We all know how hard the holidays are on your mental health. Seriously, YIKES. Mental health issues sometimes reach their all-time high this season, which means the reality for a lot of us is…the happiest time of the year can be the hardest time of the year.

And yet for others, there’s plenty of joy to go around. So, why not spread that cheer? Giving gifts is great for promoting mental health, both for yourself and your loved ones. It’s a fun way to show you care and you’re there for them. Even better—you can give gifts for mental health, whether by supporting mental health awareness or by giving back to charities with every purchase! 

With that in mind, we’re sharing a round-up of gift ideas that support mental health for you and allllll your besties! And we’re not talking about your typical adult coloring book or eye masks, although we love a good coloring book ;)). Let’s dive right in, shall we?

23 Gifts That Support Mental Health 

Mental Health Gifts For Her

Crayola Flowers

No list of mental health or self-care gifts is complete without Crayola Flowers. Crayola Flowers partners with growers to bring you beautiful bouquets, the perfect gift for almost any special occasion. With 10% of the purchase price going to support their variety of partners, including the Wounded Warrior Project, this gift supports mental health for veterans who return from service wounded and beyond! 

Your Angels Are Always With You Mug

A great reminder that you’re never alone—we all need one sometimes!

This purchase supports The Balanced Blonde // Soul on Fire podcast, which is all about the health benefits of focusing on healing and wellness. Listen to the Life Changing Episode To Heal Anxiety Once & For All with The Anxiety MD Dr. Russell Kennedy to get a taste of what Jordan Younger (the host) is doing to spread mental health support!

You Got This Bracelet

How about this beautiful reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you got this!! We adore this handcrafted bracelet with neutral colors because you can wear it with literally anything.

Even better, Little Words Project donates 1% of every order to the nonprofit of your choosing!

Cup of Té Luxe Gold Starter Kit

Nothing says relaxation like a warm cup of tea, and nothing says luxury like this luxe gold tea gift box! This is a great gift for your tea-loving friends. Choose from an array of teas to include in the starter kit.

Better yet, this gift gives back! $1 from every starter kit purchased goes to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital.

Note To Self: 222 Tee

Manifesting mantras can be crucial to mental health—they keep us focused on how we want life to be, and allow us to recognize when life is going well!

This purchase supports The Balanced Blonde // Soul on Fire podcast.

Mantraband “How Beautiful” Cuff

Speaking of mantras, this one’s a great one for your loved ones to keep in mind—true beauty is self-love. Plus, $5 from each How Beautiful CharityBand is donated to the Jed Foundation. 

Breathe Candle for Good

We are lavender lovers over here! No scent packs as much punch when it comes to self-care. Known for relaxing and soothing anxiety, this lavender candle will have you “ooh”-ing and “ahh”-ing as you relax.

This candle supports the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

Set Your Boundaries Card

This card is a great holiday reminder to Set. Your. Boundaries. This holiday season! If a question makes you feel uncomfy, you do NOT have to answer it, girl! Reduce anxiety by going into the holidays KNOWING what you are willing to tolerate—and what you’re not.

Please Don’t Ask Crew

Going along with holiday boundaries, this sweatshirt is a great way to set your intentions this holiday season. 

This crew supports The Bad Broadcast, which reminds you it’s okay to hate on things (as long as it isn’t EVERYTHING) and makes listeners feel less alone. Plus, Madi Murphy is ALL about boundaries, which are soooooo crucial to mental health. 

To Write Love On Her Arms Subscription Box

Need a gift that keeps on giving, and giving, and giving? One of the best mental health box subscriptions, this t-shirt subscription box is the one for the job! Each box contains a surprise tee with a mental health slogan, an 8 x 10 print, a surprise accessory, and a monthly message of hope. 

Proceeds from this box support the To Write Love On Her Arms movement, which works to provide mental health resources and destigmatize mental illness.

Holiday Self-Care Card

This holiday self-care card is a great reminder to your besties on how to take care of themselves. We know it’s hard to remember and feel motivated once it starts getting dark outside so much!

This card supports Real Pod, a self-help and wellness podcast that advocates for mental health and body image.

Philosophy Products

We love a self-care duo—a self-care gift for you with a great bath product, and mental health care for the world at large!

Philosophy donates 1% of sales from their products to the Hope & Grace fund to address mental health issues.

Hope Night Eau de Parfum Purse Spray

Smell good, feel good—that’s what we always say! Plus, this perfume (and everything else from Hope Fragrances) gives back in a MAJOR way. ALL proceeds from Hope Fragrances go to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, which funds advanced research on depression. 

Be Kind To Your Mind Tote Bag

This fun tote reminds you that you that sometimes we’re our own harshest critic. Give yourself a break and be kind to your mind, babe! It supports Real Pod, a self-help and wellness podcast that advocates for mental health and body image.

Need an episode to listen to like, yesterday? Here’s one for ya on How She Overcame Her Mental Health Battles & Started Living Life to the Fullest.

Marcella Mental Health Candle

This scented candle has a blend of essential oils that is SO refreshing, it might just help you put on a new mindset! But even if it’s just a delicious scent, it still gives back—10% of proceeds go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. LOVE!

Have A Good Cry Mug

Sometimes, what you really need is a good cry. Crying is a great tool to process your emotions. But crying can be stigmatized, so we all need that reminder that it’s okay to not be okay. Support The Bad Broadcast with your purchase!

Does that cry seem to last forever? It may be one of the signs you need a mental health day. Take time for yourself, GF!!

Feeling Feelings Cards

When you need a reminder that you are worthy…turn to affirmation cards! These cards are the perfect gift for a friend or family member who always forgets what she means to the world. Plus, 50% of proceeds go to The Loveland Foundation, which is committed to community and mental health, especially for Black women and girls. 

Wanna give directly? Give money to The Therapy Fund, for those who cannot afford those crazy medical bills on their own.

Rare Beauty Comfy Hoodie

1% of proceeds of all products from Selena Gomez’s brand, Rare Beauty, go back to the Rare Impact Fund, which works to destigmatize mental health and provide people with resources.

Conscious Step Mental Health Gift Box

These beautiful socks support mental health by donating $3 per purchase to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Mental Health Gifts For Him

Support Mental Health Hooded Sweatshirt

Each sweatshirt donates $5 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness to destigmatize mental health issues. Plus, they’re mega-soft!

Doughp Bestseller Pack

If your man’s got a sweet tooth, this is a delicious gift idea for you. This cookie dough is safe to eat raw AND a portion of the proceeds goes to SHE RECOVERS Foundation.

Awareness Coffee Co.

Know someone who can’t wake up without that cup of coffee in the morning? Now, everyone’s coffee can give back! With 50% of proceeds going to organizations like the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, Active Minds, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, this coffee is sure to pack a punch!

USA Lacrosse Mental Health Awareness Sweatshirt

Big lacrosse fan in your life? They’re about to be an even bigger fan! This mental health sweatshirt that says, “we can stick it out together” brings awareness to mental health issues and is super comfy.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this sweatshirt will go to the Center for Sports Science & Safety to fund research and outreach efforts.

What are you picking up for your faves this year?

You know they deserve the best gifts. And they’ll be pumped to find out their gifts help more than just them!

But what helps our besties best is knowing they’re not alone. That’s why we encourage you to share with them some of the best mental health podcasts, so they can hear real people talking about issues they face. 

Don’t know where to start? We are loving this episode of Transform, OR this episode of Let’s Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari!

Are you guys ready for a good ol’ fashioned whodunnit? “Bone, Marry, Bury” – a play off of F*ck, Marry, Kill – is a new, one-of-a-kind romantic comedy, murder mystery fiction podcast that is going to change the whole podcasting game entirely! We all know that podcasting has literally exploded in popularity and, now, there are toooons of topics and shows to choose from…but, none quite like this one!

From Dear Media, a female-forward producing company, and RomComPods comes an R-rated, female-driven, campy, murder fiction podcast that you don’t want to miss! Staring Sarah Hyland and Harvey Guillén, “Bone, Marry, Bury” is a murder mystery series that’s going to have you laughing out loud, spitting out your tea, and saying “Oh no she didn’t!”

Bone, Marry, Bury: The New Murder Mystery Fiction Podcast

Before we dive head-first into the plot and introduce our main characters, let’s take a behind the scenes look at “Bone, Marry, Bury”, the new murder mystery fiction podcast on the block. This reverse whodunnit buddy rom-comedy is produced by Dear Media in partnership with executive producers, creators, writers, and directors from RomComPods. We can thank Becca Freeman and Rachael King of RomComPods, Sarah Hyland, Harvey Guillén, and Eliot Glazer for their major contributions to the creation of this super unique podcast. Okay, now to the good stuff!

“Bone, Marry, Bury” is alllll about the absolute worst year of Allie’s life. She was fired from her stupid waitressing job, dumped by a guy she was pity-f*cking, and evicted from her apartment. This is NOT how she thought life would look at 26. 2021 was the WORST. So, on New Year’s Eve, Allie heads to a party where she plans to get plastered and leave this mess of a year behind. 2022 is going to be her year, she can just feel it! Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not going to be her year. But, this party is still suuuuper important because Gabe — Allie’s best friend and our narrator — tells us that by the end of the month she will f*ck, marry, and kill three different people… and they’re all at this party. Are you ready to solve the mystery?

What To Expect In Each Bone, Marry, Bury Episode

The first episode of “Bone, Marry, Bury” is set to be released February 22, 2022 and new episodes will be released every Tuesday after. Mark your calendars now because you won’t want to miss a single second of this wild ride! And luckily for us, it looks like we don’t have to wait much longer to dive into this murder mystery mayhem. So, what can you expect from each “Bone, Marry, Bury” episode?

