(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Nicole Scherzinger doesn't see love as a fairy tale, rather a "work in progress".

The songstress is back in a relationship with Lewis Hamilton after briefly splitting in October last year. Nicole maintains a realistic attitude towards romance, and knows that she has to put effort into making things work with her beau.

"You have to love yourself first before you can expect it from someone else. And trust and communication are key... me and Lewis are from similar upbringings so we share a similar outlook. We're kindred spirits and hearts that's what ultimately connects us," she explained to Cosmopolitan magazine.

"Ultimately, you want to be with someone you can be yourself around. My grandma taught me the person you want to be with isn't going to be Prince Charming. It's going to be the person you're able to work on a relationship with. It's always a work in progress, like everything."

Racing driver Lewis was pictured with a group of women last month at the Mayfair Hotel in London after partying at the Funky Buddha nightclub without Nicole.

In the interview - conducted before Lewis' escapades hit headlines - Nicole revealed how she wanted to nurture her boyfriend.

"I definitely have that tradition in me where I want to take care of my guy. I saw how much my mom enjoyed taking care of her family and I have that nurturing gene," she said.

"But you need balance. I work hard and I'm an independent woman. It's important to be in control." (C) Cover Media