In a recent episode of *The Drew Barrymore Show*, aired on 24 March, the topic of intimate dreams was explored by hosts Drew Barrymore and Valerie Bertinelli. The discussion focused on their personal experiences with erotic dreams, shedding light on the phenomenon that many might find intriguing yet rarely discuss openly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Drew-Barrymore-and-Valerie-Bertinelli-032326-d9ab4e5c4f424876960f9bd0cd990c80.jpg)
Barrymore began the conversation by referencing a 2025 article from *TIME*, which delves into the significance and interpretations of sexual dreams. This prompted Bertinelli to reveal that she had experienced a sex dream not long ago, and she confided that the dream involved someone familiar to her. The candidness of their exchange set a relaxed tone for the discussion, as both women shared aspects of their dream lives.
The dialogue took an interesting turn when Bertinelli inquired if Barrymore had ever had an erotic dream in which she reached climax. Barrymore responded affirmatively, stating, “Thank you for going there,” indicating that it was a common experience in her younger years, one that many might relate to. Bertinelli echoed this sentiment, noting that such experiences should not be considered exclusive to men, challenging stereotypes surrounding sexual dreams.
The atmosphere was further lightened by Ross Matthews, a member of the “Drew Crew,” who jokingly remarked on the comfort with which Bertinelli discussed intimate subjects, even in front of an audience. The humorous banter continued as Barrymore mentioned that it had been “years” since her last erotic dream, lamenting the absence of such excitement in her current life, expressing bewilderment at the shift in her dream patterns.
Barrymore’s honesty resonated with many, as she shared her feelings of having lost the ability to experience such dreams, stating, “I don’t know what is going on.” Matthews chimed in, teasingly observing that even the men in her dreams seemed to be “ghosting” her, to which Barrymore responded with a laugh, acknowledging the truth in his jest.
Away from the realm of dreams, Bertinelli discussed her current relationship status and the conversations she often has with Barrymore regarding the joys of being single. “We’re very happy being single,” she expressed, sharing insights into her dating experiences. Bertinelli mentioned the challenge of distinguishing between excitement and anxiety when considering potential dates, underlining her cautious approach to relationships.
Though she remains open to the possibility of dating, Bertinelli maintains that she does not want the stress often associated with romantic relationships. “I love men,” she said, “but I don’t want them to make me crazy and I don’t want to make them crazy,” highlighting a desire for balance and emotional stability.
Bertinelli also reflected on a moment shared in her recent book, detailing how she felt her “pilot light” reignite during a concert featuring Metallica’s James Hetfield. She recounted the joy of realising that she could still appreciate the allure of someone else, saying, “It was so nice to know that I’m not dead inside.” This moment served as a reminder that emotional connections, even when platonic, can bring vibrancy to life, especially after enduring significant personal changes, such as her divorce from Tom Vitale in 2022.
As she navigates life as a single woman, Bertinelli embraces her role as a “cat lady” and reflects on the joy of watching her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, perform as a musician. Her evolving understanding of self-worth and attraction underscores the notion that finding connection can be both magical and fulfilling. “Love when it’s right can be magical,” she concluded, while also recognising that she must be at peace with the possibility of remaining single.
The conversation between Barrymore and Bertinelli not only offered insights into their personal experiences but also encouraged viewers to embrace and discuss taboo subjects like erotic dreams and single life. By fostering an open dialogue, they challenge societal norms and remind audiences that relationships and dreams can take on many forms throughout life.