Ashlee SimpsonAfter a bit of a rocky reflux-y start, Ashlee Simpson has said she’s a lot more confident and comfortable in herself these days and she attributes it to her six week stint in Chicago in the West End and her relationship with Fall Out Boy star Pete Wentz.

She told CosmoGIRL recently: “There was a time when what people said about me could really get to me. But working on Chicago helped me come into my own.”

“[Performing on the stage] had been a dream of mine ever since I was little, and being able to fulfill it … was amazing. It taught me to be more comfortable with myself.”

“I’ve gotten to the point where being credible with myself is more important to me than what anyone else says. People make up stories about you, but they don’t really know you. … I’m not fazed by that anymore.”

She added that Pete has helped her in both her personal and professional lives: “He’s a great sounding board and very supportive. Pete and I compliment each other. We are best friends, and we encourage each other. I think that is so important in any relationship - it builds a solid foundation.”