The Time of Day You’re Most Creative Is Not When You Think

Aug 16, 2017

Maybe you’re a morning person. No coffee or alarm clock needed to get you up bright and early. You squeeze in a workout before most people are even awake, and you’re the first one to the office each morning. Your productivity’s peak is prior to the sun’s. Or perhaps you’re a night owl. You eat dinner at 9pm, you continually shut down the gym, and most of your work emails have a post-midnight timestamp. Everyone knows it’s when the sun’s down that you’re down to business.

Most people identify with one of these categories — each with their own set of pros and cons — more so than the other. And we all know that the sleep deprivation we feel when we’re forced out of our zone is a real productivity-killer. But what if we told you that, when it comes to creativity, your highest level of functioning is at the exact opposite of the time you’d expect? According to a study conducted by Mareike Wieth and Rose Zacks and published in the scientific journal Thinking & Reasoning, humans are at our most creative when we’re tired.

Subjects of the research were administered a test to determine whether they considered themselves morning or evening people. Whichever time resulted was then considered each participant’s “optimal time of day” in terms of productivity and focus. They were then asked to solve different types of problems at various points during the day. Surprisingly, the subjects of the study demonstrated the best performance on the “insight” problems during their “non-optimal time of day” — i.e., morning people thought more creatively at night and vice versa. The reason? When the brain is alert, it is efficient at filtering out distractions and, consequently, focusing on the task at hand. When drowsy, the brain reverts to a state of broadened thinking, opening the floodgates to a wider range of information and varying interpretations of ideas. This state of “broadened thinking” can be aptly referred to as creative thinking.

This finding, though seemingly counterintuitive at first, actually makes a lot of sense. Every early bird has had a brilliant idea during a bedtime shower and, likewise, a night owl right after they hit the snooze button. Although we still recommend striving for the full eight hours a night, who knows: Maybe missing a few winks here and there will result in your next novel idea, project proposal, or even killer Instagram caption.

When do you find your creative juices flowing? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

7 Ways to Stay Positive Even During the Toughest Times

A lot of people pride themselves on being optimists, and TBH, if you canstay positivewith everything that’s going on in the world today, major props to you. For most people who consider themselves the glass-half-full type, it’s a lifestyle. They try to look at everything that comes their way, from relationship troubles to work mistakes, with a positive spin. But a recent study investigated whether optimists still stay more positive than pessimists when things get really tough, and what they found was pretty surprising.

Scientists analyzed nine previous studies to see how both optimists and pessimists brace themselves for receiving important and potentially negative news, like medical test results. They found that even though people who identify as optimists tend to be more positive in general, they too start assuming the worst as the moment of truth about something important nears. It’s easy to understand this instinct, since some people tend to believe that preparing yourself for the worst will ultimately make it less shocking if it happens. On the other hand, some people would rather stay positive whenever possible, since it’s easier to fight off stress and anxiety when you have a sunny outlook. Here, we’ve gathered some of our favorite expert tips for staying optimistic when you’re dealing with some super hard stuff.

How To Stay Positive

1.Learn to reframe negativity. “The trick to positivity is not avoiding pessimism,” says Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a certified professional coach. “It’s really about how quickly you can redirect your focus from negative to positive. Critical thinkers are going to see problems to be solved, but the ability to ‘reframe’ the conversation is the really important skill for people to practice.” She recommends getting into the habit of acknowledging negative thoughts and then asking, “What else is possible here?” This can guide you back into a positive mindset more quickly.

“Bottom line: Negativity happens,” she says. “Positivity is a choice, and the quicker you learn to reframe, the more time you’ll spend in a positive space. Then, over time, the more likely you are to turn directly to a positive interpretation of events.”

2. Ask yourself if this will matter a month or year from now. Sometimes things seem crucial AF in the moment, but might be inconsequential even just a few days after that. Just think about high school drama. “When we can leave the past behind and even know in the present moment that this feeling won’t last, it can help to remind us that time heals and life goes on,” explainsSharon Stokes, life-fulfillment coach.

3.Give back. Volunteering is an amazing way to change your entire perspective, saysLyssa Menard, a clinical health psychologist, founder of Strategies for Changeand assistant professor at Northwestern University’s medical school. “There are many organizations that don’t require an ongoing commitment, so sign up for an event that’s meaningful. Research shows that giving to others is one of the quickest routes toward happiness. While happiness and positivity are different, they’re correlated,” Lyssa says.

