Valerie Bertinelli ‘learning to trust again’ in new relationship after ‘healing from a toxic one’

Valerie Bertinelli is “learning to trust again” in her new relationship with boyfriend Mike Goodnough.

The Food Network alum, 64, opened up about the pair’s relationship in a candid post on social media, telling fans that she’s trying to heal from a previous “toxic” relationship.

Admitting that her “healing journey” began in late 2022 following her divorce from Tom Vitale, Bertinelli said her current beau makes it all worthwhile.

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“I wanted my life to be different than it was and I wanted to be a whole and emotionally healthy human being,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of her new man.

“Being vulnerable and authentic are two things I thought I had really worked on and accomplished,” she continued, “and I really thought I had conquered most of my demons.”

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Without going into specifics, Bertinelli said that she’s experiencing some triggers stemming from past failed romances.

“I have heard that being in a relationship after healing from a toxic one will bring out some triggers you didn’t know were still buried,” she wrote.

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“And ain’t that the truth. Learning to trust again after having that trust destroyed is not an easy thing. Those demons want to protect you from being vulnerable and emotionally exposed ever again.”

Speaking about Goodnough, the “Hot In Cleveland” alum praised him for being good to her.

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“This man is worth fighting the rest of my demons for. He is the most thoughtful, kind, gentle, intelligent, funny, and grateful man I’ve ever met,” she said, before signing off, “And look at him. 🥰 I mean…”

Bertinelli finalized her divorce from Vitale in November 2022.

Bertinelli met financial planner and entrepreneur Vitale — also CEO of e-commerce company Veebow — in 2004 and got engaged in March 2010.

The pair tied the knot in January 2011. After a decade together, the “Valerie’s Home Cooking” host filed for legal separation from Vitale in November 2021.

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Bertinelli was married to the late Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until 2007. In October 2020, the legendary rocker died from cancer at the age of 65.

The pair had one child together, son Wolfgang, now 33. Vitale had four of his own children from a previous marriage.