Selena Gomez knows how hard it is to have a successful relationship in the public eye.
In fact, the "Come & Get It" singer knows how hard it is just to work with a guy before romance rumors begin to fly. Heard of a collaboration with Zedd?
But in the new issue of V Magazine available Feb. 26, the 22-year-old opened up like never before about her past boyfriends, even if she doesn't name any outright.
"I think the next time [I have a boyfriend] will be much different...which will definitely not be anytime soon," she shared with James Franco, who conducted the intimate interview. "That's a growing up kind of thing. I was 18 years old, and it was my first love. The older I get, I'm guarding certain things more."
While she doesn't address famous ex Justin Bieber by name, a timeline of their relationship definitely matches up with what the actress is revealing.
"When you're young and you're being told so many different things...it almost felt like all we had was each other, like the world was against us, in a way," she confessed. "It was really weird but it was incredible."
She added, "I would never take it back in a million years. You live and you learn, you know?"
Living such a public life, however, did take a toll on the former Disney Channel actress. In fact, living under a microscope eventually caused some "anxiety" for the young star.
"There were a few months where I was a little depressed, where I wouldn't leave [my home] as much," she revealed. "I think I drove myself crazy for a little bit. It was just easier to say, ‘Hey, do you mind running to the grocery store and picking some stuff up? I don't want to get photographed.'"
Over the past several months, however, Gomez has been trying to fix her mindset that staying home is the easy solution. As a result, she's "getting a little bit more comfortable" in venturing out, especially with friends and family.
Looking forward to the year ahead, Gomez has nothing but high hopes. Between new movies, new music and a new house, the "Slow Down" singer can't help but feel pumped for the future.
"I think this year is going to be incredible. I feel the best I've ever felt in my life," she explained. "I'm super stoked that I've got some bumps on me, some scars, some bruises. I actually really love that. And I don't mean that in a morbid way."
"There was so much going on," she said when looking back at her teenage years. "You can't help but have some troubles here and there. I don't think it's a smooth process for anyone, and it definitely wasn't for me."
And when it comes to all those rumors in the tabloids—yes, we could be talking about the speculation surrounding her friendship with Zedd—Gomez simply isn't focused on it. After all, it's not like she's doing anything awful.
"I don't read anything about me anymore at all. I don't spend my time tiptoeing around certain things, because the things I'm going to do aren't bad," she shared. "I'll be 23 soon and I could go to a bar or go to the movies. I could do what I like."