Each episode of  “Bone, Marry, Bury” is going to be between 15-30 minutes long, making it super easy to find time to check in with your favorite fictional characters. Every episode will include multiple characters, drama, flirtation, crime, comedy, and so much more! Some episodes will end with cliffhangers and some will include secrets and clues that leave you guessing at who the real bad guy is. So, let’s break down the first few episodes, shall we?

Episode 1 – ‘Meet the Players’

Airdate: 2/22/22

On New Year’s Eve, Allie heads to a party where she plans to get plastered and head into 2022 with a fresh start. Gabe — Allie’s best friend and our narrator — tells us that by the end of the month she will f*ck, marry, and kill three different people… and they’re all at this party.

Episode 2 – ‘Job Hunting and Bathroom F*cking’

Airdate: 3/1/22

Allie needs a new job but keeps bombing her interviews. Evan, the friendly bartender, suggests she could make some easy cash by selling pot. Gabe wants Allie out of the house so he can be alone with his new crush. Speaking of new crushes, Allie has a satisfying date with Luis from the New Year’s Party.

Episode 3 – ‘The Pickle Prince’

Airdate: 3/8/22

Turns out Allie is not a natural when it comes to dealing pot. So when Allie gets a booty call from Jesse, her ex-boyfriend (and artisanal dill pickle heir), she caves. But after some ecstasy with her ex, things take a shocking turn…

Episode 4 – ‘Panic Button’

Airdate: 3/15/22

Allie calls Gabe in a panic and like a true best friend, he swoops in to clean up her mess. Things might actually be starting to look up for Allie. She sells her pot stash and scores a second date with Luis. Only to find out that her and Gabe’s cover up might not have been quite as expertly executed as they thought.

Episode 5 – ‘Liz Taylor 101’

Airdate: 3/22/22

Allie accidentally shows Luis her cards and needs to make a quick getaway. But Luis — while cute — is no idiot, and pushes Allie to explain her behavior. But just as she makes her way out of one mess, Gabe gets a call from Nashville Police…

Episode 6 – ‘Shotgun Wedding’

Airdate: 3/29/22

With the police calling and no money to escape, Allie and Gabe have to make a plan. And thanks to Allie’s crime documentary addiction, they actually manage to come up with a harebrained idea that might just save them.

Episode 7 – ‘Epilogue: A Deadly Divorce’

Airdate: 4/5/22

Allie and Gabe are headed to court! But of course, they’re going to settle their troubles in the most dramatic way possible. Things are once again looking up for Allie. But her ride off into the sunset is derailed when she gets a frantic call from Gabe who is standing over something, or someone that looks an awful lot like a corpse…

Meet The Main Characters

Sarah Hyland as Allie:

Meet Allie – She’s Gabe’s BFF and she never turns down a shot of cheap tequila or bowl of Honkytonk potato salad. She calls herself a “beautiful tropical fish” to hype herself up. And BTW she’s an expert flip cup player (aka “the flipper”). Allie prides herself on her “hot ankle” and she’s totally turned on by Top Chef, specifically Tom Colicchio. She handles stressful situations with a joke. She’s a terrible novice pot dealer (but an enthusiastic pot smoker). Og and she’s the “lovable troublemaker” of this dynamic duo. Ultimately loyal, but not necessarily the most self-aware, Allie is always digging herself into a deeper hole for Gabe to help her out of. You’re going to love following Allie through this hilarious rom-com series.

Allie is played by the one-and-only Sarah Hyland. You might recognize Sarah, or should I say her voice, since we’re podcasting here, from all 11 seasons of Modern Family, Geek Charming, or The Wedding Year. Sarah has a fun and charismatic voice and a super upbeat personality. Making her the perfect person to play the messy and dramatic character we call Allie.

Harvey Guillén as Gabe:

Gabe is a fiercely loyal best friend to Allie and throughout the series, he will keep us updated on allllll her misfortunes. Gabe is an amateur drag queen who specializes in Dolly Parton and he’s currently crushing on his local barista, Corey. He’s totally obsessed with Golden Girls (and has the wig to prove it), playful, creative, and witty. He is what you’d call the “ideas guy” of the duo and he’s always bailing Allie out of her sticky situations.

Gabe is voiced by Harvey Guillén, well-known actor and comedian. You might know Harvey from What we do in the Shadows, the hilarious comedy Werewolves Within, or you might recognize his voice from The Mickey Mouse Show! Guillén is a 2022 nominee for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. However, on top of acting, he also dabbles in producing and directing. Harvey’s lighthearted yet dramatic personality allows him to fully commit to the role of Gabe. And we’re totally here for it!

“Bone, Marry, Bury”: Your New Favorite Murder Mystery Podcast

It’s finally time to put down your true crime podcasts and stop YouTubing alll those crazy interviews with serial killers. “Bone, Marry, Bury” is here to stay. Once released, you’ll be able to listen to “Bone, Marry, Bury” on Dear Media, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, depending on your preference.

So, who’s truly responsible for this mysterious death? And who will Allie marry? Guess you’ll have to listen to see! If you love murder mysteries, then there is no doubt that this podcast is for you. At Dear Media, we’re so excited to dive into this new series and we hope you are too! Stay tuned for more information about episodes and releases! Plus be sure to come back and let us know what you thought about the first episode! Enjoy listening and talk soon!

Looking for love, but the idea of traditional dating makes you want to hide under the covers? Giiiirrlll, you’re not alone. As introverts, the mere thought of going to noisy bars or crowded events and initiating small talk can make us feel agitated, overwhelmed, and WAY outside of our comfort zone. 

But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. Online dating is here to rescue us shy queens.

These apps allow you to conveniently meet new people and find meaningful connections without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. And for introverts, this can be a total game-changer. 

All you have to do is swipe, chat, and see where the conversation leads. Easy peasy. 

However, not all dating platforms serve the same purpose. Some are perfect for extroverts who prefer instant meet-ups. But, what about the rest of us who like a little more depth and a lot less noise? 

Well, because we love you so much and want you to find the perfect match, we’re sharing our roundup of introvert-friendly dating apps to help you find love from the comfort of your couch. 

Get ready to swipe right and potentially find your boo!

Best Dating Apps For Introverts & Tips for Using Them

Dating platforms allow you to set up a profile with photos, some info about yourself, your hobbies, or what you’re looking for. Then, you can swipe or browse other users and hopefully start a conversation if you both have mutual interests and attractions. It’s very simple. 

When choosing an introvert-friendly app, look for features that help you feel comfortable and cater to your specific needs. So, you should consider apps that:

Have a large user base. 

The bigger the pool, the better your chances of finding your perfect match. The more users the app has, the wider variety of potential partners you get to choose from. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up with boring Gary from next door because the app has a small pool of people. So, go for apps with thousands of active users to increase your chances of meeting someone.

Limit swiping madness.

No matter how eager you are to find a match, constantly having to choose “yes” or “no” on dozens of profiles can literally drain you. That’s why some of these apps actually make sure you have mutual matches before anyone can slide into your DMs. Some other apps only show you a set number of potentials each day that their algorithm thinks you’d match with. 

Provide the best value for you in terms of cost.

While some apps are free, others offer premium features that might actually be worth the investment. So, even though love shouldn’t cost a thing it can actually help you find what you’re looking for! Look at the features and figure out which app will give you the best bang for your buck (and support your introvert lifestyle)! 

Have a thorough algorithm for selecting matches.

We don’t want to waste valuable time sifting through a million lame-ass profiles when “the one” could be out there waiting. So, research the algorithm a little bit and see how it matches people! Some apps will ask a lot of deep and personal questions while signing up to ensure they pair you with a suitable match. But, not all of us introverts are down for revealing such intimate details. No worries! Other apps have a shorter sign-up process. They just analyze your swiping habits and interests to send you the cream of the crop. 

Is Online Dating Good For Introverts?

Abso-friggin-lutely!!! For us introverts, online dating is like a breath of fresh air. It can be exhausting hitting up noisy bars or large gatherings just to meet people. And don’t even get me started on trying to spark chemistry or make friends while battling social anxiety or awkward small talk. 

NO THANKS!

With dating apps, you get to meet hotties from the comfort of your home. You can take your time perfecting your messages, reducing your anxiety, and avoiding awkward silences there’s no pressure! You also get to sniff out any red flags from afar. No more accidentally ending up on a date with some rando who exhibits signs of a narcissist. 

Online, you can quiz your matches on their views and values before ever laying eyes on them. You can even listen to the episode of House Guest titled Dating Anxiety, First Date Etiquette, Break Up Advice, Friends with Benefits, Dos and Don’t of Dating Apps to help you prepare for that first meetup with your prospect. 

7 Best Dating Apps For Introverts

Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is like the cozy coffee shop of the dating app world, perfect for those of us who prefer a calm, introvert-friendly atmosphere. Their selective approach shows they understand the need for introverts to feel protected and calm. 

So, instead of bombarding you with a million prospects (aka “Bagels”) per day, the app only sends a small curated roster of hotties for you to browse every day, which refreshes every 24 hours. Think of it as a sort of game since you’ll only have a limited amount of time to match with someone.

You can make matches by swiping on those who have liked your profile or prospects suggested for you by the algorithm. You can also filter your Bagels based on religion, ethnicity, age, education level, and distance.

We love that over 90% of the users are there for more than a casual fling. As somewhat not-commital introverts, this helps us feel at ease heading into that first date! 

Setting up your profile is easy as pie. Since the app doesn’t have a bio section, you simply fill out your details and answer a few questions, and you’re game. 

Bumble

Siri, play me “Run The World (Girls)” by Beyonce, because we just LOOOOVE an app that caters specifically to us women. And, women definitely run the world on the Bumble app. 

