Jonathan Bricklin, who is three decades younger than the movie star, admits it was tough living in his famous girlfriend's shadow at times, but she ended the romance when his TV project began to interfere with her privacy.

Bricklin tells Closer magazine, "It was a nuisance and irritating to Susan, because she treasures her privacy."

However, he reveals the romance wasn't always fun for him either: "Anytime we went to a red carpet event, I would literally sneak around the back, because it felt like Susan was so distinguished and accomplished, and who am I to be photographed with her?

"I was going to all these Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremonies for her, and it was like, 'When is my life going to start?'"

But he's still very fond of the Oscar winner, adding, "Honest to God, I love her so much, and I have so much respect for her - and I think she feels exactly the same way about me - that one way or another, we are going to figure out a new type of relationship or friendship."