POPSUGAR Love

The Romance in "Devil Wears Prada 2" Was Underwhelming - and That's Kind of the Point

Kristine Thomason — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:49:52 -0700

There's so much to love about the "Devil Wears Prada 2": the little winks to iconic lines from the original film ("that's all"); a dazzling display of designer fashion; and, of course, the incredible core cast who can really do no wrong (Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, I'm looking at you).

Admittedly, when the sequel was first announced, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I've loved the original since I saw it in theaters as a teen back in 2006 - I was awed by the glamorous world of glossy magazines, and it served as one of the many media-focused movies from that era that inspired me to become a lifestyle journalist. And, given all the disappointing reboots as of late, I tempered my expectations before seeing the much-hyped sequel during its premier weekend.

As the credits rolled, however, I found myself pleasantly satiated. It was like trying one of the specials at your favorite restaurant - not necessarily as good as your tried-and-true dish, but enjoyable nonetheless. While it doesn't overshadow the iconic original, I was impressed by just how much "Devil Wears Prada 2" got right. For one, there's the fashion, of course, which not only provides incredible stunning visuals, but also acts as its own form of storytelling.

The movie also offers an accurate (and, at times, triggering) depiction of the precarious state of media and journalism as a whole. And, most of all, I really appreciated that the character arcs all felt organic and believable. In fact, one aspect I really appreciated about Andy Sachs' character (Hathaway) is how she is confidently, unapologetically on her own path - one that might look different from what society often deems the "correct" stage for a woman in her early 40s.

When we catch up with Andy, it's been 20 years since her time as Miranda Priestly's (Streep) assistant at the prolific fashion magazine Runway. During this time, she seemingly built a successful career as a newspaper journalist, reporting on the kind of meaningful topics she'd hoped to cover as a budding writer in the first film. She's a more confident, self-assured version of the Andy we knew from the early aughts - and, while it's not rooted in any kind of rejection of norms or sacrifice, she just so happens to be single and childless.

In a scene where she's catching up with former colleague Emily (Blunt), Andy nonchalantly shares: "I'm not married. Never found the right person. And my kids are at a doctor's office on 85th. They're frozen eggs right now, but I like to think of them as my little ones, Siobhan and Esther." The tone is casual and lighthearted. It's very clear the film isn't implying Andy chose her career over having a family, the all-too-familiar trope we often see thrust upon driven female characters - rather, it simply shows that she's been doing her own thing. The writers seem to be making it clear they're not celebrating or condemning this fact. It simply is.

Similarly, the romantic storyline in this film is very much a footnote. Andy ends up hitting it off with a contractor, Peter (Patrick Brammall), while touring a new apartment, and the two begin a sweet yet simple courtship. I personally appreciated that on their first date, he actually made an effort to read some of her most recent articles (as any writer will tell you, this is our love language), and they spent the dinner engaged in fun banter. I've seen some criticism about the inclusion of this love interest, claiming the writers could have removed the character entirely without it having any bearing on the story. While that's almost certainly true, I actually really appreciate this innocuous romance.

To me, it was nice to see an example of a kind, supportive partner who wasn't threatened or irritated by Hathaway's dedication to her job. His very existence in the film was a lovely reminder that ambitious women don't need to choose one of two paths: dim their light to appease a needy partner, or girlboss in perpetual solitude. It's the perfect foil to the first movie, where Andy's boyfriend Nate (played by Adrian Grenier) seems to be perpetually irked by her job at Runway; he is wildly unsupportive and even encourages her to quit, despite knowing very well that this grueling job was an important means to an end for Andy's career. It's frustrating to watch, and has forever cemented Nate as a villain for many fans of the film, myself included.

In contrast, the only conflict that occurs between Andy and Peter is in a moment of heated work stress, where she snaps at him, saying her work is actually meaningful and implying he doesn't understand. He appropriately offers her some space - not in a nasty or passive aggressive way, but as someone who is choosing to set appropriate boundaries. At this moment, my husband turned to me and said, "I don't know enough about this character to care if they make up." Again, I feel like that's kind of the point here: Peter seems like a very nice guy, but the movie isn't centered on this relationship. He might be someone Andy ends up with long-term, or he might just be someone who brought her some joy for a few months - either way, it's totally fine.

Miranda, similarly, is paired with a kind partner in this movie (played by Kenneth Branagh), who - unlike the husband we see in the first film - isn't irritated by the attention she pays her job over him. Instead, he seems like a fully self-actualized human, happy to share his life with Miranda. He offers her an ear when she debates a career transition, and never once tries to influence her decisions based on his own desires.

"In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds."

In decentering romantic relationships, the movie frees up space to focus on other types of bonds - namely, female friendships. As circuitous as it was, I loved watching Emily and Andy's relationship evolve onscreen. And, of course, there was something very special about the dynamic between Andy and Miranda's characters - particularly as the film came to a close, and there's a newfound mutual respect between the two.

Towards the end of the movie, we get a poignant conversation with the pair, in the backseat of a car (a clear parallel to the "don't be ridiculous Andrea, everybody wants this" scene in the original movie). I won't give away this speech, but one part that stood out to me is when Miranda mentions that there's always a cost to success. I appreciated this sentiment, because despite the happy ending of the movie, the writers aren't trying to leave you with the watered-down notion that, "Yes, you can have it all." Choosing to focus energy on one goal or area of life inherently limits the others, that's simple math. However, the story makes it clear that women's options extend far beyond the binary of a thriving career or a happy home life.

This message wasn't forced or stuffed into the plot. It was simply woven into the stories of the strong, powerful women onscreen. And, as a 30-something journalist who has often felt "behind" in life, I have to say, this thoughtful portrayal of three motivated ladies was wildly refreshing to see onscreen.

Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen, and the fitness and wellness editor at Women's Health. Kristine's work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men's Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.

What It's Like to Date Amid a New Diagnosis

Shahamat Uddin — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:10:03 -0700

It was as cute a meet-cute as could be. Megan Nicklay, 29 years old at the time, had made it from New York City to Santiago, Chile, where she'd spend the next few weeks completing a summer internship she planned over a year ago. Luck would have it that the man who owned the apartment she was staying at had a son - a son who was flirtatious, handsome, and had blue-green eyes that didn't decide on one color or the other. It was May 2025 and on this particular day, the two spent hours strolling and chatting in the crisp air, finally making their way back to the apartment that brought them together.

They sat in the back patio and string lights above watched on as Nicklay's newfound crush inched closer to her. "Can I kiss you?" he asked. Nicklay was gleeful, but as he placed his hand on her neck she flinched. One touch closer and he might have known right then: known that she was wearing a synthetic wig and had been diagnosed with cancer three months prior.

"It was all in the span of a few months," Nicklay tells Popsugar. "I first felt a lump on my body in January 2025. I got a biopsy and then I was diagnosed on February 25. I had sarcoma. I started chemo right away, first round in March . . . Two weeks later, all my hair fell out and I started radiation. In April, I had finals. I had my cousin's wedding and was feeling healthy and I thought, 'Perfect, I can go to Chile for a few weeks and do my scans when I get back.'"

Nicklay says she spent many weeks in denial after receiving her diagnosis. She was at the tail end of nursing school and attempted to proceed with her life as it had been, as a single woman in her 20s who enjoyed dates, love affairs, crushes. But after chemo, her body was different, and she asked herself, "Is anyone going to love me? Is anyone going to want me?"

Stories about illness and romance often portray couples who've already built a life together that's then tested by diagnoses, as seen in "The Notebook" or "Still Alice." But a growing number of narratives, from "Dying for Sex" to "The Big Sick," ask a different question: What happens when illness enters the conversation before love has had time to take shape? For those dating in the early stages of a diagnosis, romance can become a negotiation between disclosure and desire, vulnerability and self-protection, one that plays out before the relationship feels secure.

For Nicklay, those questions weren't theoretical, they followed her to Santiago, to the night she kissed her new crush under patio lights, and she relished it: yes, this feeling is still there, yes, it is still possible, yes she knew it, but . . . did he need to know? Over the course of their two month relationship, Nicklay never told him about the diagnosis. To this day, she still hasn't.

"There was one moment I did almost say it," Nicklay says. "We were with a lot of people who were smoking cigarettes and he was going on about how he knew people who got cancer from smoking and people who would still smoke once they had cancer, like his aunt. Then he asked me, directly, did anyone in my family have cancer?" Nicklay laughs telling this story, pointing out that she did answer his question as asked. "I said no," she says. "The truth is that there's no cancer in my family. I did not lie. It felt like a lot to drop in that moment."

Their relationship lasted the length of her time in Chile, and when she returned to New York, Nicklay decided that she wouldn't keep her diagnosis a secret with future suitors. "I was kind of a catfish on the dating apps for a little bit," she says. Nicklay took a sort of "revenge mode" approach to romance after feeling "invigorated and inspired" by her body's response to treatment, going on as many dates as she could and maximizing romantic experiences to prove to herself she still had her past self within her. Yet that too felt off, muddying the waters of how she wanted to approach love and how she wanted to approach her diagnosis.

Crush after crush and date after date, Nicklay continued to test how cancer - disclosing it or not disclosing it - impacted a relationship's trajectory. Was there a way for her to bring that aspect of her life into a relationship without it becoming a secret she carried or a challenge she was trying to outrun?

For many, dating amid diagnoses raises questions about the conditionality of love and what's worth investing in, compared to diagnoses received during long-term partnerships, where existing bonds and the strengths of lived-in relationships are tested. Jesse Cole, a 30-year-old healthcare worker, witnessed the latter firsthand.

"My dad had brain cancer when I was pretty young and was entirely bedbound for the better part of a couple of years," he says. "He had 11 brain surgeries and was quite sick, and then my mom dealt with ovarian cancer for six and a half years before passing away a couple years ago. I saw the way each one supported the other through both of their journeys and it was truly the most beautiful testament of unconditional love and support I have ever seen in any facet of life."

Having grown up with this model of love, Cole was stunned when his own medical diagnosis accelerated the demise of a new romantic relationship. In October 2024, he started to notice "crazy-looking rashes," all over his body, later combined with "electric shocks of pain." At the time, he had been on a few dates with Ryan* after being introduced by mutual friends. The two hit it off, but ultimately decided against a relationship right then. Jesse's symptoms persisted and doctors attributed them to an unspecified autoimmune disease. In early 2025, Ryan came back around, telling Cole, who was adjusting to his new normal, that he was ready for a committed relationship with him.

"Through the first couple months of the relationship, I really felt cared for and supported," Cole says. "This condition impacts virtually every aspect of my life . . . and it's really hard to be present, to go out, to enjoy things, to do anything that resembles normal life." Cole adds, "There were times where he was attentive to that. He would ask how he could help and adjust his schedule to be more in line with what I could and couldn't do, all of the things that I would want from a supportive partner."

But, in July 2025, when the two traveled to Europe for a birthday trip, Cole says the nature of the relationship started to change. Traveling between cities was difficult for him. Plans had to shift to accommodate his wellbeing, and in the moment, Cole apologized to Ryan for a "less-than-ideal vacation," and Ryan was understanding then, but his attitude shifted when they returned to the States. He confessed to Cole that he didn't "believe in unconditional love."

After telling Cole he felt "burnt out," of taking care of him, Ryan told Cole that even if they were together and married for 30 years, if Cole were to, for example, get a cancer diagnosis, Ryan would leave him. "He told me if I was hit by a car and couldn't walk - and thus go out and party anymore - he would leave me. He told me he would leave me if I gained a certain amount of weight," Cole recalls. "Suddenly all these beliefs that I guess he had the whole time were presented to me as like, of course, this is just what people think, right? And I was like, no, that's psychopathic. That's really terrible to say."

Cole says that a confluence of circumstances led to the end of the relationship, but discovering Ryan's attitudes towards him and potential romance with people who are living with chronic conditions forever changed the way he saw him. "I was angry at first," Cole says, "but now I mostly feel sad for him." He adds, "There's a life you have where you're young, hot, and your body works, but that's not always going to be the case."

Julie Stamm was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. She had just moved to London and was a few months into a budding romance with a coworker, who she would go on to marry. She's "not proud to say" it, but looking back, Stamm realizes her MS diagnosis kicked her into "lockdown mode."

"I think I married him because I thought, no one's going to love me with all of this going on," she says. "I didn't know what this was going to turn into . . . After seven years of marriage, I ended up realizing that even with this chronic illness, I still deserve to have excitement."

