5 Must-Ask Questions Before Committing to an LDR

1. You’re Having In-Depth Conversations About Family Traditions And Dynamics

You and your sweetie have been seeing each other for a few months, and with the holiday season just around the corner, you’re starting to open up to each other about the parts of the festivities that are most meaningful to you. You’re swapping stories about favorite recipes and customs, and you’re comfortable enough to share the nitty-gritty details about icky family dramas that can make the season awkward. If these conversations are coming up naturally and you want to share your holiday with your S.O. IRL, licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says it might be time to extend the invite.

2. Your S.O. Has Already Met Some Of Your Family

Therapist Irene Schreiner recommends that you consider bringing your partner to Thanksgiving if they’ve already met some of your loved ones. “If they haven’t met anyone in your family yet,” on the other hand, “it can feel too overwhelming to have them meet everyone at once during the craziness of the holiday,” she says. Know your S.O.’s boundaries so you can push or protect them accordingly.

3. Your Family Wants To Meet Your Significant Other

Mom’s been picking up hints from your phone conversations that something pretty amazing is going on between you and your new special someone, and she’s anxious to put a face to the name you keep mentioning. Your siblings are equally excited to interrogate — er, meet — your boo. It’s rare for your family to come together outside of the holiday season, so if you’re serious about your S.O. this might be the perfect time to invite them to make the rounds.

“If your family is constantly begging to meet [them], it is time to bring them home for Thanksgiving,” encourages Grapevine Gossip relationship expert Caitlyn Paltsios. “It shows your family is interested… and you can also see if your S.O. is excited to meet your family.”

4. You’ve Both Traded "I Love You's"

Maybe you said “I love you” first, or maybe bae made the initial move. Either way, you’re both swapping that all-important word pretty comfortably now; you might want to consider swapping it over a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes. “‘I love you’ is such a powerful statement for any relationship,” notes counselor and Tech Talk Therapy owner Connie Omari. “Once this line has been crossed, you naturally become more open with one another. This closeness should be solidified by allowing your S.O. to interact with the other people that you love.”

5. Your S.O.'s Family Has Already Invited You To Gatherings

If you’ve already had a chance to attend family dinners and maybe a birthday party or two with your S.O., it’s your turn to extend an invitation (assuming, of course, that you share their serious feelings and there aren’t other concerns as to why it might be unsafe or unhealthy to reciprocate the invitation). “If they are including you in small family events, they are looking to integrate you into their larger lives and are likely ready to have you do the same,” Schreiner explains. This doesn’t mean that you should make the invitation purely out of obligation — only that you should seriously consider it when they’ve already made the first move.

6. You Can't Imagine Spending Thanksgiving Apart

“Thanksgiving has historically been known for being around people with whom we care very much about,” reminds Omari. “If your S.O. means a lot to you — maybe even the world — it’s likely you will feel very uncomfortable at the thought of being separated for Thanksgiving.” Tune in to your feelings and visualize experiencing this very special occasion as a couple. If this seems like the only way you would want to celebrate, then you have nothing to lose by asking! If, however, visualizing this makes you feel anxious or uncomfortable, psychotherapist and co-founder ofA Good First Date Rachel Perlstein suggests that it’s probably best to rain check until next year.

Dear Lumi: Will I ever be worthy of being loved romantically? I have never been in a relationship, and I’m scared I will never be. I have so much love to give, but I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to show it.

Bean, Illinois

• Sun sign: Virgo
• Rising sign: Cancer
• Moon sign: Gemini

Dear Virgo: I understand where you're coming from, as many people feel this way these days. Here’s a little personal story from my journey: In my early 20s, I was pretty inexperienced in love and pressured by societal expectations to settle down by 30. Sigh...

I went to great lengths to attract a partner, even dabbling in spells and misleading manifestation techniques. Please tread carefully if you're trying this. Instead of finding true love, I drew a series of “ghosts” and situationships. I felt I had so much love to offer, but it all led to emptiness and eventually a toxic relationship with someone I thought was my soulmate, but turned out to be my karmic partner. There’s more to this story, but let’s save it for another time.

The end of that relationship led me to discover the essence of self-love and self-acceptance, eventually stepping into my own worth. Astrology has become a guiding light for me in that regard — and can be for you, too.

​Let’s Talk About Your Rising Sign & How It Defines Your Relationship Standards

In astrology, examining your rising sign can offer profound insights. With Cancer rising, your soul yearns for deep, emotional connections. Creating a biological or soul family may bring you joy and fulfillment. Opposite Cancer is Capricorn, which governs the 7th house of your birth chart — the area that reveals the type of partners you need and what you should embody to feel complete, whether you’re with someone or not. A Capricorn-ruled 7th house suggests that a structured, secure, and straightforward partner will align with your needs. If you find yourself in a relationship that feels stagnant or uncertain from the start, it’s a sign that you’re not embodying Capricorn’s qualities, and it might be time to move on.

