Valerie Bertinelli shared that she is “learning to trust again” in a recent Instagram post on Tuesday, June 25.
In the post, the cookbook author opened up about her healing journey from a past “toxic” relationship. Currently, she is dating writer Mike Goodnough and has been candid about their loving relationship.
Bertinelli, 64, mentioned that she began her “healing journey” towards the end of 2022, even before she started dating Goodnough.
She finalized her divorce from her ex-husband Tom Vitale in November 2022. “I wanted my life to be different than it was, and I wanted to be a whole and emotionally healthy human being,” she expressed.
She went on to say, “I thought I had worked on being vulnerable and authentic and achieved those qualities. I believed I had conquered most of my demons.”
Valerie Bertinelli and Mike Goodnough attended the 51st annual Daytime Emmys Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles on June 07, 2024.
The celebrity chef discussed a recent challenge: trust. “I’ve heard that entering a relationship after healing from a toxic one can bring up hidden triggers,” she said.
“And that is indeed the truth. Learning to trust again after that trust has been shattered is difficult. Those demons want to protect you from being vulnerable and emotionally exposed ever again.”
She wrapped up her post by expressing her gratitude for her partner. “This man is worth battling the rest of my demons for.
He is the most thoughtful, kind, gentle, intelligent, funny, and grateful man I’ve ever met,” she said.
Valerie Bertinelli Cozies Up to Boyfriend Mike Goodnough During Their Red Carpet Debut at the 2024 Daytime Emmys.
Bertinelli ended by complimenting Goodnough’s appearance: “And look at him. I mean…”
Bertinelli was previously married to financial planner Vitale from 2011 until 2022, and before that, she was married to Van Halen frontman Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until 2007. Van Halen passed away in 2020 after a battle with throat cancer.
She has openly discussed her breakups, offering advice online and during speaking engagements.
“When something is toxic, and it’s only ever been that… Do your best to heal your way to indifference,” she shared on her Instagram Story in March 2023. “You do not have to forgive to move on.”
Bertinelli told about her new relationship, which began online. “I’m in love,” she revealed in an April cover story. “It’s a seesaw of emotions because I was adamant I was never falling in love again.”
