Julianne Hough Reflects on Past Relationship Struggles and Reveals Insecurity Led to Breakup with Ryan Seacrest

Julianne Hough opens up about the insecurities that plagued her relationship with Ryan Seacrest and contributed to their eventual breakup.

Julianne Hough has opened up about the insecurity-driven behaviors that played a role in her past relationship struggles, including her breakup with Ryan Seacrest.

During a recent interview on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with Dax Shepard, Hough candidly shared her experiences. She explained that when she and Seacrest started dating, she felt immense pressure to prove that she was not with him for selfish reasons.

Julianne Hough Reflects on Past Relationship Struggles and Reveals Insecurity Led to Breakup with Ryan Seacrest

"I had this insecurity that I was like, 'I don’t ever want anybody to think that I’m with him for this reason.' And so I then started playing smaller," Hough said.

Shepard sympathized with Hough's predicament, recognizing the challenging position she was in. "I remember when I decided to break things off, I had a lot of these Brentwood moms and producers in that world that were like, ‘What are you doing?’" Hough recalled. "Your life is completely set up.’ And I was like, ‘But I didn’t build it.’"

Julianne Hough Reflects on Past Relationship Struggles and Reveals Insecurity Led to Breakup with Ryan Seacrest

Reflecting on her actions during her relationship with Seacrest, Hough realized she was following a "repeated pattern" and questioned whether she had ever truly experienced genuine love. She explained that she had "loved the feeling of being loved" but recognized that it may not have been the same as being truly in love.

After her relationship with Seacrest ended, Hough embarked on a romance with former professional hockey player Brooks Laich. Despite their initial connection, their marriage ultimately dissolved due to differing life paths. "He was contracting while I was expanding. We just couldn’t find each other in that," Hough said.

Julianne Hough Reflects on Past Relationship Struggles and Reveals Insecurity Led to Breakup with Ryan Seacrest

Hough expressed regret that her relationship with Laich did not work out but acknowledged that it was the right decision for both of them. "I feel like our relationship and our marriage was exactly right, and the end of it is right, too," she said. "We both have regrets that it didn’t work out."

Hough's journey has been marked by both personal and professional challenges. She has faced insecurities, relationship struggles, and the pressures of the entertainment industry. Through it all, she has learned the importance of self-awareness and authenticity.

In a world where appearances and external validation often take precedence, Hough's candor about her experiences is a refreshing and relatable departure. Her story serves as a reminder that everyone faces their own unique set of challenges, and that it is through embracing our vulnerabilities that we can truly grow and evolve.

Hough's journey is not one of perfection, but rather one of resilience and self-discovery. Her willingness to share her experiences with the world is an act of courage and vulnerability that inspires others to embrace their own paths, no matter how challenging they may seem.