Drew Barrymore has opened up about why she can go years without physical intimacy, explaining that her priorities have changed since becoming a mother and going through divorce. The actress and talk show host first made the comment during a conversation about Andrew Garfield’s decision to avoid romantic activity for six months while preparing for his role in Silence. Barrymore joked that six months did not sound very long to her, then added that she could go “years.”
Drew Barrymore’s Honest Comment Surprised Fans
Drew Barrymore made the candid remark during a segment on The Drew Barrymore Show while discussing Andrew Garfield’s acting preparation. Garfield had previously shared that he avoided romantic activity for six months while preparing to play a Jesuit priest in the 2016 film Silence.
Barrymore reacted with humor, saying six months did not seem like a very long time. Her co-host Ross Mathews joked that the real headline was Barrymore being able to go six months without a problem.
That is when Barrymore raised the number even further, saying, “Oh, years.”
The moment quickly spread online because it was funny, surprising, and unusually honest for daytime television. Instead of pretending her private life matched Hollywood expectations, Barrymore spoke openly about where she is emotionally.
Her comment also stood out because many celebrities avoid discussing personal choices so directly. Barrymore, however, has built a public image around honesty, vulnerability, and emotional openness.
Why Drew Barrymore Says Her Priorities Changed
Barrymore later explained that her view of intimacy changed after her split from Will Kopelman in 2016. The two were married in 2012 and share two daughters, Olive and Frankie.
After becoming a single mother, Barrymore said her focus shifted heavily toward parenting, healing, and building a stable life for her children. Romance was no longer her main priority.
She has been clear that this does not mean she dislikes intimacy or relationships. Instead, she sees love, connection, and physical closeness as separate things that do not always need to happen together.
That perspective helped clarify her viral comment. She was not trying to make a dramatic statement against romance. She was explaining that her life stage changed what she needs and wants.
For Barrymore, motherhood reshaped everything. Her emotional energy went toward raising her daughters and creating a peaceful home, rather than rushing into dating or chasing a new relationship.
She Responded to Claims That She “Hates” Intimacy
After her comments spread online, some people twisted her words and claimed she hated intimacy. Barrymore later responded directly, saying that was not true.
She explained that her relationship with physical closeness has evolved over time. She said she has learned that love and intimacy are not exactly the same thing.
That distinction became an important part of her message. Some people may connect romance and physical closeness very strongly, while others may experience them differently depending on age, life experience, healing, parenting, or personal values.
Barrymore said she is not against intimacy. She simply does not feel the same urgency around it that she may have felt earlier in life.
Her response helped many people feel less alone. Not everyone feels constant pressure to date, be physically active, or follow the same relationship timeline as others.
Barrymore’s honesty challenged the idea that everyone must want the same kind of romantic life at the same pace.
Why Her Comment Felt Refreshing to Many People
Her comment felt refreshing because it normalized a different kind of personal choice. In celebrity culture, people are often expected to be dating, glamorous, desirable, and constantly involved in romance.
Barrymore pushed against that expectation by saying she is comfortable without it for long periods.
For many people, this was relatable. Life after divorce, parenting, emotional recovery, work pressure, and personal growth can all change what someone wants from relationships.
Some people may need time alone to heal. Others may simply feel happy without making romance the center of their life.
Barrymore’s message was not about telling everyone else what to do. It was about giving herself permission to live in a way that feels right for her.
That is why the story went viral. It was not just a celebrity quote. It was a reminder that people are allowed to define fulfillment differently.
How Motherhood Influenced Her View of Relationships
Motherhood has played a major role in Barrymore’s view of relationships. She has often spoken about putting her daughters first and making choices that support their emotional stability.
After her divorce, she did not rush into rebuilding her romantic life publicly. Instead, she focused on being present for her children.
That choice may not fit the usual Hollywood image, but it reflects a reality many parents understand. When children, work, healing, and home life require so much attention, dating may naturally become less important.
Barrymore has also said she wants to teach her daughters self-love, boundaries, and healthy behavior. Her personal choices are connected to the example she wants to set.
She is not saying relationships are unimportant. She is saying that for this chapter of her life, she has found meaning in motherhood, work, friendships, and self-growth.
That makes her comments feel more thoughtful than shocking.
Why Andrew Garfield’s Story Started the Conversation
Andrew Garfield’s acting story started the conversation because he shared that he avoided romantic activity for six months while preparing for Silence. He wanted to fully commit to the role and the spiritual discipline connected to the character.
For many people, six months sounded like a major sacrifice. For Barrymore, it did not.
Her reaction created a funny contrast between Hollywood method acting and real-life personal choices. Garfield’s six-month commitment was part of preparing for a role, while Barrymore’s longer breaks were part of her actual life.
That contrast made the moment memorable. It was both humorous and revealing.
It also showed how differently people experience desire, romance, and personal priorities. What feels extreme to one person may feel normal to another.
Barrymore’s honesty turned a casual entertainment discussion into a broader conversation about relationships and personal freedom.
Why the Public Reaction Was So Strong
The public reaction was strong because intimacy is still a topic people often judge quickly. When someone says they can go years without it, many people immediately assume something is wrong.
Barrymore’s comments challenged that assumption. She showed that a person can be healthy, happy, loving, and fulfilled without following traditional expectations around romance.
Some fans praised her for being honest. Others were surprised because they associate her with romantic comedies, charm, and open emotional expression.
That contrast made the story more interesting. Barrymore is known for warmth and affection, but she also made it clear that affection does not always have to mean a romantic or physical relationship.
Her openness also helped reduce pressure. Many people feel embarrassed if their private life does not match what society says is normal.
Barrymore’s message reminded them that different life stages bring different needs, and that is okay.
Key Takeaways
- Drew Barrymore said she can go years without physical intimacy.
- Her comment came during a discussion about Andrew Garfield avoiding romantic activity for six months for his role in Silence.
- Barrymore later explained that her priorities changed after divorce and motherhood.
- She clarified that she does not hate intimacy, but sees love and physical closeness as different things.
- Her comments resonated because they normalized choosing personal peace, parenting, and emotional growth over pressure to date.
Drew Barrymore’s honest confession shows that fulfillment does not look the same for everyone, and sometimes peace, parenting, and self-growth matter more than rushing back into romance.