Brit Interviews Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, drops by to share his learnings from leading one of the largest social media platforms in the world. As a once junior-level designer at Facebook, Adam chats with Brit and Dave about how he made the leap from Facebook to Instagram, grew through the ranks of management, and leveraged design thinking in his key decisions over the years.

He delves into how he handles social media when it comes to his own kids and their privacy, what he thinks Instagram and social media will look like in the next 10 years, and even the weirdest trends that Instagram users globally constantly "like" and follow.

It's a wild time to be talking about social media. Prior to this week, we admit to having a love/hate relationship with all of it, as we're guessing you've been in the same boat. But given the global pandemic and the self-quarantines and "Shelter in Place" shutdowns happening here in the Bay Area, social media has become an even more crucial connection point to news and loved ones.

Did you leave your family Thanksgiving dinner last year feeling like you were the one who got carved up and digested? You weren't alone. In an increasingly polarized sociological climate, family events where opinions differ can feel fraught with high stakes and conflicting moral obligations. And if you're already dreading Thanksgiving because all of the brawlin' that's sure to go down, you might be considering opting out of the festivities entirely.

In our Teach Me Something New podcast, Alexandra Carter, Columbia law professor and mediation expert, talks to Brit and Anj about the powers of persuasion to get the results you want in a conversation. The key to the Thanksgiving political discussion? Listening, asking open questions, and finding some common ground.

Here's what you can do to make it through Thanksgiving when your relatives just keep being problematic and things get awkward...

"I might say something like, 'I hear that you're concerned about national security and that's what led me to have this viewpoint.' So sometimes using a little bit of focusing on what you have in common can help you to have a civil conversation and not have anybody throwing mashed potatoes across the table," says Carter.

Here are more expert-backed tips for navigating the holiday awkwardness, even if it's just via Zoom. Make stuffing your face great again this Thanksgiving by implementing our seven-step plan.

Askar Abayev

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

Element5 Digital

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

Monstera Production

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

Looking for more holiday help this year? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

In the age of prestige TV (hey The Bear!), I have really become a TV person. I love keeping up with the same characters throughout the course of multiple episodes (and in the cast of The Last of Us and The Summer I Turned Pretty, multiple weeks), and then over multiple years. And there are plenty of incredible TV shows premiering and returning in 2025 — and some of these January TV shows have already dropped!

Here are 25 new TV shows we can't wait to see in 2025.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth — On Peacock Now

Graeme Hunter/SKY/Carnival

Dr. Jim Swire (Colin Firth) is mourning the loss of his daughter Flora after Pan Am Flight 103 explodes, when he becomes the spokesperson for all the UK victims. But the more he fights for justice for all the families, the more he realizes just how unjust the system is.

Lockerbie is on Peacock now and stars Colin Firth, Catherine McCormack, Sam Troughton, Mark Bonnar, Ardalan Esmaili, Mudar Abbara, Guy Henry, Nabil Al Raee, and Jemma Carlton.

Small Town Setup — On Hallmark+

Hallmark+

Consider this new TV show like living in a Hallmark movie IRL. When a single searching for love returns home, they're presented with dating options handpicked by people in their hometown. "All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Small Town Setup is on Hallmark+ and is hosted by Ashley Williams.

When Calls The Heart Season 12 — On Hallmark Channel Now

Hallmark Channel

Our comfort show is back! When Calls The Heart season 12 brings Elizabeth and Hope Valley into the 1920s — and the parties, romance, and eventual financial troubles that come.

When Calls The Heart season 12 is on Hallmark Channel and stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Melissa Gilbert, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Kavan Smith, and Viv Leacock.

Doc — On Fox Now

FOX

Dr. Amy Elias is chief of internal medicine, but doesn't remember anything from the last eight years of patients, work drama, and even her own divorce thanks to a traumatic brain injury. This is one medical drama you'll definitely want to check out.

Doc is on Fox and stars Molly Parker, Omar Metwally, Jon-Michael Ecker, Anya Banerjee, Scott Wolf, Amirah Vann, and Conni Miu.

The Traitors Season 3 — On Peacock January 9, 2025

Chris Haston/NBC

This is the reality show for people who aren't so sure about reality TV. Alan Cumming, a Scottish castle, and a crazy murder mystery game? Yes please!

The Traitors season 3 premieres January 9 and stars Alan Cumming, Wells Adams, Sam Asghari, Chanel Ayan, Bob the Drag Queen, Dolores Catania, Jeremy Collins, Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Nikki Garcia, Bob Harper, Britney Haynes, "Boston" Rob Mariano, Dorinda Medley, Ciara Miller, Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Danielle Reyes, Tom Sandoval, Chrishell Stause, Tony Vlachos, Carolyn Wiger, and Gabby Windey.

