Latest news with #selfacceptance
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Northome's Denise Winkelman reflects on conservative upbringing in comedy special
Aug. 9—BEMIDJI — She's a Minnesota native who's California living. With her roots planted in Northome, Denise Winkelman currently resides in Los Angeles, where she waters her career as a stand-up comedian. As a fruit of her labor, Winkelman's debut comedy special, "Bougie on a Budget," is set for release by Comedy Dynamics on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and will be available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube among other platforms. While comedic, the special includes an all-encompassing message of self-acceptance. "I grew up very different than I am right now," Winkelman said. "When it comes down to it, the real theme is to be yourself, be authentic. We blend some serious between the funny, and I'm really proud and excited to share it with the world." She drew inspiration for the special from personal life experiences. According to a release, Winkelman playfully reflects on her conservative Midwestern upbringing and how these roots continue to shape her journey as a transgender woman living in Los Angeles today. "With a gift for turning struggle into comedy, Denise delivers hilarious and heartfelt takes on identity, acceptance and enjoying the little luxuries in life," the release said, "even when on a tight budget." Marked by simplicity, Winkelman enjoyed her childhood. She attended Squaw Lake in her elementary years before being homeschooled until her senior year, during which she would graduate from Northome School with a class of 18. "I did not finish in the top 10," Winkelman joked, "but it was a good way to grow up." Winkelman and her family spent a good deal of time in Blackduck and International Falls, the latter in which she would attend two years of community college. Winkelman's next step led her to Oak Hills Christian College to play basketball followed by two years at Bemidji State University, leaving with a mass communication bachelor's degree in hand. The recent graduate would find work at PBS and transition to a financial career for a number of years. A longtime fan of wrestling, Winkelman would become a professional wrestler herself and did so for five years in Cincinnati, Ohio. Winkelman partially credited her athletic pursuits to "feeling different" growing up, as though she was born in the wrong skin. "I knew very early on that I was different and I couldn't really quantify it," Winkelman said. Through talk shows of the 1980s and 1990s — namely Maury Povich and Sally Jessy Raphael — Winkelman figured out what that difference was. "It was through those talk shows that I realized I was trans," Winkelman recalled. "I had never heard of the term before because, in the 90s, it wasn't talked about a lot. When it was talked about, it was more derogatory." Winkelman noted a religious upbringing, attending church and Bible camps regularly growing up. "At the time, it just didn't feel like it was OK or would be accepted, so I really got into sports," Winkelman said. "I tried to overcompensate and became a professional wrestler. I thought, 'if I'm really tough, big and strong, then all of this will go away.' It did not." Prior to coming out, Winkelman compared her experience to a dying smoke alarm. "When the batteries are dying and you hear that constant beep, that's what being trans was like for me," she mentioned. "Thinking, 'I don't feel comfortable in my own skin, this isn't right...' It was this constant beeping in my head." Winkelman began coming to terms with herself by the late 2000s. By 2011, she would make a monumental decision following her efforts to "overcompensate" what she was feeling. "I remember laying in bed thinking, 'I've tried all this stuff, I'm not happy,'" she said. "I was either going to drink myself to death — and I wasn't even a drinker — or I was going to give myself a chance at being happy, and I decided to give myself that chance." Winkelman transitioned between 2012 and 2013 around the time that she moved from Cincinnati to Denver, Colo., as part of her day job. After breaking the news to her family, a bit of time would pass before Winkelman's parents could come to terms with their daughter. The pair were devout Christians, Winkelman's father even serving as a local pastor. "There was this serious side (of coming out) where they were very worried about me going to hell," she recalled. "If they're right, it's going to happen. But it doesn't hurt anybody to be nice to people." Winkelman noted an added layer of difficulty with coming out as transgender and undergoing a physical transition compared to other LGBTQ+ identities. "It's not like being gay in the sense that (being trans) is such an external thing, trying to have your insides match your outsides," Winkelman said. "Everybody can see the transition and it's hard for some people to not remember the person you were before." Through it all, she clung to a pertinent phrase. "Treat others how you want to be treated. My parents were really big on that," Winkelman said. "My family is exceptionally strong and were very cool with (me being trans). Maybe being away from them helped in that sense." Winkelman's wrestling career would end shortly after her transition, but her fellow wrestlers' support would remain. "My wrestling buddies were the coolest people when I came out to them," she said. "I was really worried about it." It was in Denver where Winkelman began her switch to comedy. "I tried to wrestle after transition for six months," Winkelman detailed, "and