**Este Haim Reveals Impact of Type 1 Diabetes on Personal Relationships**
Este Haim, one of the founding members and bassist of the critically acclaimed band Haim, has opened up about her longstanding health condition and how it has shaped her personal life. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, Este has never shied away from discussing the realities of living with a chronic illness. In a recent interview with GQ UK, she recounted a striking moment when her illness became an obstacle in her romantic life.
The musician revealed that she was left stunned after a former boyfriend decided to end their relationship because of concerns regarding the genetic transmission of diabetes. “I had a guy break up with me because I said there was a possibility our kid would have diabetes,” Este shared. According to her, the conversation quickly escalated into an unexpected breakup when her then-partner asked, “Then why are we here?” The abruptness of his decision left Este both surprised and hurt.
Este’s openness around the incident reflects broader issues people with chronic illnesses often confront. The fear, stigma or misconceptions surrounding hereditary health conditions can sometimes create tension or even sever ties in a relationship. Este’s experience is a sobering reminder of the obstacles that can exist for individuals managing life-altering diagnoses, both medically and socially.
Her sisters and bandmates, Alana and Danielle Haim, have also reflected on their romantic misadventures. The trio, who are set to release their fourth studio album this June, have been sharing stories of heartbreak and resilience on TikTok, tying these confessions to the release of their recent single, ‘Relationships’. Alana, in particular, recounted a personal episode, which she described as more painful than she’d previously let on publicly.
“I was 20, and I was so in love with this guy in a band,” Alana recalled, addressing speculation online about the identity of her former flame. Against the advice of her sisters, she travelled from Los Angeles to London for New Year’s Eve to surprise him. Unfortunately, her romantic gesture was met with disappointment, as the man she’d been seeing for a year avoided her for much of the trip and later, she discovered, had been unfaithful. Alana remembered: “He ghosted me the whole week … I was devastated!”
Yet, for Alana, heartbreak has also led to important life decisions. She recounted another breakup, highlighting how she chose her career over an ultimatum from a boyfriend who demanded she pick their relationship over a major acting opportunity in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film ‘Licorice Pizza’ in 2021. “I obviously made the right choice,” she said, emphasising a sense of empowerment and self-worth derived from the difficult decision.
Meanwhile, eldest sister Danielle has also experienced significant change. After a nine-year relationship with the band’s producer, Ariel Rechtshaid, the couple parted ways in 2022. Reflecting on her single status, Danielle expressed a newfound contentment: “Not only okay, but so happy. Sorry to be that bitch but I’m really having a great time by myself. And now, unless someone’s gonna make me so much more happy, I’m good.”
The band’s candid approach to sharing these intimate stories has resonated with fans, inviting broader discussions about relationships, mental health and personal growth. In an era where public figures often feel pressured to present only their successes, the Haim sisters have made a point of highlighting the challenges and failures that shaped them.
Este, who announced her engagement to Jonathan Levin in February, continues to inspire with her honesty. Posting a selfie flaunting her engagement ring and a t-shirt that read “I’m taken”, she demonstrated that adversity does not preclude finding happiness or love.
As Haim prepares for the release of their anticipated album, their openness and authenticity off-stage remain just as compelling as their music on stage. These personal narratives offer both fans and the public a glimpse into the strength and vulnerability behind one of pop music’s most recognisable sibling trios.