AceShowbiz - Cheryl Burke, the former "Dancing With the Stars" pro, has shared her reasons for choosing celibacy after her split from ex-husband Matthew Lawrence. Burke, 40, had previously been in a series of relationships without ever being single, but she has now come to a place of self-love and self-respect. "I love that I've grown so much and that I'm doing it consciously and with an intention," she said.

Burke acknowledges that her decision to remain single and celibate has raised eyebrows among some. "They're just like, 'What?' " she said. "As if I'm speaking a different language completely." She mentioned singer Mya as an inspiration for her choice, referencing Mya's announcement of her seven-year celibacy journey.

Despite the societal stigma attached to being single at 40, Burke celebrates the courage of those who choose this path. "I'll never forget being interviewed by somebody recently and they're like, 'Well, you seem really proud to be single,' as if it was not like, 'Are you sure you're proud?' " she shared. "It's interesting."

Burke has no immediate plans to join dating apps, preferring to focus on her own growth. "Never say never, but I have no plans of joining a dating app, and nor do I ever think or see myself looking," she said. "Even though I need to be better at leaving my house, I still live like a hermit sometimes, but I think it will happen when it happens. When my energy shifts, then I know if it does happen, I'm ready. I'm not in a rush."

Burke believes that her current grieving process, albeit less heavy than a year ago, has been aided by the stories she hears from guests on her "Sex, Lies and Spray Tans" podcast. "I feel like it's been helpful to hear my guest's stories and what they've been through, because we don't have that time to talk," she said. "And if we do get there, we always get pulled in a different direction."