Harry Styles reveals how an ex-girlfriend helped him overcome public anxiety during One Direction days

Fans speculate whether Styles was referring to Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, or another one of his famous exes

Harry Styles has credited a former girlfriend with helping him overcome his reluctance to go out in public during his early years with One Direction, explaining how the experience changed his approach to everyday life.

In a joint interview with Thom Yorke published by Rolling Stone on October 8, the Grammy-winning singer recalled feeling restricted while touring with the band and worrying about being seen outside his home.

“When I’d be home, it felt like, ‘Oh, it’s not safe for me to be out,’” Styles said.

The 32-year-old explained that dating someone more outgoing encouraged him to explore London rather than remain indoors.

Recalling her visit to the city, he said, “So we walked everywhere, and it was this realization for me: ‘Oh, it’s fine to be outside.’”

Styles added, “It kind of broke that thing. Now, it’s changed my life in such a big way, because it’s how you stay connected to the world.”

The singer also said walking helps him notice his surroundings and spark his creativity. He explained that being at ground level allows artists to notice details they might miss when travelling by car.

Despite becoming more comfortable in public, Styles remains protective of his private life.

In a separate 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, he explained why photographs with another person should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation of a public relationship.

“I've never talked about my life away from work publicly,” he said, adding that maintaining this boundary had benefited him.

The former One Direction member, now reportedly engaged to Zoë Kravitz, has been linked to several famous women throughout his career, including Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, Olivia Wilde and more.

His latest comments offer insight into how personal experiences have influenced his relationship with fame, public spaces and privacy.