Julianne Hough looks back at her failed relationships and explains why they went wrong.

During an episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert Podcast on August 12th, the Dancing with the stars The 36-year-old judge spoke about her previous relationships and the problems that ultimately led to the end of her marriage to Brooks Laich.

“I think our relationship and our marriage were exactly right, and the ending is right too,” she explained. “We both regret that it didn’t work out because I don’t think we had the maturity to be together.”

She went on to describe some of the dynamics of their relationship, noting, “He was shrinking while I was expanding.”

“We just couldn’t see ourselves in it,” Hough continued. “We just went into our own protective mode. So we definitely accepted what happened, but we’re sad that it didn’t work out because I’ve only dated great people.”

Despite their decision to go their separate ways, the television star said Laich, 41, has “the biggest heart I’ve ever had the privilege of being with.”

Hough and Laich began dating in November 2013 and dated for two years before announcing their engagement on Instagram in August 2015. Shortly after, the former couple tied the knot on July 8, 2017, in a romantic outdoor wedding at Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, where Hough spent summers as a child.

“When I introduced Brooks to the lake, he fell in love with this special place and we knew this was where we wanted to raise our family and grow old together,” Hough told PEOPLE at the time of the venue. “It just felt right to get married here.”

After quarantining separately during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid growing speculation that their marriage might be on the rocks, Hough and Laich announced their decision to separate in a statement to PEOPLE in May 2020.

“We lovingly and carefully took the time we needed to come to our decision to separate,” they wrote in their joint statement. “We share an abundance of love and respect for one another and will continue to lead from this place of our hearts. We respectfully ask for your compassion and respect for our privacy going forward.”

A few months later, Hough officially filed for divorce, although there were rumors of their reconciliation in November of that year. At the time, a source told PEOPLE, “They tried to work on things, but Julianne realized she is happier with her freedom. Brooks tried to give it to her, but he, too, reached his limits.” The couple finalized their divorce in June 2022.

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Speaking to PEOPLE in July, the professional dancer revealed that she is single and open to finding that special someone.

“Look, my heart is open,” she said, adding that she is “ready for whatever is right for her” and will not “force” a romance that doesn’t feel natural.

The actress explained that she enjoys life as a single woman but remains “open to what comes next.”

“I’m very happy,” she added. “So it must be something very special.”