Red Flags In Justin & Hailey Bieber's Relationship, According To Our Relationship Experts
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In the world of celebrity romance, not many couples have captivated the public like Justin and Hailey Bieber. From their on-and-off relationship to headline-making nuptials, their love story has been a subject of fascination for years. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a relationship that, like any other, faces its share of challenges and complexities.
For exclusive insights, we turned to two experts in the field: Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, and Jaime Bronstein, licensed relationship therapist and author of "MAN*ifesting: A Step-By-Step Guide to Attracting the Love That's Meant for You." Their expertise sheds light on Justin and Hailey's relationship — from the highs to the lows, and all of the potential red flags.
"They are two young celebrities, that got married very young," observed Trombetti, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding their union. "They also recognized it and started early in their relationship with marriage counseling, so that was a wise move that helps." Bronstein agreed that the two surely have things to work on, and whether they will survive as a couple is entirely in their hands. "If Hailey and Justin have the willingness to do the work to make their relationship work, they can," Bronstein told us. "Communication, trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to navigating challenges together are crucial to overcoming ... red flags." But exactly which red flags are the musician and the model facing?
Justin and Hailey got married in their early 20s
The story of Justin and Hailey Bieber's romance traces back to their adolescent years, with their first encounter being backstage during an appearance at "The Today Show." "I was never a superfan of him or of anyone," Hailey revealed to Vogue in 2019. "It was never that crazed, screaming thing. I didn't think about it in any kind of way except for the fact that he was cute. Everybody had a crush on him. But for the first few years, we had a weird age gap." At just 15, Justin met the then-12-year-old Hailey, planting the seed for a relationship that would blossom years later. However, the two weren't romantically linked until mid-2015, when fans began speculating that the two were more than just good friends after they had been spotted vacationing together in Anguilla.
The romance between Justin and Hailey Bieber captured headlines in 2018 when they tied the knot in their early twenties. Hailey, just 21 at the time, and Justin, a mere 24 years old, exchanged vows in a ceremony that left many questioning the wisdom of such a young commitment. Susan Trombetti exclusively explained to Glam that marrying at such a tender age can turn out to be a red flag. "This is very young to make a lifetime commitment to someone," she said. "Many marriages don't make it when you marry so young, and people don't always grow in the same direction."
The two have very busy schedules and often spend time apart
Hailey Bieber's journey to fame began in the mid-2010s when she catapulted into the spotlight alongside models like Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters. With her stunning looks and relatable presence, she quickly made a name for herself in the fashion industry, garnering success as a sought-after model and an occasional host. Beyond the runway, Hailey ventured into entrepreneurship in 2022 by launching her skincare brand, Rhode. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber's ascent to stardom began in 2009 with the release of his debut single "One Time." Since then, he has evolved into one of the biggest pop stars of his generation. With multiple chart-topping hits and sold-out tours, Justin has solidified his status as a household name in the music industry at a very young age.
Despite their success, the couple's demanding careers often lead to time apart — a challenge that Jaime Bronstein highlighted as a potential red flag. "High-profile careers often come with demanding schedules, including tours, filming, promotions, and other commitments that can keep the couple apart for extended periods," she exclusively explained to Glam. "This physical distance can challenge the maintenance of a strong, connected, bonded, and healthy relationship, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness, disconnect, or neglect." The nature of Justin and Hailey's careers introduces a unique set of obstacles, which means their relationship requires a delicate balance that not all couples can achieve.
Justin and Hailey's relationship has always been in the spotlight
Justin and Hailey Bieber's romance has been a spectacle from the start, primarily as it evolved in the eye of the public. With both individuals already well-acquainted with the spotlight long before falling in love, they knew their relationship would come with additional pressure. In fact, ever since they started dating, their every move has been scrutinized, dissected, and magnified by fans worldwide. The two have also been followed around by relentless paparazzi, leaving little room for privacy or discretion.
The media's interest in their personal lives adds another layer of complexity to their relationship — and Susan Trombetti emphasized the toll this can take on any couple. "They are in the public eye, and everyone is watching them constantly. Fame and celebrity mean [that the] media is always hounding them. This is difficult for anyone," she exclusively told Glam. Jaime Bronstein agreed and underscored the strain this can place on a relationship, particularly when confronted with various narratives encouraged by tabloids and gossip columns. "Constant media attention can create significant stress on a relationship, especially if negative or speculative stories emerge," Bronstein explained. In an era where social media amplifies every triumph and misstep, maintaining authenticity and intimacy is a challenging task — and for Justin and Hailey, the significant public scrutiny is a red flag.
