AceShowbiz - Actor Ryan Phillippe dreads having his love life splashed across the tabloids, because he faces tough questioning from his sick mother whenever she reads a new rumor. The "Cruel Intentions" star has been linked to Amanda Seyfried in recent months and he admits his mum Susan is always quizzing him for information about the gossip, even when she's ill.

"My mother, who recently had surgery, she's not in the best of health," he tells American TV host Ellen DeGeneres. "She's recovering. She spends all day in front of the computer. Every other day or so, I'll see her name come up on the (phone) caller ID and pre-emptily open my laptop knowing she's going to want to address whatever rumor she has read recently."

But Phillippe plays coy when asked about his relationship status, refusing to mention the "Mamma Mia!" star by name. He says, "I'm dating. Not nearly as veracious as the magazines like to make out. [But] I am dating."

However, the actor, who split from ex-wife Reese Witherspoon in 2006, is open about the qualities he looks for in a partner, "Sense of humor. I like a strong woman. I have three sisters and I have a daughter and I like individuality. I like a woman who's self possessed. Who knows who she is. Who knows what she wants."

Phillippe's interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres" Show will air in the U.S. on Friday, March 11.