Shailene Woodley Opens Up About Past Relationship and Finding Her Way Back to Happiness
Shailene Woodley revealed the pain behind her silence about her past relationship with controversial NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“I haven’t shared much about my relationship with Aaron because it always makes me cry,” Woodley admitted. The actress was candid and emotional, telling anyone who would listen the romance was “not right. But it was beautiful.”
The couple, who began dating in 2020, got engaged in early 2021. Public scrutiny followed them persistently. Despite their attempts at privacy, their romance unfolded publicly in a flurry of engagement announcements and breakups, capturing the imaginations of millions.
Just over a year after going public, the couple split in February 2022. They briefly rekindled their relationship before ultimately parting ways for good that April.
Finding Strength After a Traumatic Experience
Downplaying the specifics of a tough situation, Woodley revealed she suffered through a deeply traumatic experience in early 2022.
"I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy. I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment."
Apparently, she remained in what she called a “toxic situation” because she was empathetic and felt everything deeply.
“Empathy kind of kept me in this loop of feeling everything for everyone.”
Woodley did not name the individual she referred to as the source of the emotional turmoil.
Finding Light Through Darkness
While facing her emotional lows, Woodley leaned on her friend and stylist, Kris Zero. Initially, depression weighed heavily, leaving Woodley devoid of emotion: “I knew I was depressed when I looked at a tree and felt nothing. That was the lowest low of my life.”
Zero, she recalled, took a no-nonsense approach, leveraging music and an unwavering sense of urgency to combat Woodley’s depression.
“Sometimes, I was so angry at her. But then we’d go surf and for ten minutes that day, I thought life could be OK again. Then the depression would come back, and she’d say, ‘We’re volunteering at a horse ranch!’ We’d find a random f-king horse ranch and clean up horse shit. We’d clean hooves and brush horses, and for twenty minutes that day, I thought life could be OK again. And then the depression would come back and she’d wake me up the next morning and say, ’Let’s go on a hike and bring trash bags to clean up trash!"
The weekly routine, Stepping outside, connecting with nature became her lifeline. "KRISTEN saved my life", she’s quoted as saying.
Woodley acknowledged, "It took about six months after the trauma for me to realize I needed to change, and that’s when I started working my way back," she stated.
Looking Ahead
Both Woodley and Rodgers have remained relatively private about the specifics of their split. However, recent reports suggest that both are believed to be single.
Looking ahead, Woodley affirmed one of her biggest hopes:
"One of my biggest dreams is to be a mom."
She expressed this aspiration, leaving fans curious about her future plans and her insistence on finding happiness after a tumultuous period.
What advice does Sarah Jones give for someone going through a difficult and public breakup?
## Interview with Relationship Expert, Sarah Jones
**Interviewer:** Sarah, thank you for joining us today. Shailene Woodley recently opened up about her past relationship with Aaron Rodgers, describing it as “beautiful” but “not right.” She also spoke candidly about a deeply traumatic experience in early 2022, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. What are your thoughts on her vulnerability and her decision to share this publicly?
**Sarah Jones:** I applaud Shailene’s courage in speaking out about her experiences. It takes tremendous strength to be open about heartbreak and emotional turmoil, especially on a public platform. By sharing her story, she’s not only shedding light on the complexities of relationships, but also encouraging others who may be going through similar challenges to know they’re not alone.
**Interviewer:** She mentions staying in what she calls a “toxic situation” due to her empathy. How common is it for people to remain in unhealthy relationships because they’re deeply empathetic?
**Sarah Jones:** It’s unfortunately quite common. Empathetic individuals often prioritize the needs and feelings of others, sometimes at their own expense. They may struggle to set boundaries, fearing they’ll hurt the other person or that they can somehow “fix” the situation. It’s a delicate balance, and knowing when to prioritize one’s own well-being is crucial.
**Interviewer:** Shailene has spoken about finding her way back to happiness. What advice would you give to someone who has been through a similar experience, maybe even a highly public one?
**Sarah Jones:** Healing takes time, and it’s a deeply personal journey. I encourage anyone going through a difficult breakup, especially under public scrutiny, to prioritize self-care. That includes seeking support from loved ones, therapy, engaging in activities that bring joy, and practicing self-compassion. Remember, it’s okay to grieve, to feel anger, sadness, and everything in between. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the space to heal at your own pace. [[1](https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a39133861/shailene-woodley-aaron-rodgers-breakup-details/)]