Kanye West helped Kim Kardashian learn how to stop being a “people pleaser” and start putting herself first.
That’s what Kardashian, 40, revealed on the We Are Supported By podcast hosted by Kristen Bell and Monica Padman on Wednesday, August 11.
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star said West, 44, whom she is currently divorcing after seven years of marriage, is “someone that absolutely didn’t care about likeability factor or what any of perception of him was as long as he was true to himself.”
“Being in a relationship with Kanye for a decade … taught me so much in the best way of just being me and living in the moment,” she revealed. “You don’t have to please everyone as long as I’m myself and as long as I’m doing it the way that I want to do…. Like, you have one life and you’re living it for you.”
Even though Kardashian has given up her people pleasing ways, she believes she can put herself first while “still being mindful, still being respectful, still being cautious of other people’s feelings and emotions around me.”
But Kardashian doesn’t credit West alone for this revelation, attributing her growing wisdom also to the passage of time and motherhood. “Being myself first, I think, was something that I learned over time. Whether it’s from being so close to someone that really felt that way so genuinely to their core, whether it’s age, whether it’s becoming a mom, experiences, probably all kind of wrapped up in one.”
It’s not surprising to hear Kardashian praise her former partner, as she’s been public with her support for West since she filed for divorce in February. In recent weeks, Kardashian showed up to two listening parties for West’s upcoming 10th studio album Donda, wearing outfits that matched his. She brought along their four children to both events on July 22 and Aug. 5, and tweeted photos from each event earlier this week.
The events took place at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and West has been living there ever since the first listening party, as he puts the finishes touches on his album. After being delayed twice, Donda is now set for an Aug. 13 release.