Selena Gomez Says She Just Wants Someone to Love Her for 'the Person' She Is

Selena Gomez is getting candid about seeking therapy, spending time alone and having faith in love.

In a new interview with Coach's "Dream It Real" podcast, the 26-year-old singer opens up about her life both in and out of the spotlight.

"I think that a lot of people don't understand my heart, you know?" Gomez admits on the debut episode, which is focused on authenticity and was released on Wednesday. "I also don't like that, it can sometimes be about appearance, too. I don't really appreciate people judging me on my looks, or anything like that."

"I just think that the world today, with so much exposure to everything… it's great to dress up and to feel beautiful and to do those things, but...and I'm flattered when, maybe, guys are like, 'You're pretty,'" she continues. "I am, it's just not… I would just love someone to love me for the person that I am. That's just what's important to me."

All of that outside pressure Gomez was feeling is part of the reason why she took a significant break from the spotlight in 2018. "Last year, I took a lot of time off," the former Disney star recalls. "I think that I needed a moment to myself because I do feel like I was growing and changing."

"Gosh, if I knew what I know now," she adds when asked what advice she would give her younger self. "I am a believer of therapy. I think that I have had opportunities where I kinda reflect on the younger me, and I think that a lot of the times I wished that I could hug my younger self. I wish I could have done and experienced a lot of things, maybe, a little differently."

Gomez continues on, explaining that she goes to therapy to help her understand herself and her childhood "a lot better." She says she's now ready and excited for what the future holds... which includes a new album!

"I'm looking forward to my album and I'm looking forward to spending time alone," she says. "I think I'm finally, finally, finally at the age where I love being alone."

Gomez has gradually been returning to the spotlight over the past few months after completing her stay in a mental health facility last December. The singer, who suffers from Lupus and underwent a kidney transplant over the summer, was admitted to the hospital two months prior.

"2019 is going to be a big year for Selena and her career," a source told ET last month. "Selena is in a really good place."

"Selena is working out a lot, taking different workout classes and hiking," the source added. "She has also been spending time with her close friends, most who aren't in the Hollywood scene."

Gomez recently teamed up with Julia Michaels in January for a song about anxiety and collaborated with J Balvin and Benny Blanco in March for the catchy "I Can't Get Enough" single and music video. She also made her Coachella debut this month, making a surprise appearance with Cardi B during DJ Snake's set on weekend one of the festival.

The "Wolves" singer will also be joining a slew of stars, including Natalie Portman, Meghan Trainor, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Chance the Rapper, Joe Jonas, will.i.am, Bill Nye and more, for WE Day on Thursday. The event, deemed the "the greatest celebration of social good," will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and take place at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned to ETonline for updates from the event, and in the meantime, watch the video below for more on Gomez.

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