Going forward, Zuker has a healthier outlook about herself. "In three years, I cannot believe how much I've learned to like myself first," she says. "I have some qualities that I actually really like about myself!" And, she knows what she's looking for from the opposite sex. "A lot of people say opposites attract, but I like having things in common," she shares. Which is what she's found with her new beau, whom she prefers not to name. "My current life is very good," she smiles. "I recently met someone who I enjoy spending time with. Especially with the tragedies that have happened, I have started to see where I want to be, and the person I'd like to spend that time with."

She also likes to spend time with her DAYS co-stars Julianne Morris (Greta) and Alison Sweeney (Sami). "Now that our storylines have split, we socialize out of work more than we do in," she says. Which doesn't mean hanging in Hollywood hot spots. "I don't really like to go out and party anymore," she sighs. "Every time I go out, I think, 'Hmm ... why am I here?' But I do love the girly dinners. They're so fun. We close down the restaurant, drink wine, eat lots of food and can be as silly as can be. We try and do it once a month, but some of us have been doing it once a week. It's perfect."

So is her life right now. "The biggest lesson I've learned is to make sure that you stay grounded, and that you don't let things get to you," she asserts. "You always stay who you were before you started the job."

This interview originally appeared in the November 27, 2001 issue of Soap Opera Digest.