Demi Lovato got real about having long-term relationships when you’re young

Long-term relationships can teach you a ton about yourself and falling in love, but they can also be confusing. Lucky for us, Demi Lovato shared advice about dating and long-term relationships especially tailored to her younger fans — and we think it’s on point. Remember, Lovato dated actor Wilmer Valderramma for six years, and the relationship started when she was just 18.

In an interview with Ariana Huffington on the Thrive Global Podcast with iHeartRadio she recommends going for something if it feels right instead of worrying too much about your age.

"I think that when you find something that’s very special to you, don’t deny yourself of the opportunity," she said.

Still, it’s important for young people to remember that this serious relationship might not be the last one you ever have — and that’s okay. Lovato also said, “It is important to remember that you are young and you have a lot of life ahead of you.”

So follow your heart, but remember that there’s no need to rush into anything if you find yourself hesitating.

In her documentary, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated, Lovato recalled meeting Valderrama for the first time, saying, “When I turned 18 we started dating. I think it was love at first sight, we connected on a level that I’ve never connected with anybody before. He was just my rock, my everything.”

She added, “I’m pretty sure that I’m not going to meet anybody that compares to him but I’m trying to keep an open heart and open mind when it comes to that.”

This is a solid reminder that our first serious relationship often isn’t our last — and that’s completely okay. They can teach us a ton of valuable life lessons as long as — like Lovato says — we keep an open heart and mind.