This app is PERFECT for us introverted girlies who want to make the first move but are too shy to do so. And, what’s more? It’s free to use no subscription fees attached. Count us in ASAP! 

So, here’s the thing about Bumble: only women can send the first message. How liberating is that? You can sit like a queen on your throne and thoughtfully consider your matches before deciding who’s worthy of your time. 

The app also gives you potential partners one at a time, which is just peachy for us introverts, so we won’t get overwhelmed. However, you only have 24 hours to send a message; otherwise, you’d be unmatched. 

Signing up is also just as easy. Simply create your profile with your bio and some beautiful photos, set your preferences, and start swiping! 

This app just keeps getting better. Because if you’re the type who gets nervous and goes blank when texting a potential match, Bumble provides prompts that you can use as conversation starters—goodbye awkward replies, hello potential boo! However, for some tips on improving your texting game, you can listen to Dating App Prompts, Anti-Ghost Texts, and What Matters When Sliding Into Dms by We Met at Acme. 

eHarmony

eHarmony is the dating app of every introvert’s DREEAAMMS. You should totally use this app if you’re looking for a serious relationship but don’t have hours to invest in swiping. Not only does it weed out many unserious people or time-wasters, but it also has a rigorous matching process. 

It does this through a comprehensive compatibility quiz during sign-up that helps match you with your perfect nerdy Nathan (if that’s your vibe). Although the quiz takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, you’ll be glad you did it when it results in the beautiful hunk of a man you made a genuine connection with.

We love that eHarmony focuses on deep compatibility by providing compatibility scores for every prospect. So you’ll spend more time connecting with potential partners rather than random dudes. However, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee to access most of these features, but it might be worth it! 

Elite Singles

Girls, don’t we just love an educated man? I mean, nothing makes a person more attractive than their brain. Can I get an AMEN?!

Elite Singles is where all the intelligent men and women are camping. So, if you’re an educated, career-oriented girly looking for someone who matches your ambition and lifestyle, set up shop on this app like yesterday. 

Elite Singles boasts of a highly educated user base, with 85% of members holding above-average education. It’s perfect for professional and educated women who want to find meaningful connections but are too busy to do so. 

It also offers intelligent matchmaking, using an algorithm to suggest 3-7 potential matches daily based on your preferences, location, and personality profile. This algorithm is constantly upgraded to provide you with the best matches. 

This app is perfect for us shy girls because rather than spending time aimlessly swiping, your in-depth personality test pairs you with matches who fit your requirements. This test, developed from the Big 5 personality types model, consists of 84 questions. It’s a great way to get right to the elites that fit your requirements!

Zoosk

Zoosk has hacked this online dating game by making it so chill and natural to put yourself out there. It brings a fun approach to finding love with its behavioral matchmaking technology. 

This approach allows you to shine without prodding a memoir out of you with LONG-ASS questionnaires. The app only requires you to fill out some basic information about yourself upon signing up, and its magic formula does the rest it provides you with an unlimited amount of potential boos to browse through. 

However, that’s the most you can do until you upload a picture and pay a subscription fee bummer! But, once you’ve paid, you can send and receive unlimited chats from your prospects. 

One feature we love about Zoosk is that it has a large pool of over 40 million members. So you’re more likely to connect with someone who checks all your boxes. Plus, we love their Smartpick feature that suggests matches based on your interests and the profiles you liked or disliked. 

We also love that they have a live streaming feature called Zoosk Live, which allows you to stream videos and view other people’s streams. This way, you get to see the faces behind the screen before you decide to meet them in person.

Now, here’s where it gets REEEALLLY interesting: Zoosk lets you make money by receiving virtual gifts from potential matches, which you can convert to real money. Talk about eating your cake and eating it too.

Hinge

Move aside Tinder. If you’re an introvert, you’re going to love Hinge. Best for singles in their late 20s or early 30s, Hinge makes it easy for even the most shy daters to connect with like-minded people and get the convo going. 

With the Hinge app, you can take advantage of on-profile prompts, photos, videos, audio clips, and sooo much more. You can like or respond to other people’s prompts, photos, and videos. Plus, since most introverts would rather not be slammed with loads of options, Hinge shows you one potential match at a time. This way, you can focus on each person without getting overwhelmed or confused.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!!! Let’s say you’re totally vibing with a match, but you’re still not ready to meet them in person. No worries! The Hinge app has video dating! You don’t even have to share your phone number!

Buuuut, our favorite feature, BY FAR, is “Hidden Words.” This handy tool gives you more control over your app experience by letting you filter out specific words and emojis (BYE eggplant emoji!) from both profiles AND messages. If there’s shit, that’s suuuper triggering for you, or things that just plain give you the ick, this feature is a life-saver! You could also wear this YGMTI shirt in your video call to send the message. 

Match

Match has been around for over 25 years, so it definitely knows a thing or two about online dating. We could call it the grandpa of dating apps. However, this OG has reinvented itself to keep up with the times, and boy, do they know how to cater to us shy girlies.

First, their detailed profiles remove all the pressure from small talk. You just answer some basic questions like your birthday, email, and gender. And then fun questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, interests, what you’re looking for in a potential boo, and all that good stuff. 

We all know that starting conversations can be a drag. So, to make it a bit more exciting and help you break the ice, you can include fun prompts or questions like “JLo, Beyonce, and Rihanna. Kiss, marry, kill?” No more awkward “hey” and “hello.”

One thing we absolutely love about this app is its match phone feature, which allows you to text or call your matches using phone numbers the app generates for you. This way, your actual phone number stays hidden. Honestly, we say it’s a win-win for us introverts. 

But, it doesn’t just stop there. If you’ve made a genuine connection and decide to meet your match in person, the app helps to conduct background checks so you don’t end up with a stalker or some creep.

Shy girls deserve love! (But from the comfort of our couches)

Being an introvert doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Everyone deserves love introvert or not. 

But, we know putting yourself out there in the dating world when you’re shy isn’t always easy. With these introvert-friendly apps and a little loving encouragement from us, your online besties, you’ll find your perfect match in no time.

With these apps, you can do things at your own pace swipe, like, and message only when you feel comfortable. And, if a match seems like too much too fast, don’t be afraid to ghost for a while. While taking a break, you can listen to How To Crush It On Dating Apps ft. Bre and Shelby from We Met at Acme to help you get your groove back.

Most importantly, remember to never settle for anything less. And, if you ever need more tips on dating, relationships, and everything in between, visit our Dear Media blog and listen to our STELLAR catalog of amazing podcasts! 

If you’re looking for a podcast that isn’t afraid to ‘go there’, you’ve come to the right place! We Met At Acme is about alllll those topics that most people are too afraid to talk about. From sex to relationhsips, podcast host Lindsey Metselaar, dives into social stigmas, cultural issues, millennial dating, and everything in between. We Met At Acme is one of those podcasts that alllll the millennials are listening to. And it is THE go-to dating podcast.

Metselaar created We Met At Acme back in 2017 and it’s been growing in popularity ever since. With over 200 episodes full of hilarious anecdotes, advice, and life tips, We Met At Acme has an episode for anyone and everyone. This podcast will bring you laughs, tears, inspiration, motivation, and so much more! Plus, it’s definitely one of the best podcasts for couples around today. So, without further adieu, let’s dive right into the 10 best episodes of We Met At Acme!

10 Best We Met At Acme Episodes

1. Don’t Call Her Daddy ft. Sofia Franklyn

In one of the most popular episodes of We Met At Acme, Lindsey sits down with Sofia Franklyn, previous podcast co-host of Call Her Daddy and current host Sofia with an F. Lindsey and Sofia talk about a wide range of topics including relationships, responding to negative comments, Zodiac charts, dating multiple people, and more!

2. What You Don’t See on Instagram with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

This week, Lindsey is joined by Melissa Wood-Tepperberg – certified yoga teacher and wellness-expert. Lindsey & Melissa take some time to catch up about life before discussing a multitude of topics. They dive into love at first sight, eating disorders, drinking, meditation, and the fear of being alone.

3. How To Be Happy Single When All Your Friends Are Married ft. Tinx

Get ready for a wild ride in this episode of We Met At Acme. In it, Lindsey sits down with Tinx to talk about literally everything. They dish about 69ing, what to do when all your friends are married, friendship, dating rules, awkward co-worker encounters, and the benefits of hyping up your friends!

4. Why Men Love Bitches and Why Men Marry Bitches

Sit down with Lindsey and Sherry Argov, the author of Why Men Love Bitches and Why Men Marry Bitches to talk allll about relationships. In this episode, Lindsey and Sherry get down to the nitty gritty of what it means to be a bitch, the dangers of sending nudes, first date etiquette, and playing “games” in your relationship. This episode is jam-packed with allll the answers to those burning relationship questions.

5. How Guys Think vs. How Girls Think

Sit down with Linsey in this solo episode all about friendships and the biggest do’s & don’ts about dating. You’ll hear all the best advice about breakups, arguing with your partner, how to choose men on dating apps, and how to maintain friendships throughout the different phases of life!

6. My Breakup, What Men Need To Fall In Love, And Why You Should Tell People You Like Them ft. Jonathon Aslay

Lindsey begins this top ranking episode by giving listeners an inside look at her breakup and sharing advice for those going through the same thing. Later in the episode, she’s joined by bestselling author and dating coach, Jonathon Aslay. Lindsey and Jonathon dish about men now vs. in their 40’s, shooting your shot, and why it’s important to NEVER make assumptions in relationships.

7. What Saying I Love You Means To A Guy ft. Lev Fer

Meet Lev Fer – comedian, Producer of Live at the Barbershop, and special guest of this episode of We Met At Acme. Lindsey and Lev Fer sit down to talk about a wiiiide range of relationship topics. They dish about meeting the parents, making out with and without tongue, saying ‘I love you’ first, how to approach attractive men in public, and so much more!

