Jelena forever.
Selena Gomez is all about growing up these days.
The 23-year-old former Disney star covers Elle's October 2015 issue, and talks about taking control of her life with her new album, Revival, as well as challenging herself with surprising new film roles. Part of her new image is, of course, moving on from her highly publicized relationship with her ex, 21-year-old Justin Bieber. Despite Justin's hidden messages to Selena in his most recent music videos, Selena says the two are "genuinely" just friends now.
"I'll forever support him and love him in a way that ... We grew up together," Selena candidly tells the magazine. "I think people want it to be different."
WATCH: Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber Reunite and Fans Are Freaking Out About It
"We're too young for that. Nobody was married," she points out. "There was no ... I respect him. And I think he respects me, in a healthy manner.”
Part of moving on for good was her memorably emotional American Music Awards performance of "The Heart Wants What It Wants" last November, which left her bestie, Taylor Swift, sobbing.
"Everybody was talking about the same thing: my relationship. I was so exhausted," she recalls about the tears-filled moment. "I said, I want this [performance] to be the last time I have to talk about this. And acknowledge this feeling. I was kind of devastated. I was like, This is all I have right now. This is gonna be it. And all I want is to move on. It was a huge weight lifted off me."
Still, despite all the intense drama that came with "Jelena," she doesn't quite rule out the possibility of one day rekindling the romance. "I don't know!" she laughs, when asked point-blank if she and Justin would ever get back together.
Obviously though, not any time soon. The "Good for You" singer reveals she's now dating again.
"I've been on a few dates, which is really exciting," she shares. "But I've never wanted to get into anything serious, because I kind of did that. I have my guard up. I like to meet people in organic settings. Hanging out with a group of people and meeting through mutual people."
One person she's surprisingly kissing -- for professional reasons! -- is 37-year-old James Franco, who's directing her in the highly anticipated In Dubious Battle, an adaptation of the 1936 John Steinbeck novel about a California labor strike. She shares that she had to make out with the Oscar-nominated actor in a scene that required seven-plus takes.
“He’s a good kisser," she admits.
WATCH: Selena Gomez Rocks a Skin-Tight Dress on the Set of 'Neighbors 2'
Check out Selena showing more of her grown-up side earlier this month, posing in nothing but her bra and tights.
