If you’re like me, you might be wondering, “What happened to you, Justin Bieber? Just two years ago you were singing, ‘Baby, baby, baby,’ and now… dare I even say it? You’re hot.” He may still have that baby face, but if his latest music video for “Boyfriend” is any indication, the Biebster is all grown up. All it took was one hit summer single and suddenly he’s gone from teenybopper to Hollywood heartthrob. But hands off, ladies; it looks like his relationship with Selena Gomez is maturing, too, and they’re turning into one of Hollywood’s hottest couples. They’re seen out in public cuddling, kissing, and hanging on each other at all sorts of red carpet events. So, it would seem that on top of being a teen star, the Biebs is good boyfriend material, too! Of course, there are screaming pre-teen girls everywhere who already think that, but whether you’re a Belieber or not, collegiettes (and their boyfriends) can learn a lot in love and relationships from this prince of pop. So, ladies, listen up (and guys, take notes)!
He should treat you like the princess you are!
In an interview with Seventeen Justin gushed over his girlfriend and gave his own tips on how to be the best boyfriend. “I’m just trying to make [Selena] happy, that’s all,” he said. “I think it’s important to make all women feel like they’re princesses, because every girl is a princess. I’m serious.” Awww. The Biebs has covered it all when it comes to treating Selena Gomez like a princess. He’s done every romantic thing imaginable, from renting out the Staples Center to watch Titanic to taking her out on expensive dinner dates to giving her J-shaped diamond rings. OK, so whisking you away to Disneyland and showering you with custom-cut diamond rings aren’t exactly in your boyfriend’s budget, but he should understand what Justin does: romance never gets old. Don’t stick around for a guy who takes you for granted. If it becomes a consistent problem, explain to him that you’re feeling like your relationship is in a lull and that you both could use a bit of spark to recapture those days of winks and handholding.
He knows you should always have fun together and laugh a lot… even at each other.
Who doesn’t love a guy who can laugh at himself? Justin has been known to make fun of himself often, like he did in that Funny or Die video or on SNL. And that’s a whole lot more appealing than someone who takes himself so seriously (I’m looking at you, Christian Bale). Justin and Selena manage to make it work for a very good reason: they know how to crack each other up! He says of Selena, “She makes me laugh and she puts up with my practical jokes.” While we all love a little Edward Cullen-level intensity from time to time, your guy should still know how to keep it light and keep you smiling. If your man just won’t loosen up, try spending a day at an amusement park or seeing the new blockbuster comedy—the adrenaline and the laughter will get his energy high and he’ll be able to let his guard down.
He’s honest in his relationship.
Justin’s always been pretty open about his life. Even when he had his baby mama drama (and what celebrity hasn’t had that happen to them), he was honest with the press and his lady. “It’s just about being honest with one another,” Justin said in an interview with Radio Disney. “You just have to be honest, that’s the first thing, because if you’re not honest then the relationship is just not a good relationship. At the end of the day, your girl would appreciate you being honest more than lying to her and vice versa.” If you feel you and your guy are struggling with honesty, work on your communication skills. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (but don’t pester him about minute details, either). Honesty is always the best policy!
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He respects the ladies in his life.
So being the best son ever doesn’t always equal being the best boyfriend ever, but seeing how he treats any woman in his life—whether it’s his mom, his sister, or his ex-girlfriend—can be a big sign of how he’ll treat you. When it comes to his mom, Justin has always been thankful for the sacrifices she made for him as a single parent. He even dedicated a song to her for Mother’s Day. Most adorable thing ever? We think so! Check out how your potential new beau bonds with the ladies in his life—if they get along like peas in a pod, you can bet he’ll treat you with the same respect.
He keeps in touch with his emotions.
This teen pop star definitely isn’t one of the edgier artists out in the music industry today, but the Biebster has always had a softer side – and we aren’t just talking about his sweet crooning to the ladies. We already mentioned how Justin treats his girlfriend Selena like an absolute princess with romantic gestures (and how your boyfriend ought to treat you the same way), but this sensitivity has a lot to do with him keeping in touch with his emotions, which we’ve seen in some of his concerts and heard in his lyrics like, “If I was your boyfriend, I’d never let you go.” He’s believable in his emotions, and as any girl will tell you, it’s never a bad thing for a guy to be in touch with his softer side. If you feel like your guy doesn’t dig deep, try asking him about it when the time is right—you may find that he was afraid of scaring you away with his real feelings (hey, it really does happen!).
He supports you.
If you watch awards shows and red carpet events closely, you’ll notice that Justin and Selena are always at each other’s side, supporting one another. Justin gives her space but makes it a point to support her and her career as an actress, singer, and all-around superstar. As a girlfriend, you shouldn’t be his arm candy, trophy wife, or whatever. You’re a strong, sassy collegiette after all, right? And that’s something he should be happy with.
He lives by his motto, “Never say never.”
Ok, so we couldn’t resist getting that reference in here. But in all seriousness, Justin Bieber couldn’t have gotten to where he is today without dreaming big, right? In the past few years, he’s gone from a teen YouTube sensation to becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest young stars with 15 million albums sold worldwide, a league of Beliebers following him, and even a feature film. The Biebster has proven that he’s a hard-worker and we’re willing to bet he’d work just as hard for you, too. If your guy works hard to maintain your relationship and thinks about a future with you, he’s willing to go the distance. Meet him halfway!
The biggest takeaway for you collegiettes: Justin Bieber doesn’t give up on anything: whether it was growing up struggling to make ends meet while living with his single mom in Canada, his relationship with Selena, or his dreams. “I don’t know if I’m even the best boyfriend,” he said in an interview. “But I can give a few suggestions. I think being honest and patient, because girls can be tough sometimes, so you just got to be patient. That’s two. Forgive, and have fun, because it’s about having fun. Last one? Be faithful.” You and your boyfriend don’t have to follow in the same footsteps of this power couple to be happy, but Justin’s got the right idea: every collegiette deserves to be treated right (and by “right” we mean like a princess – what else?)! If there’s friction between you and your guy, apply a dose of Bieber logic as needed – it could be just the thing to put you back on track.