Drew Barrymore's Priorities 'Have Changed So Much'

By Paul Chi

10/06/2008 at 05:05 PM EDT

Her breakup with ex-boyfriend Justin Long in July gave Drew Barrymore new perspective about herself. Most importantly, she vows to live a life that is not defined by her relationship with a man.

"My priorities have changed so much," Barrymore tells Harper's Bazaar in its November issue. "I've been single for months now and I've turned my attention toward my passions, my friends, and the causes I believe in. It's been about learning who I am, not through a man, but for myself."

Barrymore, 32, who has had a string of high-profile relationships that include, Long, director Spike Jonze and The Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti, says she is without man for the first time in years. "I've had a couple fun, frolicky relationships, but really, I got out of a five-year relationship and I dated a few people here and there."

Being unattached has allowed the He's Just Not That Into You star to shift her priorities and to focus on her work. "I've been spending time with my friends and doing more traveling with the U.N. and challenging myself at work," she says. "I'm so happy with where my priorities are right now."

Another part of her transformation is getting people to the polls to vote. Barrymore admits she didn't pay much attention to voting and cast her very first vote for Al Gore in the 2000 election. "No one talked to me about politics or why voting is important. I became an avowed voter and feel it is really important to engage other people in it."

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