it hurt too much." Winkelman completed a year of fitness modeling in lieu of wrestling and performed her first comedic set for a fundraiser in Denver. Much like the city, Winkelman was a bit green. "There were 300 people and I had never done a set before, didn't go to any open mics," she said, "but I worked really hard on it. I was nervous and shaking the mic, but eight minutes in, I had gotten enough laughs where I was like 'I want to do this.'" Starting her stand-up career in 2017, Winkelman would later move to her current stomping grounds of Los Angeles in 2020 — a mere two weeks before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. "Timing is everything and my timing is impeccable," she said sarcastically. Emerging from the pandemic, Winkelman has performed throughout southern California and has scored multiple appearances at the Burbank Comedy Festival and Boston Comedy Festival where she was named a semi-finalist. She also co-wrote the semi-autobiographical pilot, "The Authentic Step," which was named a finalist or semi-finalist in several prestigious competitions including the New York Film Festival. Life in Los Angeles provides a stark contrast to Winkelman's roots. "(L.A.) is just busy. Everybody's got a side hustle of some sort," she said. "I do talk about growing up in a small town in the special, and it's a much different lifestyle for sure." Still, Minnesota has her heart in more ways than one as she never misses a KFAN radio segment or a Vikings game. "I'm a lifelong Minnesota fan, so I'm used to heartbreak when it comes to sports," Winkelman added lightheartedly. Winkelman hopes to provide a comedic parallel of her experiences through "Bougie on a Budget," a product of determination. "I put a ton of work into (Bougie on a Budget)," she left off. "I'm very proud of it and excited." The show is intended for mature audiences and is available for pre-order. To learn more about Winkelman and her work, visit Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paulina Porizkova, 60, Stuns Fans With Candid Clip: ‘Spectacularly Unflattering'
Paulina Porizkova, 60, Stuns Fans With Candid Clip: 'Spectacularly Unflattering' originally appeared on Parade. Legendary supermodel Paulina Porizkova isn't afraid to have a bit of fun at her own expense. A new social media post from the former Dancing with the Stars contestant and America's Next Top Model judge provided an honest take on aging, and fans loved her for it. On August 5, Porizkova shared a short video on her Instagram page. Text over the video read, "Oh... Oops!" and she explained what she meant in the caption. "You know, that spectacularly unflattering angle when you're looking down at your phone, and accidentally film yourself! So much for 'oh, aging is easy for you, Miss Supermodel.'" Of course, Porizkova didn't have to share the brief video that showed her from an unflattering angle. However, she chose to do so to allow her to make an important point about aging. Regarding aging, Porizkova wrote, "It's easy only for those who have never cared what they look like, spent a lifetime pursuing noble goals, and are in perfect health." She quipped, "Those of you who qualify, I bow to you: You're karmically waaaay ahead of me." Porizkova continued, "For the rest of us: I love my age. I'm the happiest I've ever been. I wouldn't trade it for any other age." Despite that, Porizkova admitted that it's work to accept her changing looks as she ages. "Having relied on my looks for most of my life as a part of my personality, this physically aging stuff demands an inner courage I'm still working on," she acknowledged. At the same time, Porizkova added, aging is "also a privilege of which I am absolutely conscious and grateful." Porizkova added a handful of hashtags at the end of her caption. One joked she was between Jennifer Lopez and Betty White, and another declared, "This is 60." The supermodel's message rang true with her fans. "That angle gives me a fright regularly, and then I step back and give myself some grace. Thanks for being so honest," commented one supporter. "It's very affirming that you are as vulnerable as non-models," a fan noted. Someone else added, "Oh you nailed it as at our age this is the reality and I too embrace it! As one person here commented, 'age is not a crime'!! YAAAAS!" Paulina Porizkova, 60, Stuns Fans With Candid Clip: 'Spectacularly Unflattering' first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jamie Lee Curtis Says Mom Janet Leigh Would Have 'Been Incredibly Upset' About Her Oscar-Winning Role (Exclusive)
In PEOPLE's new cover story, Curtis discusses how Hollywood and "self-acceptance" have evolved since her mother's days starring in iconic films such as 'Psycho' On the set for the PEOPLE cover shoot for Freakier Friday, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are having a little bit of a flashback. It's an apt moment for the sequel to the hit 2003 film, this time with Lohan's character Anna as a mother to her own teen daughter (played by Julia Butters) and Curtis returning as Anna's mom Tess, who is now a grandmother. They are thinking of their own moms. Of course, Lohan, 39, and Curtis, 66, were both raised in Hollywood, and on sound stages such as this one. The former, a child of screen idols Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh who found early fame in the Halloween franchise, is enjoying a recent Oscar-and-Emmy-winning renaissance in films and television. The latter grew up right here at Disney, with Lohan's first film being a different remake, The Parent Trap. Lohan's first words to Curtis when they met to shoot Freaky Friday