Once separated, Stamm was "really nervous" to reenter the dating world. "I didn't know what it would look like to walk into a bar, pick someone up, and have to say, 'Oh, hey, I'm gonna run to the bathroom a couple of times because I don't feel great,' or 'I can't feel my left leg, I need to leave,' or what I would do if I walked into a bar in high heels and then be unable to walk out."

"I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it."

Still, in the months following her divorce, Stamm set out a goal. "I'm going to have a one-night stand," she says. "I'm going to find the hottest guy at the bar. He's not going to know I have MS and I'm just going to do it." The plan never came to fruition: On her first single night out, she met her now husband and shared her MS diagnosis within five minutes of meeting him. He told her he didn't know what MS was, and Stamm replied, "Just don't Google it." But over the course of weeks that became months that became years, Stamm found their relationship could grow around her MS, not in spite of it. "We haven't spent a week apart since that night."

A year into their relationship, Stamm's husband was diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition she was able to quickly spot because of her own medical experiences. She says showing up to support him allowed her to understand how he had shown up to support her.

For people living with chronic conditions, "disclosure can be one of the worst parts of dating," Jacqueline Child says. Jacqueline was diagnosed with a chronic condition when she was 14, eventually leading to requiring a feeding tube in 2021. She had been putting off the feeding tube for years because of feelings around shame and stress - and dating.

"I experienced so much ableism and discrimination on mainstream dating apps - people running as far and as fast as they can at any mention of a diagnosis, or assuming that dating me would be burdensome or too stressful," Jacqueline says. "And it wasn't really what people wanted to deal with in their 20s."

Her experience, however, eventually inspired her and her sister, Alexa Child, to start a dating app tailored for people living with chronic conditions, Dateability. "Something that I struggled with when realizing that I wanted to meet people with chronic illness or disabilities is that everything that was built for my community was super clinical," Jacqueline says. "I would either have to meet someone at a doctor's appointment or a support group, and that's really not that fun for me. So I was like, let's make this normal and just have it be so that there's no shame attached."

The sisters launched Dateability four years ago and recently celebrated their first known wedding between two people who met on the app. They've prioritized giving the agency of disclosure to their users, allowing individuals to select from broad terms like "immunocompromised," "chronic illness," "permanent medical device," and these tags show up on a user's profile like religion, political views, or similar attributes would on traditional dating apps.

Jacqueline and Alexa shared the story of Rachel, who met her partner on the app. Rachel was born with a disability, while her match was, at the time, recently paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. "Her partner didn't know how to navigate his new reality and she taught him that there is so much joy even in being disabled and there are so many things they can do. She changed his life forever," Alexa says.

Rachel recently passed away due to complications of her illness. And though Alexa acknowledges anxieties around timelines and life expectancy, she shares Rachel's story to say, "Life doesn't end when there's a diagnosis." No human is immortal ("we are all going to die," she says) and time doesn't inhibit the magnitude of one's love, nor do chronic conditions. Instead, they can be catalysts for the fullest of love to be felt.

"None of us know our time," Stamm says. "You take away the disease and realize this is just life . . . If you try to give control to the condition or the illness, you're giving it too much credit. I ask myself, what can I control? I can control my happiness. I can have three slices of pizza. I can drink that beer. I can walk into a bar and within minutes, find the man who is my entire universe." Google it later. Cheers to now.

Shahamat Uddin is a freelance writer largely covering queer and South Asian issues, but also related lifestyle topics and entertainment. His family hails from Sylhet, Bangladesh, but after growing up in Roswell, GA, he now lives in Brooklyn with his cat, Butter. Outside of PS, he also has bylines in Teen Vogue, Vogue, Vogue India, New York Magazine, Them, The Nation, and more.

Breaking Up "Gracefully" Is Overrated

Susan Akyeampong — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:45:02 -0700

Over the weekend, many group chats were buzzing about Megan Thee Stallion's bombshell Instagram Stories. The posts alleged that her seemingly adoring, "golden retriever" boyfriend Klay Thompson had cheated, mistreated her throughout basketball season, and - the real kicker - turned around and told her he wasn't sure he could be monogamous. "I need a REAL break after this one," Megan wrote.

This comes after Megan had cooked Thanksgiving dinner for his entire family, bought a house with him, and often praised him in the press. And in hindsight, Thompson (and his brand) had benefited from their very visible, very loving relationship.

The outpouring of support was immediate. When Megan took to the stage at Moulin Rouge on Broadway the next day, she was visibly emotional, and the standing ovation she received felt like it carried the weight of something more than a great performance. Within that wave of online and in-person support though, was the counternarrative that it was undignified to reveal the infidelity and other private details of the relationship.

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith went on air to say, "How come you couldn't just break up and go on your merry way? These women just chirp, chirp, chirp, chirping all over the damn place." The same sentiment was circulating on X over the weekend. One user said, "Sometimes even if they did you bad you don't need to make a scene of it." Another argued that if you're cheated on, the best response is to learn from it and choose better next time: "Be selective abt who u allow in ur life. Daily, more sitchs like this hit men; we take L & move on." The implication, presented as "concern" for Megan's image, is that a woman who has just been wronged out of a serious relationship should leave gracefully and spare the details.

The "graceful breakup" is a standard almost exclusively expected of women, and it almost always operates at our expense. Throughout the relationship, Megan appeared to follow the good girlfriend playbook: she was courtside at games, made an effort with his extended family, and used her far more prominent cultural platform in a way that, whether intentional or not, brought him considerably more public visibility than he had previously. Now that it's over, she's expected to take the messy details with her and leave his newly improved squeaky-clean reputation intact.

This of course isn't new. When former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay's ex-husband Bryan Abasolo filed for divorce in 2024, he pushed the narrative that she had chosen her career over their marriage and desire for children. She later said she had let people do the talking without commenting herself, and inaccurate stories circulated as a result. Now, remember when Jordyn Woods and Tristan Thompson kissed at a house party years ago? Thompson came out of it relatively unscathed while Woods received the lion's share of the public's lambasting.

Civility is always expected to flow from the woman, functioning as a kind of protective shield around the man while she absorbs the consequences. For Megan, there is the added layer of misogynoir: Black women who are outwardly confident in their sexuality are routinely held to a standard of having to prove their worth to be romantically chosen. The insinuation here has been that Megan's public image as a certified "Hot Girl" made it so that there was no way Klay was ever going to be faithful to her. What's more, Megan must have done something to lose a relationship that looked that good from the outside. The alternative doesn't fit the narrative that being chosen is something you have to deserve and then continuously maintain.

Even so, Megan has received a fair share of support - and it seems to surpass the typical sympathy one might have for someone who's been cheated on, which happens all the time. See, for many women and fans of Megan, the star-studded relationship had archetypal elements: a partner who shows up consistently, doesn't embarrass you, is faithful. Outside of his career accomplishments, Klay's new image was being built on the way he treated Megan, like when he would defend her in comment sections or pick her up from the airport with flowers.

Yes, the bar is catastrophically low, but many of us aren't asking for anything we're not offering in return, which makes it even more jarring when male suitors can't meet the bare minimum. In a sense, the reaction to this breakup news was a collective sigh from women who have been told in countless configurations online, in self-help books, and podcasts that the problem we face is that we're not enough, or giving too much, or giving to the wrong person.

Megan's experience speaks to the grief of women who've spent years being asked to pour everything into romantic relationships even at the risk of accepting unacceptable behavior - and I say that from experience.

My first relationship was awful. He was controlling and deeply insecure, and I spent the entirety of the relationship overcompensating out of desperation to be chosen. I absorbed his anxieties and presented them to my friends as my own choices. When it ended and the fog finally lifted, I had a lot to say and I said it to anyone in my circle who would listen.

While there are limits to using social media as a way to process trauma, there is something freeing about naming what has happened to you, especially when you've spent months or years carefully curating a version of events that protected someone else's image at the cost of your own clarity. Relationship psychologists argue that disclosing your experience is a part of healing because it breaks through the denial and silence that betrayal depends on to survive. In my experience, that is exactly how the healing began.

There is a perception of dignity that asks scorned lovers to leave quietly and call it strength, but that tends to serve the person who caused the harm. There's a case to be made that Megan is navigating her breakup gracefully, even if it might not be in the way the public expects or demands, because ultimately, telling the truth is its own kind of grace.

Susan Akyeampong is a communications professional based in Nottingham, working in the charity sector. She is also a freelance writer covering relationships, entertainment, and culture. In addition to PS, her work has been featured in publications such as Refinery29, Stylist, and Grazia.

I Went 11 Years Without Having Sober Sex - but When I Did, It Was Mind-Blowing

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:02 -0800

Sex was never something I fully enjoyed. My first time ever having it was in a roller-skating rink bathroom, and it felt way more titillating than it did pleasurable. (Neither of us were out to our parents, and a public bathroom was the only viable place for two 15-year-old budding queers to do it.)

There were more encounters after that, of course - a sneaky hookup at summer camp, sex among the school theatre department's props - but the sex always felt like a chore. I was just having it merely to gain notoriety and fit the pop stereotype of a promiscuous gay man. After all, as a queer in Virginia, my only visible role models were on TV, and they were usually sashaying, sex-addicted party monsters like Jack from "Will and Grace."

I felt I needed to emulate guys like Jack to reach his level of acceptance among straight peers, so that's what I did. I never stopped to consider that sex could be enjoyable; I just thought it was something I was supposed to be having frequently.

Because of this, by the end of high school, I had a lot of unfulfilled needs - one of those needs being a desire for true intimacy. And when I couldn't find any sort of love that felt genuine, this destroyed my relationship with myself, pushing me toward depression.

I needed an escape. So, when I had my first drink at 17, I slipped and fell down an endless, gaping chasm of alcoholism. Drinking became my release from my troubles, and my journey of self-destruction began.

Sex quickly became an escape from my insecurities and a guaranteed source of validation. If I couldn't love myself, I could at least find temporary love - or some version of it - from a closeted finance bro in my bed. The problem, however, was that I could never remember the sex. Every sexual encounter I had was in the midst of a brownout or blackout. If I did enjoy the sex, I wouldn't have known I did.

Despite never quite deciding if I had liked sex or not, I continued to have it. I needed intimacy and human connection, and sex felt like the closest thing to real connection that I could get. But it ultimately didn't give me the connection I was seeking, and it was easier to get hammered and pretend like I was just a normal, horny queer, and not someone in dire need of a friend.

"It was easier to get hammered and pretend like I was just a normal, horny queer, and not someone in dire need of a friend."

Even after college, as I began to realize that my alcoholism was an issue, I refused to stop. But there were only so many times that I could wake up on a street corner before realizing that I didn't love myself anymore. So, I quit drinking - or tried to, anyway. I quit drinking in 2013 and again in 20I5. But finally, when I went sober once and for all in 2017, at age 28, I realized another thing: I'd just gone 11 years without once having sober sex.

The prospect of sober sex was daunting. So daunting, in fact, that I waited a whole year after going sober to try it. Yes, I had done the therapy and the work, but now that I was sober, I was worried that I wouldn't know what I was doing. What if I was actually bad at sex, and I'd only felt like a sex god because I had booze impairing my judgement? What if I still had some unexplored sex-related insecurities that would only come up in the moment?

But I couldn't wait forever, so finally, I downloaded Grindr. I decided that there must be something good about this whole sex thing, and I wanted to see if I could enjoy it now that I'd worked through some of my insecurity issues. I also felt that if I didn't have sober sex for the first time as an adult, then I'd never have it at all.

So, I hooked up with a guy from Grindr. And little did I know, I was in for the most memorable sex of my life.

The coordination part was easy: only an hour passed between my first message to Peter* and my eventual decision to invite him over. I wanted to keep this as casual as possible so that I wouldn't freak him out. He didn't need to know how much this meant to me.

When Peter entered my apartment, he had no inclination of how nervous I felt. Still, after he told me about his work (real estate broker) and his favorite movie ("My Best Friend's Wedding"), I swiftly leaned in to kiss him. Perhaps it was my anxiety leading me to act hastily, but I'd decided I wanted to be in control and initiate only the things I felt comfortable with.

Then, he started to go down on me. I could feel his tongue exploring every inch of my penis. I was starting to like what I was feeling, so I wanted to fully take advantage of the opportunity and go all the way and explore every aspect of sex. I decided to bottom.

I let him inside me - slowly, at first, and then with more abandon. And while I felt some initial pain and discomfort, I quickly realized how much I was enjoying myself. I could feel every sensation: every shift of his penis, every infinitesimal moment of new skin-on-skin contact. I could tell him, firmly and consciously, what I wanted - something I had never felt when I wasn't sober.

