An Australian reality TV personality recently gained widespread attention after candidly discussing her personal journey, admitting to past struggles with forming meaningful connections. Belinda “Love” Rygier, who appeared on The Bachelor Australia in 2017, opened up about confronting what she describes as a “relationship addiction,” which led her to seek frequent companionship.
In an interview, the 38-year-old revealed that during a challenging period in her life, she was focused on relationships almost daily. However, she soon recognized the underlying issue and sought professional help to address it.
Belinda’s honesty about her journey has been a key step toward her personal growth and healing. Speaking openly about such matters can be difficult, yet she believes sharing her experience is important, especially for those who may face similar challenges.
In a 2022 radio interview on You’re a Grub Mate!, Belinda shared that she was eight years into her recovery and had been practicing celibacy for over a year. Now a relationship coach, she continues to inspire others by being transparent about her path to self-discovery.
“I didn’t realize the extent of the issue until I started the healing process. The real challenge stemmed from my relationships, where I was consistently attracted to unhealthy partners,” Belinda shared.
“During recovery, I took the time to reflect on my past and recognized that unresolved trauma might have influenced my behavior,” she continued.
Belinda explained that her relationship struggles had a significant impact on her life, despite maintaining a successful career that made it seem like she had everything under control.
The former *Bachelor Australia* star expressed that she’s “not ashamed” of her past, even though seeking out companionship up to six times a week might seem surprising to some.
“For me, it was never just about the physical side. It was more about feeling desired, validated, and loved. Men knew exactly what to say to make me feel that way,” she said.
Belinda “Love” Rygier has embraced a new path of celibacy, expressing her belief that many people today enter intimate relationships for the “wrong reasons.”
“Society has shifted, and we’ve begun using intimacy as a quick fix for validation or temporary satisfaction,” she shared.
While she acknowledges she will be intimate again, it will only be with someone she shares a deep, genuine connection with.
Belinda’s candid reflection on her struggles with unhealthy relationship patterns has sparked both controversy and empathy, bringing attention to an often-overlooked issue. Her transformation from a reality TV star on *The Bachelor Australia* to a self-aware individual confronting her relationship challenges resonates with many who face similar obstacles.
For years, Belinda sought validation through casual relationships, unaware that these encounters were fueled by unresolved emotional wounds. The number of partners she had may have surprised the public, but for her, it was a coping mechanism to fill an emotional void, rather than a healthy expression of connection.
“It wasn’t about the physical side,” she explained. “It was about feeling desired and valued, even if just momentarily. Men knew how to make me feel wanted.” This realization prompted Belinda to confront her relationship addiction, leading her to a recovery program and the practice of celibacy as part of regaining control over her life.
Now, eight years into recovery, Belinda works as a relationship coach, encouraging others to view intimacy as a meaningful connection rather than a source of quick validation. She hopes her story inspires others to reflect on their own relationship patterns and motives. “Society has lost its way, and we’re using intimacy for the wrong reasons,” she stated, urging people to reconsider their approach to relationships and emotional bonds.
Through her journey, Belinda emphasizes that healing is possible, no matter one’s past. By addressing the root causes of behavior, it’s possible to find self-worth and create healthier relationships. She views her past not with shame, but as an important part of her growth toward discovering genuine self-love beyond external validation.
Her willingness to share her personal story has helped break down the stigma around struggles with intimacy, showing that with the right support, transformation is achievable. Belinda’s journey is a reminder that healing is a process, but the results are truly worth the effort.
