Valerie Bertinelli’s seldom-seen boyfriend shares their date photo while Bertinelli is away from social media
Valerie Bertinelli’s boyfriend, Mike Goodnough, is shedding light on the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Goodnough, also known as Hoarse Whisperer on social media, offered an update on their bicoastal romance while Bertinelli continues her hiatus from social platforms. (Back in May, she announced her decision to take a step back to prioritize her mental well-being, assuring her followers, “I’m good. Honest.”)
In his recent post on May 30, Goodnough candidly shared, “The hurdle with long-distance relationships is, well, the distance. It’s tough to be far apart when all you crave is closeness.” Despite this, he emphasized the value of their time together, making each moment count.
Accompanying his reflections was a photo of Bertinelli, residing in Los Angeles, beaming beside the Hudson River with the New York City skyline as her backdrop. Goodnough affectionately described it as his “view of the city from my side.”
Their cross-country connection initially sparked online, with sporadic Instagram messages preceding their official relationship. Bertinelli disclosed that their interactions began to deepen in January 2024 when they shared their first phone call.
“It started off as friends, but there was something about him that resonated with me—a sense of familiarity. A connection,” Bertinelli shared with PEOPLE in April. Their bond grew stronger during a romantic rendezvous in New York City, where she felt an undeniable sense of belonging in his presence.
Operating under a “three-week rule,” the couple prioritizes regular visits to bridge the physical gap between them. Bertinelli explained that maintaining joy and companionship is paramount in their relationship.
Goodnough recently accompanied Bertinelli on her press tour for her cookbook, Indulge, which contributed to her decision to take a social media hiatus for mental health reasons.
Reflecting on her journey, Bertinelli expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received but acknowledged the need for self-care. She assured her followers of her eventual return, urging them to prioritize their own well-being in the meantime.