8. Don’t Compliment A Guy Before You’re official ft. Boys From The Latke Room Boys

In this episode, Lindsey is joined virtually by Jonny Lazarus, Justin Kapelmaster, and Max Mastbaum from The Latke Room Podcast. This interesting and super hilarious episode dives into guy/girl friendships, how to know if a guy likes you, why men take longer to say ‘I love you’, and red flags like why we still follow our exes on social media (when we KNOW better).

9. Conversations You Must Have Before Starting a Family ft. Elizabeth Baron, LMHC

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with licensed mental health counsellor and psychotherapist, Elizabeth Baron. Trigger warning: it gets deep. This episode has emotional and deep chats about TTC, postpartum, infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy. They sit down and discuss the touchy topics of “what are necessary conversations to have before a baby comes?”,  “how do I talk to my partner about my body changes”, “at what point postpartum do you focus back on your relationship”, and so much more. Tear jerker and heart warmer. Definitely recommend.

10. The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets For Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right ft. The Author Herself

Join Lindsey as she virtually sits down with Sherrie Schneider, the co-author of the famous “The Rules”. Sherrie and Lindsey discuss their differing opinions on relationships, manifesting your true love, and spotting fuckboy behavior from a mile away. For a super interesting conversation about relationship dynamics, be sure to check out this episode!

Why We Met At Acme?

Why listen to We Met At Acme? Because it’s crazy, hilarious, always relevant, and it just might improve your love life! Each and every episode includes toooons of dating & relationship advice for every step of the relationship. From first dates to saying ‘I love you’ to breaking up & cutting off your SO, Lindsey is giving listeners allllll the dating advice we didn’t even know we needed! If you like what you hear, you can listen to We Met At Acme on Dear Media, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. And, as always, be sure to let us know what you think about the podcast below! Happy listening and see you guys soon with more awesome blogs about all things podcasting!

Introducing Taylor Strecker – former host of SiriusXM’s Wake Up With Taylor!, current podcast host of Taste of Taylor, hilarious late-in-life lesbian, and total bad-ass. Taste of Taylor is allllll about current events, learning cool things, talking shit, and getting real about the world we live in today. It is one of the best reality TV podcasts around and features different celebrities, influencers, and thought-leaders each week. Taylor never holds back and she always manages to choose the most interesting and intriguing guests. Taste of Taylor covers a variety of subjects each and every episode. So let’s take a look at the 11 best Taste of Taylor podcast episodes below!

Who Is Taylor Strecker?

Taylor Strecker, known for her raspy voice and exuberant laugh, is a seasoned radio vet who has been entertaining listeners for nearly two decades.

Taylor grew up just outside of Boston, in gorgeous Cohasset, Massachusetts. She attended Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications. And just a short time after graduation, was discovered in a New York City bar by SiriusXM. In March 2006, she launched Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Sirius Satellite Radio’s ‘Cosmo Radio’ channel, an unprecedented radio station marketed as being “for women, by women.”

After eleven years of entertaining millions of listeners first thing in the morning, Taylor created an indendent radio show, aptly titled ‘The Taylor Strecker Show.’ Her loyal fans followed her as she ventured into podcasting and joined the Dear Media team as the host of ‘Taste of Taylor.’ She’s collaborated on friends’ podcasts including ‘The Toast,’ and toured with ‘Straight Up With Stassi Live.’ The tour was hugely successful. And Taylor continued her venture with Stassi through ‘The Bougie Bus Tour’ and ‘Mommy Dearest Tour.’

She also hosted ‘Getting Younger’ on TV Land, Bustle’s ‘Taylor Tries,’ and the ‘Betches Brides’ podcast.

The 11 Best Taste of Taylor Podcast Episodes

Straight Up with Social Distancing with Stassi Schroeder

In this top ranking episode of Taste of Taylor, Taylor sits down with her best friend, Stassi Schroeder. The ladies dive into all things quarantine, which celebrities are winning lockdown, and that Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift feud that never seems to end.

The Girl With No Job Show!

Meet Claudia Oshry, podcast host of The Morning Toast, famous Instagram personality, and influencer. You may remember when Claudia was in deep sh*t for some not-so-nice tweets a couple years ago…and that’s what this episode is all about. Sit down with Taylor and Claudia to get the scoop on allll the drama in Claudia’s first interview since the scandal.

Reality Bites with Hannah Berner

This week, Taylor sits down with the one-and-only Hannah Berner. Hannah is one of many stars on the hit reality TV show, Summer House. The girls talk reality TV, and filming. And what it’s like to watch your best and not-so-best moments air on TV.

Secrets and Sh*t Talking with Girls Gotta Eat

In this episode, Taylor sits down with Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine, podcast hosts of one of the best female comedy podcasts around – Girls Gotta Eat. The trio spill dirty secrets, and talk about allll the drunk nights they can remember. And dish about the challenges associated with balancing work and friendship.

Naked on the Bathroom Floor with Beau Clark

In this fun episode of Taste of Taylor, Taylor interviewed Vanderpump Rules star (now known as Stassi’s better half), Beau Clark. Taylor and Beau covered A LOT of ground as they talked about Beau’s upcoming wedding, strip clubs, bachelor parties gone wrong, musical theater, and BravoCon.

F**k the Ten Year Challenge with Hannah Berner

It’s always a good time when Taylor and Hannah Berner get together. So get ready for another gossip-filled episode. This time, the ladies talk about self-love, Summer House, Vanderpump Rules, stupid new years resolutions, the 10-year challenge, and more!

Stassi and Taylor Pt.2

Taylor and Stassi are total BFF’s! And that’s why anytime these ladies get together, there is bound to be trouble! In this episode, Taylor and Stassi sit down to talk allll things friendship and catch up on allll our favorite reality TV drama. When it comes to sharing juicy tidbits and shocking BTS deets, no one does it better than Taylor and Stassi!!

You Drink WHAAAT?!? With Claudia Oshry

In another must-listen episode with Claudia Oshry, Taylor and Claudia talk about how to stay positive during quarantine. And share tips on how to improve your mental state from home. The ladies also gossip about Ellen Degeneres and Arielle Charnas, share their fav drinks of choice, and dish about their significant others.

Freeing the Nipple with Hannah Berner

In case you haven’t noticed, Taylor and Hannah Berner love getting together to gossip. They love to spill the tea, talk reality TV, and just catch up with each other. In this episode, you’ll hear allllllll the tea about the latest season of Summer House, how Hannah and Luke’s relationship is going, and what that on-screen fight with Paige was really about.

My Mommy Still Dresses Me with Paige Desorbo

In this juicy episode, Taylor sits down with Paige Desorbo. Paige is also one of the stars of Summer House and is here to tell her side of the story. The duo talk about Paige’s relationship status, new trends, and Paige’s most and least favorite cast members.

Baby Wants a Birkin with Shannon Ford

In the final episode of our Taste of Taylor roundup, Taylor sits down with Shannon Ford, host of Probably A Podcast, to chat about *gasp* Taylor quitting Zara!? Shannon gives all of us a crash course on going to a Morgan Wallen concert, which all on its own makes this episode a must-listen.

What is your favorite Taste of Taylor episode?

With over 175 episodes to choose from, the Taste of Taylor podcast has a ton of content to check out! Taylor Strecker is an amazing podcast host with years of experience and she always manages to choose interesting and intriguing guests for her podcast. Each episode ranges in length from 40-65 minutes and trust us when we say, there is never a boring minute with Taylor! Feel free to listen to Taste of Taylor at Dear Media, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. And be sure to check out the Dear Media Blog where we release awesome podcast roundups (like this one!), essential podcasting tips, and more!

There’s no sugarcoating it – breakups are messy, heartbreaking, and just absolutely horrible to deal with. They leave us feeling lonely, lost, and wallowing in our own puddle of anxiety, and even depression. We are left asking ourselves: Why didn’t it work out? What did I do wrong? How do I move on? Blah blah blah. Well, no more!

It might sound corny, but it is high time for you to take control of your breakup and start looking forward. If you’re not already listening to podcasts, you might be surprised to learn they can be an awesome resource for helpful relationship advice, self-love, and moving on. Plus, there are so many to choose from nowadays. So…we’ve put together a list of the best podcasts for breakups and made sure to include some variety for you too! It doesn’t stop at breakups either – check out the podcasts below to hear about everything from self-improvement to how to improve your sex life!

The Best Podcasts For Breakups

5 Ways to Process Your Feelings: Dear Gabby

When you’re going through a breakup, there are a lot of feelings swirling around in the old noggin. So take a breath, and focus on processing. Now is the time to mourn the relationship and move through your feelings in a healthy way. In this episode of Dear Gabby, award-winning author and host Gabby Bernstein talks about how to process your emotions, how to gain perspective and view any challenge or life circumstance as an opportunity, and how to show up for yourself with love and compassion. We love this episode for breakups because there could be a lot of sad feelings you’re experiencing right now. Rather than wallowing, it’s time to pick yourself up and focus on love, gratitude, and growth.

Good Morning, Monster

This podcast is the ultimate companion for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a breakup. Join author and therapist, Catherine Gildiner, as she shares heartwarming stories, practical advice, and expert interviews that help you heal, grow, and rediscover your worth in the aftermath of a breakup. Get ready to conquer your fears, embrace your vulnerabilities, and transform into the strong, badass woman you were always meant to be.

No Shame, No Blame: Divorced Not Dead

If you’re going through a breakup, especially if it’s a divorce or a more long-term breakup, Divorced Not Dead with Caroline Stanbury is the podcast you’ll want to subscribe to ASAP. Caroline is a divorcee sharing her and others’ experiences with divorce and breakup stories. In this episode in particular, Caroline is taking us down the path of righteousness in breakups. She’s reminding us all, that blame and shame serve no one when you’re going through a breakup. So if you’ve been through a bad breakup, you’re feeling negative, angry, or in any way filled with blame or shame, this episode is for you.

