Zendaya Reflects on Love and Relationship Red Flags One Year Into Engagement

Zendaya is taking her engagement to Tom Holland seriously, but she’s also reflecting on what really matters in relationships. In a recent interview with Interview magazine on February 18, she spoke with Robert Pattinson while promoting their upcoming psychological thriller.

The 27-year-old actress opened up about how she notices the small things that reveal someone’s true character. “I pay attention to how people treat the crew,” Zendaya explained. She said it tells her far more than how someone acts around big-name directors or producers.

For her, kindness when no one is watching is what really matters. She also emphasized that she values people who are respectful and considerate in everyday moments, not just under the spotlight.

Pattinson, who recently became a father with fiancée Suki Waterhouse, agreed and added that a person’s relationship with animals is a good sign of their character. Zendaya joked about her own dog Noon, saying she would “easily get into a fight to defend him,” showing just how important animals are in her life and how they influence her judgment of people.

She went on to say that she values honesty and decency but understands that people are complicated. “People are layered and complex,” she said. Zendaya pointed out that not every mistake is malicious, but she stays cautious of behavior that is simply rude or mean. “I’ve learned that you can’t ignore red flags, even if the person seems great in other ways,” she added.

The actress also spoke about Holland, explaining that his outgoing and kind personality helps balance her own natural shyness. Their relationship, which went public in 2021, remains one of the most admired and private in Hollywood.

Zendaya praised Holland’s charm and ability to connect with people, saying it has made her feel supported and understood in both her personal and professional life. This year, Zendaya is busier than ever. She’s starring in three major films: the A24 romantic dark comedy The Drama, releasing on April 3, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in July, and Dune: Part Three in December.

She will reunite with Holland on screen in The Odyssey, playing the goddess Athena while he plays Telemachus. Fans are especially excited to see the pair together again. Zendaya is also preparing for the final season of Euphoria, which has become a cultural phenomenon, while reprising her role as MJ in the upcoming fourth MCU Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Between television, film, and blockbuster projects, she’s maintaining an impressive balance between challenging roles and commercial hits. In addition to her work, Zendaya continues to reflect on what makes relationships meaningful.

She emphasizes mutual respect, kindness, and honesty as the foundation for lasting connections, while recognizing that people’s true selves are often revealed in small, everyday moments. Her approach shows a maturity that complements her professional achievements, and fans continue to admire her ability to stay grounded despite the pressures of Hollywood life.

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