Shawn Mendes Discusses His Emotional Struggles With Exes—But They Weren’t Women

Shawn Mendes has always been an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve. From his soulful lyrics to his candid interviews, he’s never shied away from talking about the emotional highs and lows of fame, love, and self-discovery. But his latest revelation has left fans puzzled, intrigued, and eager for more details.

A Confession That No One Expected

In a recent, deeply introspective interview, Shawn Mendes opened up about his emotional struggles with exes—but, in a surprising twist, he clarified that these former relationships weren’t with women. This unexpected admission has sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans and media outlets speculating on what, or who, he could be referring to.

Mendes, known for his past relationships with high-profile figures like Camila Cabello, chose his words carefully, hinting at a deeply personal journey that extends beyond traditional romantic entanglements. “People assume that when I talk about my exes, I mean past girlfriends,” he stated. “But in reality, my most painful breakups haven’t been with women at all.”

This cryptic yet revealing statement has left many wondering: If it’s not past girlfriends, then who (or what) are these exes that have left such an emotional impact on the chart-topping artist?

The Emotional Toll of Lost Connections

Shawn Mendes went on to explain that his toughest emotional struggles stem from severed connections with people who have played pivotal roles in his life, including mentors, close friends, and even former versions of himself.

“I’ve had friendships that ended in ways that felt more devastating than any romantic breakup,” Mendes confessed. “Losing trust, growing apart, feeling like you no longer know someone who once meant everything to you—that’s a different kind of heartbreak.”

He also spoke about the immense pressure of fame and how relationships in the industry often come with an expiration date. Being constantly in the public eye makes genuine friendships hard to maintain, leading to painful estrangements that can weigh heavily on the heart.

Perhaps the most unexpected part of his revelation was his acknowledgment of past versions of himself as “exes.” Mendes explained how he has struggled to let go of who he used to be, wrestling with personal growth and the feeling of outgrowing his former self.

“There are parts of me that I miss, but I know I had to leave them behind to become who I am today. And that’s been one of the hardest goodbyes.”

A New Chapter of Self-Discovery

Beyond the heartbreak, Mendes emphasized that this journey has led to profound self-awareness and growth. He has learned to embrace change, accept the inevitable loss that comes with life, and redefine what love and connection mean to him.

“I’ve realized that love isn’t just about romantic relationships,” Shawn Mendes shared. “It’s about every meaningful connection you have, and sometimes, losing those connections teaches you the most about yourself.”

As he steps into a new era of his career and personal life, Mendes seems determined to focus on authenticity, healing, and deepening the relationships that truly matter. He hinted at new music that will reflect this emotional evolution, promising fans a raw and honest look into his heart and mind.

While the mystery surrounding his “exes” may not have been what fans initially expected, it’s clear that Mendes’ story is one that resonates deeply. In a world where we often think of breakups in the context of romance, he reminds us that some of life’s hardest goodbyes don’t involve love interests at all—but they still leave a mark.

So, who are the “exes” in your life that have shaped you the most? Shawn Mendes’ candid confession challenges us all to reflect on the relationships that define us, even the ones we never expected to lose.