Audrina Patridge on Reclaiming Power, Overcoming Toxic Relationships, and Life Beyond The Hills
Introduction Audrina Patridge, best known for her role in the iconic reality series The Hills, is stepping into the spotlight once again—this time on her own terms. In her new book, Choices: To the Hills and Back Again, she shares her journey through fame, toxic relationships, and personal growth. In a candid conversation on Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Audrina opens up about reclaiming her power, setting boundaries, and what she wishes she had known in her early years of reality TV fame.
The Reality Behind Reality TV
Patridge became a household name at just 18, navigating fame during the early 2000s without the pressures of social media. However, life on The Hills wasn’t as effortless as it appeared. She described the challenge of maintaining a carefully curated persona, one that often masked deeper personal struggles.
“I am very cool, calm, and collected, but there were so many things happening behind the scenes that I couldn’t share,” she revealed. “I was in a real relationship outside of the show, while the producers wanted me to pursue storylines that didn’t match my reality.”
She also faced pressure to conform to certain expectations, whether it was acting out romantic plotlines for the cameras or handling public scrutiny over her personal life. Patridge recalled the difficulty of constantly appearing happy and composed, even when dealing with emotional turmoil.
Breaking Free from Toxic Patterns
One of the most powerful messages in Choices is the importance of recognizing and breaking free from toxic relationships. Looking back, Patridge admits she often lost herself in relationships, repeatedly ignoring red flags and allowing poor treatment to continue out of fear of confrontation.
She credits therapy as a crucial step in her growth, helping her recognize damaging cycles and redefine her standards. “I started realizing that I kept learning the same lessons over and over. I needed to stop ignoring the signs and start setting real boundaries.”
For Patridge, motherhood also played a transformative role in her self-awareness. She wants her daughter, Kirra, to grow up seeing strength and self-respect modeled. “I want her to know she doesn’t have to tolerate anything less than she deserves,” she said.
Learning to Say ‘No’
Throughout her career, Patridge faced intense pressure—from producers, agents, and the entertainment industry at large. Whether it was being pushed to film uncomfortable scenes or being offered lucrative deals to pose for Playboy, she learned that saying “no” was both necessary and empowering.
“At first, I felt like I had to do everything I was told. But eventually, I had to put my foot down,” she shared. “I didn’t want my family Googling me and seeing something I wasn’t proud of. It took a long time to feel okay standing firm in my decisions.”
This lesson extended beyond work and into her personal life. She recalled the struggle of setting boundaries in relationships and friendships, particularly in a world where manipulation and pressure were constant. “You start to recognize manipulation when you’ve been through it enough times,” she said. “The hardest part is learning not to feel guilty for choosing yourself.”
What’s Next for Audrina Patridge?
Patridge isn’t just reflecting on the past—she’s building an exciting future. She’s currently hosting Was It Real? The Hills Rewatch podcast alongside Brody Jenner and Frankie Delgado, where they break down episodes of The Hills and share behind-the-scenes insights. She’s also working toward reviving her swimwear brand, despite setbacks from her divorce.
“I had to start over, but I’m not giving up on it,” she said. “I’d love to expand into kids’ swimwear, especially now that I have Kirra.”
As for reality TV, would she ever join The Real Housewives? “No way,” she laughed. “I finally have peace, and I want to keep it that way.”
Beauty Secrets and Self-Care
Despite years in the spotlight, Patridge looks as radiant as ever. Her beauty secrets? Consistency and simplicity.
“I never go to bed without washing my face, no matter how late it is,” she said. “Lately, I’ve been loving a mushroom-based hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum. And Chanel’s bronzer—can’t live without it!”
While genetics play a role, she emphasizes that true beauty comes from within. “Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as what you put on your skin.”
Final Thoughts Audrina Patridge’s journey serves as an empowering reminder that reclaiming one’s power is a continuous process. Through self-awareness, therapy, and learning to say no, she’s found a new sense of strength and confidence.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos podcast via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
