Following her widely discussed separation from NFL star Aaron Rodgers in July 2020, Danica Patrick has openly discussed how the end of their relationship influenced her views on choosing a life partner. Speaking about her experiences during a 2021 interview on the Tamron Hall Show, Patrick revealed how her approach to relationships now centers on self-respect, growth, and clear personal standards, underscoring her new relationship goals after the Aaron Rodgers breakup.
Patrick’s Changed Approach to Love and Self-Discovery
In her conversation with Tamron Hall, Patrick reflected on how clarity gained from her split motivated her to pursue only what truly aligns with her values. She highlighted the importance of self-awareness in forging new connections, explaining that her previous experiences taught her the necessity of recognizing what she wants—and what she is no longer willing to compromise.
During the show, Patrick emphasized her new standards, stating,
“When you know what you don’t want, you know what you do want,”
she said on the show.
“They’re going to be an extremely high-quality person with boxes to check. It’s not as if there’s a lot of boxes to check, it’s just that I know what I want now. I’m not willing to compromise or bend as much.”
—Danica Patrick, on the Tamron Hall Show
This marked shift stems from a reevaluation of what partnership means to her, with a focus now on seeking someone who fits naturally with her ideals and day-to-day life.
Healing and Compassion: Lessons from the Breakup
Patrick discussed how her journey toward healing has made her more compassionate, both toward herself and potential future partners. She candidly admitted that past judgments reflected her own inner standards, using the example of how she viewed rest versus laziness, and how accepting these needs fostered more understanding in relationships.
According to Patrick,
“If someone is lazy, I judge that, because I don’t allow myself to be lazy,”
she admitted. She further explained that as she learned to recognize the value of rest for herself, she became less critical of others, saying:
“But if I can create a healthy dynamic within myself and doing it more, which is ‘resting,’ now if someone is ‘resting,’ it used to be called ‘lazy,’ but I’m not triggered anymore. The person that’s across from me is not seen in such a judgmental light anymore, because I’m not judging myself.”
She added,
“As you heal, you’re able to coexist with people in a much easier way,”
a statement that reinforced her focus on emotional growth and balanced relationships.
Life After a High-Profile Romance
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers began their relationship in early 2018, quickly becoming one of the most noted couples in the sports world. Together, they championed interests such as wellness, fitness, and personal growth, frequently sharing their healthy pursuits and travels.
When the relationship ended abruptly in 2020, it drew widespread attention. In the aftermath, Patrick’s representatives confirmed the breakup, and she took the opportunity to invest time in her business ventures, notably her wine company Somnium and her podcast Pretty Intense.
Throughout this period of transition, Patrick dedicated herself to personal healing and deeper self-reflection, using her journey as a foundation for reimagining what she wanted from a future partnership.
The Path Ahead: New Foundations for Relationships
By the time Patrick spoke publicly in 2021, she made it clear that her relationship goals had evolved significantly. No longer interested in settling, she prioritized partners who shared her values and aspirations. Her message was grounded in self-worth and a genuine commitment to emotional maturity—qualities she now seeks in both herself and others. As she navigates her next chapter, Patrick’s experience offers insight into the ways personal growth can reshape expectations and set new standards for fulfilling, authentic relationships.