On Call — On Prime Video January 9, 2025

Prime Video

In this new TV show, veteran officer Traci (Troian Bellisario) and rookie (Brandon Larracuente) go on patrols around Long Beach, California. California beaches might be pretty laidback, but Traci is definitely in for plenty of challenges.

On Call premieres January 9 and stars Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, and Eriq La Salle.

With Love, Meghan — On Netflix January 15, 2025

Netflix

This new TV show follows the Meghan Markle on a cooking, gardening, and hosting journey! This is one home I'd love to step into, TBH.

With Love, Meghan hits Netflix on January 15 and is hosted by Meghan Markle, alongside guests like Mindy Kaling.

XO, Kitty Season 2 — On Netflix January 16, 2025

Netflix

In XO, Kitty season 2, Kitty (Anna Cathcart) wants nothing more than to just date casually. But a letter from her mom's past opens up new adventures, relationships, and opportunities — and the return of Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo)!!!

XO, Kitty season 2 stars Anna Cathcart, Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, Joshua Lee, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah.

Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January 17, 2025

Apple TV+

Relationships and identity will always be timely TV themes (try saying that five times fast), and in Severance season 2, Mark (Adam Scott) running around his office, and running from his problems, in the Severance season 2 teaser trailer is the most relatable thing I've seen. all day. After a full season of his work and personal lives being, well, severed, Mark is in for a lot of surprises this time around. Completely separating your career from the rest of your life might sound ideal, but this January TV show is going to show us why that's simply not the case.

Severance season 2 premieres on January 17, and stars Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble.

Prime Target — On Apple TV+ January 22, 2025

Apple TV+

Edward (Leo Woodall) is about to make a major breakthrough, meaning he (and any other genius) could have access to every computer in the world. Now he's teaming up with a National Security Agent (Quintessa Swindell) to keep it safe.

Prime Target premieres on January 22 and stars Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell, Stephen Rea, David Morrissey, Martha Plimpton, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jason Flemyng, Harry Lloyd, Ali Suliman, Fra Fee, and Joseph Mydell.

The Night Agent Season 2 — on Netflix January 23, 2025

Netflix

These new TV shows are just proving that 2025 is going to be another year of hot men. And in The Night Agent season 2, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is finally an official Night Agent after saving the President's life — and he is, once again, in way over his head.

The Night Agent season 2 premieres on January 23 and stars Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Sarah Desjardins, and Enrique Murciano.

Sweet Magnolias Season 4 — On Netflix February 6, 2025

Netflix

It's finally time to head back to Serenity and catch up with all our Sweet Magnolias! And it sounds like their friendship is about to be put to the test. Season 4 will examine "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life," showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson tells TUDUM, "and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us."

Sweet Magnolias season 4 premieres February 6 and stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley.

The White Lotus Season 3 — On HBO and Max February 16, 2025

Fabio Lovino/HBO

White Lotus season 3 is (somehow) spicier than ever before. This year we're headed to Thailand to meet some new characters...and see some familiar faces too. And just like the trailer teases, we're in for a crazy dose of both pain and pleasure.

The White Lotus season 3 premieres February 16 and will star Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

Yellowjackets Season 3 — On SHOWTIME And Paramount+ February 16, 2025

Showtime

This season of Yellowjackets is sure to answer lots of questions — and probably give us even more than we had in the beginning. "How do you change while you are in your core, in your essence, the same person you always were?" creator Ashley Lyle tells Vanity Fair, teasing the merging the characters' past and present selves. "How much are you hiding that, and how long are you able to do that, is a question that we’re playing with this season."

Yellowjackets season 3 premieres February 16 and stars Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Courtney Eaton, Liv Hewson, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Kevin Alves, Sarah Desjardins, Simone Kessell, Elijah Wood, Joel McHale, and Hilary Swank.

1923 Season 2 — On Paramount+ February 23, 2025

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 season 2 is going to be all kinds of chaotic as the Dutton family fights to get back to one another: Jacob and Cara remain on the Yellowstone ranch, Spencer's making his way across the country, and Alex has to figure out a way to get off that dang ship.

1923 season 2 premieres February 23 andthe cast includes Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Darren Mann, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.

The Last of Us Season 2 — On HBO and Max April 2025

HBO

The Last of Us season 2 is going to be more intense, more emotional, and more explosive than ever — especially when Ellie figures out the huge secret Joel's been keeping from her. I'm ready to cry, TBH.

The Last of Us season 2 will star Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Wright, Tati Gabrielle and Ariela Barer.

Running Point — On Netflix In 2025

Netflix

In this new TV show, Isla Gordon becomes President of the LA Waves basketball team after a scandal costs her brother the job. And Isla will have to prove to everyone around her that she can balance work AND play (although maybe a little more work than play, ammirite?)