in the early 2000s: 'Hi Mom.' Asked when they first began seeing glimpses of their own mothers in themselves, Lohan is quick to answer about her mother, Dina. "I always ask my husband, 'Am I like my mom?' And he says, 'Yes, your, your mannerisms are a lot like your mom.' And I think it's a very New York thing. I was raised very New York, and my mom is very New York. But also her maternal sense. She's very close with all of her kids. I think I'm more protective than she is." Curtis says, "I tried to do everything not to be my mother. And, of course, I'm very much like my mother in many, many, ways. My admiration for her has swelled as my disappointments have lessened. I know that my mother was so proud of me and and what I've achieved, that she respected my husband's work and was thrilled to be a grandma." Leigh died in 2004 at 77. "My mother's been gone a long time. And today I have a freedom to be myself that my mother's generation would never have allowed. My mother would've been incredibly upset at [the Oscar-winning film] Everything Everywhere All at Once and how I looked. My mother would have loathed—" Lohan interjects. "Don't say that though. Because you never know —" "I do know," replies Curtis. I do know because her generation was so much about your body and what you look like. And the beauty. The beauty is just who she was. That's what her life was. My mother was literally jaw dropping. But I think that would've been very hard for her to see me with my tummy sticking out. Or in [the film] Last Showgirl, for her to see me in that dressing room at 66 years old. That really would've upset her. I know her very well. I have accepted myself in a much bigger way than I think she felt she was allowed to, through her generation." Curtis says that "the whole kit and caboodle" of the Freaky Friday films is "take a walk in my shoes." Lohan adds, "don't judge a book by its cover. Because we tend to do that in this world so quickly. And it's important to take the time to actually get to understand someone before you put labels on them." "The whole construct of a Freaky Friday movie," Curtis says, "is 'you don't understand me, I don't understand you, body swap and it allows you to walk a mile in somebody else's shoes.' And in the world today where labels get placed and they are limited and boxed, and there's no chance for listening. It's assumptions and ideas that we've placed on other people. And to me, the beauty of these movies is we blow it all up and we expose what we are, which is human. And flawed and fragile. And funny." Freakier Friday is in theaters Aug. 8. For more from Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Things Adult Children Of Toxic Parents Still Struggle To Say
Navigating adulthood with the shadow of a toxic upbringing is challenging. If you had toxic parents, you might find yourself struggling with certain expressions that seem second nature to others. Being able to articulate these feelings can be difficult, but recognizing them is the first step toward healing. Here's a list of things you might find hard to say, even if you're trying to live your own life. 1. "I'm Proud Of Myself" Expressing pride in yourself can seem foreign if you weren't encouraged to celebrate your achievements growing up. Toxic parents might have withheld praise or undercut your successes, leaving you uncertain about your accomplishments. As an adult, this can make acknowledging your achievements difficult, even when they're significant. According to a study by Dr. Kristin Neff, self-compassion, including recognizing one's achievements, contributes to emotional resilience. Learning to take pride in your efforts is a crucial component of self-acceptance. Recognizing your accomplishments involves more than just accepting praise from others. It's about giving yourself credit and acknowledging the hard work you've put in. When you openly express pride in your achievements, you reinforce positive self-worth. This practice can boost your confidence and motivate you to pursue new challenges. Remember, being proud of yourself isn't arrogance—it's an appreciation for your journey and growth. 2. "I'm Afraid That's A Hard No" Saying no can be a monumental challenge for those with toxic parents. If you grew up in an environment where your "no" was often overridden or ignored, asserting your boundaries can feel impossible. This difficulty can leave you vulnerable to exploitation and neglect of your own needs. Therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab emphasizes that learning to say no is a vital skill for maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care. Practicing this simple yet powerful word can significantly enhance your quality of life. Learning to say no involves recognizing your limits and valuing your time and energy. You might worry about disappointing others or facing backlash, but saying no allows you to prioritize your well-being. It sends a clear message about your boundaries and expectations, fostering respect in your relationships. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to assert your needs without guilt. Embrace the power of no as a tool for self-empowerment and authenticity. 