Jessica Simpson always knew she would split up with John Mayer - because she felt destined to be with someone else.
The pop star broke up with ex-husband Nick Lachey in 2005 after three years of marriage, and was subsequently linked to a string of suitors, including Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and rocker Mayer.
However, she insists she wasn't herself in the relationships following her divorce, and instead took on personality traits of her various partners.
She tells the new issue of Elle magazine: "I was going through a lot of pain. I didn't try anything to change my life other than dating different types of guys and conforming to their worlds.
" I thought I had to be artier, more intellectual… John believed in the Jessica Simpson that's within. He cherished our love.
"He helped make me the woman I am today. John is going to be an amazing man for someone, but I know that I was supposed to be with someone else."
Simpson is currently dating American footballer Tony Romo, while Mayer has recently been linked to former 'Friends' star Jennifer Aniston.