Amy Adams "Wasted" Her 20s Hunting for a Man

In the new issue of Ladies Home Journal Amy Adams opens up about finding love with actor Darren LeGallo — and about all the years she squandered trying in vain to find a perfect man.

"I spent most of my 20s looking to find a man. What a waste of energy," Amy admits. "Now I actually have a man and I'm able to focus on becoming a woman."

A huge turning point in her life — both romantically and professionally — came while filming Julia and Julia with Meryl Streep.

"I got engaged on this film — the day before I finished shooting," she explains. "Maybe this is a very, I don't know, young girl statement, but when you're not seeking to gain the approval of your man, it's amazing what you can accomplish."

The Oscar-nominated star says she's learned a valuable lesson from her fiancé. "He accepted me from day one as I was," she says. "Which allowed me to discover who I was meant to be. I'm very appreciative of that."

For the entire interview with both Amy and Meryl, pick up the new issue of Ladies Home Journal — on sale July 14.