Hilary Duff just got way honest about her divorce and motherhood

Talking about something as life-changing as a divorce is never easy, but Hilary Duff manages to tackle this subject with a refreshing amount of honesty – while reminding her followers that she, too, is a human being.

Back in January 2014, Duff and her then-husband announced that they’d be getting a divorce after three years of marriage. “Hilary Duff and husband Mike Comrie have mutually decided to an amicable separation,” Duff’s rep explained in a statement. “They remain best friends and will continue to be in each other’s lives. They are dedicated to loving and parenting their amazing son, and ask for privacy at this time.”

Since then, the actress has continued to maintain a healthy relationship with Comrie for their 3-year-old son Luca – but she’s also learned a lot in the process. In an interview with Redbook for their February 2016 issue, Duff states, “I don’t want to say I wouldn’t get married again, but it’s not important to me. I don’t feel I would need to be married to have another child. If I felt strongly enough toward someone or if someone felt strongly about it, I might say OK. But it’s not essential.”

In addition to her feelings on marriage, Hilary was incredibly honest about the guilt she experiences as a working mom. “It’s hard to say that you really can have it all. I think you can to a certain degree, but fully loaded, pedal-all-the-way-down is tough,” Duff confesses.

“You’re missing out on something, either on the career or on the family. When I’m really busy with work, I feel extremely guilty.” Not only is this sentiment a key part of the actress’ life, it’s also something a majority of parents face when they try to juggle it all. Most importantly, this moment of honesty serves as a perfect reminder that we are never alone in the way we feel (even if our face is plastered on TV screens and magazine covers and billboards).

It’s also worthwhile to note that, as she’s embraced motherhood and tackled these momentous life changes, Duff has had to do so under a magnifying glass. After all, not every couple has to release a formal statement when they decide to separate. And not every mother has to face this situation: “After I had Luca, I went out to, like, the breast-pump store—I was still huge—and I just had a comfortable outfit on. And the next day [in the tabloids] it was like, ‘Hilary debuts post-baby bod!’ And I was like, ‘That’s not a debut! That’s an errand!” says Hilary. “It was such a happy time that honestly I didn’t care; it wasn’t until later that I realized how mean and invasive it was.”

While she definitely has a lot on her plate, Duff has established that perspective is crucial. Although her personal life is often uncovered for all the world to see, she continues to remember what’s most important. She continues to be the role model we’ve always loved as she openly discusses the sometimes exciting, sometimes difficult circumstances that have made her the woman she is today.

[Images via Twitter, Instagram]