Valerie Bertinelli, the Food Network alum, has been candid about her journey to trusting again in her new relationship with boyfriend Mike Goodnough. After going through a divorce from Tom Vitale in late 2022, Bertinelli is working on healing from a previous toxic relationship. She admitted that being vulnerable and authentic are qualities she thought she had mastered, only to realize that there were still triggers from past failed romances that she needed to address.
Bertinelli shared on social media that learning to trust again after having that trust destroyed is not an easy task. She acknowledged that demons from the past might try to protect her from being emotionally exposed once more. Despite these challenges, she expressed that her current beau, Mike Goodnough, is worth fighting those demons for. She described him as thoughtful, kind, gentle, intelligent, funny, and grateful, highlighting the positive impact he has had on her life.
The actress and TV personality, known for “Hot In Cleveland” and “Valerie’s Home Cooking,” finalized her divorce from Vitale in November 2022. She first met Vitale, a financial planner and entrepreneur, in 2004 and they got engaged in March 2010 before tying the knot in January 2011. After a decade together, Bertinelli filed for legal separation from Vitale in November 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. Prior to her marriage with Vitale, Bertinelli was married to the late Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until 2007, with whom she shares a son, Wolfgang.
Valerie Bertinelli’s public acknowledgment of her struggles and triumphs in relationships serves as a reminder that healing and growth are ongoing processes. Despite past hardships, she remains optimistic about her future with Mike Goodnough and is committed to working through any challenges that may arise. Bertinelli’s openness about her journey to trust again is a testament to her strength and resilience as she continues to navigate the complexities of love and healing in the public eye.