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Budding Regardless

A self-watering flower

in Lifestyle, Personal ·

21st Birthday – 21 Questions 

First of all, how did I get here – how am I already 21? I am not ready for the amount of adulting I’m going to have to start doing just because I’m 21 now. Well, can I at least start looking my age? I would really appreciate that actually. Okay okay, let’s get right into it, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together…

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1. What kind of people do you appreciate the most?

I have the utmost respect for considerate people. These are people who always consider how their actions and words affect those around them or who they are addressing. Not so many people have this quality so whenever I meet someone who has pure intentions and can think things through, I make sure I keep them around.

2. What is the one thing you would change about yourself?

I know a lot of people say that they love themselves just the way they are, well I do too but wow my voice guys, I wouldn’t mind getting a new one honestly. Worst of all, I hear my voice 24/7 (even now as I am typing this – I can hear it in my head).

3. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Haha. Well, we promised not to ever tell anyone about it so I won’t go deep in detail – I had to beg a cop to not arrest my friends and I right after we were ordered to get inside the van. Scariest and craziest thing I have ever done but my persuasive skills came in handy that night. Jeez, we weren’t even partying or doing drugs you know haha but it’s more or less equivalent to that.

4. What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?

The kind of advice people are given at their wedding ceremony by their family and friends, and hearing someone talk about traditional gender roles. If you have never seen me roll my eyes, all you have to say is, “As a woman/man, you are supposed to…”

5. What weird food combinations do you enjoy the most?

Rice mixed with salt – just that. It’s not really a combination but I mean, when you have struggled for so long you don’t even complain when there’s no food, you make ends meet by mixing what’s there.

6. How different was your life a year ago?

A year ago, my life was controlled by a lot and revolved around a lot of things – money, partner, people’s happiness and all. I have realised that alone-time is the only thing that helps me function properly now. A year ago, my main focus was making sure that everyone around me is happy and helping everyone solve their problems. I have realised that now I have stopped doing that, probably because it drained me since I seemed to be ripping myself apart to keep those around me in one piece.

7. What’s something that never fails to make you happy?

Seriously? Someone randomly acknowledging my work and being encouraged to go on, that never fails to get me emotional. Oh, and being taken on surprise trips really makes me happy.

8. What is the biggest realization you have made about yourself?

I recently realised that I legit don’t and can’t compare myself to anyone nor do I ever wish for someone else’s life.

9. How do you think you are described to other people by those that know you?

Haha. That’s a tough one. Some people would say I hardly ever speak and some would say I never stop talking. It really just depends on who is describing me. Nonetheless, in most cases I am pretty sure people say I am crazy because of the weird and unexpected things I do and say.

10. What are you insecure about?

My appearance. I know I am not hideous but I am not the type of pretty that turns heads either. I think the main reason why I think and feel this way is because no matter how hard I try (and I try so hard!) I just never get clear skin. Not even for an hour at least because wow I would really appreciate that and take more natural unfiltered selfies.

11. What makes a good life?

It’s pretty simple – being surrounded by people who make you laugh and doing what you love.

12. What hobby would you get into if time and money wasn’t an issue?

I would surely be attending shooting lessons. I feel like learning how to shoot all kinds of guns is just so exhilarating. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a gun though, even shooting an arrow would be fun – as long as I am learning to aim and I have a target.

13. What are some of the things that make your day better?

Someone checking up on me. Merely texting me, “Hey, how are you holding up/are you good?” really brightens up my day. I think a lot and sometimes my thoughts lead me to depression – it’s easy getting in, it’s almost impossible to get out but when someone randomly asks me if I am okay, I literally start feeling okay. I find that whenever I am not okay, I tend to ask people I haven’t spoken to in a while if they are okay.

14. What question(s) do you ask someone to get to know them?

I always ask them what kind of music they listen to. For some odd reason I feel like the music we listen to can tell a lot about us – even our favourite artist. After they tell me the kind of music they listen to, I ask them what their current favourite song is and let them tell me why.

15. What is the best compliment you have ever received?

Haha. This one guy on Twitter sent me a DM of a flower emoji then went on to say, “I’m not so sure if this flower is beautiful enough to match your beauty,”. I found that really clever and I was flattered because my name means ‘beautiful flower’.

16. What inspires you to keep going and not give up?

It’s not easy to give up on something that you absolutely love. I feel no pressure because there is no traffic in this lane I am on, so I get to just cruise and stop for snacks knowing that no one is about to catch up on me and I am not trying to pass anyone either – my lane is clear.

17. What’s the most immature thing do you do?

Probably laughing at people who trip over uneven roads, steps and all. Haha. Whether I know you or not, if you trip I am going to laugh! I won’t chuckle, I will laugh! Also, I say “Phahla bhom” a lot! Which means, “Made you look” but like in the most unnecessarily dramatic way ever.

18. What nicknames do you have for the people in your life?

I call all my people clowns, popeyes, idiots and all existing and non-existent swear words.

19. What’s something you have never told anyone until now?

I once got so high I misplaced my phone just after I got home and got my whole family helping me look for it. We couldn’t find it so we gave up. About 30 minutes later, when the munchies kicked in, I actually found my phone in the fridge. Then I remembered that the first thing I did when I got home was drink water from the fridge – yeah, that’s probably how I will be as a parent too.

