Valerie Bertinelli, the 65-year-old actress and television personality, has opened up about her journey through singlehood and her openness to the prospect of love in the future. In a candid interview with PEOPLE magazine, the star reflected on her past relationships and the lessons learned from her breakup with writer Mike Goodnough earlier this year.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/PEOPLE_ValerieBertinelli_4-bf4c3bf18d42463cb16cedf371def04f.jpg)
Bertinelli expressed her reluctance to rush into dating again, stating, “If I ever start dating again, I ain’t talking about it for a long time. I’ve got to see if it works out first.” This careful approach comes after a tumultuous period in her life filled with various challenges, including four surgeries in six months, the death of loved ones, and the emotional turmoil that followed her experiences.
Previously, Bertinelli has discussed her views on single life with fellow actress Drew Barrymore, revealing how both have found solace in being single. “We’re very happy being single,” she remarked about their friendship, where she contributes as a lifestyle expert on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” The actress emphasised her desire for stability over the excitement of new romantic encounters, stating, “I want calm. I don’t want butterflies.”
In the interview, Bertinelli reflected on her therapy sessions, where she is learning to differentiate between genuine attraction and anxiety. “Now my therapist says, ‘You just had a bad experience with butterflies last time out, so why don’t you just wait and see what happens?’” she explained, illustrating her journey toward self-understanding.
Central to Bertinelli’s thoughts on vulnerability and resilience is her upcoming book, “Getting Naked.” In this deeply personal work, due for release on March 10, she reveals experiences of sexual abuse during her childhood, alongside reflections on overcoming shame and trauma. The book touches upon the emotional difficulties she faced last year, resulting from her tumultuous personal life, including two divorces and the loss of her parents and son’s father, Eddie Van Halen.
Bertinelli recalled a pivotal moment of realisation regarding her own emotional state, saying, “I must really have to learn something,” as she processed the culmination of painful experiences. She looked at the aftermath of her relationship with Goodnough as an opportunity for personal growth. “I was given the opportunity to learn a really deep life-changing lesson, and that is what I’m grateful for,” she noted.
Despite the seriousness of these discussions, Bertinelli can still find humour in her experiences. She shared a light-hearted anecdote about being “sparked” by Metallica frontman James Hetfield during a performance, quipping, “I was like, ‘Wait, did I just say someone was hot?’” This realisation reassured her that she was still capable of feeling attraction following her tumultuous past.
While she enjoys the companionship of her beloved pets—two cats, Henry and Batman, and a rescue dog, Luna—Bertinelli is not dismissing the idea of future romantic relationships. She remains open to the possibility, cheerfully stating, “I’m not ruling it out. There are so many great men out there.” However, Bertinelli is clear about what she desires from any potential partnership: a connection that brings joy rather than chaos.
Looking ahead, Bertinelli is excited about her new digital platform, Valerie’s Place, which she describes as an extension of her lifestyle brand. With a sense of fulfilment regarding her current life, she is navigating her next steps with care, contemplating whether sharing her life with a partner is something she truly desires.
Ultimately, Valerie Bertinelli’s journey underscores a commitment to personal growth, healing, and the possibility of love in its many forms. Her openness in discussing her struggles and triumphs provides an inspiring glimpse into finding joy and hope after hardship. As she continues to navigate her single life, many will undoubtedly follow her story with interest and encouragement.