Running Point is coming to Netflix soon and stars Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, and Dane DiLiegro.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 — On Prime Video In 2025

Peter Taylor/Prime Video

Not only does our third trip to Cousins Beachfeature three extra episodes, but it'll also pick up smack dab in the middle of the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah love triangle. Here's hoping we're getting a spinoff so we can see these characters as many times as possible!

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 premieres in 2025 and stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard.

Stranger Things Season 5 — On Netflix in 2025

Tina Rowden/Netflix

This year, longtime fans of this series will finally get to see how the story ends. The show is bringing us into 1987 and last time we saw the Hawkins crew, they were face-to-face with the Upside Down infiltrating our world.

Stranger Things 5 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Amybeth McNulty, and Priah Ferguson.

The Bear Season 4 — On FX And Hulu In 2025

FX

The Bear season 3, in my opinion, was only the first half of the story. I'm excited to see how season 4 wraps it all up — including the restaurant's review and Carmy's effect on Sydney...

The Bear season 4 is coming to FX in 2025 and stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson.

Wednesday Season 2 — On Netflix in 2025

Bernard Walsh/Netflix

Wednesday season 2 is taking us back to Nevermore Academy alongside Jenna Ortega — and Lady Gaga? We don't know much about the plot just yet but this cast is all I need to convince me to watch.

Wednesday season 2 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Jenna Ortega, Lady Gaga, Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan.

Sullivan's Crossing Season 3 — On The CW In 2025

CTV/Fremantle/The CW

Sullivan's Crossing season 2 was full of twists and turns — and season 3 is going to be just as wild (and cozy). “We are so excited to return to Sullivan’s Crossing next year for a third season,” Brad Schwartz, CW's President, tells Deadline. "Roma [Downey], this talented cast, and the entire creative team have built an incredible world full of emotionally charged storytelling that has resonated with viewers over the last two years."

Sullivan's Crossing season 3 is coming in 2025 and stars Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Scott Patterson.

Only Murders In The Building Season 5 — On Hulu Soon

Patrick Harbron/Disney

We don't have an official release date for season 5 yet, but we've gotten a new installment every year since its premiere so I'm feeling hopeful! This year Mabel, Oliver, and Charles will have to solve Chester's murder (I'M HEARTBROKEN) and might even deal with some mob bosses.

Only Murders in the Building season 5 is coming soon and stars Selena Gomez, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Téa Leoni.

Virgin River Season 7 — On Netflix Soon

Netflix

If you've already binged all of Virgin River season 6, don't worry — there's another season coming! And showrunner Patrick Sean Smith says it'll “explore the honeymoon phase for them as they’re building their lives on the farm, which can come with its own obstacles.”

Virgin River season 7 is coming soon and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Colin Lawrence, Kandyse McClure, Sarah Dugdale, and Kai Bradbury.

Nobody Wants This Season 2 — On Netflix Soon

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This became an immediate classic when it premiered in 2024, and we can't wait to see Noah and Joanne navigate their relationship and family drama in season 2.

Nobody Wants This season 2 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Which new TV show are you excited to see in 2025? Sound off in the comments and check out the amazing 2025 movies headed our way!

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Valentine's Day is next month, so it's time for a little tough love. Are you ready? Deep breath... You're not going to get far in your relationship by wondering, "What are we doing?" anymore. For such a simple question, it carries the weight of being vague and loaded. It's not that you shouldn't want to know where your relationship is headed, but there are better questions to ask your boyfriend.

From my first relationship to being engaged with an energetic toddler, I know a thing or two about how to broach certain topics. But, I'm no one's expert so I turned to Sean O'Neill, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Director at Maple Moon Recovery, to help you figure out how to get to the heart of your relationship.

Scroll to see which deep questions to ask your boyfriend for a better, healthier relationship!

Andres Ayrton

1. Questions To Ask If You're In The 'Honeymoon' Stage

Whenever we finally move from flirting with our crushes to being in a relationship with them, it's typically followed by a period of euphoria. You and your boyfriend likely can't get enough of each other right now which is probably making your friends playfully roll their eyes. Since everything is brand new, you can still keep it light though.

O'Neill suggests asking "open-ending questions that prompt curiosity and connection:"

  • What's one dream you've never let me in on?
  • What's one little gesture that can make you feel valued?

"These couple of queries facilitate bonding while generating enthusiasm for the goals and interests of each other," he says.

Budgeron Bach

2. Questions To Ask After Your First Big Fight

Even if you and your boyfriend are super tuned in to each other, a disagreement or argument is bound to happen. In case you're worried, your relationship isn't on thin ice because you're not seeing eye-to-eye on something. O'Neill says you can ask:

  • How do you think we handled the argument?
  • What could we do differently next time to make our future fights more productive?

His reasoning is that these questions "promote growth and empathy" so "disagreements are transformed into stronger communication opportunities."

Note: Disagreements should never turn physical. It's not okay for you and your boyfriend to become physically aggressive with each other. If you're concerned about domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1(800) 799-7233.