For the first time, I felt in control. I was fully present, basking in every individual sensation and savoring everything he did to my body. Every feeling, both physical and emotional, had been amplified, leading to what I consider to be one of the best sexual experiences of my life.

Of course, I went on to have more sober sexual experiences after Peter, but no other experience matched the same level of awe, novelty, and discovery as that first time. Fortunately since then, sober sex has improved in other ways. I've learned how to find a good rhythm in bed, and I can now appreciate the nuances of each new person's body - something beautiful I was never able to experience when I was drinking.

I unfortunately don't know where Peter is, but I often think of him. He still has no idea what he did for me, as he ghosted me shortly after. But it's not likely that I'll ever forget the most memorable sex of my life. And yes, I'm still sober - for myself and the sex.

*Names have been changed

Sober Dating May Help You Find Love More Easily - Here's What to Know

Maggie Ryan — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:02 -0800

Sober dating (also known as dry dating) is the newest thing you've likely already seen mentioned on dating apps. As the name suggests, it's what happens when people date completely sober. Sure, it makes sense for people who can't or choose not to drink as a lifestyle, but for those of you who do enjoy the casual cocktail or glass of wine, especially to ease any nerves, shyness, or social anxiety, dating without the crutch of alcohol is a tough sell.

Interest in dry dating has been gaining steam for years, though. In 2022, Bumble linked it to a larger COVID-related shift, reporting that 25 percent of Americans said they drank less after the pandemic. "This shift has affected dating, with 34 percent of folks using the Bumble app saying that they're more likely to go on a 'dry date' now than pre-COVID," Bumble noted.

Therapist and dating coach Jessica Engle, LMFT, director of the Social Anxiety Support Center and Bay Area Dating Coach, agrees that the pandemic is the most likely cause behind the shift in drinking-while-dating habits. "We've had a lot of calls from people who [said], 'Look, I need to work on my dating life, because I realized that I want a life partner,'" she explains. "I think that people are, in some cases, getting more serious about finding their partner, and they want to do it in a way that is healthy and very clear-eyed."

Convinced? Not so convinced? We talked to Engle about the ins and outs of sober dating, how to know if it's right for you, and some anxiety-coping mechanisms that could replace your usual drinks.

What Is Sober Dating?

Coined as "dry dating," sober dating is dating without any type of substance (including drugs, alcohol, and more), Engle says. Since dating culture so often revolves around casually meeting up for drinks, you're not alone if the thought of dating sans alcohol feels daunting - especially if you've come to rely on alcohol to loosen up over an awkward first date. Despite all this, Engle says dry dating does offer some substantial benefits:

It allows you to be fully yourself and develop a genuine connection. Staying sober can help you keep a clear mind on a date. "You're really seeing the person across from you clearly," Engle says, and you are better able to judge how deep your connection really is. "If we have a substance in our systems, we're not our perhaps truest self," she explains. "We don't actually get to use that experience to gauge whether we're a good fit with the other person." Staying sober might help you be more authentic.

Being honest and vulnerable about your nerves can actually make you more attractive. If you usually drink on or before a date to quiet your nerves, consider being honest about your feelings instead. It's possible those anxious feelings you want to numb could actually open the door to a deeper connection. Try saying something like, "Wow, I don't know about you, but I had some butterflies getting ready today," to break the ice and see how they respond.

You'll get better at dry dating over time. One of the main tenets of social-anxiety treatment, Engle says, is that "we have to give our nervous systems a chance to have an experience and process it sober, in order to get used to it." Adding a substance into the mix "buffers" the experience of the date and doesn't allow you to truly get used to the person or even the situation of being on a date. "If you're not giving yourself that sober space to ease in with [your date], it's hard to have a very strong foundation," Engle says.

All of this said, dry dating also comes with some challenges. For one, you may notice a lack of confidence, since drinking lowers our inhibitions and often makes us feel more sexy and self-assured. You might find that it's also awkward to explain why you're not drinking to your date. "That can be challenging for some people. It can feel like, 'Oh, I'm rocking the boat,'" Engle explains. But it's worth nothing that someone who hassles you for not drinking probably isn't worth the date anyway.

While these aren't necessarily meant to discourage you from sober dating, it's worth noting where you might have some difficulty so it won't feel like a surprise attack when some social anxiety pops up or an awkward situation arises.

Is Sober Dating For You?

As with most things surrounding dating, whether you drink or not is a personal choice. Given the benefits we talked about above, it's likely that most of us could benefit from a bit of dry dating, but it could be particularly helpful for people who are truly looking for their life partner, Engle says. "They're going to want to be as clear-eyed and mindful as possible on those dates to make sure that the alcohol is not making the person look more attractive or clouding their vision," she explains.

Of course, it's normal to feel a bit unsure about actually trying dry dating, especially if you tend to lean on alcohol or other substances to help you relax or relieve anxiety. Luckily, Engle says, "there are a lot of other ways to relax, and there are so many practices that can allow us to be present and grounded with another person." It might take more effort, she says, but "it does set us up for more relational success in the long run."

How to Not Be Nervous on a Date

Here are a few things you can do to calm your nerves if you decide to skip the drinks:

Take a deep breath to relax in the moment. "Deep breathing is one of the most powerful, most portable, most invisible tools we have for managing our state [of mind]," Engle says. Take one big deep breath to clear your mind, and try to exhale for a little longer than you inhale to really relax. You can also excuse yourself for a couple minutes or go to the bathroom if you need a longer reset period.

Exercise before your date to sweat out some stress. Pre-date exercise can help you work off some of your excess energy, which allows you to feel less nervous and calmer. Plus, that rush of endorphins can help you feel more positive - research has shown that even one 30-minute workout can improve body image, which might boost your confidence.

Start a meditation practice. Meditating before a date can be a great way to loosen up and calm down, but Engle also recommends starting a regular meditation practice. "Your nervous system, your brain starts to learn what it's like to go into that calm state when you want to," she explains.

Try therapy if your anxiety is preventing you from opening up. "If you're at the level where you can't think of things to say, you're completely freezing up, blanking, that's a level of social anxiety that I think is best to actually address with therapy," Engle says. "The truth is, if you are that shy or socially anxious at the beginning of the relationship, and that's not attended to, it's going to come up later in the relationship in some way." You might consider looking for a therapist who specializes in social anxiety, dating, relationships, or whatever specific needs you have.

8 Romantasy Authors Share Their Best Real-Life Dating Advice

Lena Felton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:39:18 -0800

Romantasy has been having a major moment for a while now, and for good reason. In these books, enemies can become lovers in a matter of chapters, and "shadow daddies" can completely reframe our idea of the word "fantasy." And while many of us enjoy escaping into these books, the genre is also infiltrating our real lives: romantasy boyfriends are raising the bar on real-life partners, for example, and certain scenes are popularizing specific sex positions.

Yes, romantasy (and just straight romance) books have an outsized impact on culture. But right now, the dating scene is strange, with many swearing off dating apps and looking for love elsewhere. That's why we went straight to the source for real-life dating advice. From Carissa Broadbent - whose Crowns of Nyaxia series boasts a loyal following - to Shanora Williams of "Vicious Bonds" fame, these romantasy and romance authors shared their best advice on dating, relationships, and love.

Take a leaf out of these authors' books - trust us, they know what they're writing about.

Warning: "Bookfishing" May Be Plaguing Your Dating Apps

Taylor Andrews — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:02 -0800

Most people would agree that reading is a hot-person hobby. Spot someone out in the wild with a book in hand, and they will probably appear more attractive, more intelligent, and more aware of the female gaze. (There's a reason why the Instagram account Hot Dudes Reading has a casual 1.3 million followers.)

Even people on dating apps agree: according to data sourced by Bumble, 66 percent of Gen Z and millennial singles say they would be more likely to swipe right on someone who mentions reading in their profile. The only problem? Not everyone's love for books is as genuine as it seems.

As I like to call it, "bookfishing" is what happens when someone pretends to love books or reading in an attempt to appear more dateable. Similarly to how someone may be labeled a catfish if they look nothing like their photos, your dating apps might be polluted with people pretending to be literary bookworms, too.

This was the case for Lizzy*, 30, when she matched with a man who included a photo of himself reading "Jane Eyre" in his profile. When Lizzy messaged him saying she needed to check out his attic before agreeing to go on a date, he responded with a series of question marks, clearly missing the Mr. Rochester reference. "I unmatched him. Did he even make it past the first chapter before deciding to snap a photo of himself reading?" she says.

"Did he even make it past the first chapter before deciding to snap a photo of himself reading?"

Alexis, 29, also remembers the time she encountered a bookfish. As a book lover herself, she was drawn to a man's profile who said his perfect Sunday involves reading a good book. When she asked him about his favorite authors and titles, she thought his response felt off (and possibly even generated by ChatGPT). However, she gave him the benefit of the doubt.

When they decided to meet up at a bookstore a week later, he admitted to not knowing as much about books as his profile implied. "He told me he wanted to get more into reading, which is great, but he acted like he was already into it on his profile," she says. "It honestly felt like a lie."

According to Tinder, mentions of "book boyfriend" increased 306 percent between 2023 and 2025, and mentions of "reading" in bios have also increased on average 184 percent year over year. Based on this data, reading has clearly become the hottest new dating flex. In one Reddit thread, a user even asked, "Would reading books that women like help you attract women?"

But unfortunately, the rise of of mentions of books and reading has made it impossible to know who is bookfishing or not in their profile. So, how can you spot a bookfish? Though you may not be able to tell from your first few conversations online, switch to a phone call, FaceTime, or in-person date to discuss books.

If they can talk about books beyond the surface level and share opinions on a storyline or how a book ended, it's probably a good sign they're not bookfishing you. But if the conversation revolves around common book classics they were probably forced to read in high school, then you'll have to decide how honest you think they are.

At the end of the day, no one should have to "prove" their love for reading to anyone - and if someone's favorite book really is "The Catcher in the Rye," then so be it. But if reading is important to you, don't settle for someone who just looks good holding a copy of "The Catcher in the Rye" in their profile. With a little bit of sleuthing and patience, you'll be able to find someone who actually makes it through the entire book without doing it for validation.

Though Alexis remains single, she says she would rather date someone who is honest about their reading habits than be with someone who pretends to read for more matches. "It's OK if books aren't both of our passions, but don't lie to me before we even go on a date," she says.

*Name has been changed

Taylor Andrews is the senior balance editor at Popsugar, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With eight years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.

"Friends-First" Dating Is Keeping the Dream of the Meet-Cute Alive

Emma Glassman-Hughes — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:02 -0800

A few years ago, a single friend of mine did what many only dream of: she stopped swiping. She was still seeking a romantic partner, but she was tired of wading through the equivalent of an Olympic-size swimming pool of new strangers each day to try to find one. Instead, she asked her friends to set her up with people they knew, betting there was someone already within her larger circles who might make a better match. She wound up on several dates with "great people," she told me recently, and while there weren't sparks with every single one, "it was all positive experiences, made richer because of our mutual connections."

"The apps are just so overwhelming, especially as a woman," she continued. But your friends know you and know what you're looking for, "so asking them to refer you to other people takes a lot of the vetting out of the equation."

My friend is just one of a growing number of young people who are disillusioned with dating apps and looking for something deeper. It's safe to say that the cold, remote ding of a new Tinder match may never truly cut it for a generation raised on Disney Channel yearning and love at first "I think you dropped this." Still, some apps are trying to meet the moment, attempting to spark connections based on more factors than just proximity and hotness.

"You will never trust a computer more than your friends out at dinner."

One way of doing that, as my own friend figured out, is to involve friends in the process. There's not only been an uptick in double-date features on apps like Tinder, but an emergence of apps devoted entirely to double dates, like PlotTwist (formerly Fourplay Social). These at least give users the illusion of dating as part of a community instead of solely as an individual - the idea being that when you're accountable to a community, you behave better, and you show up more authentically.

One app is taking this trend a step further, attempting to mimic "friends-first dating," or matching through mutuals. Rather than siccing the entire population of dating hopefuls within a five-mile radius on you at once, Cerca uses your phone contacts to connect you to a more curated edit of eligibles who are all part of your greater social ecosystem, whether you share a mutual friend, a former coworker, or even an ex. The app, which quickly became popular on several college campuses, was conceived in part by a student at Georgetown named Myles Slayton, who saw a need for a new kind of swiping experience.

