Despite Their Full Attention, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ex-Wife Used to Feel Insecure With Her Children: “You’re Good With Just Me?”

Maria Shriver was born into a family that shaped the history of America. Her father, Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. helped found the Peace Corps, was the United States Ambassador to France, a vice presidential nominee, and much more. Her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was former United States President John F. Kennedy’s sister. Hence it’s safe to say Maria Shriver was born into American political royalty. However, growing up in a family of political icons, embedded deep-seated insecurities in the woman who married Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Even after her marriage, Schwarzenegger’s fame as a bodybuilding and Hollywood icon eclipsed her own. Shriver spent decades with these insecurities before realizing they had invaded even her relationship with her children.

How a conversation with her son made Maria Shriver realize her insecurity

On 6th February 2023, the former First Lady of California appeared on Making Space with Hoda Kotb. During the podcast with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, Shriver spoke about the lessons she learned from her life experiences. Shriver talked about how she once evaluated self-worth. According to the renowned journalist, she thought what made “people feel seen was winning an Emmy Award, getting a book, (or) being on TV,”

However, she said it was a misconception that stemmed from her insecurity. Maria Shriver grew up feeling “invisible” in a family “that had a lot of big characters.” It skewed her sense of self-worth and permeated every aspect of her life, even her relationships with her children. Shriver believed she might not be enough for her children.

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However, a short but eye-opening conversation with one of her sons made her realize how bad things had become. One night, before dinner, Shriver asked her son if he wanted to invite someone over for dinner. “I’m thinking like, he doesn’t want to eat dinner with me by himself. And he’s like, I’m good mommy, with just you.” said the author. However, she also said her son’s answer surprised her. “And I’m like, You sure?… I still have an insecurity… it’s still like, you’re good with just me? Just me?” said Shriver on Making Space with Hoda Kotb.

It’s something Maria Shriver had to learn multiple times

During the podcast, the former spouse of Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed the incident with her son made her aware of her worth. However, her self-worth issues have plagued Shriver for decades. Shriver told Kotb she has realized “what actually makes people feel seen and worthy is talking to them, sitting with them, calling them.”

However, it’s a lesson she has had to relearn. “I don’t have anywhere to go. I’m right here. We’re right here. And you are enough. And I’ve had to learn that over and over.” said Shriver. Despite all the hardships and challenges, Maria Shriver has continued to grow as a person.

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