Honestly, following Lucy Hale's romantic life has always felt like watching a relatable, high-stakes rom-com. One minute she’s linked to a gritty actor, and the next, she's sparking rumors with a reality TV star. But as we move through January 2026, the conversation around lucy hale dating has shifted from "who is she with?" to "how is she so remarkably grounded?"
It’s a vibe.
The Pretty Little Liars alum has spent the last couple of years rewriting the script on what it means to be a successful woman in her 30s in Hollywood. She isn't just navigating dates; she's navigating her own evolution.
The Harry Jowsey Era: What Really Happened?
If you were on TikTok or reading People back in March 2025, you probably saw the headlines that sent the internet into a tailspin. Lucy Hale and Harry Jowsey? The Too Hot to Handle star? It felt like a fever dream.
Sources at the time confirmed they were "super casual, but not brand new." They were spotted together in New York City, and Jowsey—the self-proclaimed "heartbreak king" of reality TV—was reportedly "very into" her.
What made this pairing actually interesting wasn't just the eight-year age gap. It was their shared sobriety. Lucy, who celebrated four years of sobriety this month, was reportedly a huge support system for Harry as he navigated his own journey away from alcohol.
They hit it off after he slid into her DMs. Classic.
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But like most "super casual" things in the limelight, the buzz eventually quieted down. They never did that big red-carpet debut or the "official" Instagram launch fans were thirsty for. By the time 2026 rolled around, the relationship seemed to have settled into a quiet friendship or simply faded into the background of their busy lives.
Moving Past the "Bad Boy" Phase
Lucy has been incredibly open lately about her past "type." You know the one. The project. The guy who needs fixing.
In recent podcast appearances, like her sit-down with André Duqum on Know Thyself late last year, she admitted that she used to be "deathly afraid" of being alone. She sought out chaos because it felt exciting.
"I used to find the 'good guy' boring," she basically told listeners.
That’s a huge admission.
Now, at 36, her standards have shifted. She’s looking for alignment, not an adrenaline rush. She’s dated everyone from David Henrie back in the Disney days to a brief, high-profile stint with Skeet Ulrich in 2021. But the 2026 version of Lucy Hale isn't looking for a "fixer-upper." She wants someone who elevates her life, or she’d quite literally rather be at home with her dogs.
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The Ian Harding Reunion: Fans Are Losing It
We can't talk about lucy hale dating without mentioning the man everyone wishes she was dating: Ian Harding.
In December 2025, the pair sent the Pretty Little Liars fandom into a literal frenzy. They posted a video together—sipping oat iced lattes and looking cozy—with the caption "Hale and Harding take 2."
Was it a romantic reveal? No.
It was better: a professional reunion. They are starring together in a new holiday rom-com called The Twelve Dates of Christmas.
The chemistry is still there. Obviously. But they’ve always maintained they are just "besties." Seeing them back together on screen is probably the closest fans will get to an Aria and Ezra wedding in real life, and honestly, we’ll take it.
Why Being Single at 36 is Her New Power Move
One of the most refreshing things about Lucy right now is her refusal to apologize for not being married.
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Society has this weird obsession with "settling down" by a certain age. Lucy isn't having it. She’s been vocal about the fact that her life is full, vibrant, and complete exactly as it is.
- She is 100% focused on her sobriety.
- She’s leaning into "boring" (her word, not ours) stability.
- She’s normalizing the idea that your 30s are for self-discovery, not just wedding planning.
It’s not that she’s closed off to love. She’s just picky. And she should be.
What’s Next for Lucy’s Love Life?
If you’re looking for a definitive "boyfriend" name to drop at brunch, you won't find one right now. Lucy seems to be in a "stealth mode" phase.
She uses dating apps—she once joked about seeing John Mayer on one—but she’s not in a rush.
If you want to follow her lead in dating or just in life, the takeaway is pretty clear. Focus on your own growth first. The right person should be an "add-on" to an already great life, not the missing piece of a broken one.
To keep up with Lucy’s journey, keep an eye on her Instagram for "soft launches," but don't be surprised if the next person she introduces us to is someone who matches her new, peaceful energy.
Take Actionable Insights from Lucy's Approach:
Check in with your own "type"—are you dating people who need fixing or people who are in alignment with your goals? If you're feeling pressure to meet a timeline, take a page out of Lucy's book: ignore the noise and focus on being present in your own "boring" but beautiful reality.