Ask a Therapist: Relationships (Codependency, Dating Anxiety, Boundaries & More): Because Life

Relationships, especially breakups, can be tough. However, they are also one of the most fertile grounds for personal growth. Learning how you are in a relationship can be an incredible insight into yourself and areas you may want to grow as a person. There’s no better way to look back at a relationship than through the eyes of a professional. Plus, when you’re newly out of a relationship it’s completely normal to want to look back and process what the heck just happened. This is exactly why we’re recommending this episode of Because Life with Sydel Curry Lee. She talks with a therapist about everything A-Z relationships. Learn about setting healthy boundaries, codependency, taking breaks, & so much more!

Being Happy Being Single, Routines to Get Out of a Slump and Feel Your Best, Dating Anxiety and How to ACTUALLY Practice Self Compassion: I Love You So Much With Kenzie Elizabeth

Your life after a breakup is not over. In fact, there are so many exciting times ahead. However, you will need some practical tools in times of discomfort. Especially if you’re newly single. In this episode of ILYSM, Kenzie discusses how to be happy single, routines for feeling your best, and how to deal with dating anxiety. This is the perfect episode to keep you on track and happy during your single days.

The Single Girl’s Guide To Mastering Self-Love & Breaking Toxic Relationship Patterns with Lifestyle Guru Sierra Nielsen: Real Pod

If you’re reading this post and recently riding solo, this episode is for you! This episode is the ultimate single girl’s guide for building and maintaining self-love and recognizing toxic patterns in relationships. In this episode, Viktoria talks with Sierra Nielson, a lifestyle guru and life coach. You’ll learn everything a single gal needs to know about how to break free from toxic relationship patterns, how to get in a loving relationship with yourself, focus on yourself first, discover our deal breakers,& so much more.

The Other Side of The Coin: Divorced Not Dead

We’ve all heard the saying, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, right? Well, this episode of Divorced Not Dead does exactly that. Caroline Stanbury traditionally talks with women experiencing breakups, divorce, or are unfortunately widowed. She shares real stories of breakup, separation, and divorce. However, in this episode, she’s hearing a male perspective from Divorcé Omar Borkan. In this episode they discuss lessons learned from marrying young, moving on and dating post-divorce, & so much more.

To Be Honest: Absolutely Not with Heather McMahan

If you’re looking for a laugh, but also willing to take a ride on the more wild side of breakups, this episode is for you. In this episode, Heather takes the absolutely shameless route of providing post-breakup advice. Specifically, she’s talking about how to get back at your ex-fiancé. Yep, Heather is the host that is totally willing to go there and we’re here for it.

Let’s Be Honest w/ Kristi Cavalleri

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kristin Cavallari opens up about her own personal journey through heartbreak and offers an empowering space for listeners to do the same. Each episode dives into the raw and honest conversations we all need post-breakup, covering topics like self-care, self-discovery, and finding happiness beyond a failed relationship. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel inspired as Kristin reminds you that you are more than just someone’s ex.

Dating Apps – A Love-Hate-Love Relationship: 6 and 9

This one is for the newly single lady who is ready to get back on the horse, literally. When you’re feeling up for it, it’s time to get back out there. If you haven’t been in the dating scene for a while, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and get with the times. And the times, my friends, are all about dating apps. Sure, we all wish we could meet Prince or Princess Charming through a friend, at the gym, or be confidentially approached and pursued. However, in 2021, dating apps are more realistic. This podcast features all the nitty gritty details on dating apps. Expect the good, bad, ugly, and of course hilarious.

How To Be Happy Single When All Your Friends Are Married ft. Tinx: We Met At Acme

We know it can be tough being single when all of your friends are in relationships. Well, we have a strategy for that. Well, Lindsey Metselaar has a strategy for that. If you’re single and it feels like you’re surrounded by married or serious couples, this one’s for you. On the episode, they discuss how to not feel down when you’re single amongst a sea of wifed-up homies, dating rules, & so much more.

Ex Virgin

This podcast is THE podcast that candidly explores love, sex, and relationships after a breakup, hosted by journalist and self-proclaimed “relationship rookie,” Izzy Clarke. With a refreshing mix of personal anecdotes and expert interviews, Izzy delves into the highs and lows of post-breakup dating, healing from heartache, and reclaiming your sexuality. Whether you’re a seasoned dater or a self-proclaimed ex-virgin like Izzy, this podcast is your ultimate guide to rediscovering your independence and embracing your singlehood with confidence.

When to Get Back With Your Ex! with Special Guest Laura Anderson: Divorced Not Dead

And to close out our recommended breakup episodes, we’re sharing another goodie from Caroline Stanbury. We just had to include it. Let’s face it, sometimes your breakup might not be the right choice for you. This is a judgment-free zone, and we want to be completely transparent and give you all the best info. After all, the goal is for YOU to make the best choices for YOU. Sometimes you need to forget about what the outside world is saying and just do what feels right. If you’re thinking about getting back with your ex, give this episode a listen before making your final choice.

What podcasts do you listen to when you’re going through a breakup?

Listening to podcasts is personal and something you do for you! So, no more waiting around! We’ve got your bases covered with our list above, but remember that this is just the start. The most important part is what you gain from each podcast and how you choose to grow! If you have any favorite breakup podcasts that can help heal your heartbreak, please share! You can leave your recommendations in the comments below. Finally, if you’re suffering from a breakup, make sure to check out this post on how to forgive someone who hurt you. It will take time, but hopefully, you can move forward with no anger, regrets, or resentment.

Did you know that many of us will spend most of our lives at work? Work is one of the major aspects of our lives, which is why it is so important to make sure we are always mentally healthy when in the workplace. When work is a fulfilling experience, it can significantly improve your mental health. Plus, an employee’s mental well-being can affect their work performance, productivity, communication, and their ability to maintain a safe workplace.

Stress and pressure at work can lead to a significant decrease in mental health both at work and at home. As with any job, it is inevitable to experience some stress. But, unchecked chronic stress at work can lead to serious long-term mental health problems like depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and more. Not to mention physical health issues, like Madeline, a patient of Catherine Gildiner (host of the Good Morning, Monster podcast) So, let’s go over some ways you can keep your mental health in tip-top shape in the workplace. 

How To Improve Your Mental Health At Work

Begin your day with meditation. 

Research shows that regular practice of meditation can positively impact your mental health at work in many ways. It improves memory, increases productivity and focus, and boosts your energy levels throughout the day; all of which contribute to a stress-free workday! 

Start each day with a positive mindset. 

Beginning each day in a positive mindset is easier said than done. But, it can have many benefits on your workday. It can reduce stress brought on by negative thoughts and help you maintain a more positive mindset throughout the rest of your day. Start your day off with a positive mindset by meditating, practicing gratitude, or doing something you enjoy. 

Set realistic goals.

As with anything in life, in order to achieve success, you must set realistic goals. So, as you plan out your workday or even your work week, set small, easily achievable goals and work to achieve them at your own pace. For more tips on goal setting, check out our article about how to set clear goals in life. 

Maintain a good work/life balance.

We often feel the most stressed at work when we forget to take some time for ourselves outside of the office. To maintain good mental health awareness at work, it’s important to learn how to properly balance your work and life schedules. If this is something you struggle with, be sure to check out these 30 time management tips for work/life balance.

Make wellness a priority.

The first step to overcoming any mental health issue is to make your mental health a priority. This means realizing the issue and taking productive steps towards recovery. Not sure where to start? Check out these 7 ways to show up for yourself! 

Make daily connections.

Research shows that there is a significant connection between making daily connections and increased mental health. Benefits of regular human interaction at work can include reduced blood sugar spikes, decreased depressive symptoms, and even decreased cardiovascular issues. Alternatively, little or no social interaction at work can lead to feelings of anxiety, social isolation, and a decrease in overall mental health. 

Get plenty of sleep.

Research shows that an irregular sleep cycle is directly associated with increased mental distress. To improve your mental health at work, be sure to get to bed by a reasonable time and get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Eat a healthy diet.

In a study on the connection between diet and stress, results showed that diet has a direct effect on mood, productivity, and focus throughout the day. So, not only can eating a healthy diet made up of essential vitamins and nutrients improve your physical health, it can improve your mental health, too! 

Exercise often.

Exercising for mental health can have many benefits on your overall life, including at work. Exercising reduces anxiety, stress, and depression. And, it can improve cognitive functioning, productivity, and mood throughout the day. Incorporating just a few workouts into your schedule each week can make a huge difference in your overall mental health. 

Tidy up your workspace.

Research shows that those working in a cluttered or messy work environment tend to experience more stress throughout the day. But, those who work in a clean and tidy environment tend to be more productive and make fewer mistakes. 

Make time for friends and family. 

When battling mental illness or low mental health at work, it’s important to reach out to your friends and family for support. Surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to improve mental health as well as ensure that you have a good support system in times of need. Not sure which friends to reach out to? Read this article to help you decide which of your friends are true ride-or-die BFFs. 

Take breaks often.

To avoid getting overwhelmed and overly stressed at work, be sure to take small breaks often. Small breaks are a great way to clear your mind and avoid getting burnt out too quickly. As you take your breaks throughout the day, try to incorporate some nature. Research shows that contact with nature throughout the workday can reduce stress and anxiety and increase efficiency and focus. 

Practice gratitude.

According to this research, practicing gratitude is directly linked to an improved outlook on life. And thus, reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. To practice gratitude, you can keep a gratitude journal, give thanks through meditation, write thank you notes, give a gift to a friend, and more! 

