Nathan Sykes believes he and his ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande showed their maturity by refusing to find working together awkward.

The former The Wanted star dated Ariana for several months in 2013, but that hasn't stopped them teaming up for new love song Over and Over Again.

The track includes the lyrics: "I won't leave you/Always be true/One plus one/two for life," and although some suspected crooning the lines could have been uncomfortable, the stars worked hard to be at ease with each other.

"I think it's only as awkward as everyone else makes it," Nathan told ET.com.

"I spoke to (Ariana) and I was like, 'It's only as awkward as everyone else makes it. If we don't make it awkward, then at the end of the day, after a couple of weeks, it's not going to be awkward anymore.'

"I think it shows real maturity that we can both do this and not really let it bother us."

Nathan and Ariana, both 22, were only together for a matter of months before they realized their relationship wasn't meant to be. As it was so long ago, both have moved on, with Ariana briefly dating her ex-boyfriend Jai Brooks again and then enjoying an eight-month romance with rapper Big Sean.

"(I've) experienced so much life experience in those years (since dating Ariana that) it does feel like forever ago," Nathan, who is single, explained.

"It's not weird to me at all. I think the most important thing for me is that she's an incredible vocalist and I really think she brings something great to the song."

Currently, Nathan is happily unattached, explaining his manic schedule means he lacks the time to dedicate to entertaining a lady friend. When he does feel it's the right time to settle down, he will be on the hunt for a woman with good manners who understands his "unique" sense of humor.