Charlize Theron: Single For The First Time Since Age 19!

Charlize Theron is making a cinematic comeback this winter with Young Adult, her first film in three years that's set to hit theaters in December. Why has it been so long since we've been graced with the talents of Ms. Theron? Why the acting hiatus?

Well, the 36-year-old actress explains in the December issue of Vogue that she gave acting a break to focus on her partnership with Stuart Townsend. After ten years, Theron explained their partnership "was sinking, and I had to give it a fight. I really wanted to try and make it work. That was the priority. I wouldn't do it any different way." Why Did Charlize And Stuart Break Up?

Sadly, however, the couple split anyway. But, Charlize is using her newfound liberation to not only return to acting (and we're super excited to see her as the Evil Queen in Snow White & the Huntsman), but, according to the Daily News, she's also taking some time to focus on herself. She admitted to Vogue that she's always had a boyfriend since she was 19. That's 17 years of constant relationships!

"This is the first time I've been single in my life," she tells the magazine. "From the time I was 19, I've been in relationships, literally gone from one to the other within a month. It's been good for me."

We're glad Charlize is taking some time for herself, especially at the end of such a serious and long relationship. It's good to be alone for a while. In fact, we find singlehood a requisite and vital phase in order to enjoy a meaningful relationship later in life.

Theron and Townsend met on the set of 2002's Trapped. They lived together in Los Angeles and England, and always said they considered themselves married, even though they never actually signed any papers. "We didn't have a ceremony," Townsend once said. "I don't need a certificate or the state or the church to say otherwise. So no there's no big official story on a wedding, but we are married... I consider her my wife and she considers me her husband." Charlize Theron: 'Marriage Is Not Important To Me'

Stuart, an actor too, also took a break from films when their relationship started going south. However, he has not yet returned to filming like Charlize. Maybe he just needs a little more time to heal.

Do you think it's important to spend some time being single?

Photo Credit: Getty