Valerie Bertinelli Says She And Her Long-Distance Boyfriend Don't Go More Than Three Weeks Without Seeing Each Other: 'It's About Finding The Joy In Life And Sharing It'

This post has been updated since its original publication date to include new info

Valerie Bertinelli is living her best life right now – with a slimmed-down appearance and a new boyfriend to boot! The 64-year-old One Day at a Time actress went Instagram official with her new boyfriend Mike Goodnough just a few months ago, and their relationship seems to be going from strength to strength.

The Valerie’s Home Cooking star, who has been married and divorced twice, recently shared some tips about dating; and given how happy she seems in her new relationship and life in general, we think the world should listen to what she has to say!

Valerie Bertinelli Talks About Her 'Three-Week Rule'

Bertinelli explained to People that she and her new beau – who she reportedly met for the first time in March after chatting on Instagram for years – incorporate the 'three-week rule' in their long-distance relationship. For anyone not in the know, the rule means that they don't go more than three weeks without seeing each other.

"We never go longer than that without seeing each other. After all, it's about finding the joy in life and sharing it," the Hot in Cleveland actress explained to the pub, before going on to say that although they were both initially reluctant to embark on a long-distance relationship, they decided to take a chance because of how much they connected. Aww!

"We finally said, 'Why are we doing this? It's going to be challenging, because it's long distance, but why not?''' she recalled, adding: "You only live once."

Valerie Bertinelli Went Instagram Official With Her New Boyfriend In April

Back in April, the Kids Baking Championship host went Insta-official with her new boyfriend. And she did so in the sweetest way: by including an adorable selfie and a Taylor Swift lyric. Perhaps inspired by Taylor's brand new album drop, The Tortured Poets Department , the actress decided it was time to go Insta-official with her new man. With a simple, one-photo post to her Instagram account, @WolfiesMom, Bertinelli used some new Taylor Swift lyrics to make the announcement.

"I'll drink what you think / and I'm high / from smokin' your jokes / all damn night," she penned, referencing the pop star's brand new song "So High School," which is reportedly about her whirlwind romance with Travis Kelce , the Superbowl-winning tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

We're not sure what's cuter—the you-make-me-feel-so-young lyrics or the sweet selfie they captioned! The photo Valerie chose shows her and Mike, whose Instagram handle is @TheRealHoarse, with their heads pressed together soft smiling at the camera. They look every bit loved up and in love!

Who Is Mike Goodnough?

So who is the man that the Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share author says she feels "incredibly blessed and lucky to have met?" Not a celebrity that anyone's heard of, many fans have questions as to who's won Valerie's heart after her 2022 divorce from Tom Vitale.

Self-described in his Instagram bio as "Writer. Father. Guinness Drinker. 'Twitter rando' - Rolling Stone," the father-of-one is a writer—and apparently a long-time fan of Valerie Bertinelli. According to Valerie, the pair met online through Instagram, and have been messaging one another "every few months" for years before they started dating. Also according to Valerie, he made her feel all those "high school" feelings she never thought she'd feel again!

"I was supposed to die with my six cats and my dog and very happily live the rest of my years alone – I'm good alone," the New York Times bestselling author told People . "My belly is flip-flopping. This was not supposed to happen." She continued to say: "I'm in love. It's a seesaw of emotions because I was adamant I was never falling in love again."

Speaking to USA Today , she also said of her new man, "I'm incredibly grateful for him. It's unlike any relationship that I've ever experienced with a man. I don't want to say too much, but I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have met him." We're so happy for her!