4. Role play to be more objective. Playing a little mind trick on yourself can work wonders, says Lori Scherwin of Strategize That, a career coaching service. “We’re often better at helping others than ourselves,” she notes. “Make the situation more objective and less personal to you. For example, consider if it were anyone else in the situation (like your best friend, partner or colleague). How would you see the same ‘problem?’ What advice might you give them to get out of it?” she asks. This will help you shift from being super hard on yourself to more objective, and most likely, more positive.

5. Make changes to things that are within your control. Spending time worrying about something that you can’t change isn’t really worth the effort. Instead, “Focus on areas where you have agency,” suggests Holly Burton, a career coach for women in male-dominated industries. “You may be stuck in a role you don’t love at work, but you could probably work a few extra hours a week and take on a project that interests you. You could also schedule some proactive meetings with your boss to make an action plan to develop the skills you need to make a lateral move,” she says. In most situations, whether they’re career-related or not, it’s possible to take actions to make things better for yourself.

6. Practice radical acceptance. Some professional coaches suggest trying out the idea of radical acceptance, which is basically accepting the things you cannot change, even if they’re not right or you don’t agree with them.

7.Try this gratitude challenge. First, journal about one event each day for seven days that made you feel happy and/or thankful and include the specifics of why it made you feel that way, going deep into the details. Second, send one random thank you email or text to someone each day, either personally or professionally. This message should include what they did and why it’s worthy of the shout out. Detailed gratitude journals are proven to improve your life satisfaction, so try to stick to a gratitude practice, even in the good times!

What do you do when you’re trying to stay optimistic? Have you tried any of these techniques? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.

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How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' For Free This Holiday Season

Despite the fact my family (and the internet at large) loves classics like It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas, my favorite Charlie Brown holiday special has always been A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The 30-minute episode just highlights so much that I love about this time of year: family, CHOSEN family, and that feeling when we finally switch from spooky season to cozy season. Not to mention the fact the montage of Snoopy cooking Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite scene in any cartoon, like, ever. Here's everything you need to know about streaming A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for 2024.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (and A Charlie Brown Christmas) is available to stream for the 2024 holiday season!
The episode features Charlie Brown and friends sitting down for a very memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving premiered in 1973 on CBS, and continues to be a fan favorite.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'

This year, the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special is available to watch on Apple TV+, along with It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas. So if you're wondering, 'Is Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Disney Plus?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But the $9.99 price tag for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to so many other amazing titles (plus there's even a 7-day free trial meaning you can watch this special for free!). Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024 for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in Charlie Brown Thanksgiving?

Charlie Brown and Sally are preparing to spend Thanksgiving at their grandma's house. But when Charlie gets a call from Peppermint Patty, he learns that she's invited herself, Marcie, and Franklin over for dinner! Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Charlie decides to provide a low-key meal for his friends — which brings us to my favorite cooking montage of Snoopy making popcorn, jelly beans, and toast, and setting up a ping pong table like a dinner table.

Peppermint Patty is not happy with the dinner options, and is honestly pretty rude to Charlie, but Marcie reminds her the true spirit of the Thanksgiving season is about being together. It makes me a little weepy just writing this TBH!

I won't spoil the ending of the special just in case you somehow haven't seen it (?!?!) but I will say one of the final scenes features a station wagon with plenty of seating in the back, and as someone who grew up with mini vans and sedans, I still dream about riding in a car like this.

When did Charlie Brown Thanksgiving air?

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired on CBS in 1973, then switched to airing on ABC in 2001. However in 2024, the special (as well as the other two) are available to stream on Apple TV+ after Apple acquired the rights in 2018.

Getting into a festive mood? Here's Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today!

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How Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type Affects Your Dreams

It's fun to learn more about ourselves and to feel understood — that's why we take personality tests so incessantly. And since we live in an age of increased self-awareness, we can apply those tests to so many things, like our Hogwarts house and makeup preferences. Clearly, knowing thyself has taken on a whole new meaning lately, and we love the things that these tests can tell us — but did you ever wonder how your personality might affect your dreams? In a new study, Best Mattress Brand set out to discover whether specific types of people had particular types of dreams. Read on for their fascinating results.

The test explored each component of the Myers-Briggs types, which can be broken down into eight characteristics:

Extraversion or Introversion: This is the way you focus your energy. Extroverts focus on the outside world, and Introverts focus on their inner world.

Sensing or Intuition: This is the way you process information. Sensing individuals focus on the facts, and Intuitive individuals interpret the facts.