Your natural tendency to give and care deeply for others stems from a place of genuine concern and desire to ensure everyone’s well-being. However, it’s crucial for you to seek security from within. Feeling at home in your skin and living in the moment are great starting points.

Avoid individuals who offer unrequited love or broken promises. You may have an intuitive sense that you might overlook — trust it. By becoming more aware of your physical and emotional responses to others, you can discern between genuine connections and energy-draining situations. Establishing a practice of quiet reflection and observation can facilitate understanding the root of your heightened emotions.

The core message here is to build security within yourself and extend grace and understanding to yourself throughout your journey. It’s perfectly okay to be single right now; you're worthy of attracting a partner who will cherish all of you. To find the love of your life, you must first love yourself — not in a self-centered way, but by honoring your own needs and boundaries. Saying no to situations and people not aligning with your sensitive soul will make you stronger than you realize. The Universe will respond with an endearing relationship by practicing this because you’ve learned to honor yourself.

With Love and Stars,

Lumi

​How Your Rising Sign Cultivates Self-Acceptance and Attracts the Love You Need

Like an outfit, your rising sign showcases your personality, identity, and perception of the world. What if I tell you that the rising sign can also attract the love you need in your journey? Think of your rising sign as your energy and how you embody it. It's the mirror we carry, and by our energy, we can keep it clean and pristine or murky and distorted. Sometimes, we cannot stand what we see in ourselves, and that channeled energy emanates outward, creating distortion-filled experiences. When this happens, you lose your 'main character' energy, which results in you leaving your life to chance rather than writing your chapters. When you embody complete self-acceptance and happiness within yourself, these are the key ingredients in powering up your rising sign and your 7th house.

As you begin to feel at peace, love, and harmony to the best of your ability, this will attract what you desire in your life and in love. The world will respond and reflect back all that we project. It’s that simple. Our rising sign is responsible for this active energy, and learning how to master it, will be the key to help you understand the nature of your personality while also attracting your dreams. The ascendant is the portal of your experiences, good and bad. Now that we understand the gist of the rising sign, let's explore your rising sign and how you can tap into your main character energy.

​Love Alchemy: How Your Rising Sign Shapes Relationships

Aries Rising

Aries Rising radiates a bold, adventurous energy, often attracting equally spirited partners. To attract the love of their life, they should embrace their assertiveness and passion. By channeling the competitive energy of their 7th house (Libra), they can cultivate harmony in relationships without sacrificing their individuality. Self-acceptance means recognizing their fierce independence while being open to collaboration and compromise. The dynamic energy of Mars empowers them to attract a partner who admires their fiery spirit yet values partnership.

Taurus Rising

Grounded and sensual, Taurus Rising can attract lasting love through their nurturing nature. Their 7th house energy in Scorpio encourages depth and intensity in relationships. To manifest their ideal partner, Taurus Rising must embrace their inner beauty and the pleasure of self-care. By embodying their desire for stability and security, they can project an aura of comfort and reliability, making them irresistible to those seeking genuine connections. Venus, their ruling planet, enhances their allure, helping them draw the right kind of love.

Gemini Rising

With a quick wit and charm, Gemini Rising attracts partners through intellectual stimulation. Their 7th house in Sagittarius encourages exploration and adventure. To attract their soulmate, they should openly embrace their duality and communicate their needs and desires. Their self-acceptance journey involves acknowledging their inquisitiveness while finding ways to ground themselves in relationships. Mercury, their ruling planet, sharpens their communication skills, enabling them to draw in a partner who shares their passion for life and learning.

Cancer Rising

Cancer Rising embodies warmth and nurturing energy, making them deeply appealing to potential partners. Their 7th house in Capricorn requires a balance between emotional depth and practical commitment. To attract a lasting love, Cancer Rising should accept their need for security while being open to vulnerability. Utilizing their emotional intelligence to discern their connections creates a safe space for love to flourish. The Moon, their ruling planet, enhances their intuition and empathy, helping them attract a partner who values their nurturing nature and ambition.

Leo Rising

Confident and charismatic, Leo Rising draws people in with their radiant energy. Their 7th house in Aquarius encourages them to seek uniqueness in relationships. To draw in the love they need, Leo Rising must embody self-love while giving space for individuality. By embracing their creativity and leading with generosity, the Sun, their ruling planet, inspires them to attract a partner who appreciates their vibrant spirit and shares their vision for a progressive, loving partnership.

