Benny Blanco, the Grammy-nominated producer and boyfriend of Selena Gomez, is featured in People magazine’s much-anticipated Sexiest Man Alive issue. Alongside the announcement that he’ll be included in the prestigious countdown, Blanco offered up some simple yet effective rules on how to be a “sexy gentleman” in both life and love. From his love for cooking to how he keeps his relationship with Gomez fresh, here are Blanco’s top eight tips for success in romance and beyond.
Learn to Cook – Even if You’re Terrible at It
Blanco, known for his culinary passion, believes cooking is an essential skill for any gentleman. “Even if you’re terrible at cooking, your partner will like it because you did it,” he says. Blanco’s cookbook, Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends, showcases his love for the kitchen, but he emphasizes that the key is attentiveness. If cooking isn’t your strong suit, ordering takeout and pretending you made it works too! Bonus Tip: Be chivalrous and always tell your partner how pretty they are.
Make the First Date an Experience
Blanco suggests that your first date should be an unforgettable experience. He recalls a particularly memorable gesture from Selena, who rented out a botanical garden for their date. Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure or an unexpected twist, leaving a lasting impression is key. “It’s got to be something insane, something they’ll be talking about to their friends for days,” he advises.
Dress for Success
For Blanco, style isn’t about expensive clothes but about mixing high and low fashion. A vintage Prada jacket paired with a killer thrift store find is his go-to style advice. “It’s all about confidence and wearing things that make you feel good,” he shares.
Self-Care Counts
Blanco believes in taking care of yourself, both inside and out. He stresses the importance of good skin, a signature scent (he prefers tobacco and cotton candy), and staying fresh without overdoing it. “You want to smell like a man but with a hint of femininity,” he says.
Be a Great Host
Hosting dinner parties is one of Blanco’s favorite pastimes. He loves to invite people from different walks of life to create memorable conversations. “I want someone who writes songs sitting next to an 80-year-old florist,” he says, emphasizing how mixing people from diverse backgrounds can lead to the most interesting and unexpected connections.
Moms Matter
Blanco’s mom is his best friend, and he prioritizes spending time with her. From weekly trips to the farmer’s market to cooking her lunch and gifting her orchids for Mother’s Day, he values the bond with the woman who raised him. For Blanco, nurturing relationships with family, especially moms, is essential to being a great man.
Turn Gift-Giving Into High Art
Blanco insists on giving thoughtful, unique gifts rather than what everyone else is buying. He’s a fan of homemade gifts, citing a memorable present from Selena — a bear that said “I miss you so much” when its hand was pressed. “It’s about remembering something small, like a moment or a detail they’ve shared, and turning it into something meaningful,” Blanco explains.
No Ghosting
Blanco’s stance on ghosting is clear: it’s never okay. He believes in treating people the way you’d want to be treated — and always being honest. “You have to be demonic to fully ghost someone,” he says, adding that he always thinks of how his actions will reflect on his mom. If the date is bad, a polite exit is fine, but he stresses the importance of respect.
Benny Blanco’s approach to life and love proves that being a “sexy gentleman” isn’t just about looks — it’s about kindness, attentiveness, and respect. His relationship with Selena Gomez is a testament to his philosophy, showing that being thoughtful, generous, and genuine is the true essence of attraction. Whether cooking a meal, creating unforgettable dates, or simply being kind, Blanco’s rules are the perfect guide to living a life full of love, charm, and style.
