Selena Gomez has always envisioned being a mother, even if she didn't have a partner by her side.
"I spent five years on my own, and I grew to really enjoy it," Gomez, 31, shared with TIME in a profile on Wednesday, May 29. "Many people fear being alone, and I struggled with it in my mind for about two years. Eventually, I learned to accept it. I then made a plan - if I hadn't met someone by the age of 35, I would adopt."
Gomez had learned to enjoy being single before she began dating Benny Blanco. They had collaborated on various projects together since 2015. In December 2023, Gomez revealed that they had been in a secret relationship for six months.
Speaking to TIME, Gomez shared that their relationship was unexpected. She had initially seen Blanco as a friend and even once asked him to help her find a partner. She expressed her gratitude for the time they spend together, uncertain about the future but sure that he is here to stay for a while.
Blanco, whose real name is Benjamin Levin, shared his thoughts on possibly marrying Gomez and starting a family together.
During an interview on Sirius XM’s The Howard Stern Show, Blanco expressed his desire to have children as his next goal. He mentioned, “I wanna have kids. I have a lot of godkids and nephews, and I love being around kids.”
Blanco is not ready to propose just yet. He told Stern that he needs to "get [his] act together" first.
Gomez is not worried about her boyfriend's timing or honesty.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
"He can't tell a lie even if he tried," she jokingly told TIME. "Whenever he's asked something, he just gives a straight answer."
Meanwhile, Gomez has become more careful after her experiences in the limelight and dealing with previous public relationships. (She has been romantically linked to Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, and The Weeknd in the past.)
Gomez shared, "I've seen how people can be unkind to those I care about. Even my own fans, who I deeply appreciate and believe have influenced me greatly, can say hurtful things about my choices. But Benny is resilient and unaffected by all the negativity. It's truly remarkable."
Despite not being in a hurry to achieve specific goals with Blanco, sources close to Gomez can envision it happening in the future.
Selena's loved ones are thrilled for her, as shared by an insider to Us magazine. They believe that her relationship is strong and see a future together. Selena and her partner have discussed marriage and starting a family, showing that they are in sync with each other.
Editor's P/S:
Selena Gomez's journey towards self-acceptance and embracing singledom is inspiring. Her decision to prioritize her own happiness and well-being, even if it meant waiting for the right partner, reflects a growing trend among women today. Gomez's decision to adopt if she remained single by age 35 demonstrates her strength and resilience, challenging societal norms and emphasizing the importance of self-love and fulfillment.
Gomez's relationship with Benny Blanco appears to be built on mutual respect and admiration. Blanco's desire to have children and Gomez's positive view of his character suggest a potential future for their relationship. Despite not being in a rush to rush into marriage or starting a family, the couple's discussions on these topics indicate a shared vision and commitment to their relationship. Gomez's loved ones' support and belief in their future together further underscores the strength and stability of their bond.