Nicole 'not comfortable' with Tom

Nicole Kidman began her marriage to Tom Cruise as a relative unknown, at least, in the United States.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Nicole has revealed how she used to lean on her now-ex-husband for support during public appearances.

"In those early years, it was like, 'I'm here and I'm clutching onto your arm and it all feels a little overwhelming and really strange,'" she said.

"And I was shy. Deeply shy. I didn't feel comfortable at all. But I felt very comfortable at home."

While their eventual divorce and her rise as an acting superstar boosted her confidence, Nicole admits she is still drawn to "bigger, stronger personalities".

"I need protection," she said. "Everyone wants to feel someone's got their back."

Well, she has that now in country crooner Keith Urban , with whom she has two daughters, Sunday, 4, and Faith, 22 months.

"He just gave me confidence through just being very kind to me and understanding me, opening me up to trying things, my sexuality, those sorts of things," Nicole said.

In pics: Tom and Katie's changing body language