Harry Styles says an ex-GF helped him overcome public anxiety during One Direction’s early days

Harry Styles opened up about how a former girlfriend helped him overcome his anxiety about going out in public during his time with One Direction.

The singer recalled how his immense popularity as a member of the boy band initially made him hesitant to venture outside, even when he was back home.

“I think in the early days, when I was in the band [One Direction], so much of the hotel experience felt very locked-in. When I’d be home, it felt like, ‘Oh, it’s not safe for me to be out,’ ” he shared in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Harry recounted how his relationship with an outgoing girlfriend eventually encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone.

“Then I had a girlfriend who was very outgoing, and she was coming to London and I was like, ‘Oh, if we just sit in my house for three days, she’s gonna think I’m nuts,’ ” he said.

Instead of staying indoors, the two spent time exploring the city on foot.

“So we walked everywhere, and it was this realization for me: ‘Oh, it’s fine to be outside.’ It kind of broke that thing,” the singer shared.

The experience ultimately changed Harry’s perspective on going out in public.

“Now, it’s changed my life in such a big way, because it’s how you stay connected to the world.”

The “As It Was” hitmaker did not reveal the identity of the former girlfriend he was referring to.

Harry rose to fame in 2010 as a member of One Direction, which was formed through the British talent competition The X Factor.

Following the group’s hiatus, Harry launched his solo career with the release of his self-titled debut album in 2017, featuring the UK chart-topping single “Sign of the Times.”

In 2022, he released his third studio album, Harry’s House, which earned him the Album of the Year award at the Grammys.

More recently, in March 2026, Harry released his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.