Sometimes it really does feel like celebrities are using the public as unsuspecting pawns in their romantic quests. Case in point: Selena Gomez’s latest InStyle U.K. cover. Famous people can’t easily join Tinder to broadcast their single status, so Gomez did what anyone with access to a cover story would.
Step one: Admit you’re in the dating market, but don’t be desperate about it. “I hate it,” she told the magazine, wincing. “It’s hard and I’m weirded out by the idea that a guy has googled me before we meet, and that has happened.”
Step two: Clear things up with that hanger-on of an ex. “I’m just tired of talking about it,” Gomez said, about Justin Bieber. “I never intended for my life to become a tabloid story.” That’ll do.
Step three: Make your desire to date Zayn Malik crystal clear. “If he had asked me out on a date, I would be seen with him. Just kidding, but not kidding,” she said.
Step four: Regain control by insisting you wouldn’t actually date someone younger. “I feel like I look 16 sometimes, which is a bummer because I would love to date older guys.” (Zayn is 22 to Gomez’s 23.)
Watch out, Gigi.