The 19-year-old singer-and-actress- who is dating teenage singing sensation Justin Bieber - admits she once let a boyfriend`s likes and dislikes influence the way she behaved, and after witnessing how happy her loved ones were when the romance ended, she insists she will always be herself from now on.

She said: "I wasn`t myself for a year. I think that was really damaging. I felt like it was me who was always trying to be perfect for him.

"Everyone around me hated him but I didn`t listen. I think I had to go through it because now I`m the strongest I`ve been.

"I dare someone to try and change me again."

Selena admits she "lost herself" in the relationship and lost her sense of fun until the romance was over.

She explained in an interview with Top of the Pops magazine: "I always dressed nice. I don`t think he ever saw me in sweatpants - and I love sweatpants.

"I`d always be well-mannered and go to his favourite restaurants or whatever.

"There was a point where I lost myself completely. I didn`t smile as much, I didn`t laugh as much. I wasn`t a goofball. I didn`t get up and dance like I usually do.

"And when that one ended, I didn`t know where I was. But I got it back and was really happy. My family were happy to have me back."
sections: Celebrities