2024 has been dubbed the year of breakups for Russian actress Lyubov Tolkalina as she reflects on the unexpected severing of relationships with close friends and family. The renowned star, known for her roles in theater and film, candidly shared her experiences during various interviews, highlighting the emotional toll these disconnections have taken on her.
"I've quarreled with more people this past year than I ever have before in my life. These were very close people, true companions with whom I thought we shared the same air. The break came on my initiative; it was due to circumstances beyond my control, and I had no other choice," Tolkalina stated during her conversation with journalist Rauf Assadov. This sentiment echoes throughout her reflections as she navigates the emotional aftermath of these shattered relationships.
Despite her distaste for conflict, Tolkalina emphasized the necessity of addressing disagreements. She believes avoiding confrontation only leads to greater issues down the line. "Conflicts are important. People need to express their feelings to one another immediately. Minimizing conflicts and promoting tolerance does not work; it's merely postponing the problem," she noted.
Over the years, she had maintained extensive ties with her former partner, film director Yegor Konchalovsky. The couple was together for over 20 years and shared one daughter, Maria. Although they parted ways officially in 2017, they remained friends and supportive co-parents. Reflecting on their relationship, Tolkalina spoke highly of Konchalovsky: "Egor is a wonderful person. I am incredibly grateful for everything I received from him, especially our daughter, Maria."
Konchalovsky had previously proposed marriage to Tolkalina, but she declined. "He came to me with a marriage contract, and I wanted him to take me to the temple. It didn’t offend me; I simply understood we were not on the same path," she recounted. Despite their differing views on life and the 12-year age gap complicate their dynamic, they managed to maintain respect and affection for one another post-breakup.
Tolkalina also spoke candidly about her health challenges, which added strain during the year of separation. She underwent surgery earlier this year after doctors discovered something life-threatening within her. She later expressed feeling substantially improved after the operation but revealed she had recently experienced some difficulties with mobility. Tolkalina had been hospitalized previously for nervous exhaustion and related health issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
Reflecting on her relationships, she reiterated her willingness to give people chances for reconciliation. "I always give people countless chances; one, two, three, four... Although many say compromises are pointless, I always try to resolve situations. I never burn bridges so badly I cannot swim back across," she clarified. Nevertheless, she acknowledged her limits, explaining, "If one does not learn from these situations, I see no sense in expending my energy on them."
Though she had hoped to maintain her connections, it proved futile for some, leading her to conclude their paths had irrevocably diverged. She stated, "A lot was destroyed for me this year." These changes have forced Tolkalina to rethink her social circles and has pushed her to prioritize her energy on relationships she feels are mutually beneficial.
After enjoying some downtime, including vacations and vacations filled with yoga and swimming, Tolkalina appears to be shifting focus back to her career. She continues to tour Russia performing in productions of "Master and Margarita" and has several film projects underway, which are set to be released soon. Her career, coupled with her focus on wellbeing, suggests she is dedicated to moving past the tumultous events of the previous year.
Despite the criticism she sometimes faces about her lifestyle choices and social media presence, Tolkalina stands firm on her personal choices. She has publicly encouraged others to take care of their mental health and to respect others' space, stating, "To those women who hate me, I ask you to take care of yourselves. I’m just doing what I need to do for myself, and I sincerely don’t want to irritate or upset anyone."
Looking back, Tolkalina's experiences serve as reminders of the importance of communication and the often painful realities of personal growth and change. Her resilience and determination to focus on her health, family, and career embody the spirit of moving forward, no matter the challenges.