Selena Gomez had to kiss a few frogs before meeting her prince.
The “Come and Get It” singer shared that she had to overcome a bleak dating period before starting her relationship with fiancé Benny Blanco.
"I hadn't liked anyone in a very long time," Selena, 32, said on the Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware podcast April 30. "Some kisses are for fun, and then when you feel something behind a kiss, it's completely different.”
Selena—who had previously dated Justin Bieber and The Weeknd—admitted that after going on her first date with Benny, she finally felt a connection.
"And I'd been alone for about five years, with the exception of a few s--tty dates here and there,” she continued. “But never felt that way. And I was a little embarrassed."
After months of casual dating, the couple went public with their love in December 2023. And although they’ve both shared their own perspectives about their first date, both Selena and Benny agree it sealed the deal for their romantic history—even if they didn’t want to admit it.
“I didn’t want to be like, ‘I like you. I really like you,’” Selena said on the podcast, with Benny, 37, adding, “I never thought of her like that. Neither one of us did, we were always in relationships.”
And after hanging out with her other more and more, the “Eastside” hitmaker knew that Selena was the one, leading him to popping the question in December 2024.
“We just started hanging out so much and it felt so natural,” Benny said . “And it’s gonna be so corny, but you know when people are like, ‘When you know you know?’ I’ve never felt so comfortable and yet on my toes at the same time.”
“Every day I was with her I was so excited for what was going to happen, yet so at ease with everything,” he added. “And I was like ‘Wow, I really truly met my soulmate.’”
Keep reading to look back at Selena and Benny’s romance…
Blossoming Romance
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco began dating in July 2023, around Selena's birthday, Benny said on the Howard Stern Show in May 2024.
But they only began to spark romance rumors in late 2023. That December, Selena confirmed the speculation, commenting on a fan page's Instagram post, regarding Benny, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."
She continued, "Why has he been the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's still better than anyone I've ever been with."
The Rare Beauty founder also shared a photo on her Instagram Story of her leaning her head on what looked to be Benny's chest.
With This Ring...
Selena later shared this pic on her Instagram Stories, which shows her wearing a bejeweled "B" ring.
That Kiss
...including a pic of the two kissing.
Quality Time
Also in December 2023, Selena shared several photos of herself hanging out in New York City with Benny and their friends.i
Appreciating Art
Two days after Christmas 2023, Selena shared new pics of the couple at what appeared to be an art exhibit.
PDA Alert
Selena posted this pic of herself and Benny one day before New Year's Eve 2023.
Slam Dunk Date Night
The pair attended the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Miami Heat in January 2024.
Can't Keep Their Hands to Themselves
The couple packed on PDA in this February 2024 snapshot.
Happy Birthday Benny
Selena shared a tribute to her boyfriend on his 36th birthday in March 2024.
Birthday Tribute
"Happy birthday baby!" Selena wrote on her Instagram. "Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco."
PDA Alert
Selena included this kissing pic in her birthday tribute to Benny.
Naughty PDA Alert
...and these couple's pics as well.
Open Book
Selena celebrated the release of Benny's Open Wide in April 2024, captioning photos of the pair enjoying a cake shaped like his cookbook, "So proud."
Happy Fourth of July
Selena shared this pic of the two on Independence Day 2024.
Who Said "I Love You" First?
In July 2024, just ahead of their first dating anniversary, the two answered a viral "Who's Most Likely To" TikTok challenge, during which they were asked who was the first to say "I love you" to the other person. The answer? Selena.
Getting Cozy
Selena and Benny cuddled up in cute photos in July 2024 following her 32nd birthday.
Night Adventures
The actress captioned a gallery of summer photos, "Thank you for sharing your life with me today and everyday."
Beach Babes
The musicians soaked up the sun together on lounge chairs.
Dinner Date
Selena shared a silly pic of the two enjoying a bite.
Summer of Love
They're just loving each other like a love song, baby.
Incognito
The two were bundled up with masks on during one of their outings.
Pucker Up!
In another snap, Selena wore Benny's beanie as they pursed their lips for the camera.
Not Single Soon
The "Eastside" artist gave Selena a kiss on the cheek in a sweet summer snap in July 2024.
Good for You
He wrapped his arms around her in another adorable Instagram pic.
She Said Yes!
"Forever begins now," Selena wrote in December 2024, while revealing their engagement. Benny quipped in the comments, "hey wait… that’s my wife."
Golden Couple
The couple enjoyed a date night at the 2025 Golden Globes.
Red Carpet Debut
Benny and Selena made their first joint red carpet appearance at the 2025 Emmys.
Tying the Knot
The pair got married in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Sept. 27, 2025, with guests including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Paul Rudd.