"It's not that people hate dating apps, they hate the products that are out there," Slayton, now 23 and living in New York City, tells Popsugar. Especially given the "scary direction" of AI, young people desperately need more reliable ways to connect that are bound to real opinions from their real friends, he says - not the disembodied advice of a machine.

"Soon you won't be able to tell what's real and what's not," Slayton says. "But what won't change is going out to dinner with your friends; you're only going to value more what your friend thinks about something. You will never trust a computer more than your friends out at dinner."

The mechanics of the app are relatively simple: for each profile, a user can see the mutual contacts they have in common. If that user is interested, they can send a "like," which will notify the owner of the profile, giving them the chance to like them back (or not), depending on vibes and, of course, what info they can squeeze out of their mutual contacts about the user. Any matches that are made all drop at the same time every night - so if you don't match with someone, you never know.

Some have raised concerns about the ethics and safety of handing over your contact list to a third-party app. In April of this year, a computer science student at Yale accused Cerca of allowing for an "insane" security breach, allegedly leaving some user data like phone numbers, sexual preferences, and even passport scans vulnerable to potential hackers. Slayton says Cerca's team "values the privacy of our users" and has taken precautions to prevent security breaches, like prohibiting screenshots and screen recordings. But ultimately Slayton insists that sharing contacts is the only way to make the online dating experience more tolerable.

"If you want to match with mutuals, you have to do it through your phone book," Slayton says. "We're not selling your data. We're not asking for your ID, or your bank account. We don't read your messages. [But] you need to have your friends on Cerca for it to work."

And while everyone has a different level of tolerance for the security of their data and their friends' data, 23-year-old former Cerca user Dana* cites a different kind of safety as the number one reason she started using the app in the first place.

"There's more incentive to treat others with respect and behave in a manner we are proud of when we know our friends or mutuals could hear about it."

"As a woman, I had to be extremely careful who l decided to go on dates with from the other apps because these people are total strangers, and you can't be sure of who they are or what their intentions are from a few text conversations," she tells Popsugar.

On dating apps, Dana says, people can present themselves however they want, and that's true for Cerca, too. But where Cerca differs is that Dana can reach out to their mutual contact and vet her dates first, "or basically check their references to understand more about who they are before I go out with them."

The friends-first dating model had unexpected ripple effects for Dana, whose friends in NYC still use the app. "There's more incentive to treat others with respect and behave in a manner we are proud of when we know our friends or mutuals could hear about it," she says.

Dana used the app briefly herself before settling into a committed relationship with her current boyfriend, whom she actually first met on Hinge - though they didn't immediately start dating. First, they discovered they had a bunch of friends in common, then they struck up a friendship of their own. It wasn't until months later, when they both had graduated from college, that they got together - an irresistibly romantic arc. Dana herself is hardly immune to the meet-cute daydream: her "ideal scenario" involves meeting someone "'in the wild' rather than on an app" and falling for someone "who's kind of been there all along, an invisible string, if you will."

As long as we keep chasing meet-cutes in our personal lives, there will always be tech entrepreneurs who try to synthesize those meet-cutes into algorithms and engineer them on-demand. Does that suck the magic out of it? Slayton would say no. But as for my friend who went analog in her search for love, ditching the apps altogether, the magic isn't in the matches, but in the intention: to come together and fortify the bonds that are already there.

"It's one of the best feelings in the world to bring people together and to see people you love start to love each other, too," my friend told me, reflecting on how she's also started connecting friends of her own, sometimes romantically, other times platonically. "It weaves a richer tapestry of community, which is kind of the whole point."

*Name has been changed for privacy.

Emma Glassman-Hughes (she/her) is the associate editor at PS Balance. In her seven years as a reporter, her beats have spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she's covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, and food, climate, and farming for Ambrook Research.

Romantasy Boyfriends Have Raised the Bar - Can Men in Real Life Compete?

Taylor Andrews — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:02 -0800

Once upon a time, receiving a simple "good morning" text from a man was enough of a reason to go out with him. But now, thanks to the rise of romantasy, the book genre blending themes of romance and fantasy, dating standards have changed.

As more and more women read romantasy novels like "Onyx Storm" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses," they're falling in love with the male protagonists. And these men aren't just broodingly handsome - they're emotionally intelligent, they slay dragons, they cross realms for love, and they effortlessly provide orgasms. Some men in the real world, though? Still learning what a clitoris is.

"These men have definitely raised my standards," Taylor Weir, 29, says. A romantasy reader, Weir says her favorite fictional men put their partner before anyone else. "I love to see men yearn for women because it shows vulnerability, emotional depth, and confidence in their masculinity," which are lacking in her real-life interactions with men, she adds.

For Alyssa Wehr, 28, her love for fictional men like Xaden Riorson from "Fourth Wing" and Cassian from "A Court of Thorns and Roses" has also made her less interested in dating. "A lot of fictional men are emotionally intelligent and able to effectively communicate, and while I know it's possible for a guy in real life to also be those things, it feels like they have to go through a whole journey to get there," she says. "I'm too impatient for that."

Although romantasy may have originated as a form of escapism, the genre has quickly morphed into something far more powerful. These novels aren't just a form of entertainment anymore - they've become a guide for how women deserve to be treated.

"Wanting to have a man who listens, has some degree of emotional intelligence, and cares for his partner is not having too high of expectations."

Elodie Colliard, author of "Unbearably Yours (It's Always Been You)," says that when she writes romance novels, there are some basic principles her male fictional characters have to embody. "They should be understanding, attentive, and communicative," she says. Even as a reader of the genre, she says she wants to read about a man who is "all in" and knows everything about his love interest, including "all the things she never thought he'd notice."

It's worth noting many of these male characters are written by women authors for the female gaze. But for those who may argue romantasy has raised the bar too high for men, Colliard disagrees. "Wanting to have a man who listens, has some degree of emotional intelligence, and cares for his partner is not having too high of expectations," she says. "It's meeting your partner's basic needs."

The best romantasy fictional male characters aren't perfect. However, they're consistent, they show up when they say they will, and they make their partners a priority. In a world where dating apps feel impossible, ghosting is common, and miscommunication is the norm, it's no surprise these fictional men are more desirable.

Though Colliard is in a healthy relationship, if she had to choose to date again today, she wouldn't. "I'd choose to spend my evening with my favorite fictional man than go for a drink with a guy I don't know," she says. With shadow daddies like Xaden, Rhysand, and Cassian, I don't blame her. Will men in real life be able to compete? Perhaps they should start taking notes.

42 Romantic TV Shows on Netflix

Macy Cate Williams — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:50:02 -0700

The great thing about streaming is that there's something for everyone: horror buffs, prestige drama binge-watchers, classic movie lovers. But if you're looking for something that pulls at your heartstrings (and maybe makes you question why a certain type of love doesn't exist in real life), you'll want to head straight for the best romantic TV shows on Netflix.

Need a good laugh, cry, or maybe both at the same time until you can't breathe anymore? We've rounded up the romantic TV shows you shouldn't miss that are streaming right now on Netflix, both new and old, including steamy serials like "Bridgerton," new seasons like "Nobody Wants This," and long-time favorites like "Grey's Anatomy" that are practically guaranteed to jerk a tear or two.

The following romance TV shows teeter on the edge of PG to PG-13, but if the mood calls for something a bit sexier, check out our super-steamy roundup of the sexiest movies streaming on Netflix and sexy Netflix shows for options that will hit the spot (if you know what we mean).

But for any romance-heads out there, don't be surprised when your queue is suddenly full of irresistible, lovey-dovey sap. Time to strap in for many, many Netflix and chill dates ahead.

70+ First-Date Questions to Keep the Conversation Moving

Emily Weaver — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:45:02 -0700

In the hours leading up to a first date, there's a good chance you might feel a sort of buzzy, nervous energy. This could be because you're overthinking how the date will go (stop that!), but it could also be because you're racking your brain for some easy - but flirty - first-date questions.

While pre-date rituals like journaling or working out can do wonders to calm the anxiety beforehand, you might also find that having a list of first-date questions handy can help keep the nerves at bay during the actual meet-up. Those questions are an easy fallback when you find yourself stuck in a moment of awkward silence, and they're a great excuse to get to know your date even better.

Whether the small talk is winding down, you've reached a bout of awkward silence, or you're not ready to say goodbye just yet, we've compiled over 70 one-liners that make for perfect first-date questions. There are ice breakers, funny questions, and would-you-rather prompts for when you want to keep things light and fun. (But if you want to kick it up a notch, you could also advance to these saucy questions to ask your crush instead.)

Whenever you're ready to learn just a little more about the cutie seated in the barstool next to you, give one of these first-date questions a spin and let the chemistry flow.

The 21 Sexiest Movies on Netflix to Stream This Month

Emily Weaver — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:20:02 -0700

If you're in the mood for a hot movie filled with sex scenes that will make you feel some type of way, we have just the list for you. Whether you're looking for a horny Netflix original or a classic throwback, we've curated a list of the sexiest movies on Netflix right now. From sultry foreign films and erotic historical period dramas to tantalizing LGBTQ+ romances, you'll never run out of hot movies to enjoy.

Based on the content in these sexy Netflix movies, we'd understand if you find yourself wanting some, ahem, accessories to accompany your next watch session. Feel free to add a sex toy or bottle of lube to the mix - and maybe it's even worth putting on your favorite lingerie for the occasion, too.

And if you're not in the mood to sit down and watch an entire movie, you have options. For one, you can check out our list of sexy Netflix shows for a quicker watch - and hey, if you want something more porn-like, you'll enjoy our roundup of the best NC-17 movies out there, too. You can also just listen to audio porn sites or read some online erotica instead.

But if the hot movies on Netflix still have your interest, here are the best sexy movies to watch on Netflix this month. You're welcome.

The Sexiest Netflix Shows to Watch This Month

Macy Cate Williams — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:05:02 -0700

In addition to having the best binge-watching shows and documentaries, you may be surprised that Netflix also houses some of the sexiest Netflix shows that you can stream right at this very moment. Whether you're by yourself, with a significant other, or simply feeling in the mood, these sexy Netflix shows are seriously worth the hype - and the orgasms you'll want to have after watching.

With so many options to choose from, though, it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we've rounded up the sexiest shows on Netflix that may actually make you want to reach for your nearest sex toy. And though the sex scenes have earned our 18-plus rating, the sexiest Netflix shows in this list also have entertaining plotlines, too. (It's like porn, but with characters' lives you're actually invested in.)

Ready? It's time to pour yourself a glass of wine and throw on your comfortable loungewear set. Here are the sexiest Netflix shows to watch this month.

For more sexy content, listen to Popsugar's roundup of the best audio porn sites or read your way through these sexy online erotica options.

A 19-Year Marriage Is Not a Failure - Even If It Ends In Divorce

Emma Glassman-Hughes — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:50:02 -0700

If Nicole Kidman's reported split from longtime husband Keith Urban teaches us anything, it's that it's time to stop forcing our romantic relationships into the failure/success paradigm. The queer corners of the internet know that already. But the rest of the world seems ready to follow the old playbook, offering tsk-tsks and lamenting yet another "failed" Hollywood marriage.

Content creator Blakely Thornton immediately had thoughts. "Be so fucking for real. In what world is a 19-year marriage a failure?" He asked his Instagram followers. "Like, to everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a reason and a season and not everything is forever. They got two beautiful kids and tons of memories. Let them live."

"This is why I cannot take straight people seriously," he added.

The power couple - often cited as one of the greatest Hollywood romantic "success" stories of a generation - first got together in 2005, four years after Kidman's divorce from Tom Cruise. She and Urban married in 2006, and have raised two teenagers together. They've reportedly been living apart for the last several months, after celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary in June of this year.

And while we may not know exactly why they've decided to end this chapter as a married couple, they've also given us no reason to paint their entire relationship together as a failure, a mistake, or a loss. In fact, all the things about their relationship that we once celebrated - their affection; their respect for each other's careers; their healthy, growing kids - are still real, even if they might look different moving forward.

One commenter on Thornton's video wrote, "I agree with you 100%. When my ex and I divorced after 20 years and he wanted to scream failure, I paused and looked at him and said we've raised children to be beautiful adults and walked many messy paths on this journey. I will never say I failed after 20 years of anything. Whether I survived or thrived, I put in 20 years of work."

Another wrote, "19 Years? That like 2 CENTURIES in Gay Years…'Kim, there's people that are dying' ☕."

