Caroline Flack has got "older and wiser".
The ‘Love Island’ presenter admits the industry she works in is "brutal", particularly for single women, and whilst she previously let others’ nasty comments affect her, she is learning to ignore those who judge her.
She said: "I’ve got older and wiser. And I’ve learnt that the only way of dealing with being judged is not to listen to what anyone says. That way madness lies. I used to get upset, but if you want to move on you have to get over yourself and not take yourself so seriously.
"I work in a business that is brutal for anyone, but it’s particularly brutal if you are single and female. You are judged all the time and you have to accept double standards are a part of life. There are people who like me and people who can’t stand me. I’m never going to be able to change that. But if you want to be happy, you have to learn to block all that out and focus on what you want to do."
And the 37-year-old television presenter insists she doesn’t regret anything, including her past romance with former One Direction star Harry Styles.
She added: "I wouldn’t change a single thing I’ve done. And I don’t regret any relationship because I’ve learnt from everything that’s happened to me … I’m not a glossy, glamorous person who never puts a foot wrong and I think that’s what the people who like me see in me.
"I don’t see myself as a brand who only does certain things or hangs out with certain people. I’m a normal woman who makes mistakes and isn’t perfect – I don’t believe in anyone who seems to be perfect. I definitely used to be dependent on men, but that has changed as I’ve got older. I’m a single woman and I think that’s a very powerful thing."
Caroline also wants to encourage other women to not worry about the "conventional" standards society sets for girls.
Asked what advice she’d give young girls in an interview with the Mail On Sunday’s You magazine, she said: "Never to worry about what people think; don’t fret if you don’t hit those marks, such as marriage or motherhood, just because that is what is expected of you. You can be fulfilled in many other ways. I have a great life. It’s not conventional but it works for me. I don’t care if people call me Bridget Jones. I’m happy."
Caroline Flack: I’m older and wiser