Virgo Rising

Practical and detail-oriented, Virgo Rising has a unique charm that attracts partners seeking stability and support. Their 7th house in Pisces invites them to explore relationships' emotional and spiritual aspects. Virgo Rising should love their imperfections and the beauty of vulnerability to attract an epic partnership. By cultivating self-acceptance and finding joy in the little things, Mercury, their ruling planet, helps them draw in a partner who appreciates their grounded nature while encouraging emotional exploration.

Libra Rising

Charming and harmonious, Libra Rising attracts partners through their innate ability to create beauty and balance. Their 7th house in Aries prompts them to be more assertive in love. Libra Rising must embrace the desire for partnership to attract their ideal partner while also recognizing the importance of self-identity. Being bold in expressing their needs will ignite their main character energy, as Venus, their ruling planet, empowers them to draw in a partner who values connection and independence.

Scorpio Rising

Intense and magnetic, Scorpio Rising naturally attracts people with their enigmatic presence. Their 7th house in Taurus urges them to seek relationship stability and loyalty. Scorpio Rising should tap into their emotional depth and learn to communicate openly to attract the love they desire. Valuing their worth is vital to mastering their life path. By engaging in self-love and finding a balance between their passionate nature and a desire for security, Pluto and Mars, their ruling planets, will manifest in attracting a partner who appreciates their intensity and commitment.

Sagittarius Rising

Adventurous and free-spirited, Sagittarius Rising attracts partners through their love of exploration and philosophy. Their 7th house in Gemini encourages communication and curiosity in relationships. To attract their ideal love, Sagittarius Rising has to tap into their quest for knowledge while remaining open to commitment. By cultivating self-worth and expressing their authentic self, Jupiter, their ruling planet, guides them in drawing in a partner who shares their passion for adventure and intellectual pursuits.

Capricorn Rising

Disciplined and ambitious, Capricorn Rising manifests partnerships through their drive and determination. Their 7th house in Cancer encourages them to explore emotional depth in relationships. To attract lasting love, Capricorn Rising should tap into their nurturing side and allow themselves to be vulnerable. By practicing self-love while balancing their ambitions with emotional availability, Saturn, their ruling planet, aids them in attracting a partner who admires their strength while valuing emotional connection.

Aquarius Rising

Innovative and independent, Aquarius Rising draws in partners with their unique perspectives and humanitarian spirit. Their 7th house in Leo invites them to ignite creativity and passion in relationships. Aquarius Rising must acknowledge their desire for freedom while recognizing the value of connection to attract the love they desire. By embodying their authentic and unique self, Uranus, their ruling planet, inspires them to draw in a partner who appreciates their individuality and shares their vision for a better world.

Pisces Rising

Dreamy and compassionate, Pisces Rising attracts partners through their empathetic and intuitive nature. Their 7th house in Virgo encourages them to seek practicality and service in relationships. To attract true love, it's vital for Pisces Rising to embrace their sensitivity while grounding themselves in reality. By practicing self-love and setting healthy boundaries, Neptune and Jupiter, their ruling planets, will manifest a partner who appreciates their depth and aligns with their desire for meaningful connections.

Understanding your rising sign can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Exploring your ascendant's unique traits and energies will help you get to know yourself and all its shades and how you navigate love and relationships. This awareness empowers you to embrace your authentic self and enables you to identify patterns that may hold you back. As you align with your rising sign's essence and ruling planet, you can cultivate more happiness and confidence, opening pathways to attract meaningful connections and experiences that resonate with your true essence. Embracing your rising sign invites you to step into your main character energy, allowing you to write your story with intention and authenticity.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving that typically signifies the start of holiday shopping season, though many retailers have started to launch their Black Friday deals earlier year over year. A lot of the deals that stores and brands offer during Black Friday outpace their other sales events (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day) in terms of savings.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Black Friday will land on November 29, 2024.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving that highlights savings and deals online as opposed to in-store offers. It's one of the busiest times of year for online shopping.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday will land on December 2, 2024.

When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?

We're big believers that it's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. The sooner you shop, the better, so you can check everyone off your list ahead of the busy holiday season and have some peace of mind once the real festivities start! Plus, if you're shopping online, starting early gives you ample time to wait for items to be shipped and delivered to your door. If deals and savings are what you're looking for, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some really great opportunities.

What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

The best thing to shop for during Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday promotions really depends on what your needs are as well as the items you're scoping out to treat yourself (or the people you're gifting for the holidays). Typically, big-ticket items like home appliances, tech products like earbuds, laptops, TVs, and tablets, and luxury self-care tools are heavily discounted during this time.

