Prioritizing her own well-being, Shailene Woodley is focusing on herself. Reflecting on her past experiences, including her engagement to NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which ended in 2022, Shailene discussed how her perspective on love has evolved.
In an interview with Bustle published on September 9, she shared, “I used to give everything I had, even when disrespected. Now, if someone crosses me, I simply say, ‘Thank you for the information. I wish you well,’ and move on. I’m no longer interested in continuing to give.”
Although she has faced heartbreak, Shailene remains optimistic about finding lasting love and embraces aging with an open mind. “I’ve never had rigid expectations for life,” the 32-year-old said. “Each day, I wake up excited for the magic and miracles that might come my way.”
Looking ahead, Shailene envisions a future filled with personal fulfillment and shared experiences. “I dream of being a mother, cooking dinner every night, traveling with someone special, enjoying intimate moments, and celebrating our shared dreams and achievements,” she expressed. “I want to build a family and witness sunsets together.”
For now, the Big Little Lies actress is focused on authenticity rather than conforming to external expectations. “At this stage in my life, I’m not interested in performing for others or seeking validation,” she explained. “The act of pretending to be someone else for acceptance or success feels like a betrayal to my true self.”
Instead of rushing to achieve her future goals, Shailene is committed to living fully in the present. “I simply want to wake up and feel content, and end the day with that same contentment,” she reflected. “I desire my life to be raw, real, expressive, and meaningful in between those moments.”
Previously, Shailene has been open about the difficulties she faced during her breakup with Aaron while working on the drama series Three Women. She described the experience as emotionally taxing, noting, “Filming was challenging because I was going through one of the darkest times of my life. The winter in New York was harsh, and my personal life felt like a painful bubble for months. I was grateful to channel my emotions into my work.”
She also shared how the public scrutiny of her relationship with Aaron impacted her view of social media. “I never fully realized how many people were watching until I was in a high-profile relationship,” she said. “The intense scrutiny and invasion of privacy felt overwhelming. I’ve always been private, and sharing personal details online felt uncomfortable and intrusive.”