Yara Shahidi Says She Sometimes Goes On Dates 'Just to Give My Brothers Stories' (Exclusive)

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The 'Grown-ish' star is single and loving the commentary on her love life that she gets from her siblings

Kwaku Alston/ABC Yara Shahidi
Kwaku Alston/ABC Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi’s family is there for her in so many special ways.

“At this phase of life that can feel so transitional for me, I just love how close we are as a unit,” the Grown-ish and Sitting in Bars with Cake star tells PEOPLE in this week's issue of the bond she shares with mom Keri, dad Afshin and brothers Ehsan and Sayeed. “My brother had me crying laughing about an hour ago describing his sociology class.”

Shahidi, 24, who revealed she was single last year after ending a three-year relationship, says she also gets a kick out of her brothers weighing in on her romantic pursuits. 

“Their commentary on my dating life is just..." she says, trailing off. “I think that is what keeps me going outside is just to give them stories.” 

Related: Yara Shahidi's Family: All About Her Parents and Siblings

Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media/Getty Yara Shahidi, Afshin Shahidi, Keri Shahidi, Sayeed Shahidi and Ehsan Shahidi
Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media/Getty Yara Shahidi, Afshin Shahidi, Keri Shahidi, Sayeed Shahidi and Ehsan Shahidi

For the star, it’s all about quality time with her favorite people.

“It’s continued to be a treat to realize how special our relationship is and knowing that I always have that to go back to, especially in a world that is so fast moving and relationships can feel so impermanent at times," she says.

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Sayeed Shahidi Yara Shahidi and her brothers on vacation
Sayeed Shahidi Yara Shahidi and her brothers on vacation

Related: Yara Shahidi Praises Her Mother for 'Making Sure That I Experienced Balance' amid Hollywood Stardom (Exclusive)

The actress, activist and Harvard grad — who's featured in this week’s 50th anniversary issue of PEOPLE, representing the next generation of superstars alongside Zendaya and others — says that while she’s only in her mid-20s, she’s already thinking about what 50 will mean to her.

“As I’m approaching my quarter life and thinking about my half-life, honestly, I think the big question that I’m curious about is just what fulfillment looks like,” she says. “I hope at 50 I’m spending a lot of time outside like my parents are."

"I hope I can say, ‘Oh wow, I feel like I anchored all my projects in deep purpose. And 50 is pretty young. You have a lot of life to live," she adds.

For more on PEOPLE's 50th Anniversary, check out our special digital issue and pick up the latest copy of PEOPLE, on newsstands April 12.

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Read the original article on People.