Queer activism and community have paved the way for us all to conceive of romantic love outside the rigid confines of a success/failure binary, or a linear "relationship escalator" structure, moving blindly from one milestone to the next just to keep ticking off boxes. With the rise of relationship anarchy, ethical nonmonogamy, and even arrangements like lavender marriage and co-parenting, we've seen more and more lovers choosing alternative routes to domestic bliss that look very little like the conventional paths we're all taught to follow.

That said, there's nothing wrong with being sad about the end of any relationship - even if it's not your own. (There are definitely some parasocial baddies out there who will be taking the Kidman-Urban news quite hard!) Change is a beast, and the struggle of losing a loved one is always exceptionally difficult to overcome. But divorce doesn't have to mean no-contact. Plenty of amicable exes remain in each other's lives, especially when kids and pets are in the picture.

While there's no shortage of queer relationships that adhere to more conventional structures, it would do us all some good to embrace the fluidity of love, sex, romance, and marriage - and would definitely give those of us who have managed to achieve anything close to a 19-year marriage a bit more grace as we move through the inevitable ebbs, flows, and transitions of life.

For Thornton's part, he clearly has other pressing things on his mind. "I simply do not have the energy to speculate on the lives of heterosexuals in their 50s. . . . All I wanna hear about is 'Big Little Lies' season three. OK? That's my baby. So as long as these two are OK, I'm gay and I'm calling it a fucking day."

Wait, People Are Finding Love On LinkedIn?

Lena Felton — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:55:02 -0700

In the spring of 2024, Paige Goldstein was "digital nomading" in South Africa when she got a fateful LinkedIn notification. A mutual connection had tagged her in the comments of a post by Grayson Harris, who was also digital nomading in Cape Town at the time. Goldstein clicked "connect" and direct-messaged Harris, asking to meet up for coffee.

"I was just open to connection - especially as nomads, when you see someone who's similar to you, it's about that deeper connection first," she says. "But when I saw him, it felt more like a date."

Goldstein and Harris have been together ever since. He ended up following her to Spain, her next stop after South Africa, and they now live together in Maine. As the founder of The Ripple Effect, a coaching program and community that helps women leaders build their brands on LinkedIn, Goldstein naturally spends a lot of time on the professional networking platform. But she didn't expect to fall in love there.

Hers isn't the only love story coming out of LinkedIn, though. In recent years, the professional networking site has become more than just a résumé repository; it's a place to follow industry leaders, cultivate your own professional persona, and sometimes even get personal. Maybe you use it to look up someone you matched with on a dating app before meeting up in person, or you stalk whose posts your ex is liking. Or maybe, just maybe, you fall in love with someone after clicking connect.

Cherie Brooke Luo, cohost of the business podcast "Tiger Sisters Podcast," worked at LinkedIn for almost five years as a product manager before becoming a full-time content creator. She definitely knows the site is being used to pursue romantic interests, she says: Luo remembers hearing about the more extreme cases at all-hands meetings.

"The issue that they were dealing with the most was harassment through unwanted advancements through LinkedIn DMs, people sliding into LinkedIn DMs in a very strange way, especially because LinkedIn is a very professional platform first and foremost," she says. "When people are in that mindset of it being a professional networking platform, it can be very jarring to receive unsolicited advancements through LinkedIn DMs."

Many folks share that perspective - that romance doesn't have a place in a professional setting like LinkedIn. But Luo does see the value of using the platform when it comes to other aspects of dating. "I think the overt sliding into LinkedIn DMs is completely inappropriate, but I do think LinkedIn is a place to do the background checks," she says. "It's not so much learning about the pedigree of a person before getting to meet them, because that can remove some of the fun and romance, but in terms of doing a background check of, it's a real person, they're verified with their photo, that can be really helpful."

As a headhunter, Katie Ortman Doble is on the platform constantly - "all day, every day" for her job, she says. And, like Luo, she sees the site as a great tool to "get a glimpse" of who someone is.

Such was the case with her now-husband, Nick - although, she clarifies, "I don't want to be painted as someone who was purposefully going on LinkedIn to find her husband, and I never encourage anyone to use the site in that way."

Ortman Doble ended up posting her LinkedIn love story in 2015, and it went viral. The story goes like this: in the mid-2010s, Ortman Doble was in her early 30s and looking "anywhere and everywhere" for a long-term partner. But on the apps and in real life, she was running into "horrendous" date after horrendous date.

Enter: Nick's LinkedIn profile. His company was looking to fill a position, and once she stumbled upon his photo, "I melted," she wrote in her original post. She sent him a connection request and eventually a message, igniting a back-and-forth. After a few weeks, the duo met up for a "networking meeting" - aka, grabbing a drink.

The couple is celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary in February. "Thank god for LinkedIn," Ortman Doble says. "You can meet someone anywhere. In a time when everybody is so on their phones, it's nice to have something that's an option, beyond the swiping."

When Ortman Doble was single, that's the mindset she had for every encounter. ("If you were cute and we were in the produce aisle at the supermarket, I was going to be checking you out," she laughs.) It's an attitude that can open you up to love, on LinkedIn or anywhere else.

Goldstein agrees: "I believe in divine connections - that who you're supposed to meet, you'll meet. I think when you open yourself up to any possibility, it can happen."

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior content director at Popsugar, where she oversees special projects. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

15 Funny Halloween Costumes Ideas to Toss Into the Group Chat

Hilary White — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:07:02 -0700

Enter our Spooky Home Decor Challenge and show us how you're bringing Halloween to life in your home to win $300 worth of fall decor from Anthropologie.

We'd argue that there are four main types of Halloween costumes: scary Halloween costumes, cute Halloween costumes, sexy Halloween costumes, and funny Halloween costumes. And in our opinion, funny Halloween costume ideas are some of the hardest to do well. It's easy to cross the line from funny into cheesy or cliché, after all. Plus, with a funny Halloween costume, you run the risk of spending half your night explaining the joke to confused trick-or-treaters or party-goers. You want a hilarious Halloween costume, not a confusing one.

Still, the allure of a funny Halloween costume can be hard to resist. So, we rounded up 15 truly funny Halloween costume ideas. Sure, everyone's sense of humor is different, but within this list of funny Halloween costumes, there are definitely at least a handful that will make you crack a smile. We rounded up hilarious Halloween costumes that you can buy at the store, ones you can DIY, and ones that are as simple as pulling on a T-shirt. And if your taste runs a little juvenile, we added in a couple of especially silly Halloween costumes, too. Hey, if it garners a few laughs, we're all for it.

Reminder: Your Ex Is an Ex For a Reason

Taylor Andrews — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:45:01 -0700

Fair warning: this is not the article to read if you want to know how to get back together with your ex. (Cue the Ben Affleck smoking meme.) At most, this article will save you from having below average breakup sex. At least, it will be the reason you're able to pry your hands away from your phone the next time you want to drunk text them. But most importantly, this article will explain why your ex should stay exactly that: your ex.

With news that Lori Harvey and Damson Idris may have rekindled their romance recently, you may be tempted to reach back out to an ex. But don't let those sexy photos from their lavish Mexican getaway fool you. Outside of the celebrity universe, past relationships are hard - and dare I say, damn! near! impossible! - to rekindle. Sure, there may be love there between you and a former partner, but the underlying issues that led to the breakup in the first place don't just magically disappear.

Before you feel so inclined to send that "hey stranger" text, let's see what relationship expert Nicole Moore has to say on whether it's ever the move to get back with your ex.

Experts Featured in This Article

Nicole Moore is a relationship therapist and founder of the Love Works Method, a program that has helped people find lasting love fast.

Should I Get Back With My Ex?

The answer is always no unless "you are both certain that the issues you had in your relationship the first time have been resolved," Moore says. If you broke up because you were incompatible - maybe you disagreed on politics, life goals, marriage, kids, and more - you will most likely be unable to resolve the issue.

This also applies if you have a different attachment style or lifestyle than your ex, too. For example, if you broke up because you prefer to stay in and your partner prefers to go out, it's likely that is an incompatibility issue that won't be fixed no matter how much love you have for them.

That said, if your relationship ended because of factors outside of your relationship like distance, work, or family issues, you could potentially benefit from getting back together with your ex if those issues no longer apply. "If you've realized that you and your ex were truly compatible but the timing or outside circumstances were off the first time around, it's likely a good idea to get back with your ex," Moore says.

Be honest with yourself, though: Did you really break up because of factors outside of your relationship? Or did you break up because of the relationship itself? Ultimately, it's up for you to decide. But instead of doing damage control and trying to force your ex to fit into the puzzle of your life, why not find a puzzle piece that already fits?

While I'm sure you have a lot of love for your ex (and you may partly be missing the toxic sex too), focus on the bad parts of your relationship instead of the good. "If you're having a hard time getting over your ex, it's likely that you are focusing on the positives in the relationship and not the negatives," Moore says. "To get over them, you do actually have to focus on the negatives."

To help you do this, Moore suggests making a list of all the things that you needed from your ex or the relationship that you never received. When you look at the list, "remind yourself that you do actually deserve to have all of your needs met and your ex couldn't meet them fully," she adds. Take note of your deal breakers, boundaries, and needs in a relationship and find someone who fulfills all your criteria.

Unfortunately, love is not a good enough reason to get back with your ex - even if they're as hot as Harvey and Idris.

Ready to Explore a Foot Fetish? Sex Experts Share Their Beginner Tips

Melanie Whyte — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:30:02 -0700

Foot fetishes have long been stigmatized as taboo. But thanks in part to pop culture - ahem, Kesha offering feet pics on her Feeld profile - the foot fetish has become mainstream enough that it's now considered "vanilla" in most kink communities.

Not all foot fetish portrayals are created equal, however. (Cough, cough, that "House of the Dragon" foot scene.) But there's no doubt that foot play is widely beloved. "Incorporating foot play in your sexual intimacy can be really fun," says sensual intimacy coach Oli Lipski. "Just think of [feet] as additional hands! The best part is that using the feet can make us much more mindful and present to the experience as we indulge in new pleasure zones."

To dip our toes in the world of foot fetishes, we spoke to several sex therapists and intimacy coaches who explained everything from the origins of a foot fetish to best practices in incorporating foot play into sex. With this expert advice in tow, you can unlock your inner foot diva, too - whether you're a beginner looking to understand more about the fetish, or you're an experienced foot-loving pro.

Experts Featured in This Article

Oli Lipski aka The Queer Sensualist is a sensual intimacy coach, sex educator, and writer.

Heather Shannon is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and host of the "Ask a Sex Therapist" podcast.

Melissa Cook is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and has an advisory role on the board of FunwithFeet, a foot fetish blog.

Angelica Jackson, MA, LPC, CHST, is the founder and owner of Denver Couples & Sex Therapy.

Rebecca Blanton is a kink educator, writer, performer, and co-host of "Fat Chicks on Top," a podcast about "body liberation."

What Is a Foot Fetish?

At its most basic definition, a foot fetish, or podophilia, is an attraction to feet. "You can think of it as perceiving feet as we'd typically perceive breasts, butts, or genitals," says sex therapist Heather Shannon. "Often, someone with a foot fetish thinks feet are even sexier than these traditionally [sexualized] body parts. For example, seeing naked, pedicured feet can be a huge turn-on for someone with a foot fetish."

Due to the inherently private nature of foot fetishes, there isn't a lot of research on the particular topic. However, every sex expert we spoke with confirmed it's one of the most common fetishes. "It is one of the more prevalent fetishes relating to the body," says sex therapist Melissa Cook. "It might involve the desire to caress, touch, or lick feet, or be about the aesthetics of feet, such as their size, toe shape, or footwear."

Why Do People Have Foot Fetishes?

It's tempting to want to unravel our fetishes and make them make sense. But what someone finds arousing doesn't always have a simple answer. Sex therapist Angelica Jackson tells Popsugar that some people "may associate feet with domination or submission or find particular aesthetic features attractive, such as the shape, size, or even the smell of feet."

People develop arousal stimuli in a myriad of ways. "A lot of kinks and fetish play is based on power exchange and the psychological impact of playing with taboos," says kink educator Rebecca Blanton. "Feet, in general, are seen as lowly or dirty. For some people, being consensually forced to kiss, lick, touch, or be stepped on by a foot puts them in a submissive position." For others, giving or receiving pedicures can be seen as an act of service and a form of a love language.