Use healthy lighting. 

Working in a poorly lit environment can have significant negative effects on your mental health. From increased likelihood of developing seasonal depression to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, artificial office lighting could be contributing to increased stress at work. Try to always work in a well-lit environment with as much natural light as possible. 

Take social media breaks.

Spending long amounts of time on social media has been linked to increased stress and anxiety throughout the workday. To avoid this extra stress, try taking frequent social media breaks. Depending on your needs, these breaks can be for just a couple of hours up to whole days or weeks.

Be open-minded.

Being open-minded to spontaneous plans and new ideas throughout your workday can improve your mental health in many ways. Not only can it increase your chances of making new friends and participating in fun activities, but it can also present the opportunity for learning how to complete tasks more efficiently. All of these things contribute to a happier and healthier overall outlook when at work. 

Find a creative outlet. 

To reduce stress at work, try to find a fun and creative outlet outside of work. This could be your favorite hobby, painting, creative writing, gardening, and so on. Not sure how to apply your talents? Try one of these hobbies that can help you earn some extra cash on the side. 

Do something nice for a coworker. 

Creating a positive work environment is one of the best ways to improve mental health in the workplace. A great way to improve your work environment is to create a positive atmosphere by doing something nice for a coworker. You can offer to complete a task, purchase lunch, or purchase them a small office decoration. 

Switch your phone to ‘do not disturb’.

Like taking a social media break, taking a break from your phone in general can also have many positive effects on your overall mindset. In a study published on the consequences of digital technology use, results showed that reduced cell phone use reduced feelings of isolation, improved symptoms of attention-deficit disorder, and promoted a healthier sleep cycle. 

Laugh often.

We know it sounds cheesy, but laughter really is the best medicine. Especially when it comes to staying mentally healthy. On those low mental health days, don’t be afraid to laugh and joke with coworkers, look at funny memes on social media, or watch some hilarious reels to perk yourself up.

Improving mental health at work is one of the best ways to improve mental health overall. 

When we’re happy at work, we’re so much happier at home. If you’re experiencing chronically high-stress levels at work, try to implement some of these easy changes to your lifestyle – we know you won’t regret it! Not only will these changes improve your mental health condition, but they will also make the workday pass quicker and leave you feeling excited and motivated about work, instead of tired and burnt out. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to take a mental health day – you deserve it! If you have any additional questions or comments, feel free to drop them below! And for more awesome blogs like this one, be sure to head on over to the Dear Media Blog.

It’s not easy to keep ourselves motivated and confident at all times. There seems to always be something that pops up and seeds doubt. As much as we’d all like to pretend we’re 100% sure of ourselves, let’s be real. The negative self-talk, feelings of inadequacy, and imposter syndrome find their way in. Our genetics even play a factor in how confident we feel. Yep, research suggests that confidence is a genetic trait and a pretty scarce one as well. Genetics can impact our confidence as much as a striking 25% to 50%. That’s a huge impact on how we view ourselves, our tenacity, and our self-confidence! Especially since boosting your confidence can help you be happier and more successful. It’s been shown in studies that positive self-esteem has many benefits for your health and how you function in life!

Since confidence doesn’t seem to grow on trees, we gotta do what we gotta do to find it where we can. Whether it be a workout, a friend that builds you up, or good feedback at work. Give us all the confidence boosters, please! Podcasts are actually one of our favorite ways to grow your confidence for two reasons.

Why Tune In To Confidence Boosting Podcasts?

First, it’s honestly so important to hear a relatable story so we can stop being so hard on ourselves. Personal stories give us insight into how often the people who made it had many failures and life lessons along the way. It takes the smoke and mirrors out of whatever working towards and reminds us that we’re all just doing our best.

Second, there is no better way to boost your confidence than to continuously educate yourself, feel inspired, and get motivated. Podcasts are a great place to learn anything and everything. Whether it be tips for whatever we’re working towards or actual tips for gaining more confidence and better self-esteem. Many podcast hosts aim to support and cheer on their audience through their content. And we’re here for it.

So today’s post is all about the podcasts that can make you feel good about yourself and your efforts. Keep reading for the most epic list of podcasts for building confidence.

The Best Podcasts For Boosting Confidence:

Dear Gabby with Gabby Bernstein:

Join #1 New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker Gabby Bernstein for a show that’s dedicated to helping you improve your life. The Dear Gabby podcast covers self-love, life coaching, the law of attraction, how to find your purpose, and, of course, how to improve your self-esteem. Gabby is the best at making you feel ready to take control of your entire existence and pivot your life for the better. Each episode lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, but they fly by. Here’s one of the most inspiring episodes on how to boost confidence with a spiritual practice!

With Wit with Whitney Port:

You probably recognize Whitney Port from the popular reality TV show The Hills. Whitney is now not only one of the absolute best reality TV podcasters in the game, but she’s also a mother, entrepreneur, and major confidence booster. She interviews a wide range of guests to offer insight into all things related to motherhood, working, life hacks, and more. She’ll also post the occasional solo episode which is super fun! Two of our favorite confidence-boosting episodes are this episode on body positivity and this episode on not being afraid to be yourself.

Share of Voice with Karin Eldor:

Share of Voice is the podcast to listen to if you’re rounding up the courage to speak up and share your personal story with the world. Or with just a friend, or licensed professional, or simply to come to terms with it. Karin Eldor is your host, a journalist passionate about helping others find their unique voice and use it to express themselves. You can expect weekly new episodes with guests who talk about all things making noise, starting a ripple effect, challenging the status quo, and feeling heard. Truly heard, as you deserve! Embrace yourself, learn to let go of all the limiting beliefs, and shift your mindset in the process. Tune in to Share of Voice to feel instantly motivated!

Him and Her with Lauryn Evarts and Michael Bosstick:

If there is one thing we need in order to boost confidence, it’s raw, real, and in-depth conversations about everything that makes us tick as human beings. Lucky for us, Lauryn and Michael are not afraid to go there. On TSC Him & Her, they’re always ready to dive into the stickier topics and discuss mental health, emotional intelligence, career/business, personal development, relationships, financial life hacks, and more. Seriously, is there anything these two aren’t bold enough to discuss? Each episode lasts about an hour or so and will leave you feeling excited to take action in your life. Just like this one with guest Nicole Walters. Tune in for an inspiring talk about how to create the career and life you want!

Real Pod with Victoria Garrick:

Victoria is the striking image of a dedicated, transparent, and genuinely caring woman. From a young age, she’s been a mental health and body image advocate, TED Talk motivational speaker, and someone not afraid to get real. That’s how Real Pod was born! Victoria created it out of her desire to have the realest conversations available in any audio experience and the podcast covers every topic needed to do so. Each week, she sits down with inspiring guests to talk about anything ranging from intuitive eating and bad body image days to performance anxiety and systematic loneliness. It’s no BS, let’s empower each other kind of content. So tune in to this confidence-boosting show to get some truly uplifting and confidence-boosting tips!

The Dream Bigger Podcast with Siffat Haider:

We can all agree that dreaming big can be daunting. It takes a lot to dare to chase your wildest goals in the truest, most unapologetic way. Lucky for you, The Dream Bigger podcast is here to inspire you to do just that! Join host Siffat Haider and founder of the wellness brand Arrae for a weekly episode that will motivate you to be your best self. A new guest joins Siffar each week and shares bits of wisdom that can come from any industry and walks of life. Her guests will boost your confidence no matter what! Kick off your dream bigger audio experience with a deep dive into building a startup and balancing work plus a relationship.

Bold and Brilliant with Tara Mackey:

The Bold and Brilliant podcast covers the stories and advice from leaders from all over the world as they share their strategies to overcome any obstacles in life. Hosted by bestselling author and founder of Genetix Organic, Tara Mackey, this show is insightful and doesn’t shy away from making a statement with each episode. Every week Tara gets raw and vulnerable with her guests. She invites her audience to reflect on the bigger parts of life and ask themselves challenging questions. If you’re currently in a confidence crisis about finding your purpose in life, listen to this episode on how to discover your purpose with Sahara Rose.

Looking Up with Deepika Chopra:

Confidence and optimism are often intertwined. So who’s better fitted to boost your confidence than the real-life Optimism Doctor herself? Looking Up is a podcast hosted by Deepika Chopra, who studied the science of happiness. So it’s only natural that her show is a great tool for boosting your confidence and elevating your self-esteem. During each hour-long episode, you’ll discover a blend of holistic practices and science-based tips to improve your life and build resilience. Deepika is also joined by a new guest every week. They’ll share their strategies and practical tools for increasing your joy and self-confidence. This audio experience has all the optimistic goodness without any toxic productivity or positivity.

Pretty Smart with Danielle Robay:

As your host Danielle Robay describes it, Pretty Smart is a love letter to women with something to say. This podcast covers all the topics that make you feel motivated to be bold, unapologetic, and assertive in life. During each episode, Danielle joins a new guest who can be an entrepreneur, bestselling author, politician, celebrity, or thought leader. She digs into their personal story and challenges the status quo. It raises the question of what truly works (and doesn’t work) for us to become our better selves. For building confidence, we love this episode on how to build both your self-worth and net worth. Tune in to this show to feel seen, supported, and pretty smart.

Friend of a Friend with Olivia Perez:

We all could use a confidence boost from the next generation of luminaries. And that’s exactly what you get by listening to Friend of a Friend! This podcast hosted by entrepreneur Olivia Perez covers everything related to overcoming obstacles and succeeding in life. Each week, you’ll hear from some of the most game-changing minds across different industries and walks of life. Expect to get amazing advice from brand builders writers, activists, artists, influencers, and thought leaders who had to climb their way to the top. Kick off your listening experience with this thought-provoking episode all about coaching confidence with Serena Kerrigan!

