Zayn Malik covers the latest issue of Dazed magazine, and the 23-year-old pop star chats about everything from fame to his personal life. Last weekend Zayn pulled the plug on a concert in the U.K. due to his anxiety, and he's received all kinds of praise for speaking so candidly about his mental health.

On how he prefers staying out of the limelight, Zayn said:
    “I don’t tend to go out much. I stick to my own bubble as it is. Creatively and socially, I think, as I’m getting older, that’s just the way I am. I haven’t done much acclimating. I’m just staying the way that I am. I think that’s the best way to keep your sanity. You’ve got to hold on to what you are and not let things get to your head, because if you do, that’s when everything comes crashing down terribly.”

So what about his fangirl moment with Taylor Swift?
    “I don’t get much feedback from my peers. I spoke a bit to Taylor. At Gigi’s house we briefly spoke and she told me she really enjoyed the album. It was nice to get some feedback. She said she thought I was cool, and I kind of blushed a bit and didn’t know how to take it.”

Zayn also commented on his departure from One Direction. “I just knew it was my time,” he explained. “I knew I wanted to do something different and start expressing the way I felt about certain things.”

Zayn and girlfriend Gigi Hadid broke up earlier this month, only to get back together within a matter of days. She has been by his side since he cancelled his appearance at the Capital Summertime Ball on Saturday night, and she even tweeted a message of support on Sunday.

"Z - I’ve seen the battles you go through and the way you fight to get to a place that allows you to get up there for your fans," she wrote. "Your bravery in those times makes me proud, but your honesty last night proved what you’re all about, being real. Human recognizes human. You made the best of the situation and have given your fans an opportunity to understand you better as a performer. Those who can find compassion now are the ones that deserve to watch you continue to grow. We are all here to support you and make each experience easier. Your talent and good heart will never lead you wrong. Love you and so proud of you always :) xG."