Singer-songwriter Zayn Malik recently expressed his regret over not fully appreciating his time with the British-Irish pop band One Direction, which was formed in London in 2010, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Reflecting on his past during an interview on the Zach Sang Show, Malik shared, “One thing I always feel bad about when I think back on my life is not enjoying the band as much as I should have. I was too serious about everything. Now, I’m thankful to be in a happier place where I can enjoy life more and have a positive outlook, like seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty. That’s my choice.”
Zayn shocked fans when he left One Direction in 2015. Just a year after his departure, the band, which included Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson, announced they were taking a break.
He continued, “I went through a phase of teenage angst, feeling like I had a chip on my shoulder. I thought it was cool to be moody all the time, but really, that just made me feel like a loser. Let’s be honest, you know?”
Malik has since realized the value of being kind and approachable. “You should strive to be a good person, someone that others enjoy being around. It’s important to brighten people’s days instead of pushing them away with negativity.”
A significant part of his personal growth has come from becoming a father to his daughter, Khai, with ex-partner Gigi Hadid. “She brings so much joy into my life,” he explained. “I’ve discovered a depth of love I didn’t have before she was born. She laughs constantly and finds joy in the simplest things, bringing a fresh perspective to my life that had started to feel dull.”
