Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Had a Few ‘Almost-Sabotages’ at Start of Relationship: ‘I Had Sincere Doubt’

Gomez and Blanco released ‘I Said I Love You First’ on Friday, March 21

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are opening up about the work it took to cultivate their relationship.

On Monday, March 24, the engaged couple appeared on the latest episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty and shared new details about their love story — including the “almost-sabotages” they faced.

“I’d say at the beginning there were a few almost-sabotages,” said Blanco, 37. “At the very beginning, in her first few trips away, she was still gaining that trust.”

Gomez, 32, added, “I had sincere doubt.”

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco on On Purpose with Jay Shetty.On Purpose with Jay Shetty
The music producer went on to explain his thought process behind gaining her trust, and realizing that “when you start dating someone you’re not only dating them, you’re also dating every single person they’ve ever dated.”

“You’re getting every piece of baggage that person’s had. With partners, parents, this that. I had to find a way to build that trust with her, not being overbearing but make it feel real and make her actually believe it and vice versa,” he continued.
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Blanco said that he told Gomez to come to him with any doubts she may have — and he quickly learned what she needs like a “simple text” saying “I’m going to this thing and thinking about you.”

“‘I’ll talk to you through anything you may have,’” he told the “Love You to Love Me” singer. “I’m aware of her strengths and I’m aware of her weakness and so what I’ve tried to do is surround her with things that help.”

Benny Blanco, Jay Shetty and Selena Gomez.On Purpose with Jay Shetty
He concluded, “She doesn’t need a lot, she’s like the easiest person in the world but I know she wants to talk to me before bed, wants me to say ‘I love you’ and text if I end up having to stay somewhere two hours late. I know that stuff really helps especially when you’re long distance.”

Elsewhere in the podcast, Blanco also opened up about once trying to set up Gomez with one of his friends after being convinced she “hated” him.

When asked by Shetty how he felt about nearly self-sabotaging his relationship, Blanco responded, “I feel like it all happens for a reason. I feel like maybe me doing that is what disarmed her enough.”
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Blanco and Gomez announced their engagement in December 2024 after over a year of dating. Gomez confirmed the pair were dating in December 2023 when she liked and commented on fan account posts of the two on Instagram.

On March 21, the couple released their first collaborative album I Said I Love You First, which gives “fans a unique window into their relationship.”

Per a press release, “This album came together organically … allowing them to produce art that authentically reflects their experiences. It chronicles their entire story — before they met, falling in love and looking to what the future holds.”