They are growing and changing individually
A relationship is a commitment that requires a deep understanding of oneself and one's partner. Tying the knot at a young age, as Justin and Hailey Bieber did, can pose significant challenges, particularly when both individuals are still in the midst of personal growth and transformation. While legally adults, individuals in their early twenties are often in a period of self-discovery and exploration, where interests, values, and priorities can undergo profound changes.
Jaime Bronstein exclusively explained to Glam that it's vital to recognize the evolving nature of personal growth. "As individuals grow and evolve, their personal goals, interests, and values can shift. For Hailey and Justin, ensuring that individual growth supports and enriches the relationship rather than causing divergence can be challenging," Bronstein told us. "High-profile individuals might face additional scrutiny as they navigate these changes, making it harder to reconcile personal evolution with public expectations." Indeed, self-discovery is a deeply personal journey, and each individual must navigate their own path toward self-awareness and fulfillment. And while personal growth doesn't have to have negative consequences on a relationship, if two individuals grow in completely different directions, it can amount to a red flag.
Both Justin and Hailey have had major health scares
Health scares can put immense strain on any relationship, and for Justin and Hailey Bieber, navigating major health issues certainly couldn't have been easy. Both individuals have faced medical diagnoses that have forced them to confront their lifestyle and prioritize their well-being above all else. Justin's diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Hailey's hospitalization for stroke-like symptoms both happened in 2022. "They both had health issues and big scares. His has caused him to scale back his concert schedule, and hers landed her in the hospital, although she is doing better now," Susan Trombetti exclusively told Glam. "His has to do with stress. They lead a life that is not easy."
These health scares have not only disrupted their personal lives but have also had tangible consequences on their careers. Constant scrutiny, demanding schedules, and the relentless pursuit of perfection can take a toll on one's physical and mental well-being, worsening existing health conditions. Of course, in trying times, Justin and Hailey should lean on each other for support — but moments like these can also cause friction between couples, especially if both partners are going through health scares simultaneously.
They jumped into marriage rather quickly
Jumping into marriage after only a brief period of dating can lead to significant challenges later on for any couple — and for Justin and Hailey Bieber, their rebound romance is definitely raising some red flags. Despite knowing each other for a long time, their romantic relationship experienced abrupt starts and stops, with brief periods of dating in the mid-2010s and again in 2018 before swiftly progressing to marriage. "It was actually very sad when we didn't speak," Hailey shared on the podcast "In Good Faith with Chelsea and Judah Smith," referring to a period after their breakup. "I did something that really hurt him, and I think that kind of maybe took that idea [of marrying me] out of his mind at that point," (via USA Today Entertainment). The two may have taken a break in their relationship, but according to experts, that's never a good idea.
Susan Trombetti highlighted the rapid pace at which their relationship evolved as a potential red flag. "They married quickly. Some even said it was as if he was on the rebound," Trombetti exclusively shared. "This could apply in this situation, but it was certainly quick." In fact, Justin and former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez had just ended their on-and-off again relationship in March 2018, and Hailey had seemingly split from musician Shawn Mendes in May 2018 — only a month before getting engaged to Justin.
Justin and Hailey are pressured into always appearing perfect
The relentless scrutiny of their relationship by the public creates an environment where Justin and Hailey Bieber feel pressured to uphold the facade of a flawless union, regardless of any challenges they may be facing in private. "This disparity between public perception and private reality could potentially prevent Justin and Hailey from seeking the help or support they need, out of fear of public judgment or the impact on their careers, even though professional help could benefit their relationship," Jaime Bronstein exclusively told Glam.
For someone who doesn't live under the spotlight, it's hard to imagine this pressure. Those who have been keeping up with the couple surely remember the 2018 instance in which they were photographed crying. Regardless of what the reason was, the high media coverage of the occasion surely affected the pair — and exaggerated the pressure they might feel to put on a smile every time they're seen together, even if smiling is the last thing they feel like doing. "It's like, they don't give me permission to be upset. I don't have permission to be, you know, human and shed tears," Justin said in an episode of the 2020 docuseries "Justin Bieber: Seasons." "There's so many people every day who are in a conversation with their girl or their wife or their mom and they break down, you know? But they don't have cameras capturing it."
