Yara Shahidi Opens Up About Dating with Brothers (Exclusive)

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.” 

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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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.