The Little Mix star was dumped by her fiance in August, just months after he quit One Direction's world tour and gave up his place in the band.
"As difficult as it can be to have your private life plastered all over... Social media every day, I guess the one plus side is that it is like a looking glass for other women to look in and relate to," she said.
"I learn new things every day, but I've learned that no matter what life throws at you, you take it day by day... My bond with (bandmates) Jade (Thirlwall), Jesy (Nelson) and Leigh-Anne (Pinnock) this year has become even stronger. They're the most incredibly supportive girls and I'm very grateful to have them...," she said.