Thinking or Feeling: This is the way you make decisions. Thinkers process decisions logically, and Feelers make decisions with context and emotion in mind.

Judging or Perceiving: This is the lens through which you interpret the world. Judgers prefer decisive action, while Perceivers like to keep their options open.

Together, your individual combination of these eight traits creates your personality type. Given these traits as variables, the study surveyed 1,000 people on their Myers Briggs traits and their sleep habits.

As you'd imagine, there were a lot of discrepancies between Introverts and Extroverts. Interestingly enough, Extroverts are 17.7 percent more satisfied with their levels of energy during waking hours than their introverted counterparts. Perhaps it's because of their dream habits: Extroverts also have 8.3 percent fewer nightmares than Introverts. Extroverts also dream about traveling 13.9 percent more often than Introverts do.

What about the content of these dreams? If you're Intuitive, you're 16.8 percent more likely to dream about being killed than Sensers are. Apparently, Intuitive individuals' dreams are more violent across the board: They also dream about getting attacked and “punching something with no effect" more often.

There's also a substantial difference between Thinkers and Feelers when it comes to dreams. The more emotional Feelers dream about getting pregnant more often than Thinkers do, and they dream about their friends more often too. Perhaps Thinkers are just thinking too hard; they talk in their sleep almost 10 percent more than Feelers do.

The Judgers and Perceivers have their differences as well; in fact, Perceivers have night terrors 10.2 percent more often than Judgers, probably due to the fact that they experience reality so deeply.

Does your personality type match up with these findings? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photo via Brit + Co)

This post has been updated.

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23 Thanksgiving Desserts You Won’t Believe Are Healthy

Between the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the rolls, and the green bean casserole, it's quite the feat when you manage to leave room for pumpkin pie after aThanksgivingfeast. Luckily, dessert options that are healthy and delicious run rampant, and you'll want to make sure to save some room for a bite of each. From Paleo pies to dairy-free ice creams, here are 20 healthy Thanksgiving desserts to please everyone at your table, regardless of their diet.

Brit + Co

Mini Chocolate-Pecan Pies

These smaller portions of chocolate pecan pie make snacking on something sweet way healthier and more realistic than reaching for an actual slice. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Potato Parfait

You'll get a little bit of sweet and a little bit of savory with this aesthetically-pleasing Thanksgiving dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread

Though layered with chocolate, banana bread does have bananas in it, so that means it's healthy, right? (via Brit + Co)

Delicious Knowledge

Pumpkin Donuts with Pecan Frosting

No one can ever say no to a donut, and these can even double-duty as breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving. (via Delicious Knowledge)

Half Baked Harvest

Mini Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Candy Peanut Butter Cups

Who said Thanksgiving dessert had to be pie? Snack on these homemade Reese’s cups while you play games after dinner. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Natural Girl Modern World

Pumpkin Pie Parfait with Coconut Whipped Cream

The most “difficult” part of this recipe is the 24-hour wait to dig in, but don’t worry — this layered gluten-free and vegan dessert is a great way to tap into your creative skills. (via Natural Girl Modern World)

Bakerita

Paleo Pecan Pie

You won’t be in a sugar coma after a slice (or two!) of this paleo pecan pie. Coconut oil and almond flour make this a delicious grain-free and dairy-free dessert. (via Bakerita)

Healthy Maven

Spiralized Apple Crumble

Instead of spending all your time chopping apples for a healthy Thanksgiving dessert, cut your time in half by spiralizing them for a quick and healthy apple crumble. It’s sure to be a huge hit and is *totally* Instagram-worthy. (via Healthy Maven)

Joyful Healthy Eats

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Pecan Crust

Make these a few days in advance to take the stress out of the entire Thanksgiving dinner event. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Gourmande in the Kitchen

Coconut Caramel Pecan Bars

These vegan and gluten-free bars look and taste fancy, but are a total breeze to make. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)

Twin Stripe

Gluten-Free Apple Berry Crumble

Apple pie is so 2014. Instead, make a gluten-free crumble with those apples for a dessert that everyone can enjoy! (via Twin Stripe)

Amy’s Healthy Baking

Maple Cupcakes with Pumpkin Pie Frosting

No one will guess that these cupcakes are healthy and gluten-free. Serving cupcakes will keep you from having to wash extra plates and forks, too. (via Amy’s Healthy Baking)

