Courtney Stodden on the reason she got back with Doug Hutchison — and it’s not money

When Courtney Stodden first made headlines three years ago, I was unabashedly fascinated by her. In the time since — and particularly within the past few months — my feelings toward her have evolved into a real fondness.

Sure, her biggest claim to fame will likely always be that she married a middle-aged actor when she was just 16. But, she’s also proven to be legitimately funny and articulate. The latest display of her impressive self-awareness is her new column for the U.K.’s Daily Star, where she opens up about why she left Doug Hutchison and later got back together with him.

“After my time on Celebrity Big Brother and returning to the States last September, it became clear to me that, when most girls at 16 are getting their driver’s licence, I was getting my marriage license. Even though I don’t regret marrying the man I love, let’s face it, I was still a teenager,” said Courtney, now 20. “Consequently, after three weeks of nothing outside CBB, I found myself wanting to ‘sow my wild oats,’ so to speak, and experience what it would be like to be young, reckless and promiscuous.”

Courtney said that she was upfront with Doug about her feelings and, although he was “crushed,” he agreed to let her go.

“Somehow Doug knew that I needed to do this for my own personal and spiritual growth,” she said. “That’s a kind of unconditional love I could only aspire to.”

With Doug’s reluctant approval, Courtney said she went “absolutely wild” by partying, drinking and dating four different men. (A plastic surgeon, an attorney, a dermatologist and an actor, to be specific.)

Courtney said the experience should also prove she isn’t a gold-digger.

“I promise you there are loads of men out there wealthier, more famous and higher on the Hollywood food chain than my husband. A couple of those I dated during the separation, were men of means, money, driving Ferraris and wearing Chanel watches. There’s no amount of money that can buy true love – or buy me,” she said. “If I were a true gold-digger, the gold mines out there are plentiful and I know how to wield a shovel.”

Ultimately, she said the best part of her wild days was that they reaffirmed her love for Doug.

“It took some time, a lot of healing, heart-to-hearts and getting back to God, but eventually Doug and I returned into each other’s arms and we’ve never been happier.”

The couple plans to renew their marriage vows.