Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Mercedes-BenzCan you blame Jessica Simpson for wanting to pack it in now and then?
"Many times I wanted to surrender and give up," said the star in an interview with USA Today that touched on subjects such as love, self-esteem and the endless scrutiny surrounding her weight.
"But I have a calling in my life," she said. "And if I have to go through that scrutiny, I will."
Acceptance is good, because the spotlight isn't going anywhere.
"I went through a really hard time a couple years back with people just harping on the pressure of how to look perfect, obviously using me and my weight. It was a tabloid frenzy," Simpson recalled, most likely referring to the infamous mom-jeans photo and the grief she took for it.
"I feel like people are constantly curious as to how much I weigh or what I look like or what I wear...There's no way you're not going to be affected by the ugly things people say about you. It's very hurtful. It definitely brings up a lot of your own insecurities. It takes a great family and wonderful friends—and love definitely helps, too—to get through it."
Speaking of love, since divorcing Nick Lachey in 2006, Simpson has had quite the weird run, from her "sexual napalm"-producing liaison with John Mayer to her ill-fated relationship with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, which culminated in a breakup right before her 29th birthday.
But now the 30-year-old is getting along just fine with retired NFL player Eric Johnson (and the Cowboys are 1-5).
"He definitely makes me very happy," Simpson said. "He brings out a lot of light in me and makes me very comfortable being who I am. It's nice to be with somebody who praises you for the right reasons."
Right now, Simpson says, she's focused on being a good aunt and godmother. But marriage is never too far from her mind.
"I am from the South, so I've definitely dreamed of being married my whole life and having children, so hopefully that's in my future," she said.
(Originally published Oct. 26, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. PT)