3. "I Need Space" Requesting space can be tough if your boundaries were never respected growing up. Toxic parents might have invaded your privacy or dismissed your need for independence, leaving you ill-equipped to assert this as an adult. The fear of being perceived as selfish or ungrateful can make it hard to ask for time alone. Understanding that needing space is a natural part of maintaining your mental health is crucial. It's about recharging and nurturing your relationship with yourself. Communicating your need for space involves setting clear boundaries and explaining why it's important for you. This might mean taking a break from social activities, dedicating time to a hobby, or simply enjoying solitude. When you prioritize your need for space, you model self-care and encourage others to respect your boundaries. Remember, needing space doesn't mean you don't value your relationships; it means you value yourself. By carving out time for yourself, you return to your relationships more present and engaged. 4. "I Need Help" Admitting you need help can feel daunting, especially if you've been conditioned to see vulnerability as a weakness. Toxic parents often dismiss or belittle your struggles, leaving you wary of seeking assistance from others. This burden can make even the simplest call for help feel like an insurmountable challenge. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Susan Heitler, growing up with such parents can make you feel like you have to manage everything alone, leading to an unhealthy level of self-reliance. Accepting that seeking help is not just okay but necessary can be a big step toward recovery. This reluctance to ask for help often intertwines with trust issues. You might wonder if anyone is truly willing to support you or if you'll be left to fend for yourself. When you finally do ask for help, it can feel like a monumental act of courage. Over time, learning to trust others and ask for support becomes an invaluable skill. Remember, it's human nature to need others, and allowing yourself this grace can be transformative. 5. "I Deserve Respect" Growing up with toxic parents often means that respect was a one-way street. You might have been taught, explicitly or implicitly, that your feelings and boundaries were less important than those of others. This conditioning can leave you struggling to assert your needs and demand respect in relationships as an adult. You may catch yourself downplaying your worth or accepting disrespect as a norm. Recognizing you deserve respect is essential for cultivating healthy interactions. Respect is a two-way street that requires you to understand your own worth. When you acknowledge your right to be treated well, you open the door to healthier relationships. This realization empowers you to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being. It's not about demanding undue reverence but about acknowledging that your feelings and needs matter. By expecting respect, you teach others how to treat you and contribute to more balanced connections. 6. "I'm Sorry" Apologizing can be a minefield if your parents used it as a tool for manipulation. Toxic parents might have made you apologize constantly, even when you did nothing wrong, or they might never have modeled sincere apologies themselves. As an adult, this can leave you unsure of when and how to say you're sorry. Psychologist Dr. Mark Sichel highlights that children of such parents may struggle with apologies because of this skewed understanding. Learning to apologize genuinely and recognize the appropriate times to do so is a crucial social skill. Struggling with apologies often means you're wrestling with guilt and accountability. You may over-apologize, instinctively taking blame for situations beyond your control. Alternatively, you might resist apologizing altogether, fearing that it signifies a loss of power or autonomy. As you practice healthy apologies, you'll find a balance, understanding that saying sorry is an opportunity for growth and not a surrender. Apologizing with sincerity can enhance your relationships and promote mutual understanding. 7. "I Forgive You" Forgiveness can be a complex, emotionally charged subject, especially when dealing with toxic parents. You might feel pressure to forgive and forget, even when deep wounds remain unhealed. Forgiving someone who hurt you deeply can feel like condoning their behavior, which is far from the truth. Forgiveness is more about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and allowing space for healing. It doesn't mean you have to reconcile or maintain a relationship with those who've hurt you. The process of forgiveness is personal and can take time. It begins with acknowledging your pain and allowing yourself to feel anger and sadness. As you work through these emotions, you can gradually reach a place where forgiveness becomes a possibility. It's important to remember that forgiveness is for you, not the other person. By letting go of grievances, you create room for personal growth and peace. 8. "I Trust You" Trusting others can be a significant hurdle if your parents were unreliable or deceitful. You might have grown up constantly second-guessing people's intentions, leading to a general wariness of others. As an adult, this can manifest as difficulty forming close relationships or constantly expecting betrayal. Rebuilding trust requires discernment and courage. It's about learning to evaluate who deserves your trust and gradually letting your guard down. Opening yourself up to trust is a gradual process that involves vulnerability. You may hesitate to rely on others, fearing disappointment or rejection. However, allowing yourself to trust can lead to fulfilling relationships and a supportive network. Building trust begins with small steps, like sharing a thought or relying on someone for minor assistance. As your confidence in others grows, so does your capacity for deeper connections. 