Mike Goodnough, the former partner of actress Valerie Bertinelli, opened up about their recent breakup in a candid and emotional Instagram post. In a heartfelt message shared on Friday, Goodnough reflected on the “complicated” nature of their relationship and took responsibility for actions that may have worsened the situation between them.

“Writing this post makes me absolutely miserable,” Goodnough began, accompanying the caption with a somber graphic that read: “You & me. The end.” He admitted that while sharing such personal emotions publicly was difficult, he felt compelled to be transparent.

Addressing a specific incident that reportedly caused tension between the exes earlier this month, Goodnough acknowledged that it stemmed from one of his own social media posts. “A post of mine here was the cause of it. I regret having posted it. I wish I hadn’t,” he wrote. “The issue addressed was real. My post made it worse rather than better.”

The author went on to describe the relationship as layered and emotionally intense. Though their romantic involvement ended several months ago, the two maintained close contact until very recently, which, he noted, made the breakup feel more “fresh” than it may appear to outsiders.

Goodnough suggested that external factors — not personal failings or emotional distance — were to blame for the end of the relationship. “There were things outside of our relationship that interfered,” he said, alluding to unspoken pressures that may have contributed to the split.

Despite the heartbreak, Goodnough emphasized the strength and sincerity of the bond they shared. “The one thing that was never an issue was our love for each other,” he shared. “I loved Valerie more than I’ve ever loved someone in a relationship of choice. (My love for my son is a whole different thing.)”

His post has prompted a wave of supportive messages from followers, with many praising his honesty and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Bertinelli has not publicly commented on the breakup, maintaining her characteristic privacy regarding personal matters.

The actress, known for her roles in One Day at a Time and Hot in Cleveland, has experienced public ups and downs in her personal life, including a high-profile divorce from late rock star Eddie Van Halen and her more recent split from second husband Tom Vitale. Goodnough was the first known partner she dated after those two marriages, and fans had been rooting for the couple’s apparent happiness.

Though their relationship has now ended, Goodnough’s statement paints a picture of mutual respect and enduring affection. He concluded his post without bitterness, instead conveying a sense of deep appreciation for what he and Bertinelli once shared — and a sense of maturity about why it had to end.

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