Keira Burton

3. Questions To Ask Before Introducing Your Boyfriend To Your Parents

Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a huge step that can be scary and exciting. I was terrified when my parents first met my fiancé because they couldn't stand my ex. But, the conversation between them flowed and everyone always looks for him to be at family events.

If you're ready for introductions to be made, O'Neill wants you to "encourage the normality of preplanned talks" by asking:

  • What is something about me that you think my parents would really love to hear about?

By doing this, he says it'll "help alleviate anxiety and ensure both spouses feel comfortable and attuned before meeting the parents."

Mikhail Nilov

4. Questions To Ask If You Or Your Boyfriend Have An Illness

It's never easy to experience illnesses or health scares, but it can be terrifying if you don't know how to help your partner manage if something unexpected happens. O'Neill says to "nurture insights with queries such as:"

  • What is one thing I could to assist you better when ill?
  • Are there any aspects concerning your healthy that haven't been discussed which make you anxious?

"The conversations provide a safe space for airing concerns while building up mutual support through health difficulties," he adds.

Mikhail Nilov

5. Questions To Ask If You're Worried About Boyfriend's Spending Habits

Financial red flags are always a cause for concern when dating someone — especially when it seems like your boyfriend doesn't care about his spending habits may affect your household if you live together. O'Neill suggests asking:

  • What are your financial goals?
  • How do you see us working towards them together?
  • How do you feel about budgeting as a team?

This will "make goal alignment stronger" because "effective communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings," he says. Also, this helps "lay the foundation for a shared vision of the future."

Bethany Ferr

6. Questions To Ask To Deepen Vulnerability With Each Other

Being vulnerable isn't easy for everyone, let alone two people in a relationship. It took me years to feel comfortable expressing my sadness or fears to my fiancé because I was afraid he'd think I was 'weak.' However, this can cause more harm than good because it becomes difficult for our partners to know what's going on with us if we don't open up.

O'Neill says you can ask:

  • What's one fear or concern you've hesitated to share with anyone before?
  • How can I help you feel safe sharing with me?
These questions "create room for openness and trust between partners" which aids in "helping them connect emotionally," according to him.

Katerina Holmes

7. Questions To Help Move The Relationship Forward

If you're still wondering "what are we doing" after asking some of the above questions, you focus on asking the following "future-oriented questions," according to O'Neill:

  • Where do you see us in 5 years?
  • What's something you envision us doing together as a couple in the future?
"Thinking about what is ahead strengthens commitment to the relationship and brings both partners' goals into line," he says.
Even though my fiancé and I have been together for a while, we still have conversations about our goals, health, raising our son, and more. It helps us to either stay aligned or see what needs to be addressed as opposed to letting physical attraction guide the way we feel 95% of the time.

But that's not all! We have more advice about relationships if you're looking to build a deeper connection yourself, friends, or family in 2025!

If you’re a trueTrader Joe’s fan, you probably already carry your pickle tote bag everywhere. And, of course, you can’t forget the frenzy for the-ever stylish Trader Joe’s mini tote bags! TJ’s is here to shake (or, rather, shred) things up with an all-new tote bag design – and it’s super cheesy.

Trader Joe’s

That’s right – Trader Joe’s latest and greatest tote bag design (which you can shop from end caps near the TJ’s checkout lines) features all things cheese! Any charcuterie, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and pizza lover will immediately fall in love with it.

Eme Estevez / Dupe

The tote is covered in “charmingly cheesy” illustrations of all the varieties of cheese Trader Joe’s has to offer. They’re perfectly colorful and bold, so you’ll adore looking at it every time you make a grocery trip.

Fans are calling the new design "sooo cuteee" and "un-brie-lieveable." One Instagram user even said, "now that’s a tote worth getting if you are cheeseboard obsessed. 🥳🥳🥳"

Jayda Anderson / Dupe

The bag is certifiably heavy duty, made of 100% cotton, and features reinforced seams with two handles long enough to hang comfortably on your shoulder – perfect for you if you walk to your nearest Trader Joe’s instead of driving there! It measures 18.5 by 13.5 inches to carry all the snacks, frozen meals, and beverages your heart desires.

Trader Joe’s

My favorite part of this new TJ’s tote is that it’s also covered in tons of cheese puns, which are quite “pun-gent,” per Trader Joe’s.

The cheese puns in question? “I’m wheel excited to be here. You cheddar believe it. To brie, or not to brie. I am fondue you. Life’s so gouda.” I’m a firm believer that everyone loves a good pun, so this bag is an instant source of entertainment.

Alexy Almond / PEXELS

The new Trader Joe’s cheese tote bags are just $4 each. I’ll definitely be snagging one for myself and a few more to share with the TJ’s lovers in my life!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing Trader Joe's new arrivals!