Why Cheryl Burke Is 3-Years Celibate After Matthew Lawrence Divorce

Originally appeared on E! Online

Cheryl Burke isn't dancing around her lifestyle choices.

Nearly three years after the Dancing With the Stars alum separated from her now ex-husband Matthew Lawrence, she shared why not prioritizing romance and sex has been a great decision for her.

"I've definitely built a lot more self-love and self-respect and self-worth," Cheryl told UsWeekly in an interview published Sept. 19. "I was a serial dater, so I never was ever, ever single. The thought of living alone or being alone was just not an option. It was just never going to happen in my world. I love that I've grown so much and that I'm doing it consciously and with an intention."

Meanwhile, those close to her raised an eyebrow at her decision, unsure whether she'd stick to it.

"They're just like, 'What?'" she said. "As if I'm speaking a different language completely. Which is so interesting."

But the 40-year-old—who met the Mrs. Doubtfire actor in 2006 and married in 2019—has focused on herself above everyone else.

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"I'm literally dating myself," she told E! News last June. "I know that sounds so cliché, 'OK whatever.' No, but really, I'm not looking, I'm not interested at the moment."

Cheryl—whose divorce from Matthew was finalized in 2022—admitted that she hadn’t been the most discerning when finding love, which she wanted to change.

"I haven't been a great picker," she noted. "But until I change that pattern—I have to really authentically change the pattern or else I'll continue to pick maybe not the good ones for me."

 Cheryl Burke, Matthew Lawrence, Big Pic
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Although her and Matthew’s marriage ended, they made several efforts to avoid the ultimate decision.

"Matt and I, we definitely, we were in couples therapy, even before our marriage," Cheryl explained on Tamron Hall in May 2022. “People evolve and people grow. And sometimes they grow together and sometimes, you know, you unfortunately grow apart."

Even though the couple ultimately split, the dancer doesn’t regret their attempts through couples therapy. As she put it, “I think that really was very helpful for both of us individually—I can only speak for myself and for me."

Keep reading for more of Cheryl’s most candid confessions.

A Tough Break

<p>A Tough Break</p>


More Money, More Problems

<p>More Money, More Problems</p>

Reflecting on her three-year marriage with the Boy Meets World actor, Cheryl believes her DWTS salary put a strain on their relationship.

"I learned that you can't buy love," she said on Amy & T.J. "Obviously, I didn't buy my ex-husband, but I definitely would say I was the breadwinner. I supported us."


Dance Like You Mean It

<p>Dance Like You Mean It</p>


Too Hot to Foxtrot

<p>Too Hot to Foxtrot</p>


Open Book

<p>Open Book</p>


Going Sober

<p>Going Sober</p>


Getting Vulnerable

<p>Getting Vulnerable</p>

And the Dance Moms coach isn't afraid of showing her vulnerable side.

"To say that my sobriety has been easy would be a lie," Cheryl said in a June 2021 YouTube video. "When I keep secrets or don't tell my truth to everyone, including my followers, that's when it gets scary for me."


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