Justin's history with Selena Gomez is haunting their relationship
The lingering ghost of Justin Bieber's past relationship with Selena Gomez continues to cast a shadow over his marriage to Hailey Bieber, and it's hard to believe that it doesn't impact the couple's dynamic. From 2010 to 2018, Justin and Selena's tumultuous romance captivated fans worldwide, earning them the name "Jelena" and solidifying their status as a young celebrity power couple. Their on-again, off-again relationship ultimately came to an end, but fans across the globe had a hard time accepting that.
For Hailey, stepping into the limelight as Justin's wife meant confronting the relentless comparisons and scrutiny from fans of his previous relationship. The toxic cycle of online bullying and harassment directed towards her intensified following their marriage, with Hailey even speaking out about it on TikTok. "Leave me alone at this point," Hailey said. "I'm minding my business. I don't do anything, I don't say anything. Leave me alone, please. Enough time has gone by where it's valid to leave me alone."
Susan Trombetti emphasized the detrimental effects of this and the toll it takes on Hailey's emotional well-being. "Jealousy over Selena or at least the media's contrived jealousy between the two women can't be good," she exclusively shared with Glam. "There is no doubt that [that] relationship casts a shadow on their relationship, at least as far as the public is concerned. That can't feel good." Jaime Bronstein agreed, pointing out the damaging impact of rumors and gossip over the years. "For any couple in the spotlight, navigating rumors, gossip, and public interest in their personal lives can strain the bond between them, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts that are amplified by the public nature of their lives," she said.
Outside opinions could affect the two
The influence of external opinions, particularly from family and friends, could be a significant challenge for Justin and Hailey Bieber as they navigate their future. Living such a public life, the weight of outside scrutiny and judgment can have a considerable impact on their own perceptions. Jaime Bronstein explained the pervasive nature of external pressures, which can result in a red flag, especially if either of the two ends up becoming susceptible to what someone thinks they should do.
"The opinions of fans, family, and friends, amplified by social media and the press, can impact a couple's perception of their relationship," Bronstein exclusively shared. "External pressures to act or respond to situations in a certain way can create conflict within the relationship if their personal needs and boundaries are not respected." Whether it's well-intentioned advice from loved ones or the relentless commentary from fans, the constant bombardment of external opinions can have a profound — and negative — effect on the couple's relationship. For Justin and Hailey, maintaining clear boundaries and preserving their autonomy amidst their fame is crucial, but also very difficult.
The first year of Justin and Hailey's marriage was hard
The first year of marriage is often romanticized as a blissful honeymoon phase, but for Justin and Hailey Bieber, it proved to be a tumultuous period marked by challenges and uncertainties. Despite the expectation of newlywed bliss, the couple faced hurdles that tested the foundation of their relationship. In a candid interview with GQ in 2021, Justin Bieber revealed why it was so hard. "The first year of marriage was really tough," he said. "Because there was a lot, going back to the trauma stuff. There was just [a] lack of trust. There was all these things that you don't want to admit to the person that you're with, because it's scary. You don't want to scare them off by saying, 'I'm scared.'"
Similarly, Hailey revealed to Elle in 2021 that after tying the knot, the two weren't having the time of their lives. "In the beginning of our marriage, I just wanted to hide," the model admitted. "I was like, 'I don't want people so in my business. I feel like everybody's up my a**.' I was like, 'Can there be no anonymity? Can I have any of it back?'" Their shared experiences show the complex realities of marriage, proving that no matter how perfect things might seem to the outside world, the reality might be completely different.
Hailey didn't date much before getting in a relationship with Justin
Hailey Bieber's journey into marriage with Justin Bieber followed a noticeably different path compared to her husband's. While Justin had a high-profile, long-term relationship with Selena Gomez, Hailey's romantic history was less extensive. Prior to her relationship with Justin, her most notable connection was with Shawn Mendes, which lasted only a brief period. Appearing during a Valentine's Day special of "Zaza World Radio," Hailey reflected on the transition from being independent to navigating the intricacies of marriage. "I think if you're talking about me specifically, somebody who was never really in any serious relationships ... Going from there to that, to that, to married ... I've always been so independent," she said. "So for me, trying to cohabitate with someone and learn how to like, do life with another person, that directly has just been interesting. It's so different."
While Hailey's lack of a serious relationship prior to marriage isn't inherently problematic, it can introduce certain challenges. According to Psychology Today, individuals who haven't dated much before entering a serious relationship may grapple with feelings of regret and a desire for personal growth and change — and then there's the evident inability to compare their current relationship to a different experience.