Demi Lovato Wasn't 'Ready' For 'X Factor' After Rehab

Bringing a fresh, young and oftentimes sassy perspective to "The X Factor" panel, Demi Lovato was a stand-out judge, bickering with Simon Cowell and belting it onstage with the contestants. But Lovato now admits maybe she should have waited to get behind the judge's seat.

Opening up to Cosmo on Campus, Lovato reveals that she should have given herself more time to heal after battling with her very public personal issues, which included cutting and an eating disorder, before accepting the job on "The X Factor."

"I don't think I was ready when I started on 'The X Factor,' " Lovato said of her autumn 2012 start date. "In an ideal situation, I would have maybe waited a year or more [after coming out of treatment]."

Yet, Lovato, who told that she has "no idea" whether she will be back next season, is now comfortable being back in the spotlight.

"I dived into work really quickly and maybe that wasn't the best idea at the time," Lovato said. "But the place I am in today is so much better than I could have ever imagined, so I'm really glad."

Work isn't the only thing she is comfortable with again; she told the magazine that she has spent this last year focusing on herself and "not focusing on guys," although she admits she's ready to get back in the dating game.

"Now I'm in a place where I can finally trust and love and be a better person for the man I am in a relationship with," Lovato revealed. "Instead of being a clingy girlfriend or getting jealous."

However, Lovato does have a warning for all her potential suitors. "I'm a southern Texas girl. I have a really strong personality —' I speak my mind and I don't hold back," Lovato said. "I'm the type of woman who doesn't put up with bullsh--, so when I date I have to find someone who won't either. I don't think any woman should ever hold back what she's really thinking."

And after spelling out her dating terms, Lovato had some sage advice for all her Lovatics also looking for love.

"It is very unhealthy when girls devote all of their time to a guy and forget their friends and family. I did that. I was always looking for distractions because I was so afraid of being alone."

The spring 2013 issue of Cosmo on Campus is on newsstands now.

Will Demi find love? Leave your thoughts in the comments!