For example, Blanton is submissive and enjoys acts of service. "My partner has diabetes and must take good care of his feet," they say. "To make this whole pedicure process seem less medical, I provide sexy pedicures (wearing lingerie or nothing, kneeling at his feet). We both enjoy the power exchange, the intimate act of grooming (pedicure, massage), and it meets a medical need."

For Lipski, foot play began as something playful. "I remember giving my [boyfriend] a foot job when I was a teen," she says. "And as I've grown up, I've not shied away from incorporating feet into my intimacy. I think feet are such rich pleasure zones."

And although she clarifies she has a "foot kink" and not a foot fetish, she enjoys foot stimulation during sex. "I love giving foot massages, I've used feet to stimulate my vulva, and in my solo play, I sometimes think about the sensations in my feet to keep me present."

How to Incorporate Foot Play Into Your Sex Life

If you're interested in exploring foot play, first communicate with your partner that you want to bring feet into the mix. "Ask if they feel comfortable having their feet touched or if they'd rather it just be your feet," Lipski says. "Some people's feet are incredibly sensitive, and some [people] are just not into feet. Hygiene might also be a factor, so cleanliness is key."

Like with many other kinks and fetishes, it may also be helpful to discuss the use of a safe word (something random like "red" or "pineapple"). Once consent and safe words are established, experiment with the options below to incorporate foot play into your sex life:

Touch them yourself. Connect to the sensations in your feet by playing with temperature and textures like feathers or ice cubes. "We spend so much of our lives on our feet, putting a world of pressure on them, so acknowledging them with touch can be incredibly pleasurable and gratifying," Lipski says. Some examples: rub ice cubes around your feet, spend an extra-long time in the shower washing and caressing them, lotion your feet before you go to bed, give yourself a foot massage, etc. Learn what feels good so you can share what you enjoyed with your partner.
Get a pedicure. Whether you're giving or receiving the pedicure, it has the potential to be very sensual, and that sense of pampering can definitely get someone in the mood.
Give or receive a foot massage. Similar to a pedicure, a foot massage is a good starting point. Whether their feet are sore or not, offer to massage your partner's feet with some lotion. (And maybe ask them to return the favor after.)
Try toe sucking. Start by gently licking and sucking each other's toes. "You can also try licking between the toes," Shannon says, "or going for other parts of the foot to experiment with what feels best." Remember, hygiene is a must, so this type of act would be best immediately following a shower or bath. And don't forget to use your safe word if you begin to not enjoy the sensations.
Give a foot job. Instead of fingering or giving a hand job, try a foot job. "Obviously, your feet aren't as coordinated as your hands, but you can still use them to create friction on a penis or to stimulate a clitoris or vaginal opening as well," Shannon says. Simply place your feet together and put them around the base of a penis so they're moving back and forth, similarly to how your hands would with a hand job.

Melanie Whyte was a contributing staff writer for PS. Based in NYC, she writes about LGBTQ identity, sex and relationships, pop culture hot takes, mental health, and home improvement. Her work has been featured by Refinery29, Real Simple, Apartment Therapy, Southern Living, Coveteur, NPR, and more.

Need a Dating App Cleanse? Try "Sit-at-the-Bar September"

Emma Glassman-Hughes — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:10:02 -0700

Your TikTok auntie has spoken: this month, it's time to quit the dating apps and get yourself a comfortable seat at the bar. Laurie Cooper, a real estate agent who appeared on "The Real Housewives of New York City" in 2020 and has since developed a social media following for her straightforward life advice, recently made waves when she declared that we have officially entered "sit-at-the-bar September," encouraging her followers to find dates the old-school way instead of relying on apps and algorithms to land them a match.

"Hey girls, remember how I told you to get off the dating apps?" the Brooklyn-born influencer asked her followers in the TikTok video. "It's about to be sit-at-the-bar September. Here it is." Cooper then rattled off a list of New York City bars that she says are good for sitting and looking approachable, including The Carlyle on the Upper East Side, Bar Pisellino in the West Village, and Emmett's on Grove.

@laurie_cooper_realty
I am declaring this month as Sit at the Bar September, girls! #dating #girls #single
♬ original sound - Laurie Cooper

It all sounds very romantic, but to state the obvious: this isn't the '70s anymore. Many of the same rules that once applied to dating are no longer relevant, whether it's who's expected to make the first move or pay for the date, or even how men and women are supposed to act. Looking back, dating before the digital era may appear to have a certain charm - after all, more rigid rules made the scene easier to navigate, as long as you played your designated role - but it was also deeply heteronormative and constructed on gender stereotypes that ultimately harmed women and forced them into a subordinate position, whether they wanted to be there or not.

Making connections today is not always as easy as demurely sipping a martini and flashing some leg in the low light of a hotel bar, though that might have worked in the past. Still, there are some lessons we can take from bygone eras, including this very simple one: get out of the house and introduce yourself to people IRL.

That said, sitting at a bar is one thing. Actually knowing what to do when you're there is another. Read on to check out our guide to sit-at-the-bar September, with some easy steps to get you started.

Step One: Find Your Spot(s)

Cooper has a never-ending list of cocktail bars, restaurants, and wine bars that she recommends for a flirty night out in New York City. But if you're based elsewhere, or have a different style or budget, you'll want to think a little outside the chic Manhattan box.

Wherever you are, it's best to have a few spots in your rotation where you feel comfortable and relaxed, preferably places with copious bar seating (extra points for a plush stool cushion) and nice staff that you trust. Depending on your personality, you might be drawn to elegant bars like the ones on Cooper's list, or dive bars with great music, sports bars, queer bars, or some mix.

Several commenters on Cooper's video inquired about options for the sober and sober-curious dating hopefuls out there. While sexy cafes are always an option (who's that gorgeous girl sitting alone and eating a croissant on that cozy couch?), keep your eyes peeled for a new wave of non-alcoholic bars popping up in major cities, like this one in LA.

Step Two: Make Some Goals (but Don't Hold Them Too Tightly)

The last thing you want is to end a night feeling disappointed because you didn't get anyone's phone number (or Instagram handle, let's be real). The purpose of your night out should be to have a nice time - if you're too narrowly focused on finding a date every time you step into a bar, you're bound to spend a lot of your time disappointed.

To help with that, you can set some goals that are easily attainable, and within your own control. For example, challenge yourself to introduce yourself to at least one new person. It doesn't even have to be someone you're attracted to, but it will help you get in the habit of being friendly with new people.

Step Three: Go Alone, and Be Prepared to Chat

There's no use in sitting at the bar hoping someone will come talk to you if you aren't prepared to engage in conversation. And while I have absolutely nothing against a girls' night out, surrounding yourself with a big group of friends might be a little intimidating for a stranger who wants to meet you. If you must have a buddy, keep the group to two or three people max.

To make yourself approachable, you don't necessarily need to spend the night with a grin on your face or make suggestive eye contact nonstop. But it's best to not spend the whole evening looking down at your phone. Make sure you occasionally scan the room, taking an extra beat on anyone you think is cute.

Also, lots of singles out there are getting crafty with their in-person dating hacks. Some have printed up their own "business" cards to hand out to strangers, with a photo or two of themselves plus their contact information. It's an easy way to pass along your info without having to stomach too much immediate rejection. And you get to flex your creativity!

Step Four: Have Fun (and Be Safe)

Look at you, out on the town! As always, if you're alone at a bar (and even if you're there with friends), be vigilant about the safety of your drinks. To be sure that no one tampers with or drugs your drinks, don't accept drinks from strangers and don't leave open drinks unattended.

Try to remember that you're taking yourself out on a date - and you're loving your own company. Even if you don't go home with a hottie, you put yourself out there, you got a break from your screens, you patronized a neighborhood spot, and you got yourself a delicious little treat.

Though Cooper's wisdom may skew a bit traditional, she firmly believes that women have more power in the dating game than we realize. "September is coming. Girls, forget the dating apps - get out there," she says in a post from August. "If enough of you stop using the dating apps, these guys are gonna have to come crawling on their knees to find you at the bar. Because that's where you're gonna be. Find that restaurant, find that barstool, cross your legs. These guys are gonna be out there looking, face-to-face."

54 Best Hinge-Prompt Answers, According to a Hinge Expert

Olivia Luchini — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:50:02 -0700

Unlike many popular dating apps today, Hinge has an interesting format that lets you answer a variety of Hinge prompts, which alleviates some of the pressure of coming up with the bio all by yourself. All you have to do is simply pick three Hinge prompts (and a voice prompt, if you're comfortable) and answer the questions to the best of your ability.

"Hinge's prompts are designed to help you showcase your most authentic self and easily create meaningful connections with others," Moe Ari Brown, Hinge's love and connection expert, says.

Since these Hinge prompts are given as an option for everyone though, it can sometimes feel hard to stand out on Hinge. Fortunately, if you're struggling coming up with interesting Hinge-prompt answers, we've got you. Look no further than this list of Hinge-prompt answers that will keep your profile exciting and totally match-worthy. (Feel free to also try this dating app opener that has a 99.9 percent success rate too.)

But first, Brown shares insight into what to consider when crafting your profile.

Experts Featured in This Article

Moe Ari Brown, LMFT, is a licensed therapist and Hinge's love and connection expert.

Hinge-Prompt Answers Advice, According to a Hinge Expert

Use a voice prompt. According to Hinge data, daters with a voice prompt on their profile were 66 percent more likely to go on a date. As for what voice prompts to use? Try "The best way to ask me out is by..." "the hallmark of a good relationship is..." and "instead of grabbing drinks, let's..." These voice prompts were most likely to lead to a date, according to that same Hinge data.

Show off what makes you, you. I think we can all agree how annoying it is to see the same old, same old Hinge prompt answers. (Looking at you, everyone who likes "pineapple on pizza.") Plus, the Hinge-prompt answer doesn't really reveal a lot about you. "Sharing your truth and honoring your uniqueness is key," says Brown. "Don't be afraid to [show off] your quirks, whether it's a weird habit or a secret hobby."

Avoid one-word answers. Ultimately, one-word Hinge-prompt answers either show that you're too lazy to put effort into your dating-app profile or that there isn't much to say about you. "Short prompt answers aren't going to lead to an impactful conversation. Use your profile to spark a meaningful conversation that leads to a special connection," says Brown.

Hinge-Prompt Answers

Here are some examples of how to answer the most popular Hinge prompts.

"I'm the Type of Texter Who . . ."

While this Hinge prompt may seem boring, you can actually use it to tell whether a person is looking for a serious or casual relationship. People looking for commitments might be more open to frequent communication, while someone more casual might be less responsive. Here are some Hinge-prompt answers for this one:

Doesn't believe that double-texting is bad.
Forgets to respond but WILL feel guilty about it, too.
Loves "good morning" and "goodnight" messages.
Will expect you to watch all the TikToks I send you. (And yes, there will be a lot.)
Has a folder of memes ready to send as soon as I get your number.

"Dating Me Is Like . . ."

This is a great Hinge prompt to show exactly what you're looking for in your next relationship. Here, you can be funny, genuine, or serious. Here are some of the best Hinge-prompt answers for this one:

A picnic on a spring day with bottomless mimosas.
Having a best friend, a partner, and a sidekick all in one person.
Casual, exciting, and unpredictable.
Going to a buffet of all your favorite foods.
That feeling when you get your favorite food delivered.

"The 1 Thing I'd Love to Know About You Is . . ."

A key to a well-rounded Hinge profile is making sure there are conversation starters within it somewhere. The "Let's Chat About" Hinge prompts are perfect for this. Several solid Hinge-prompt answers here:

What book series you were obsessed with as a kid.
What TV show or movie you find yourself constantly quoting.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What your perfect Saturday looks like.
If you've picked up a hobby recently.
Whether you're a morning bagel person or morning donut person.
Does your family run 5Ks on Thanksgiving?
Your favorite restaurant and what you order when you're there.

"First Round Is on Me If . . ."

Skip the chitchat and invite someone to drinks. In this section, you can either suggest a challenge or write something that you would want to relate to someone with. Read on for great Hinge-prompt answers for this prompt:

[Insert musical artist here] was also at the top of your Spotify Wrapped last year.
You beat me at bowling. Wii or real life.
You can quote [insert movie here].
You can tell me your favorite Harry Potter movie and why.
You also log too many hours scrolling through TikToks.
You can beat me at any sport of your choosing.
You have a [insert dog, cat, or other pet here] that I can love on.

"I'll Fall For You If . . ."