20. What quote do you live up to?

“At the end of the day, you can either focus in what’s tearing you apart or what’s holding you together”

21. What is your ideal birthday like?

Okay, well I have never celebrated my birthday. I have never planned anything for my birthday, even today – I turned 21 on a Friday even so that’s pretty huge but I still didn’t plan a thing. I don’t know hey, this is a really hard question for me but I think I would love to alone in my own apartment and have my friends and family coming to see me 1-by-1 to drop of a bouquet of flowers or succulents in a pot for me.

photo credits: Nolwazi Khuzwayo

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. MissKymmiee says

    Now am curious, wait let’s back it up. 1st Happy Birthday. 2nd When u grow older and older u will realize how not looking your age is a blessing. Take this from someone who doesn’t look her age 😄… now back to the good stuff, let me know the whole police story, am curious 😏 and wow did point no. 4 hit home run in my books… the Gender Rolls don’t make my eyes roll my eyes exit my body and I still laugh at people that fall, especially the ones that try and brush it off, I will laugh and point at the 😑 This was fun to read, Happy Birthday Gorgeous and here is a Bouquet 💐 💋

    Reply

    • Mbalenhle says

      😂😂Kymmiee! Lol. Listen, the thing about not looking your age is that you are constantly taken lightly and underestimated and people just think you are incapable of understanding their situations you see. Haha!! As for that police story 😂😂 it was hectic hey, I’m still embarrassed about it really 😄!
      And it’s been said that I’m very dramatic but I’m glad l have finally met someone who is more dramatic than me 😂 ‘my eyes exit my body’ 😂😂 But wow people who still believe in traditional roles really grate my tits 😭💔

      Thank you so much Kymmiee💖 l appreciate this so much and thanks for that bouquet 🤗

      Reply

  5. Deshi Nenkinan Nehemiah says

    Mbalenhle happy Birthday. I couldn’t help noticing your insecurity over appearance. Girl if nobody every told you, you are hot exactly how you are. You’re so old 😂😂😂

    Happy 21st Year Budding regardlessly

    Reply

  7. exoticnita54 says

    I know aquarians are known to be eccentric and odd and very unique in their own way..
    and you just prove it to be true..

    Some of your answers is wacky.
    Some.. funny 😆..
    some logical….

    And some real…

    Happy 😃 birthday 🎂 regardless..

    And I guarantee you.. as you move into adulthood some of your outlook on life will be changed according to your experiences and you growing awareness and knowledge…

    You are a beautiful girl.. you don’t have to worry about your looks and appearance..

    You can only be you. And there only one you…
    a one of a kind..
    and you are exceptional in beauty..
    Keep that smile 😃.. you will invite everyone in..

    Reply

    • Mbalenhle says

      I once read somewhere that Aquarians are the most strange people of all the star signs 😂 l actually cannot disagree!

      I think I’m ready for all the life lessons and experiences yet to come.
      Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments. I appreciate that a lot 💖💖🍃

      Reply

      • exoticnita54 says

        Most strange and most unusual..
        they all think differently than anyone else .
        Least understood..
        but most logical and practical thinkers..

        Least influenced.. and often anti social but can be the life of the party..

        Just learn to love you as is .. and have a high self esteem.. with over confidence…
        and you will conquer the world and everything that comes your way..
        And don’t forget everyone is drawn to a confident person..

  9. Veronica M. says

    Happy BirthdAy girl!!! You look so stunning in these photos. That random DM dude was right haha, you’re a beaut ❤

    Reply

  11. Cherylene says

    Happy 21st Birthday Mbalenhle! 🎂🍹💐 May God continue to bless and protect you all the days of your life. Have a wonderful day and an amazing weekend. 😊

    Reply

    • Mbalenhle says

      This shirt makes me so happy haha thank you 🙌💖! Surrounding ourselves with people who make us laugh and doing what we love is the ultimate best way to live life in my books 🤗! Thank you so much once again 💖💞

      Reply

  21. Simon says

    Hi there, I liked this post. Interesting and scary stuff you’ve done in your life.
    But you have no reason to be insecure, you’re amazing as you are and as for turning 21 for god’s sake done become an adult. Live life instead.
    I hope your next 21 years and beyond are happy years ☺️. Happy birthday 🎂

    Reply

  22. robertcday says

    Hey, Mbalenhle – how you doing? 🙂
    Thanks for visiting my site and liking – ‘preciate that!
    Glad you had a happy birthday and all of that.
    Before you ask – my favourite song at the moment is God’s Plan by Drake.
    Have a great rest of your day.
    Kindness – Robert.

    Reply

  25. Alissa Ackerman says

    These questions were all so intriguing, and your answers were equally fascinating! Really enjoyed reading this… Q&As can be fun, but often times they’re so basic and you don’t get much of a glimpse into the heart, mind, and story of the person answering…This definitely wasn’t one of THOSE Q&As! 😂 I kinda wish we could be besties now. You’re such a fun, positive, kind, thought-provoking, and introspective person!
    Happy belated 21st!!!🎉🎂🌼

    Reply

    • Mbalenhle says

      THANK YOU SO MUCH SIS🙌😅! I’m glad you enjoyed getting to know me! I could’ve went for basic Q&As but considering how ‘extra’ I am, I thought “Oh hell no, I’m stepping it up just a notch😅” Thank you for your kind words Alissa, we are officially blogging BFFs 😄💖🌼

      Reply

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