“VPR”'s Katie Maloney Is 'Ready to Mingle' After Tom Schwartz Divorce: 'Bringing That Energy' (Exclusive)

Schwartz, Maloney's ex-husband, also tells PEOPLE that he's sworn off dating apps and isn't above meeting the perfect stranger in a serendipitous meet-cute

Katie Maloney is ready to find her perfect person!

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE at the Vanderpump Rules season 11 premiere, the Bravolebrity, 37, reveals she's been in "my vibe" and feeling "really good" about her romantic life nearly two years after divorcing Tom Schwartz.

While opening up about being "much more like in my power," Maloney shares that she's been dipping her toe back into the dating world and feels "ready to meet someone if they came along."

"I was just bringing that energy into the season, like, single, ready to mingle," she explains before referencing the cast's new dynamic post-Scandoval. "It's just like a really positive place. So as much as I was not really digging the idea of being around certain people, I was not gonna let that bother me or affect me too much."

Related: Katie Maloney Reveals What Led to Split from Tom Schwartz: 'This Marriage Wasn't the Healthiest'

Though Maloney may be spicing things up in the love department, Schwartz, 41, tells PEOPLE that he hasn't been dating.

"I had Hinge last season for three days. It was terrifying," he admits. "I'm old school. I like to go to the bars, the restaurants- I like serendipity, I want to bump into someone and be like, 'Oh, my God.'"

Despite the various "success stories" he's heard from dating apps, the reality star calls the experience a "novelty" and vows to "never download it again."

"There's a lot of people in my life who met on dating apps and, and they're married, and for me, it's not me," Schwartz continues, "I'm new school and I'm old school, but when it comes to dating, I'm old school man. Serendipity. I wanna bump into you. Have a drink, have a laugh, you know."

Related: Tom Schwartz Rules Out Katie Maloney Rekindling — and Remarriage — After Admitting He 'Strayed a Few Times'

Fans have watched the highs and lows of Schwartz and Maloney's relationship play out since Vanderpump Rules premiered in 2013.

The pair were first introduced by fellow castmate Kristen Doute in 2011, and after five years of dating, they married in 2016. But in 2022, Maloney filed for divorce from Schwartz, citing "irreconcilable differences."

In a statement shared to Instagram, Maloney announced their decision to part ways after 12 years of marriage.

"This ending is not met with resentment or animosity, no sides to choose. We have deep admiration for one another that will always remain and we cherish our friendship," she wrote at the time. "Although we may be on different paths we will continue to love and support one another's happiness. Thank you for all the kind words and support."

Related: Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney's Relationship Timeline

Schwartz shared his own statement to the social media platform shortly after, where he admitted he wasn't ready to "use the 'D' word" because it was "too painful."

"Fully respect Katie's decision and we've had healthy, productive conversations about it. It would be far sadder if she decided to stay with me whilst not happy," he wrote in part, adding that "we had some of the most blissful, romantic, fun times humanly possible over the course of our relationship" and that Maloney has "taught me so much about love & being a better partner."

Since announcing their breakup, the pair have remained friendly and continue to spend time with one another. Schwartz has even called the couple "some of the best divorcees ever."

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Vanderpump Rules season 11 premieres on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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