This is the perfect section to genuinely discuss what you really want in a partner. Speak from the heart! If you'd prefer to be a little silly, we have included options for that as well. Some Hinge-prompt answers to test out:

I don't have my glasses on.
You're really into skydiving.
You are a good communicator who likes meaningful conversation.
You will watch [insert sports team here] games with me.
You are down to binge reality TV on lazy days.
You are down to go to the gym together.

"My Most Irrational Fear"

This is a great place to say if you genuinely have a unique fear. From elevators and birds to heights and sharks, this is a fun prompt that you have so much freedom with. Some funny Hinge-prompt answers include:

Fear itself?
Definitely you ignoring my profile.
Pigeons. Those things creep me out.
Being forced to watch a movie filled with all my old Snapchats.
You not being a dog person.

"The Best Way to Ask Me Out Is By . . ."

Introverts, rejoice! No need to sweat how you're going to ask your matches out if things go well. This prompt allows you to tell your matches exactly how you want to be asked on a date, all without any fuss. Here are some clever Hinge-prompt answers for this one:

Taking me to your favorite restaurant so I can learn what you like.
Making reservations to your fave hole-in-the-wall and telling me what time to be there.
Taking me to [insert favorite type of food/restaurant here] so I can show you my favorite dishes.
Finding a movie you want to see and getting us tickets.
Having a meaningful conversation with me first. :)

"Biggest Risk I've Taken"

This is a great prompt if you like living on the edge. In this section, feel free to talk about moving to a new state, a thrilling hobby, or a wild night out. If you don't have any stories that fit here, you can also be cheeky and say one of these Hinge-prompt answers:

Downloading Hinge so that I could find someone like you.
Sending you a like even though you [insert something about their profile, like "don't like dogs" or "hate texting"].
Probably that one time I punched a shark. (That makes me sound tough, right?)
Asking my mom to stop at McDonald's on the way back from middle school.

"Typical Sunday"

If you spend your weekends pursuing your many hobbies, you should definitely write that here. Whether it's volunteering at a cat shelter, going to the gym, birdwatching in the park, or thrifting, this is a perfect window into who you are. If you're struggling to come up with responses, here are some Hinge-prompt answers for this one:

Going to brunch, finding the bottom of the bottomless mimosas, and regretting it on Monday.
Battling the Sunday scaries (and doing laundry).
Doing seven days' worth of self-care in one day. Would you like to do a face mask together?
Making a list of healthy groceries, buying said healthy groceries, and then getting home and realizing I now have no snacks because I only want Hot Cheetos.
Telling my grandma that I went to church.

"Together We Could . . ."

If you're someone who already knows exactly what you want in your relationship, this is the prompt to express it. Feel free to share niche interests, favorite movies you obsess over, or hobbies that you love to explore or would like to explore with a potential date. We've got some great Hinge-prompt answers for this one:

Rule the galaxy.
Stick together like velcro.
Race each other in Mario Kart.
Be like when oxygen and magnesium get together . . . because people will be saying OMg.

- Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews

Olivia Luppino was a Popsugar contributor and former senior at Wesleyan University where she studied social sciences and writing.

How to Preserve Your Spiritual Energy During Sex

Jasmin (Esoteric Esa) Alejandrez-Prasad — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:01 -0700

As a whole, our society has become pretty good at becoming energetically aware and emotionally accountable. We have learned how to balance protecting our energy - but what we're not often taught is how being spiritually and energetically responsible can also lead to better sex.

If we're taking this intentional approach to our lifestyles and interpersonal dynamics, then it makes sense that the next phase of this conscious mindset would be rolled out into our sex life, right? This has us asking: why aren't we talking about spiritually responsible energy approaches when it comes to high-vibrational sex?

From ancient erotic Indian studies such as the Kama Sutra (which means "principles of love") to the known fact that sexuality has been shamed within Latine cultures by colonized religion, it's apparent that sex holds tremendous power as a vessel of creation in more ways than one. This knowledge is either embraced or shunned, depending on the culture. But the art of sex can be an energetically powerful and beautiful experience under the universal law of cause and effect, as told by Hermetic philosophy.

Here are several ways to think about the role of spiritual energy during sex - and how to preserve your own - courtesy of everything I've learned as a spiritual mentor.

How Your Sexual Partner Influences Your Energy

Regardless of your gender or sexual preference, the energy transfer that occurs within a sex act is boundless. Consider the next time you have sex to be a sacred ritual you're performing, whether alone or with another. This is what makes sex magic sex magic. Sex influences our energy, takes from our energy, and adds to the energy of another. Adding intention and knowing when your energy is in a healthy and elevated state can create a better sexual experience for all involved.

How Sex Can Affect Your Energy Positively

Think of your next lovemaking session like a teleportation portal where everything wonderful - emotionally and spiritually - is being vacuumed back and forth while you share this sensual moment of pleasure. Keep in mind: if you're in your head too much or unable to relax because you have tons going on, this is going to influence your ability to climax.

If you're able to energetically connect with your partner right off the bat and get the pleasure vibes going, this is not only an indication of reciprocated trust between you both, but an identifier that you and your partner are on the same wavelength spiritually. Reaching orgasms together speaks to steamy compatibility.

After a great tantric sexcapade, you might encounter feelings of elation, heightened creativity, or being in your power. This occurs when you and your partner approach the sacred ritual from a place of mutually wanting to spiritually give to one another. Sometimes it can even result in one of you manifesting a promotion or new opportunity from a mutually fulfilling experience.

How Sex Can Affect Your Energy Negatively

Have you ever felt low or emotionally off after a sexual encounter and weren't quite sure why? Sometimes we want to chase a high or seek out a rewarding experience to replace a void or maybe refill our confidence, and this can be a way of masking.

Being completely transparent about this emotional state with someone you sexually trust is an important conversation to have; they should be aware of the energy transfer they'll receive from your end. When one partner has a low frequency in the bedroom, this can deplete the other person afterward. If you're aware that your partner is spiritually undergoing a challenging time in their life, it can manifest in you feeling spiritually depleted and emotionally low, too. If you are bringing pessimistic energy that might've lingered from a crappy day at work, this can attach to your lover, and they might walk away feeling easily irritated hours later for the remainder of their day.

Now let's get into practical spiritual methods you can start adapting into your sacred sex practice to keep your energy refined and protected.

Do a Sage or Palo Santo Cleansing

If you're ready to be devoured sensually, try working with the uplifting and pleasing scent of palo santo. Palo santo is used primarily for ceremonial purposes to help set the energetic space by cleansing it and resetting the energy of the space. It can also be used to sweep over your aura to ground your energy and remove impurities in your auric field. I have a presex ritual along with sex aftercare rituals that include palo santo that I highly recommend.

Try doing a solo or partner intention-setting meditation before engaging in sex. It doesn't have to be a long meditation; it can simply be you both smudging one another with palo santo to begin casting a spiritual experience together, using the sacred smoke of the holy wood to intentionally clear low energies from the day.

If you prefer sage, you can find this sacred dried plant easily in many spiritual shops. It can be used beforehand to do a limpia (energy cleanse) of the space you're about to get freaky in. You can spiritually cleanse your home, room, or vehicle using sage before heading to your next booty call. If you're hosting your booty call, smudging your space with sage is a great way to set the tone for an environment that feels welcoming of sexploration.

Burn a Candle

Candles are romantic and set the mood. They can also bring in protective forces, thanks to their flame. Fire in the elemental realm creates a wall of protection, which can help block out unwanted interruptions during your next hookup. Incorporating a dedicated candle before your hookup session doesn't necessarily make it a love spell. Remember, it's all about intention.

Buying a pink or red candle dedicated to your sex encounters is a magical way to work with intentional manifesting through the use of the fire element. You can bring your partner in on this routine if you'd like, or perform it solo. Lighting a dedicated candle before and keeping it lit during sex is a great way to hold the power of fire and ask for its assistance in creating a sexy, hot, and passionate experience.

Afterward, you and your lover can go to the lit candle and send any wishes you want to manifest together through the amazing sex magic you just performed by releasing it into the flame. You can also perform sex aftercare by asking the flame to cleanse both of your energies - do this by staring into the flame and visualizing the process. Let the flame help you go into a self-induced daydream state.

Conclude by asking the flame to clear, reset, and close your auric energy. Move the candle in front of your body in the symbol of the cross, starting from head to toe and then from left to right. Be careful not to burn yourself or drip hot wax. You can do this alone if they're not into it.

Have a Crystal Nearby to Help You Manifest

A great way to get your yoni ready to manifest spiritual sex is by working with yoni crystal eggs. You can wear the appropriate yoni crystal egg the night before to prep your sacred vulva and wear on the following day to release the sexual energy of your partner. This is a way of creating a full-circle crystal cleanse.

If yoni eggs aren't your thing, or you don't have a yoni and you're curious about how to use a crystal to help you manifest in the bedroom, we've got you! My recommended crystal for sex themes is red jasper. It's also a great stone to help with removing lingering energy from old sex partners or to help with sexual trauma.

Red jasper doesn't have to be placed inside your body. Place it on top of your sacral chakra - this is where your organs of procreation reside. Meditate with your red jasper before your intentional sex encounter. Visualize the red jasper stone opening your orange sacral chakra and energetically cleansing you. If you're operating at the spur of the moment and don't have time to perform this meditation, you can bring your red jasper with you and keep it nearby during the act.

Communicate Your Needs

Open communication usually results in making your next sex session a more positive environment. Only we know exactly what turns us on. And even if you're psychic, that doesn't make you or anyone a mind reader. So, let's embrace communicating your needs and setting healthy expectations. Talking through your dislikes and likes is a great thing to do before any sexual encounter.

Some folks get off on dirty sex talk, and there's no shame in that. Kindly instruct and lead your partner not only through gentle touch but through sensual speech. Try adding affirmative sex talk in the bedroom to keep the momentum going. Who doesn't like to be told they're doing a phenomenal job at getting their partner sexually aroused?

Make Sure to Set Boundaries

Boundaries are a way to foster an intentional exchange that makes everyone comfortable and happy. Communicating what you don't feel too confident in sexually exploring helps engage your partner to better know how they can provide a safe space for you and vice versa. Casual sex can be with someone you've recently met or known for a significant amount of time, but that doesn't mean both parties involved understand or should assume the boundaries of another. Just like we emphasize healthy boundaries with family and friendship dynamics, the same can be applied to your next FWB. Doing this creates a transparent and straightforward way of understanding how to keep respect and playfulness mutually aligned.

How to Energetically Cleanse Yourself After Sex

Whether you are engaged in sex with a longtime partner or a new booty call, it's highly encouraged to energetically cleanse yourself afterward to keep the integrity of your energy. This energy exchange can influence you regardless of how familiar you are with your partner. Taking a shower or bath afterward is one of the best ways to cleanse yourself. In magic, water is often used to cleanse. You don't have to rush home to do this or spend too much time soaking in a bath. I recommend adding one cup of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to your bath or using a purifying body scrub for a practical meditation shower.

Recite: "I release what is not of my own. I call back my power I unconsciously gave away." Do this repeatedly until you're done with your salt scrub or bath. You can then visualize the water replenishing your aura and washing away others' energy.

The day after sex with a partner can also activate emotional and spiritual revelations. Checking in with how you feel the following morning is a great way to tune into the experience and see if you want to keep re-creating these experiences or not, or if there's potential for improvement.

Esoteric Esa is a writer, astrologer, and expert in the esoteric fields. She's contributed to HipLatina, Mitú, and Cosmopolitan. Her work focuses on eliminating misconceptions around taboo subjects in Latine spirituality such as astrology, brujería, and decoloniality.

Are You Unknowingly Dating an AI Chatbot?

Taylor Andrews — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:45:02 -0700

When Kayla's* partner of eight months sent her a "happy birthday" text, it didn't take long for her to figure out that he had used AI to craft the message. "It was filled with words and expressions he doesn't usually use," she tells Popsugar.

She scanned the text message using ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI, and the service confirmed that 100 percent of the text had been written by AI. "I didn't even want to reply to him," she says.

Though Kayla, 30, didn't address the discovery with her partner at the time, she suspected it wasn't the first time he had used AI to communicate with her. "One time, I had asked him to give me some space, and he sent me a very long, very well-written text," she says. The text included a "wide vocabulary" outside of his normal vernacular, which is what ultimately tipped her off.

When they later discussed more of their communication problems over text, she asked him to respond without using ChatGPT. "I hope you can respond to this without using ChatGPT because I always know when you use it," she said at the time. However, he never acknowledged it.

