Florence Pugh has opened up about the challenges of being in a relationship, revealing that her busy lifestyle makes it difficult for her partner, Finn Cole, to navigate their romance. In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 29-year-old actress acknowledged her tendency to be "tricky" when it comes to dating, expressing sympathy for those who love her.
Pugh, known for her roles in films like Little Women and Oppenheimer, is currently dating the Peaky Blinders star, although neither of them has officially confirmed their relationship. Their romance was first reported after they were spotted leaving the after-party of the London premiere of Netflix’s The Perfect Couple together last September.
In her interview, Pugh explained, "I’m more sympathetic to the people who are in love with me because it’s not easy! I’m tricky – I’m always busy, I can never make dates. But it’s not good enough for me to ask someone to just accept that. I’ll just end up alone. I don’t want that – I want a family." Her reflections highlight her desire for a more stable personal life, especially after the end of her previous relationship with actor Zach Braff in 2022.
Reflecting on her breakup with Braff, Pugh described it as a "scary" experience that forced her to reassess her approach to love. She stated, "It was a scary break-up and I think that movie forced me to realize I can’t wait for people anymore… I can’t accept this version of love. I have to help myself." This realization has prompted her to take a more proactive stance in her current relationship.
Despite her successes in Hollywood, Pugh has faced challenges in managing her personal life. She admitted to feeling overwhelmed by her career, stating, "I’ve worked back-to-back since I started, and I’ve missed so much. I’ve now come to terms with things that I don’t like about myself and want to change. I don’t want to have things just happen to me anymore." This introspection has led her to prioritize her personal happiness alongside her professional achievements.
Pugh has also begun the process of freezing her eggs, which she described as "tiring and horrible." While she acknowledges the privilege of being able to afford this procedure, she expressed frustration with the public's perception of her choices. "There was a clickbait article about me doing it. I know you shouldn’t read the comments but… urgh. I wish there was a little more tenderness and understanding," she remarked.
In addition to her personal revelations, Pugh has taken a step back from social media. She deleted her Instagram account for five months, describing the experience as "bliss." However, she felt compelled to return to raise awareness about the LA wildfires, stating, "Instagram posts can only go so far. Yes, they make you aware, yes, they can change a few opinions, but I want to make sure that I’m awake to what’s going on and feel like I’m a part of the change."
Pugh's desire to be an advocate for important issues is evident as she navigates her career and personal life. She mentioned, "Plenty of unstable, powerful men are dictating our futures," emphasizing her commitment to being active in the ongoing changes in the world. "Being more active in this very aggressive change in the world right now feels correct to me. At least I know that my energy is going somewhere," she added.
As she prepares for her upcoming role as Yelena Belova in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, Pugh is also reflecting on her personal growth. She stated, "I had this opportunity to look at my life away from my work. And I realized, OK, I need to wake the f*** up. I had to look away from my career, from movies, from wanting to be this kind of actor, that kind of actor. Or how many awards I would love to get before I pass away. That’s been my focus for ten years, but I want to make sure that the things I need to do, whether children, family, change, change in relationships… well, I realized I need to make changes now."
Pugh's journey is not just about her on-screen roles; it’s about her evolving understanding of love and relationships. She candidly shared, "We are figuring out what we actually are. And I think for the first time, I’m not allowing myself to go on a roller-coaster. I’m allowing myself to take time to let something evolve and let it be completely real to its core, as opposed to racing into that." This perspective marks a significant shift in her approach to love, as she navigates her feelings for Cole.
As she prepares for the release of the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK, which hits shelves on April 17, 2025, Pugh's insights into her love life and career continue to resonate with fans. With her candidness about the complexities of romance, mental health, and personal growth, Florence Pugh is not just a talented actress but also a relatable figure for many navigating similar challenges in their own lives.