What are your favorite confidence-boosting podcasts for personal development?

We hope these shows work their magic and end up boosting your confidence! All of these podcasts bring something unique to the podcasting world and give strategic advice and mindset tips to elevate your self-esteem. Give them a listen and tell us which audio experience was your favorite!

Doesn’t it just seem like everything just keeps getting more and more expensive these days? No matter how hard we work, it feels like our money is always slipping through our fingers faster than we can earn it. Inflation really feels out of control sometimes, right?! 

The truth is, as frustrating as it is, there isn’t much we can do personally to change those big economic trends. But you know what we CAN control? How far our dollars stretch each month. Learning to save smart with proper spending habits is the best way to protect your financial goals as costs keep rising! 

That’s why today, we’re sharing a round-up of tried-and-true money-saving hacks. Think of it as your very own financial toolkit. These tactics have seriously helped SO MANY people make every dollar count–no matter what’s happening in the economy. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for groceries, planning nights out with friends, or just treating yourself. These money-saving tips will have you saving without even thinking about it!

By the end, you’ll be feeling like a total money pro with the power to stretch your cash further. So, are you ready to take control and maximize your purchasing power? 

If so, read on! 

Best Money Saving Hacks

Money-Saving Travel Hacks

Be flexible with your travel dates. 

Be open to adjusting your travel dates by a few days or even weeks. This flexibility can make a HUGE difference in airfare and accommodation costs. 

By being flexible (and we’re not just talking about in your yoga class) you can save some serious cash, allowing you to allocate that extra money towards more exciting experiences during your trip. Just like that, there’s more opportunity to explore local cuisine, pamper yourself, or snag that perfect souvenir. Uhm…yes, please!

Embrace the sharing economy. 

Dive into the sharing economy by considering homestays, vacation rentals, or house-swapping. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO offer authentic accommodations at uber affordable rates. Honestly, these alternatives often offer a more immersive experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional hotels anyway!

You can expect to save a great deal on accommodation costs with the sharing economy.  This just might also allow you to stay longer or visit more destinations within your budget. It’s a real win-win!

Travel light. 

If you’re like us, you HATE a bag fee–UGH! Instead of paying extra for bags, pack efficiently and aim to travel with just a carry-on bag. Layer your versatile pieces the right way. Roll instead of fold, and pack ziplock bags of toiletries. This not only minimizes baggage fees, but it also ensures you’re not over-packing and lugging around extra annoying weight. 

You can easily save per flight on baggage fees and even better, avoid the hassle of waiting at the dreaded baggage claim. With a lighter load, you’ll move more freely, explore with ease, and keep more precious, precious money in your pocket.

Make the most of travel rewards credit cards. 

Love getting rewarded for spending? US TOO! Choose a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your travel goals. These cards often offer sign-up bonuses, rewards points, and travel insurance. 

With careful use (emphasis on careful, babes), they can help you save hundreds on flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals. Unlock incredible benefits like complimentary lounge access and priority boarding, elevating your travel experience. Sign us up!

Eat like a local. 

We know you want to try out those touristy restaurants and enjoy the glamor, but why not seek out local eateries and food markets? You can simply ask the hotel staff or locals where they dine, and trust us when we say, it’s going to be a lot cheaper. 

This not only introduces you to authentic cuisine but also saves you money. After all, discovering hidden culinary gems is a cultural experience in itself, offering a taste of the destination’s heart and soul.

Money-Saving Beauty Hacks

Give yourself DIY spa days. 

Believe it or not, you CAN transform your home into a spa haven with affordable skincare products, essential oils, and relaxing music. Oh, and the HOT MESS ICE ROLLER. Learn to always set aside some dedicated self-care time to complete your expert skincare routine, and you might just save big. 

Because you CAN enjoy spa-like experiences without spending hundreds at a spa. Moisturize with face masks made with avocado, honey, and yogurt. Dim the lights and meditate to fully unwind. Try waxing at home. The options to save with DIY beauty are ENDLESS. 

Simplify your beauty routine. 

Multi-use products are where it’s at. Look for items that can serve as a blush and lip color, or a highlighter and eyeshadow. This way you need to buy fewer products! If beauty is totally out of your comfort zone or changing your routine FREAKS you out, listen to this episode of Lipstick on the Rim about keeping it simple at the vanity!

For simple skincare hacks, beauty tips, and secrets, listen to Lipstick on the Rim with Molly Sims.  

Leverage on online coupons. 

Before any beauty shopping spree, hunt for online coupon codes or check store promotions and loyalty programs. You can save a lot by sticking loyal to a brand. But, you can also download Honey which automatically searches for coupons and applies them at checkout. It’s totally addicting and helps you save sooo much! 

Bookmark websites like RetailMeNot and look for coupon codes before each supply shop. Drugstore loyalty programs like CVS ExtraBucks offer rewards every time you shop too. Consistently save more on your favorite beauty brands with online coupons. You get to also keep your makeup collection refreshed without emptying your wallet.

Make the most of DIY remedies. 

If you love a facemask but hate both the expense and environmental impacts of grabbing those single-use plastic packages over and over again, remember you can make them at home! You can always create homemade face masks using kitchen ingredients like honey, yogurt, and oatmeal. Charcoal masks with aloe vera are good for deep cleaning pores. Oat flour and honey is great for hydration. The point is, do the mask thing yourself next time.  

Swap store brands for name brands. 

Compare the ingredients and quality of store-brand beauty products to name brands. Lots of times, they’re totally the same ingredients and you’re literally just paying for a name brand. So, swap the items if you can.

Money-Saving Food Hacks

Master the art of batch cooking.

On the weekends, you can plan simple recipes like soups, stews, casseroles, and freezable sides to avoid blowing money eating out or buying too many ingredients. Simply dedicate a few hours to prepping ingredients and doing all the cooking at once. Portion meals into individual containers for the freezer. On busy nights, you can just reheat a ready-made meal. It’ll help you eat healthier, too!  

Embrace thrifty meal planning. 

Try to dedicate time to browsing your favorite budget-friendly recipe sites like Budget Bytes, Half Baked Harvest, or Skinnytaste for inspiration. Make a meal plan for the week and shop just once with a list. Stick to your plan and cut off a good percentage off your monthly grocery bill. WHOA! Serious savings. 

Power up with leftovers. 

Don’t toss extras away. You can always repurpose them into new dishes while rocking The Breadwinning Housewife Apron! 😉 For example, you can take last night’s chicken and rice, stir fry it with veggies, and BAM–you now have fried rice. You can even mix something as simple as mashed potato scraps into potato cakes. YUM!

With just a bit of mix-and-match creativity using odds and ends in the fridge, you can save a couple of dollars each and every week on meals. The same amount would have otherwise been tossed or have required a totally new trip to the store, so it’s truly a win-win. 

Join a food co-op or farmers’ market. 

Food co-ops welcome members to purchase organic goods together directly from farmers. Plus, local farmer’s markets put you in touch with growers. By becoming a member of a local food co-op, you get weekly discounts on local produce and can also take advantage of bulk bins to portion out grains, legumes, and dry goods yourself for major savings.

Between these two programs, you could get massive savings on high-quality local produce. You can consider signing up for a weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box of seasonal fruits and veggies, too.

Magnify flavor with seasonings. 

Stock your spice cabinet with different herbs, spices, broth, and condiments to take your simple meals to new heights. A splash of soy sauce or harissa can transform a basic soup. Experiment to satisfy your taste buds WITHOUT pricey add-ins. 

Relying on flavor bombs rather than pre-made or out-of-season ingredients is a good way to save a couple of bucks here and there. Over time, cutting back on the excesses of convenience foods and sauces will see you having extra cash. 

Money-Saving Grocery Hacks

Craft a shopping list and stick to it. 

Creating a detailed list based on your meal plan is key. Take time to identify the ingredients needed for each recipe before heading to the grocery store. Then, only shop for items on your list to avoid overspending on impulse purchases. Pro tip: try to create meals that use the same ingredients! 

It is one thing to craft a shopping list, it’s another thing to have the discipline to stick with it. Sticking rigidly to your list can help you lower grocery costs by a significant amount each trip. For more on how to break bad money habits such as impulse buying, listen to this episode of ILYSM about budgeting money management.

The store brand advantage. 

Don’t shy away from store-brand products; compare ingredients and quality to name brands. Believe it or not babes, you’ll often find them just as good. Store brands offer significant savings without compromising quality. 

Take a few minutes to compare ingredient lists and nutrition facts with name brands. You’ll often find store labels to be just as tasty for 15-30% less money. Going for generics over name brands is a great way to save money on groceries. 

Leverage coupons and cashback apps. 

Digital coupons and cashback apps are invaluable resources for slashing grocery bills. The rave for these benefits are still on, so get in on the action to score discounts on your favorite items. 

Look up offers before shopping to avoid impulse buys and clip all applicable coupons. You can typically save $10-20 per trip with minimal effort. Staying on top of deals ensures your grocery budget goes EVEN FURTHER each month.

Watch for sales cycles and discounts. 

Pay close attention to stores’ sales cycles and stock up when prices are lowest. Then, take advantage of those discounts on non-perishable items and essentials. With good timing, you can save big on staples, often up to 40% off regular prices. HOLY COW!

Avoid running low on key items so markdowns don’t go to waste. Strategic shopping habits maximize your grocery budget and help you save a few dollars.

Buy in bulk where It counts. 

Bulk purchasing allows you to take advantage of great per-unit pricing. Items like paper goods, baking goods, and cooking staples fare well in bulk and are totally worth it when you use them every single day. Make the most of bulk sales or and take advantage when these items are offered at warehouse stores! 