Bakerita

Paleo Pumpkin Pie

Traditional pumpkin pie isn’t gluten-free or paleo. Swap it out for this pie that’s free of dairy and refined sugar, and healthy enough to have for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. (via Bakerita)

Hungry Happenings

Cocoa Banana Ice Cream Turkeys

Banana ice cream is vegan and gluten-free, and won’t have you missing traditional pumpkin pie. You can have your turkey and eat it too with this adorable dessert, no matter if you’re a carnivore or not! (via Hungry Happenings)

Clean Raw Living

Vegan Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Can you believe raw, vegan cheesecake is a thing? These are perfect for a treat everyone can enjoy, no matter what kind of diet they may follow. (via Clean Raw Living)

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Healthy Carrot Cake Bars

Loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a velvety cream cheese drizzle, this treat is all about indulgence without all the guilt. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Clean Cuisine

Gingerbread Loaf

Deck the halls with boughs of gingerbread! This gingerbread loaf is a slice of holiday happiness that'll transport you straight to a cozy winter wonderland. (via Clean Cuisine)

Crowded Kitchen

Granola Cookies

Packed with oats, nuts, and your choice of mix-ins, they're a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to perfection. These cookies offer a delightful crunch in every bite, and you can even make them ahead of time to ease your Thanksgiving prep. (via Crowded Kitchen)

A Virtual Vegan

Dark Chocolate Hummus

Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-decadent, this dessert dip will leave your guests swooning. It's the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent, making it a delightful surprise on your Thanksgiving table. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Browned Butter Banana Zucchini Cake

The browned butter in this healthy Thanksgiving dessert adds a rich, nutty note, while the bananas and zucchini keep it moist and sweet. This dessert is a Thanksgiving game-changer that'll have your family begging for seconds. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Where Is My Spoon?

Zucchini Bundt Cake

This beauty is all about turning a humble veggie into a dessert masterpiece. With its stunning spiral shape and tender crumb, it's a showstopper that'll have everyone reaching for another slice! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Vanilla and Bean

Blueberry Galette

Bursting with plump, juicy blueberries and encased in a flaky, buttery crust, this treat is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Gastroplant

Orange and Prune Scones

These are perfect bites for breakfast or as a charming addition to your Thanksgiving brunch spread. (via Gastroplant)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Thanksgiving hosting ideas!

This post has been updated, featuring former reporting from Kaitlyn Ingram and Cassandra Pisone.

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Nina Dobrev & Shaun White's Wedding Will Be A "Party" & Duh!

There are some celebrity couples that feel like a match made in Heaven. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and more recently, Shaun White and Nina Dobrev. Not only are they both gorgeous, talented, and incredibly driven people, but they're also one of the funniest celeb couples to follow along with on social media.

Here's everything you need to know about their relationship!

A Timeline Of Nina Dobrev And Shaun White's Relationship

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Dior Men

End Of 2019 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Are Introduced

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White officially met when they both spoke at a Tony Robbins workshop in Florida. Even though Shaun didn't know about anything about Nina at the time, he told People he realized she was a big deal when a bunch of people asked for pictures with her!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

February 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend Time In South Africa

In 2020, when Nina Dobrev was filming Redeeming Love, fans started noticing that her Instagram photos and Shaun White's were taken in the same locations, even though they were making separate posts. Turns out, Nina had gotten Shaun to come visit her!

Image via Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Fresh Vine Wine

April 18, 2020 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Make Their Relationship Instagram Official

In true 21st century dating fashion, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took their relationship to the next level when they made it Instagram official. It's a pretty big step for any couple, but especially celebrities. If it's nerve-wracking telling your friends and acquaintances, imagine telling millions of fans! Instead of a regular photo, Nina posted a video that features a glimpse of Shaun's tattoo.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

May 29, 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Quarantine Together

Like so many of us, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White had to take haircuts into their own hands during quarantine. "Adding to resume: hairdresser ✂️," Nina captioned an Instagram post of her giving Shaun an at-home haircut.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

September 3, 2020 — Shaun White Turns 34

To celebrate Shaun White's 34th birthday, Nina Dobrev made a hilarious Instagram tribute to honor the snowboarder. "To the most untalented, humorless, least athletic, least coordinated, least gifted and my least favorite person.... happy birthday @shaunwhite," she says in the caption. "Hang in there. one day you will accomplish something. #dontgiveup"

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's age difference is two years — Shaun was born in 1986 and Nina was born in 1989!

