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Nqobile Zwane opens up about a recent breakup, the loneliness that follows, and how even a short relationship can leave a big empty space in daily life. This episode is less about finding answers and more about honestly naming what it feels like to want comfort, companionship, and a hug while also trying to protect yourself. In this solo episode, Nqobile shares: - Why a relationship that “looked right” from the outside still felt deeply wrong inside - How being around someone all day can make their absence feel even louder after a breakup - The difference between missing a person and missing the routine, attention, and space they occupied - Why she feels like she is still healing from a previous serious relationship - The loneliness of not having a partner to text good morning and good night - How friendship does not always replace the kind of closeness she was getting from a relationship - Why she entered a relationship mainly because she wanted a hug, a cuddle, and physical comfort - The tension between wanting to be independent and wanting someone to lean on - How low standards can show up when loneliness becomes stronger than discernment - Why she is choosing to pause dating and give more energy to herself for now Timestamps: 00:00 - Sunday evening check-in and setting the mood 00:37 - Dating a guy everyone else approved of, but she never truly wanted 01:05 - Realizing they had nothing in common and did not click 02:23 - The breakup pain is really about the space he left behind 03:30 - Missing the constant talking, questions, and daily presence 04:32 - Still healing from a previous serious relationship 05:34 - Can friendship replace relationship energy? 06:29 - Getting into a relationship mainly because she wanted affection 07:20 - Wanting a hug, a cuddle, and physical closeness 08:28 - Why being “strong and independent” can feel impossible 09:22 - Low standards and lowering them because of loneliness 10:12 - Choosing healing over immediately giving her all to someone else 11:35 - Feeling unseen, undervalued, and emotionally drained 11:58 - This is not an inspirational episode, just real life in her 20s 12:28 - Why she thinks dating men is not for her right now 13:27 - Closing thoughts: life is hard, but she is pushing through Notable Quotes: > “I’m not hurt by the breakup. I’m just hurt by the space.” > “I just wanted a hug.” > “This podcast is not gonna be inspirational.”

In the first episode of this relationship diary, I open up about something I've never really admitted out loud: I don't think I'm good at relationships. I talk about how unemployment has affected my confidence in dating, why I sometimes feel like I settle, the pressure of wanting to give as much as I receive, and the reality of starting a new relationship that's already facing challenges. Along the way, I reflect on love, companionship, and my dream of building a family one day. This isn't relationship advice—it's an honest conversation about vulnerability, self-worth, and trying to figure love out while still figuring myself out. xoxo Nqobile Zwane

In this episode, Nqobile Zwane shares her reflections on the changing landscape of content creation, the impact of social media on menta health, and her personal journey through COVID-era decisions ano self-discovery. Key topics: • The evolution of podcasts and social media from the earlv 2020s to now • The aesthetic and artistic quality of content during COVID and its decline ⁃ The influence of TikTok, YouTube, and TikTok-turned-YouTube creators ⁃ The shift from personal authenticity to brand and product focus ⁃ Nqobile's personal experience with mental health, weight loss, and career navigation • Challenges of maintaining content creation passion in a saturated space - Her thoughts on Substack and the future of written content platforms Timestamps: 00:00 - The nostalgic comparison of early podcasting and current content consumption habits 00:30 - Reflection on the rise of podcasting during COVID 00:55 - The impact of TikTok on mental health and content style changes 01:25 - The transition of creators from YouTube to TikTok and vice versa 01:54 - The interconnection of social media platforms for creators and followers 02:49 - How online conflicts influenced her mental health decisions 03:16 - Differences in follower engagement on Facebook versus Instagram 04:14 - Perception of her own worth and authenticity bevond social media 04:42 - Challenges of being a content creator and self-doubt about the craft 05:14 - How her artistic background in drama influenced her love for content creation 05:42 - COVID as a catalyst for personal and creative decision-making 06:11 - The nostalgic aesthetic of YouTube during COVID and its decline 06:41 - The loss of creative uniqueness in current content 06:58 - The shift from aesthetic videos to superficial displays of wealth 07:56 - The overwhelming saturation of generic travel content and constant travel vlogs 08:28 - Comparing the evolution of YouTube and TikTok creators trajectories 09:04 - The difference in content quality and branding on YouTube versus TikTok 10:03 - Monetization becoming more of a product sale than authentic personality sharing 10:26 - Her love for aesthetic and artsy creators, highlighting Addison Rae's stvle 10:55 - Her thoughts on the current influencer vibe and content aesthetic trends 11:02 - Personal milestones post-university, including new jobs and life transitions 11:44 - Her ongoing journey of self-rediscovery and mental health management 12:12 - Fitness journey and weight loss as part of her self-care 12:39 - Exploration of Substack and its potential compared to Twitter and Tumblr 13:06 - Her disinterest in long-form articles and preference for curated content recommendations 13:41 - Her closing thoughts on the future of content platforms and personal growth Resources & Links: • Kellv Stamps on YouTube • Emma Chamberlain's Content Search for her official channel • Addison Rae on Instagram Connect with Nqobile Zwane: • Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@nqobilezwane333?_r=1&_t=ZS-97htH8Nk4c4 • Instaqram- https://www.instagram.com/nqobile.sithobile/ • YouTube -https://youtube.com/@nqobilezwane?si=YVIn9C1hDihkB6Zv

adulting

I'll be basically talking about the finishing university, new years resolutions and venting about random things inbetween 🍃🌼

This is me venting about the past few months and reflecting on my growth Enjoy ❤️

This episode will discuss exams, f*cked up sleeping schedules, anxiety, adjusting post-covid

A life update

This episode is me being over 2023 already

Me complaining about not doing stuff while not doing anything to do the stuff// Since this will be the last episode of the year wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

An episode I took a long time ago, I'm releasing it now though. All I remember is that it was a rainy day. It's a vocal vlog...I guess

" I was affected by mercury, because mercury was retrograding"

Discussing life, coping mechanisms and aesthetics

More than anything, it's a vent. A discussion about assignments, on-campus struggles, online learning nostalgia

Welcome back!!!🌹 I hope you're enjoying semester 2. I've already gone through an identity crisis and feminist reawakening. I hope you enjoy