Buying larger sizes can shave 30% or more off your annual grocery spending with just a small upfront investment. You get to have a well-stocked pantry AND some cash left to indulge in other things. 

Money Saving Hacks for Students

Find textbook alternatives. 

Required textbooks can be such a drain on your finds while in school. This is why you should always explore other alternatives to buying brand-new textbooks. You can always check to see if you can rent, find used copies online, or even download free PDF versions.

With this tip, you get to save potentially hundreds of dollars per semester by avoiding the high cost of brand-new textbooks.

Leverage on the power of student discounts. 

Do not miss out on the loads of student deals that are out there. From clothing stores to restaurants, someone is trying to hook you up… if only you just ask. Student status can be your golden ticket to savings. So, always inquire about student discounts wherever you shop, dine, or travel!

You can enjoy discounts of up to 20% on various expenses, from clothing to transportation. This helps you create opportunities to save, indulge, and expand your college experience! 

Share expenses with your roommates. 

Sharing expenses with your roomies can be a total lifesaver. You get to split everything like rent, utilities, and groceries. Eventually, your share of the bills comes out so much cheaper than living alone. You can even have a meal plan together, taking turns cooking big batches for the week. It also saves you from the temptation to order expensive takeouts all the time! 

You could potentially save thousands of dollars over your college years by sharing expenses. It makes for a more affordable living situation and a better sense of financial security!

Master the art of budget meal planning. 

Meal prepping is a must if you’re looking to save money as a student. Plan out your meals in advance and create a shopping list. Stick to your budget by avoiding costly dining out.

Trim your monthly food expenses by up to $100 or more. Your take-home from this hack? Well, improved cooking skills, healthier eating habits, and more money to invest in your school experience. 

Complement with a side hustle. 

With tuition and books, you will likely need some extra income flow from here and there. So in your free time, you can explore part-time jobs, freelancing, remote work, or hobbies that make money. This creates opportunities for you to earn extra money while balancing your studies.

Interested in podcasting as a side hustle? Learn how to make money from podcasting. No matter what you choose–side gigs have the potential to boost your savings by a few hundred dollars every month, while still allowing you to focus on school.

You can also listen to this episode of Life With Me with Marianna Hewitt to learn how to diversify your income through a side hustle! 

Put these hacks to work and watch your savings pile up. 

Ready to start stretching your dollars further than ever before? You can be sure that putting even a few of these money-saving strategies into action will add a great deal to your personal finances. And there’s still much more. You can ditch your gym membership for outdoor workouts, try washing your clothes in cold water, carpool, and so on to work up different ways to help your wallet. 

The extra cash could mean knocking out those pesky credit card balances once and for all. Or, maybe even boosting your emergency fund so you’ll feel secure no matter what. You might even reach savings goals that once seemed impossible. Just think about all the things you could treat yourself to or experiences you could have when your money is working harder for you! 

Check out our list of best finance podcasts to learn from the best on how to go about making money, saving money, spending money, and so on. For more quality tips like the ones above, head to the Dear Media blog where we always have an answer to the questions you didn’t even know you were asking!

No relationship is perfect. Not even Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky’s relationship. You’ll always hit rough patches and have seasons where you feel like you’re out of sync. If you’re in a healthy relationship, you and your S.O. will work together to get out of the rut and your relationship will be even stronger because of it!

However . . . if you have a gut feeling something is off and your partner is acting really strange, it could be a sign something bad is happening. Bad as in . . . cheating. When the red flags start to pop up, you might be wondering if you’re just paranoid and jealous or if something legit is going on. To help you get some perspective, we’re sharing some big warning signs that your boyfriend is cheating. 

Here are some red flags that might tell you he’s cheating on you:

13 Signs He’s Cheating on You 

He’s not communicating in the same way. 

One of the first things to get weird when your boyfriend is cheating is communication. If you’re used to having cutesy play fights and deep late-night convos, and he’s suddenly barely answering the question “How was your day?” something is up! It could be stress or something like that, but if you have communication changes along with other signs on this list . . . girl, he might be getting his chit-chat somewhere else. 

He’s unreachable a lot of the day. 

Speaking of talking . . . if your boyfriend is suddenly unreachable throughout the day via text, call, and social media, that could be a HUGE red flag. He’s ignoring you! It’s like he’s avoiding you when he’s away because he wants to pretend you don’t exist. Yeah. Because he’s probably cheating. 

He’s super defensive and irritable. 

It’s rare that someone cheats and they don’t feel icky about it in some way. He’s probably full of guilt, stress, and anxiety because HE KNOWS what he’s doing is super wrong and it’ll all blow up at any moment. All of these emotions mean mood swings, irritability, and defensiveness that seem to come out of nowhere. He may even be picking fights with you as a way of justifying his actions. 

He accuses you of cheating. 

If he’s accusing you of cheating, this is a common sign HE is cheating. During this time, he’s going to be hyper-aware of all of your actions and specifically suspicious of you. He knows he’s cheating, so he thinks it’s totally possible you are, too. In fact, he’s probably hoping for it in some way, so he can pass all this on to you. So, if he starts throwing out really baseless accusations, he could definitely be cheating himself. 

He’s way more critical than before.

Something else cheaters often do is become super critical of their partner. If your boyfriend is cheating, he’s feeling lots of self-inflicted insecurity. He wants to feel better about himself AND his situation by putting you down at every opportunity. If you’re S.O. is suddenly doing this, that’s a huge red flag!!! (He might as well sport this red flag bucket hat. LBR.) 

He won’t look you in the eye.

Your boyfriend absolutely REFUSING to look you in the eye is another reason you might have a gut instinct they’re cheating. Again, they’re guilty and nervous, worried you’re going to uncover the secret. So, if he’s cheating, he wants to draw your attention as little as possible. 

His routine or schedule has changed. 

Is he suddenly spending a lot more time with friends and family? Or, maybe he’s spending more time at work or the gym? If your boyfriend’s schedule had changed a bunch recently without explanation making him way more unavailable for hangouts and dates, he might be cheating. 

He stops caring about things going on in your life. 

If your boyfriend is essentially juggling a double life, you’re not going to be his focus. So, if he won’t pay attention to your life or needs at all, he could be reserving his thoughts for someone else. Is he forgetting about things going on in your life or refusing to engage in conversations about what’s important to you? There’s a small chance he’s cheating. 

He cares about his body, hygiene, and style more than ever.  

Another obvious sign your partner is having an affair is a sudden self-care obsession. If he has other behaviors that are giving sus vibes and he’s also all at once working on his psyche, dressing nice, showering more, and overall just caring more about his appearance—you’ve got a big red flag. Obviously, if he’s doing all this while also sneaking around and avoiding contact with you, you’re not the inspiration for his glow-up. 

He doesn’t want sex or intimacy from you anymore.

If your sex life takes a sudden turn, it could be another sign he’s cheating. Think about it, when another girl is satisfying his needs, what does he need you for? It’s so sad, but if he’s not showing an interest in being intimate with you, he could be cheating. 

I’ll note there are other reasons for intimacy issues (and other behaviors on this list)! If he’s not cheating, here’s how to restore intimacy in your relationship. 

He’s hiding his phone, bank info, location, and other things. 

Girllll, what’s he hiding??? Is he making sure his phone is ALWAYS on him? Is he dropping his paychecks in another account? Did he stop sharing his Snapchat location? Is he silent on social media? All of these are major red flags that he’s cheating and going to a lot of effort to keep it from you. 

He’s love-bombing you.

Some signature narcissist behavior is love bombing. Showering you with random gifts or acts of service may seem like an apology for all the sh*tty behavior he’s suddenly exhibiting, but it’s not. It’s manipulation. He’s trying to mask all of the unusual changes by love-bombing you. 

That way, if you accuse him of cheating he’ll be like, “Are you crazy? I just gave you that Louis Vuitton bag?” to make you feel guilty and irrational. LADIES, don’t be fooled. You’ve got a super toxic relationship on your hands. 

He doesn’t want to talk about the future.

If he’s cheating, he’s hoping for a future with someone else. So, if he’s refusing to talk about your relationship in a long-term way, he could have wandering eyes. If he’s not cheating, he’s at the very least questioning the relationship, and that’s worth a conversation. It might even be a  good idea to jump into couples therapy if he’s not cheating!  

8 Podcast Episodes About Cheating 

• + Intimacy, Self Love, Cheating, Confidence, Victimizing Yourself vs. Fueling Yourself, Adversity and Expectations – Him & Her
• + Is My Boyfriend Cheating?! – What We Said 
• + Overcoming Life’s Hardest Moments, Perseverance, Cheating, & Heartbreak – Him & Her
• + How to Overcome Cheating – We Me at Acme
• + Relationships, Cheating, and Daddy Issues – The Blonde Files
• + Deconstructing Polyamory, Jealousy, and Cheating – Recovering from Reality 
• + Overcoming Cheating & Abuse – What We Said 
• + Cheating, Infidelity, & How To Move Forward After A Bad Break Up – Him & Her

These behaviors are big red flags and could be signs your boyfriend is cheating! 

If your boyfriend is showing a lot of these cheating warning signs, we’re sorry. It’s so hard to cope with a breakup like that. We hope that he’s not cheating and it’s something you can work through! However, if he is doing the deed with another girl, listen to our fave cheating podcast episodes above to get some support and wisdom from our Dear Media hosts! (Worried that YOU’RE the other woman, listen to this podcast from Ex Virgin!

You can come out of this. You’re going to bounce back from this and be ready to become a whole new b*tch. (Better get the mug to commemorate this moment.) Know how you should be treated, and don’t settle for anything but the absolute best! We’re rooting for you, girl! Just bring the Dear Media team with you. We’ve got all the must-have advice on relationships, life, and all the other important stuff!