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

Late 2020 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate The Holidays For The First Time As A Couple

The holidays looked different for Nina Dobrev and Shaun White at the end of 2020, but they didn't let that stop them from celebrating. "I’m so thankful to be surrounded by so much love!!" Shaun says in his Thanksgiving Instagram post. "Getting older and watching my family continue to grow has been incredible. Hope everyone out there had an amazing thanksgiving!" The couple also celebrated Christmas together, with plenty of Santa hats and gifts to go around!

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

January 9, 2021 — Nina Dobrev Turns 32

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White chose wacky '80s getup to celebrate the actress' 32nd birthday. "Too bad we never have any fun together," Shaun says in his birthday Instagram post. "Happy birthday baby!"

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

February 8, 2021 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Hang Out With Her Vampire Diaries Costar

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White took to the slopes alongside Paul Wesley (who starred opposite Nina in The Vampire Diaries) and his wife Ines de Ramon. "Sometimes you gotta double up to double down," Nina captioned her post of the quartet at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

February 14, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Share Their First Valentine's Day

Both Nina Dobrev and Shaun White made tributes to each other on the 'gram in honor of their first V-Day as a couple. "My favorite snow cone flavor is White," Nina says in her Instagram post. "Happy we got “stuck together” last year and stuck it out ;) happy valentine’s day to my quarantini in crime..."

"Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️," Shaun says in his caption. "I never knew I was so lickable till we met 😂... Thank you for keeping a smile on my face and being the beautiful person you are!"

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

October 31, 2021 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Wear An Iconic Couple's Halloween Costume

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White knocked Halloween out of the park with a hilarious, gender-swapped couple's costume inspired by The Queen's Gambit. Nina dressed as Thomas Brodie Sangster's Benny and Shaun went with Anya Taylor Joy's Beth. "Your move @anyataylorjoy ♟👑," Shaun says on Instagram.

Image via Clive Rose/Getty Images

February 2022 — Shaun White Competes In The Bejing Winter Olympics

In October of 2021, ahead of his involvement in the Beijing Olympics, Shaun White told People just how supportive Nina Dobrev had been for him. "Nina's incredible," he says in the interview. "What an influence on my life. Not only does she run her own show, her own world, companies she's involved in, things she's producing, all this stuff going on. She holds me to this same high standard which is so wonderful to have in a partner."

“We’ll be anxiously watching [Shaun compete] from home and cheering him on,” Nina Dobrev tells Us Weekly in early 2022. “I’m very, very excited for him. I can’t wait.”

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

March 5, 2022 — Nina Dobrev Throws Shaun White An On-Brand Retirement Party

Shaun White might have cut off his iconic red hair, but that didn't stop Nina Dobrev from using it as inspo for his retirement party! The get together was complete with red wigs, family reunions, and lots of selfies. "Celebrating the 🐐 and bringing back the 👩🦰 one last time…#RetirementPartyAt35," Nina captioned her Instagram post. Then they followed the party up with a tropical getaway!

Image via Lia Toby/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

May 19, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Make Their Red Carpet Debut

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White attended the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in the summer of 2022. It marked their first red carpet appearance since becoming a couple *and* gave them the chance to support their friend Miles Teller!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

June 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Take A Vacation

Nina and Shaun went on another vacation in the summer of 2022, complete with lots of beach time and plenty of beverages. Some of Nina's Instagram captions include "When it’s so blue outside it’s impossible to feel blue on the inside" and "Coconut or cocktail? There are two types of people in the world" and the photos are so cute I could cry.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

October 1, 2022 — Shaun White Makes An SNL Appearance

During Miles Teller's run as SNL host, Shaun White joined his friend onstage. "Live from New York it’s Saturday Night!
Congrats to my buddy #MilesTeller on hosting @nbcsnl," Shaun wrote on Instagram. "Not surprised that you killed it. But I was very surprised when I arrived to support you…and they pulled me on stage to be part of a sketch 😂 Stoked to be a part of your big moment!!

"I loved being an emotional support animal 🐆 @nbcsnl," Nina captioned her post.

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

October 31, 2022 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Dress Up As Stranger Things 4 Characters For Halloween

In another iconic Halloween couple's costume, Nina and Shaun dressed up as Max and Vecna from the acclaimed fourth episode of Stranger Things 4 — with Nina as Vecna and Shaun as Max, of course. "Stranger things have happened," Nina said in her post, while Shaun admitted in his post, "not gonna lie I’ve miss the long hair."

