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Being completely honest, finding true love wasn’t easy after everything I’d been through. From my difficult marriage with Drew to other relationship disappointments, my path to finding Romain was filled with both challenges and valuable lessons.
Today, I want to share my real story of healing and finding love again.
Healing Takes Time
After leaving my marriage in London, I was completely broken. The trauma of that relationship affected me deeply – I couldn’t even trust my own judgment for a while. What I learned during that time was that healing isn’t linear. Sometimes you think you’re ready to move forward, and then something triggers old memories or fears. My therapist helped me understand that this was normal and that taking time to properly heal was crucial.
Learning to Trust Again
When I first returned from London, I focused on rebuilding my life. I dated a bit – including a baseball player and even Jason Oppenheim – but I was still guarded. After experiencing deception and control in past relationships, trusting someone new felt almost impossible. Looking back, I needed that time to understand what I really wanted in a partner.
Recognizing Real Love
Meeting Romain was completely unexpected. He was supposed to be just another client looking for a place in LA! I remember picking him up at the bakery where he worked to show him apartments, and being struck not just by his looks, but by his genuine, kind nature. What really stood out was how drama-free and straightforward he was – something I hadn’t experienced in previous relationships.
The Age Gap Question
When I found out Romain was twelve years younger than me, I definitely had concerns. But what I discovered was that age really is just a number when you find the right person. Romain has always been incredibly mature, hardworking, and focused on building a future together. He’s proven himself time and again through his actions – from supporting my career to being there during tough times.
Building Trust Through Actions
What made Romain different was his consistency. While past partners had shown red flags I’d ignored, Romain has always been:
– Supportive without being controlling
– Understanding without judgment
– Protective without being possessive
– Honest about his feelings and intentions
– Willing to work through challenges together
The Power of Shared Values
Despite our different backgrounds – him being from France and me from Indiana – we share core values that matter:
– Strong work ethic
– Family importance
– Mutual respect
– Open communication
– Supporting each other’s dreams
Real Talk About Love
Finding love again after heartbreak isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out. It’s about:
– Being honest with yourself
– Not rushing the healing process
– Recognizing your worth
– Setting healthy boundaries
– Staying true to your values
– Being open to love when it comes
Resources that helped my journey:
Moving Forward Together
Romain and I faced early challenges – from language barriers to cultural differences to filming our relationship for Selling Sunset. But what makes our love real is how we handle these challenges together. Whether it’s supporting each other through health issues, career changes, or personal growth, we’re truly partners.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Today, I understand that every heartbreak led me to where I needed to be. The difficult times taught me what I wouldn’t accept, while the healing taught me what I deserved. With Romain, I found someone who not only loves me but respects and supports the woman I’ve become.
To anyone healing from heartbreak: Don’t rush your journey. The right person will be worth the wait, and real love will feel different from anything you’ve experienced before. It won’t be perfect, but it will be real.
With love and hope,
Mary 💕
