Cheryl Burke opened up in a recent interview with ENews!, about her past relationship with a narcissist and the impact it had on her life. Burke, known for her appearances on the hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” revealed that she spent years in an emotionally abusive relationship that left her feeling depleted and lost.
Cheryl was married to Matthew Lawrence for 3 years and they were divorced last year.
She also left DWTS after 26 seasons. Cheryl spoke to Francesca Amiker of E! News she told her, “So many changes, I think it was from the divorce to leaving the show to a move all in one year, but I’m still standing.” She also spoke about her divorce, And said, “There were two divorces, one was with the show and one was with my ex-husband. I am learning so much about myself. I am also learning that there is no such thing as your own identity being defined by anything outside of you.”
Cheryl has her own philosophies about self-love and as for dating she has not made any commitments yet. She said, “I have been on dates, yes. Has there been anyone to brag about? No. I am not in a rush. I owe this to myself. You know they say every narcissist you date you owe a year to yourself. I’ve got a lot of years to make up, OK?”
Cheryl had shared that she had spoken to Dr. Ramani Durvasula about dating. She asked if it was normal that she had not been in a serious relationship for a few years. The doctor suggested that she spend this time alone. Cheryl is making sure that when she does date it has to be under certain circumstances. “I’m not actively looking because I’m not even on a dating app—I refuse.
You’re swiping through and the only time you stop swiping is when you think someone looks good, and that is just ass-backward for me.” She also added, “That’s not what I’m looking for. I’m not looking for someone with no personality that’s on my Abercrombie & Fitch shopping bag. I’m not doing that. I am almost 40 years old.” So what does Cheryl look for in a person?
She tells Francesca, “I’m looking for someone who can really inspire me that makes me think that supports me, and vice versa. [Someone] that is his own person and I’m my own individual person but then we come together because we enjoy each other’s company.” She was asked if she would date another celebrity and she said she is not opposed to the idea. “If they have the qualities I mentioned, I guess that doesn’t matter because again that’s not your identity. That’s not even in the tunnel vision of what I’m looking for.”
Since moving on from her divorce Cheryl is not allowing her career to be what she is only associated with. She said of her time on DWTS that, ” The show didn’t identify who I truly am at all. It was a part of me, absolutely, and the same thing with my relationships. If you do define yourself by the outside world, it is so temporary. And then that’s when you feel the loss, the emptiness, the loneliness.”
Cheryl is putting in every effort for herself with self-love as being the top priority and setting boundaries, and everything she wants is clear as to who she is.
Cheryl also shared some insight into her podcast “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,’ which premiered 3 days ago. So what can listeners expect to hear about on her show? She puts it this way, “I am not here to talk bad about the show by any means, because I know where I came from and I always will be grateful for where I came from, which was Dancing with the Stars.” Cheryl also added that she expressed how she felt through dance for many years and now she is, “now learning how to express my emotions and my thoughts and feelings through words, and the podcast couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.”
Burke’s candid admission sheds light on a prevalent issue that many individuals face but often struggle to discuss openly. Narcissistic relationships can be incredibly damaging, as they involve manipulation, gaslighting, and a constant need for control. Victims often find themselves questioning their self-worth and losing their sense of identity.
Burke’s story is about her determination to move forward and reclaim her life. She acknowledges that healing takes time but firmly believes that she has “a lot of years” ahead of her to make up for the lost time.
This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced a toxic relationship. It serves as a reminder that no matter how long we have been trapped in such dynamics, there is always hope for a better future.
Photos Instagram, ABC