9. "I Love You" Saying 'I love you' might not come easily if emotional expressions were weaponized in your childhood home. You might associate love with manipulation or feel that expressing it makes you vulnerable. As an adult, this can hinder your ability to form intimate bonds, leaving you feeling isolated. Learning to express love openly and sincerely is a crucial step toward emotional freedom. It's about breaking through walls built by fear and embracing the warmth that connection brings. Expressing love involves acknowledging both your feelings and the recipient's importance in your life. Challenging as it may be, telling someone you love them deepens your relationship and fosters mutual understanding. You might start by practicing small acts of affection or gratitude, gradually working up to verbal expressions. Embracing love in all its forms enables personal growth and strengthens your emotional resilience. Letting love in, and sharing it freely, enriches your life and the lives of those around you. 10. "I'm Not Okay" Admitting you're not okay can be difficult if you were taught to hide your emotions. Toxic parents might have dismissed your feelings or punished vulnerability, leaving you reluctant to show when you're struggling. Acknowledging your struggles as an adult can feel risky, as though you're exposing a weakness. But recognizing when you're not okay is a crucial part of self-awareness and mental health. It allows you to seek support and begin the process of healing. When you admit you're not okay, you give yourself permission to take the necessary steps toward recovery. This might involve talking to a friend, seeking therapy, or simply taking a break. Acknowledging your struggles isn't a sign of failure; it's an act of courage and honesty. By confronting your feelings, you create an opportunity for growth and understanding. Remember, everyone has moments of difficulty, and it's okay to ask for help. 11. "I Forgive Myself" Forgiving yourself can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you grew up in an environment that thrived on blame. Toxic parents might have constantly blamed you for their problems or yours, leaving you feeling guilty for things beyond your control. This can create a cycle of self-reproach that's challenging to break. Self-forgiveness involves acknowledging your mistakes and understanding that you're human. It's a powerful step in reclaiming your narrative and fostering inner peace. Practicing self-forgiveness allows you to let go of past mistakes and embrace personal growth. It involves recognizing that no one is perfect, and everyone makes errors. By forgiving yourself, you release the burden of guilt and create room for improvement. This practice encourages self-compassion and resilience, enabling you to move forward with confidence. Accept that forgiving yourself is a journey, not a destination. 12. "I Am Worthy Of Happiness" Feeling worthy can be challenging when your parents constantly undermine your self-esteem. You might have been given the message, intentionally or not, that you're only as valuable as your last achievement or mistake. As an adult, this can manifest as a persistent feeling of inadequacy or imposter syndrome. You might find yourself in a cycle of seeking validation through accomplishments, never truly believing in your inherent worth. Breaking free from this mindset involves recognizing your worth is intrinsic and not contingent on external factors. Embracing your worthiness requires self-acceptance and compassion. This journey involves challenging the negative narratives instilled in you and rewriting them with affirmations of your value. As you internalize this belief, you'll notice a shift in how you approach challenges and relationships. Recognizing your worth allows you to pursue goals genuinely aligned with your values, rather than seeking approval. Embrace the idea that you are enough, just as you are, regardless of external validation. 13. "I'm Scared" Admitting fear can be challenging if vulnerability was seen as weakness in your childhood. Toxic parents might have dismissed your fears or used them against you, leading you to suppress these emotions. As an adult, acknowledging fear can feel like you're exposing a chink in your armor. But expressing fear is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It allows you to address the root causes and seek solutions, fostering resilience and growth. When you admit to being scared, you open the door to understanding and support. This admission encourages you to confront your fears and explore ways to overcome them. By sharing your fears with others, you build trust and connection, knowing you're not alone. Over time, addressing your fears can lead to greater confidence and empowerment. Remember, courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it head-on. 14. "I Need To Talk" Initiating a serious conversation can be intimidating, especially if your parents dismissed or trivialized your concerns. You might have been taught that speaking up would lead to conflict or punishment, making it hard to voice your thoughts as an adult. However, expressing the need to talk is key to resolving misunderstandings and fostering healthy communication. It's about being open and honest so that you can address issues together. This transparency can strengthen your relationships and lead to mutual growth. When you say you need to talk, you prioritize communication and show that you value the relationship. It involves choosing the right time and approach to express your thoughts and emotions clearly. By fostering open dialogue, you create a safe space for honesty and vulnerability. This practice not only deepens your connections but also enhances your emotional intelligence. Remember, meaningful conversations are the foundation of understanding and trust. 