Valerie Bertinelli is grateful for the lessons her relationship with Mike Goodnough has taught her about love. The beloved Hot in Cleveland actress opened up about her romance with the talented writer in an heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, June 25. Her words reveal a journey of healing, vulnerability, and rediscovery.
“I embarked on my healing journey in earnest towards the end of 2022,” Valerie wrote alongside a picture of Mike. “I felt a deep desire to transform my life into something different. I yearned to become a whole, emotionally healthy human being. I believed I had already worked through the challenges of vulnerability and authenticity. I thought I had conquered most of my inner demons, but life had other plans for me.”
Valerie reflected on how entering a new relationship after healing from a toxic one can bring unexpected triggers. “I’ve learned that even when you think you’ve moved past certain traumas, relationships have a way of bringing buried emotions back to the surface. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s necessary for growth,” she shared.
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Rebuilding Trust After Heartbreak
The One Day at a Time alum explained the challenges of learning to trust again after having that trust shattered. “Rebuilding trust is no small feat,” she wrote. “There’s this protective mechanism inside us that tries to shield us from ever being vulnerable or emotionally exposed again. But sometimes, love calls for us to fight against those instincts. For me, Mike is worth every battle with my inner demons.”
Valerie, now 64, described Mike as “the most thoughtful, kind, gentle, intelligent, funny, and grateful man I’ve ever met.” She emphasized how his presence in her life has brought light and joy, making the challenges worth every moment.
A Fresh Start After a Difficult Chapter
Before meeting Mike, Valerie endured a challenging and messy divorce from her ex, Tom Vitale. The legal separation was finalized in November 2022. “My lawyer called me that day,” she recalled in a video posted on Instagram. “The papers were all signed, ready to be filed. On 11/22/2022, I officially became divorced. Happily divorced. It was finally over, and I felt a sense of liberation.”
In an April 1 interview with People, Valerie announced she was in love with a mystery man. Weeks later, Mike revealed his identity in a heartfelt blog post on his Substack, titled Hoarse Whisperings. “Valerie and I are together and have been for quite some time now,” he wrote. “I am Valerie Bertinelli’s boyfriend… and that might be one of the most surreal sentences I’ve ever typed. But it’s true… and nothing about our relationship feels surreal. It just feels… good… lucky… like a gift.”
A Red Carpet Debut to Remember
The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Daytime Emmys earlier this month. Valerie was nominated for Outstanding Culinary Host for Valerie’s Home Cooking. Dressed in a chic white pantsuit, she walked hand-in-hand with Mike, who wore a classic black suit. Photos from the event captured their undeniable chemistry and joy. Fans couldn’t help but notice how happy and radiant they both looked together.
They even shared a delightful video on Instagram, showcasing their transformation as they prepared for the big night. “You both look absolutely amazing,” one fan commented, with many others chiming in to express their admiration for the couple.
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After the event, Mike posted a sweet message on Instagram, reflecting on the experience. “Night two of the Daytime Emmy’s was another fantastic evening,” he wrote. “Although Valerie didn’t win an award, she presented several and was as charming and radiant as ever. As per tradition, we left early and went home to enjoy a simple pizza dinner. Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones.”
