Perrie Edwards on Escaping a Toxic Relationship: Lessons Learned

Perrie Edwards Spills All on Toxic Ex-Boyfriend Zayn Malik and New Love Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

In a jaw-dropping interview with Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, Little Mix star Perrie Edwards dished out the tea on her dramatic past relationship with former One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik. The 32-year-old singer opened up about how her experience in her "first love" left her with emotional scars and made her hesitant to fall in love again.

Perrie, who is now happily engaged to footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, revealed that she initially thought the behavior of her ex-partner was normal. "I think definitely at the time I thought everything we experienced in our relationship was normal," she admitted. "Because it was my first relationship, first love. I was like, 'Oh, this is how it's supposed to feel. It's supposed to feel a little bit toxic.'"

The singer hinted that her ex-boyfriend's behavior was controlling and manipulative, making her doubt her own feelings and judgment. "I didn't even want to meet anybody," she confessed. "I was like, 'That's me done.' I don't think I could bear that pain."

But what's even more surprising is how Perrie's experience with Zayn Malik has impacted her current relationship with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. In a glowing tribute to her new partner, the singer raved about his laid-back nature and level-headed approach to relationships. "He's very mature," she gushed. "He's very laid back. He's very levelheaded. He's not the type to get mad or get angry or get funny about things."

Perrie also shared a sweet anecdote about how Alex helped her overcome her fear of falling in love again. She recalled the moment she told him that she loved him for the first time, admitting that she was "speechless" and couldn't find the words to express herself. "I think I'm falling in love with you," she managed to get out, before Alex responded with his own confession.

In a bizarre twist, Perrie's ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik recently opened up about their split in an interview with Nylon magazine, admitting that he was "in the dark" during their relationship. "From 17 to 21, I was in a relationship," he revealed. "I was engaged and [planned to get] married and I didn't know anything about anything at that point."

Perrie's fans will be thrilled to hear that she's moved on from her toxic past and found happiness with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The couple got engaged in 2022, and it's clear that they're meant to be.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Perrie shared how her experience with Zayn Malik has made her realize the importance of healthy relationships. "But now, reflecting back, I'm thinking, oh, that probably wasn't good," she said. "And I've noticed it a lot."

The singer's words serve as a warning to young women everywhere: don't settle for toxic relationships just because you're in love. It's time to take control of your own happiness and find someone who treats you with the love and respect you deserve.

Listen to Perrie Edwards' full interview on Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.