15. "I Need Support" Asking for support can feel daunting if you've been accustomed to handling everything alone. Toxic parents might have instilled the belief that seeking support is a sign of weakness or inadequacy. As a result, you might struggle to reach out even when you need help the most. However, acknowledging your need for support is a vital part of self-care and personal growth. It's about recognizing that you don't have to navigate challenges by yourself. When you ask for support, you invite others into your journey, allowing them to offer help and understanding. This request can strengthen your relationships by fostering trust and empathy. By accepting support, you cultivate a sense of community and resilience. Remember, needing support doesn't imply incapability; it signifies that you value your well-being and are willing to seek the resources you need. Embrace the strength that comes from leaning on others and sharing the load. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Spencer Matthews responds to cruel comments about Ulrika Jonsson's appearance on his podcast after she hits back at 'ageist' remarks from trolls
Spencer Matthews Ulrika Jonsson 's appearance on his podcast on Monday. The former reality star, 36, had the TV presenter and model on his Untapped Podcast where she addressed giving up alcohol. However, Ulrika was cruelly trolled for her appearance on the podcast, which is also videoed and released alongside the audio. Previously hitting back, the 57-year-old explained how many of the comments said she was 'over-tanned, imperfect and was ageing'. Ulrika also pointed out how it's tiresome people constantly judge a women's appearance. Now, Spencer has spoken out as he jumped to Ulrika's defence in a social media post to his followers. Sharing a news article about Ulrika's appearance, he said: 'People shouldn't comment on the appearance of others. We stand with Ulrika.' The full statement read: 'We were honoured to have Ulrika Jonsson join Untapped for a powerful, vulnerable, and deeply honest conversation about her journey to sobriety. 'Ulrika's courage in speaking openly - not just abot her drinking, but also about ageing, health and self-acceptance, is exactly the kind of voice we aim to amplify on this platform. She showed up authentically and with no filter, and we're proud to stand alongside her in championing substance over surface. 'The episode is a reminder that true strength lies in honesty - not how we look, but in the actions we take, and what we choose to share. 'We're grateful to Ulrika for doing just that'. Ulrika had said after her appearance on the podcast: 'I feel I need to address something. I don't get a lot of nasty comments - or if I do, I don't see them or send people love in response. 'But a couple of weeks ago I took part in a fab podcast @ to discuss my sobriety with the smart @spencermatthews. 'I wore no make-up. Partly because I kinda forgot that a project for the ears is nowadays also a feast for the eyes. But as someone who has had to wear heavy make-up on screen from 5am for years, I'm not a fan. 'Most crucially tho, since childhood I've suffered from eczema. On my body - the creases of my arms and legs - on my face - eyes and lips. Make-up has always been the enemy because it's been agony to wear. 'There were a lot of positive comments about the WORDS I said on the podcast. But a considerable amount about my tanned appearance. 'AND how OLD I look. In a few weeks I will be 58. I will never look like the fresh 21yr old that used to greet you first thing in the morning by the weather board. 'I'm not ashamed to say that I am a sun worshipper and will no doubt pay the price for that. But UV lamps and salt baths, astringent solutions and creams were a feature of my life since I was a small child. I have uneven pigmentation doubtlessly not helped by ageing. I sometimes use filters in my pics because it's easier than foundation and less painful. 'I work tirelessly in my garden year round and often in the sun. I rarely sunbathe any more. Haven't had a sun bed for 6 months - which I do occasionally in winter months. Not ashamed. 'I have not had a holiday - of any kind - since 2018. That's 7yrs. So, I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and AGEING face offends you. But try to listen to the words rather than constantly judge women's appearance. You might learn something. And making people feel s**t doesn't make you a hero.' During her appearance on Untapped, Ulrika revealed she gave up drinking 13 months ago and attends three AA meetings away. She admitted she struggled on the first anniversary of her sobriety buts said she was confident it would continue for good. When it comes to sex, Ulrika - who is single - said she wants a lot more, but she admitted she finds men less attractive when sober, and it's harder to end up in bed with someone - but she said when she does it is a better experience. Asked by Spencer on his Untapped podcast if she thought being sober was going to have a negative effect on her sex life, she said: 'Yeah - although I kind of knew that sex sober would be better. 'But of course all your inhibitions go when you've had a drink, so sex becomes easier to sort of facilitate or bring about, or participate in, but the enjoyment side of things is very different when you're sober. 'So that's been quite interesting too. 'I would never have had a date without having one drink. That's the lubricant. That's the social lubricant you just need to ease yourself into a date.'
