The first thing that people will notice about Kerry Washington's April cover of Marie Claire magazine is the fact that she actually looks like herself. The last time we saw her on the newsstand there was a lot of criticism because her skin appeared far lighter than it actually is. This time out the actress looks as absolutely stunning as we're used to seeing her each week on Scandal.

Over the last few years, Washington has become extremely private about her personal life. We know that she's married and that her daughter will be turning one soon, but the details kind of stop there. Washington discussed her reasons for not letting the press get too close and how she kind of learned the hard way.

"Earlier in my career, I was much more super-sharey. There were moments when I wanted to process things that were happening to me more privately, and I didn't have the space to do it, because once you let people in, they're in and you don't get to say, 'Oh, I want this for myself.' I just want [daughter Isabelle] to know that she's heard. Really heard, because I feel like that is what we all really want. When I think about any of the missteps in my life that I've made, all of which I'm grateful for, it's because I just so wanted to be truly seen and heard for who I am and was afraid I wasn't or wouldn't be. I see you, I hear you, I'm with you as you are," explained Washington.

Washington has so perfected the art of letting us know her thoughts without getting to really know the real her that it would be shocking to see her suddenly decide to live her life out in the open, wouldn't it be? Do you think Washington is smart when it comes to the press? Her need for privacy will also ensure that her daughter is able to have a real childhood rather than an exploited one like little North West seems to be experiencing at the hands of Kim Kardashian. It seems like the actress is at least trying to lay the groundwork to raise her child in the best way possible, doesn't it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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