Julianne Hough has opened up about her past relationships, particularly her three-year romance with Ryan Seacrest, during an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast. Hough expressed that her insecurities about being perceived as using Seacrest for his fame led her to 'play smaller' and mold herself to fit his needs, which contributed to their breakup. She emphasized her desire to establish her own identity and career outside of the relationship, feeling that she had not built a life of her own despite being in a high-profile romance. Reflecting on her experiences, Hough questioned whether she has ever truly been in love, attributing her feelings to the desire to feel loved rather than genuine emotional connection. Additionally, she is channeling her personal losses, including the death of her dogs, into her upcoming novel, Everything We Never Knew, which she notes contains elements of her grief. Hough's candid revelations highlight her journey of self-discovery and the impact of her past relationships on her personal growth.