devastating.
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The legal system ultimately ruled in Bromstad’s favor, with the judge dismissing the lawsuit. His attorney at the time characterized the claims as salacious allegations from a “desperate person.” Notably, Bromstad himself never publicly addressed the split or the legal fallout. He chose silence, opting to quietly put the ordeal behind him rather than engage in a public feud. This experience clearly shaped his approach to privacy; some wounds are too deep to be exposed to the spotlight.
A Climb Toward Healing: Unspoken Struggles
The years following the split were evidently difficult, though Bromstad has only offered hints about the nature of his struggles. In August 2023, he posted a powerful photo from the summit of Norway’s Reinebringen mountain. The caption revealed this was more than a vacation; it was a deeply symbolic journey.
He wrote that he had “been thru a lot the last few years, which I will share when I’m ready,” and described conquering the challenging hike as a way to face his fear of heights and, metaphorically, his personal demons. The most telling line came next: “Feels good to be present, sober and living the life I was intended to live.” This passing mention of sobriety offered a significant, if vague, clue about the challenges he has faced, hinting at a past struggle with addiction that he hasn’t yet fully detailed.
The Longing for a Future Chapter: Family and Connection
Despite keeping his dating life under wraps, Bromstad has been clear about one thing: he wants to find love again. He has openly expressed a desire to settle down, a stark contrast to his current single status. “I need a husband,” he joked in a January 2025 HGTV video, before clarifying, “Actually, I don’t need a husband, I simply just want one.”
In a 2019 interview, he was more reflective, stating, “Being single has served its purpose. I’m ready to settle down and have that regular life.” This longing is tied to another life goal: fatherhood. “I would love to have kids myself, but I need a boyfriend first,” he has shared. For now, he finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a fun uncle, often sharing photos of his playful moments with his nieces and nephews.
Family Scares and the Importance of Roots
Bromstad’s close-knit family has been his anchor during turbulent times. This support system was tested severely in 2016 when his father, Richard, suffered a major health scare, facing a high risk of heart attack and seizures. A visibly worried David took to social media to ask his “prayer warriors” for support, revealing just how frightening the ordeal was.
Thankfully, his father recovered, and Bromstad frequently showers him with public praise, calling him his “hero” and “best friend.” This near-tragedy, coming on the heels of his painful breakup, underscored the importance of his family foundation.
The Role of a Supportive Friend
Amid his own struggles, Bromstad also found strength in supporting others. In 2015, the same year as his split, his close friend Gregg Girard suffered a life-altering hemorrhagic stroke. Bromstad used his platform to rally support and raise funds for his friend’s extensive rehabilitation, showcasing his loyalty and compassion even while navigating his own private pain.
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A Life of Contrasts
David Bromstad’s story is one of striking contrasts: public joy versus private sorrow, vibrant authenticity versus protective secrecy. He represents the reality that we never truly know the battles someone is fighting, no matter how bright their smile appears. He has navigated legal battles, personal health crises, and private addictions, all while maintaining a public persona dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams. His journey reminds us that healing is often a quiet, personal climb, and that the decision to share one’s story—or to keep it private—is a deeply personal right.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
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