Valerie Bertinelli's Heartfelt Journey After Her Split
Valerie Bertinelli and Mike Goodnough tried their hardest to make their relationship work, but sometimes, even the best efforts don’t lead to the desired outcome. An insider exclusively told Closer that both Valerie and Mike gave their romance "their best shot," but the stars didn't align for them.
“Valerie really opened up her heart and fell deeply for Mike, and he felt the same way about her. Unfortunately, the romance didn’t work out," the source explains. "Some people say it was the long-distance aspect that got in the way, while others believe it just wasn't meant to be. But there’s a bright side: Valerie realized she could love again, and that’s a powerful realization for anyone.”
Love Across the Miles: The Challenges of Long-Distance
Valerie, who is 64, publicly shared her romance with the East Coast-based writer back in April. Despite the geographical distance between them—Valerie lives on the West Coast—they tried to make it work by setting a "three-week rule," promising never to go more than three weeks without seeing each other. It was a valiant effort, but sometimes, even the best-laid plans don’t pan out.
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According to reports, the couple parted ways after being together for 10 months. “They are no longer in a relationship,” an insider confirmed to the media on November 5. While it’s never easy to end a relationship, both Valerie and Mike seemed to take it in stride.
Mike Goodnough's Perspective on the Split
When asked about the split, Mike, who is 54, told People, “Valerie and I are the only two people who truly understand our relationship. Neither of us pays much attention to what people outside of it have to say.” It’s clear that both parties respected the privacy of their relationship, even after it ended.
Despite the breakup, Valerie took to Instagram to express her gratitude towards Mike. In a reflective post marking two years since her divorce from Tom Vitale, she wrote, “Two years of eventually dipping my toe back into the pool of love. (Thank you, Mike)” The One Day at a Time star further thanked him “for being such a big part of my growth this year.”
“I’m grateful for our experience and I’m so grateful I met you,” Valerie wrote in her Instagram post while tagging Mike’s handle. Her words reflect not only her appreciation for Mike but also her personal growth over the past two years.
The insider suggests there’s no chance of the couple rekindling their romance. “They decided to part ways and not communicate further, but Valerie is truly grateful that Mike opened her heart, which is why she acknowledged him on social media,” the source reveals. “They don’t plan on staying friends, though they harbor no hard feelings toward each other.”
“They both want a clean break, and that’s the best way to move forward,” the source adds. “It’s easier this way.”
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Support and Appreciation from Fans
Valerie’s fans flooded her Instagram post with supportive comments after she opened up about marking “two years of freedom.”
“You’re amazing and such an inspiration. I’ve gone through similar challenges, and it feels incredible to come out on the other side,” one commenter wrote. “Sending love and positivity your way! Keep growing and shining!”
“Who would have thought that the same girl we all adored as teenagers would one day become a woman who shares her journey and challenges with us?” another fan expressed. “Thank you, Valerie, for being so authentic with all of us.”
Looking ahead, Valerie seems optimistic about her future. “Valerie will always treasure Mike for being there when she needed him most,” the insider shares. “She cherishes the time they spent together and the impact he had on her life.”