Kayla isn't the only person in the world suddenly receiving surprisingly poetic paragraphs from their partners. According to Match's recent Singles in America study, 26 percent of people are using AI in dating. On a more granular level, a different study published by Wingmate found that 38 percent of their participants use AI to "resolve conflicts or craft delicate responses in tense situations," and 34 percent seek dating advice directly from AI.

Clearly, these numbers point to the growing trend that people aren't clinging to their group chats anymore for dating advice. Instead, it's all about their AI companions. But at what point does leaning on AI while dating, or in a relationship, feel disingenuous?

Experts Featured in This Article

Amanda Gesselman, PhD, is a psychologist, research scientist at The Kinsey Institute, and Match's director of sex and relationship science.

How AI Is Impacting Your Relationships

AI tools have become increasingly more accessible, and it's understandable that people are discovering new ways to use them as a resource. On dating apps, for example, many singles are using AI to come up with their dating app bios, Hinge prompt answers, and opening lines to matches. "Our data shows that people who use AI in this way often feel that online dating is easier, more efficient, and leads to better matches," Amanda Gesselman, PhD, director of sex and relationship science at Match, says.

For example, Tiffany*, 32, tells PS she's used AI to help craft messages "in a way that increases the chances of getting a response." She's also asked AI if something she's written "comes across as desperate."

But AI isn't only popular for singles on dating apps: Like Kayla's partner, many people in relationships are also relying on it. Riley*, 35, tells PS she mostly uses AI to work through arguments with her partner of two and a half years: "Typically, I'll explain to ChatGPT what happened, and then talk about what feelings are coming up for me. From there, we'll decode how I'm feeling and talk through each emotion."

Riley adds, "After that, I usually ask ChatGPT to tell me what my boyfriend is likely experiencing from his perspective, and then we work together to come up with a response that honors my parts while still taking into consideration my boyfriend's parts and his experience."

Riley notes, however, that this pseudo-couples-therapy method isn't always foolproof: "Sometimes I find that ChatGPT is a little too on my side, but on those occasions, I just ask that it respond in an unbiased way."

When your partner starts questioning who they're really texting, the damage might already be done.

Then there's Sarah*, 27, who used AI to craft a breakup text after deciding she didn't want to continue seeing someone she'd been on five dates with. "I told AI why I did not want to be with the guy and to create a gentle but firm message that I did not want to see him anymore. I wanted it to be clear but kind," she says. The result? "It was the most well-received breakup text I have experienced. AI kept it clear without over-explaining why I felt the need to end it."

Clearly, many people are benefitting from using AI in the dating world - including both singles and those in relationships. But when AI is doing the texting for you, it can be hard to know whether you're showing up as your real authentic self or just an emotionless computer version.

That was ultimately the issue for Kayla, as being on the receiving end of AI-generated messages led to her breakup with her partner. "When I was thinking about all the reasons why I was sure he was not the one for me, these messages came to mind," she says. For her, it felt odd and careless. "I don't think it's OK to use it to interact with your partner."

Dr. Gesselman agrees: "If people are using AI as a replacement for real dialogue or to avoid emotional discomfort, it might keep them from developing the skills they need to build strong relationships." On the other hand, she adds, "If AI is helping people clarify thoughts or prepare for a tough conversation, that could be teaching them how to communicate with partners."

Ultimately, tools like ChatGPT can be helpful when you're overwhelmed, struggling to find the right words, or trying to start up a conversation on a dating app. Sometimes, you do need help softening a message or seeing things from another perspective, and AI may be able to offer that. But it's one thing to use AI as a resource and another to let it completely overtake your voice - especially if your "happy birthday" text includes too much therapy speak or one too many em dashes. And when your partner starts questioning who they're really texting, the damage might already be done.

*Names have been changed.

Let's Investigate: Are Mama's Boys Marriage Material?

Taylor Andrews — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:50:02 -0700

Travis Kelce has made being a mama's boy cool again. But prior to that, many people considered that mother-son closeness to be the ultimate dating ick. After all, mama's boys are best known for lacking boundaries, weaponizing incompetence, and not knowing when it's time to latch off of their mother's breasts, so to speak.

But the good thing about mama's boys is that they're not all "goo goo ga ga" for the women that birthed them: Fortunately, there is a breed of mama's boys out there who not only love and respect their mothers, but are also capable of doing their laundry, throwing their trash away, and buying groceries, too. (They just may not all look like Kelce, unfortunately.)

With both pros and cons to consider, though, many people still question the debate: Are mama's boys actually dateable? With the help of relationship expert Nicole Moore, let's discuss why they're absolutely marriage material.

Experts Featured in This Article

Nicole Moore is a relationship therapist and founder of the "Love Works Method," a program that has helped people find lasting love fast.

What Is a Mama's Boy?

A mama's boy is a term used to describe a man who is very close to his mom, and perhaps easily influenced by her, as well. Though there are many different positive and negative connotations to the term, a mama's boy is most often seen in a negative light. Of course, it's not a bad thing to be close to your mother, but a mama's boy tends to take it a step too far - often leaning on her for support or to make decisions for him when he's a functioning adult.

Are Mama's Boys Actually Marriage Material?

If you're talking to a man who simply loves his mother but also has healthy boundaries with her, you should hold this mama's boy tighter than the childhood blanket he may cling to at night. Moore tells Popsugar that dating this kind of mama's boy has its perks. "They are often inherently family-focused men, which is a plus if you're a woman who wants to start a family with a romantic partner," she says. "They also respect women since they have an immense amount of respect for their mother, and some are truly in touch, in a good way, with their feminine side."

In other words, if words of affirmation is your love language, these mama's boys have the ability to express their emotions more openly and confidently. (Perhaps with some sensual dirty talk as well?)

"You might quite literally end up feeling like you're dealing with a man-child who doesn't want to disappoint his mommy."

On the opposite side of the spectrum, though, are the ones with codependent relationships with their mothers. According to Moore, these are the men who can't do anything without their mother's help and are often "easily influenced" by their mother. They may also share too many intimate details about the relationship with their mother. In these cases, these mama's boys will often put their mother first over you. "You might end up feeling like you're dealing with a man-child who doesn't want to disappoint his mommy or step away from her at all," Moore says.

They may also expect you to take on the caretaker role. "They may project the mother role onto you and expect you to cater to them like their mother does," Moore says. "If your mama's boy partner hasn't learned basic adult skills because his mother has been taking care of everything for him, he may be mega resistant to learning those skills now."

Sure, these mama's boys may be tolerable, but trust me when I say your vagina will lack lubrication any time your partner asks his mom for permission to travel out of the state with you. If this is a no for you - and, let me be clear, it should be a no for you - Moore has some additional tips you can keep in mind when dating this type of mama's boy.

Tips for Being With a Mama's Boy

Yes, it is possible to have a healthy relationship with a mama's boy, but it starts by setting boundaries early on in a relationship, Moore says.

Just know that your partner's mom or partner may interpret your requests for boundaries as an attempt to alienate him from his mother. For this reason, Moore recommends you "preface any conversation about boundaries by first letting a mama's boy know that you aren't trying to make him turn on his mother, but you're simply trying to protect the sacredness of your romantic relationship with him."

According to Moore, here's a script you can use: "I really respect that you love and care about your mother so much, and I don't want to do anything to diminish that relationship. But I do feel like you sometimes prioritize your mother over our relationship. I want to feel fully chosen and like you are giving your full self to me because I'm giving my full self to you. Would it be possible for you to XYZ?" The "XYZ" here may be a request for uninterrupted quality time or for greater boundaries in the sharing of intimate details with the overbearing mother in question.

It may also be helpful to practice empathy when dating a mama's boy. "Mama's boys are often terrified of hurting, disappointing, or losing their close connection with their mother, so just be aware that although your requests for boundaries or changes are very logical, they might have to be processed first by your partner's primitive emotional mind before he comes around to the logic side," Moore says. "If you can understand that your partner is afraid to make these changes on some level, it can help you be more patient with him instead of expecting him to change immediately."

That said, if you've repeatedly asked your partner to set boundaries with their mother and they refuse to, dating a mama's boy may not be for you. And if coddling your partner's ego or feelings is the easiest way to kill your libido, again, this may not be for you. Because let's be clear: No one should feel like they're the third wheel in their relationship - especially not when it's you, your partner, and their mom.

Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more.

Kesha Started Using Dating Apps to Manage Her Complex PTSD

Emma Glassman-Hughes — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:45:02 -0700

While everyone else complains about swiping fatigue, this pop diva actually finds dating apps to be therapeutic. Kesha, who was recently diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) after a very public battle for sexual and artistic autonomy, started using the dating app Feeld as more than just a means to a hookup, but as a healing modality.

At first, the singer, who now has a partnership with Feeld, wasn't actually looking for sex. She was looking for someone to engage in a form of co-regulation with her - "where someone holds you and it's not sexual at all, it's just physical touch," she tells Popsugar. It was a rather unorthodox approach to the apps, but then again, Feeld markets itself as the app for the most unorthodox among us.

"I am not totally accustomed to online dating. It's something I find just spiritually as a concept to be weird," Kesha says. "Except then I started to realize the internet is the great connector, it's like an expander in terms of being able to find someone that matches up with your likes and interests." So she asked herself: why did every connection on the app have to be sexual?

"The liberation to feel pleasure is something I had to fight for."

"I started realizing that in the digital age there's far less people being able to reach the point of just receiving physical touch from others," she says, even though "it's one of the most healing things" that we can do for one another. She hopes to continue using the app to explore co-regulation with new people. "I'm practicing the ability to be held by someone that [I] feel safe with," she says. "So the Feeld sponsorship came from a really spiritual place actually."

Now, two years out from her legal battle with former producer Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald (professionally known as Dr. Luke), whom she accused of sexual and emotional abuse, Kesha has begun to disentangle her authentic sexuality from her years of internalized shame. She's turned it all into art, of course, launching her album, ". (PERIOD)" - the first on her independent record label, Kesha Records - and embarking on the Tits Out world tour, where she's flaunting her newfound sexual liberation at every stop.

"I named the tour Tits Out because for 15 years people have been commenting on my body as a public figure and I started to internalize those comments," she says. "Some random person on the internet can say something weird about my body and that becomes the word of god. I wanted freedom from those judgments as well."

Courtesy of FEELD.

She says she's worked hard to get to a place where she feels free enough to explore her sexuality so openly. "Once you've been through what I've been through, there's a lot of confusing energies around pleasure and sexuality. Especially having gone through what I've gone through so publicly," she says. "It really affected my sex drive, being in such a high stress situation for so long. It was not a sexually liberated period of time in my life."

But just because she's open to nonsexual connections doesn't mean Kesha's Feeld profile isn't kinky as hell. In the "Desires" section, she lists "being dominant" and "kink" alongside "cuddling" and "exploration." Her bio proclaims that she's a "femme dom top looking for partners that wanna create a safe place to play" - and that she's not stingy with the feet pics. Finally, she identifies herself as omnisexual, a choice that reflects the fluidity of her queerness.

"Throughout my life, people have tried to define me but I'm pretty undefinable," she says. "I'm attracted to all people. It might make other people more comfortable to put me in a box, but I'm not gonna put myself in a box. The liberation to feel pleasure is something I had to fight for. So why limit the possibilities of what I'm looking for?"

After all, you never know where you'll find your next sub, dom, or platonic co-regulation cuddle buddy.

Miley Cyrus's 14K Gold Engagement Ring Is a Lot of Bling For 1 Finger

Kyley Warren — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:05:01 -0700

Shopping for an engagement ring is no easy feat - especially if you're looking for something on a budget. Weddings are notoriously expensive occasions, and by the time you start budgeting for the honeymoon, reception, and let's be real, open bar, you might feel more inclined to keep your engagement ring-spending within reason.

Fortunately, online shopping has made it easier than ever to source affordable engagement rings that fall well within your price preferences - and all without skimping on style. With the help of ring retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Amazon, and more, our shopping experts have discovered affordable engagement rings that mirror the style of some of the biggest stars. They even found one inspired by Miley Cyrus's engagement ring from musician Max Maxx Morando, whose recent engagement has made waves since the pair hit the red carpet premiere of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" on December 1.

Whether you're in the market for a diamond engagement ring to commemorate your longterm partnership, or are inspired by the stars, we've curated a guide to the best options - without the hefty price tag. All of our bridal jewelry selects cost less than $2,000 (yep, you actually read that right) but look just as elegant and timeless as a designer piece. Keep reading to shop our top picks and find your match.