Beauty Sales

Bliss

When: November 20-December 17

What: 20-30% off select products

Ulta

When: Now-November 23

What: Weekly deals on skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance.

IT Cosmetics

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide (loyalty members get 35% off)

Kiehl's

When: November 21-December 2

What: 30% off site-wide and 50% off select items on November 26 only

Lanolips

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off at Ulta and 20% off on Amazon

Moroccanoil

When: November 25-December 3 (rewards members will have early access to the sale on December 2)

What: 25% off sitewide

NOYZ

When: November 28-30 and December 1-2

What: 25% off sitewide and a free baseball cap on purchases over $55 on November 28-30, 25% off sitewide and a free candle on purchases over $55 on December 1-2

dpHUE

When: November 3-15

What: 25% off sitewide

Dieux

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off original price items, 20% off single items, and a free Mini Slugging Kit on orders over $30

ILIA

When: November 25-December 2, VIP members get early access November 24

What: 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $125, and 25% off plus a free full-size product for orders over $150

Ogee

When: November 1-December 3

What: 20% off sitewide with code 'GIFTGLOW20' and receive free deluxe samples with purchases over $200 (November 28-December 3 only)

Youth To The People

When: November 23-December 3 on YTTP.com, November 21-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Sephora

What:

• YTTP: 30% off sitewide plus a free 3-piece gift with purchases over $85
• Amazon: 20% off select products through November 27, 30% off select products starting November 28
• Sephora: 30% off all products in-store and online

Fashion Sales

Dream Pairs

When: November 21-December 2

What: 20-40% off select styles on the Dream Pairs site and Amazon

Madewell

When: November 21-27

What: 30% off your purchase, including new arrivals

H&M

When: November 28-December 1

What: 30% off online only (November 28), 30% off online and in-store (November 29-30), and up to 50% off (November 30-December 1)

Old Navy

When: November 1-December 2

What: 50% off select products online and in-store (November 1-6), 50% off everything online and in-store (November 7-10), and 50% off everything online only and 50% off select products in-store (November 27-December 2)

Land's End

When: November 29-December 3

What: 50% off, including customizable canvas totes, sheets, towels, accessories and more.

Showpo

When: November 22-December 3

What:

• Black Friday early access (November 22-24): 25% off sitewide
• Black Friday (November 27-29): 25% off sitewide
• Cyber Weekend (November 30-December 1): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
• Cyber Monday (December 2-3): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers

Franco Sarto

When: November 23-December 3

What: Up to 70% off + free shipping

Oomiay

When: November 28-December 2

What: Free exclusive jewelry pieces (up to 5) with every item purchased on November 28-December 1 and up to 50% off your entire order on December 2 only

Barefoot Dreams

When: November 27-December 1 (Black Friday VIP access starts November 25) and December 2-3 (for Cyber Monday)

What: 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 30% off 4 or more items for Black Friday. The CozyChic Checks & Stripes Sock Set will be just $9.98 (was $45) on Cyber Monday only.

Local Eclectic

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Quince

When: November 27-December 2

What: 40% off select products

Home Sales

Revival Rugs

When: November 14-December 2

What: Scaled discounts automatically applied at checkout:

• 15% off $250-500
• 20% off $500-999
• 25% off $1,000-1,999
• 30% off $2000+

Walmart

When: November 11-December 1

What: Walmart is breaking up their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals into two events.

• Event 1 deals begin online on November 11 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
• Event 1 deals begin in stores on November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.
• Event 2 deals begin online on November 25 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
• Event 2 deals begin in stores November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.
• Cyber Monday deals start online on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 8 p.m. ET for all customers.

Amazon

When: November 29 and December 2 (tentative)

What: Amazon will feature "tons of great deals across all different categories."

Brookstone

When: November 25-December 4

What: Up to 76% off select items

Ruggable

When: Starting November 26

What: 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply) with code 'BF24'

Brümate

When: November 26-December 2

What: 20% off coolers and 25% off drinkware with code 'HOLIDAY25'

sproos!

When: November 27-December 2

What: 30% off of the Lookin' Good Bundle on sproos.co and Amazon

Great Jones

When: November 4-December 2 on Great Jones site and November 21-December on Amazon

What: up to 50% off sitewide and 20-33% off select items on Amazon

Food + Supplement Sales

Cure

When: November 26-December 3

What: 25% off sitewide on all Electrolyte Drink Mixes, Cure Kids, Energy Teas and merch with code 'HELPYOURSELF25'

More Sales

Petco

When: November 23-30

What: 50% off select items