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

January 9, 2020 — Nina Dobrev Turns 34

"What planet are you from and will you take me with you?!" Shaun asks in his birthday photo featuring Nina Dobrev in a pink wig. "Thanks for making life incredible! Happy birthday my love."

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

June 26, 2023 — Shaun White Joins Nina Dobrev At The Out-Laws Premiere

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White stunned on the red carpet for Nina's movie The Out-Laws.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

December 31, 2023 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Spend New Year's Eve In St. Barth's

If you ask me, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White have one of the most iconic friend groups ever. Miles and Keleigh Teller, as well as Chace Crawford, joined the couple in St. Barth's for New Year's. Can I come next time?!

Image via Nina Dobrev/Instagram

January 9, 2024 — Shaun White Surprises Nina Dobrev With A Trip To Disneyland

I love a good surprise, especially when the surprise goes off without a hitch. For Nina's 35th birthday, Shaun (as well as a bunch of their friends like Julianne Hough) surprised Nina with a Disney trip and judging by Nina's reaction, it was just about the best present she could have asked for. The day consisted of a custom Mickey jacket, taking a party bus, roller coasters, and more!

"Happiest surprise on the happiest day at the happiest place on earth," Nina says in her Instagram post. "I have to say I am HARD to SURPRISE. I always know what’s up. But they got me good. I’m still in shock to be honest. Feeling incredibly lucky, celebrated, loved, grateful and appreciative of all the wonderful souls I am fortunate to surround myself with."

Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok

February 1, 2024 — Shaun White Calls Nina Dobrev His "Perfect Score"

At the beginning of February, Shaun White posted a TikTok of him and Nina Dobrev snowboarding together. Rather than snowboarding side by side, they're almost on top of one another as Shaun literally lifts Nina off the ground to spin them around. It's literally the cutest moment, and it makes *me* want to go snowboarding — if I have someone to snowboard with ;).

Screenshot via Nina Dobrev/Instagram Stories

February 11, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Attend The Super Bowl

Shaun and Nina shared a few flicks from their adventures before, during, and after Super Bowl LVIII on Instagram. The couple watched the game, flew over Las Vegas, together, and even sipped some Don Julio tequila to celebrate after the fact.

My favorite moments that the duo documented on social were definitely Nina chowing down on a hot dog in the stands (that's so me), Shaun dancing along to Usher's halftime show, and them sharing a kiss after the big Chiefs win!

The two just look *so* happy together, and that makes me happy.

"Can you propose to this women yet? Beautiful couple!!!😍🔥," one commenter wrote on Instagram... and I'm wondering the exact same thing!

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

March 10, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Do Date Night At Oscars Afterparty

The stars always show out for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, and Shaun and Nina were no exception to that rule! Our fave fiery couple looked amazing on the red carpet, but their best look? These two were smitten and all smiles on Nina's Instagram! Major heart eyes moment to say the least!

Screenshots via Shaun White/TikTok

April 3, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Go Snowboarding (Again)

Snowboarding might not be a new thing for this "it" couple, but they still find a way to make it more fun every time they go. "Nina dropped her snowboard, so we had to go rescue it," Shaun says in a recent TikTok. In the video, he's carrying Nina while they snowboard and I am more than impressed! "Not all heroes wear capes," the caption reads.

Image via Shaun White/Instagram

April 6, 2024 — Shaun White And Nina Dobrev Celebrate Spring

Shaun White recently posted a recap of the sweetest spring date with Nina Dobrev and it's got me dreaming of warm afternoons and sunshine! "Lil’ bit of life lately 🍑," he says on Instagram. In addition to a video of the couple singing along to the radio, my favorite photo is Shaun and Nina in their bright orange jackets with the city in the background. I cannot wait for spring!

Shaun White/Instagram

July 2024 — Shaun White and Nina Dobrev Head To The Olympics

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev are currently in Paris, France for the 2024 Olympics...along with Zac Efron apparently. The couple partied it up, but when they got back to their hotel and realized the elevator was out, Shaun climbed more than three flights of stairs with Nina on his back!

The Vampire Diaries actress is still recovering from a dirt bike accident in May, and has recently moved from crutches to a cane. We're wishing Nina a speedy recovery!

Nina Dobrev/Instagram

August 28, 2024 — Shaun White & Nina Dobrev Attend A Gossip Girl Star's Wedding, And Look Good Doing It

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev turned up in style to Jessica Szohr's (who you'll recognize as Vanessa from GG) wedding to Brad Richardson. Nina served as Jessica's Maid of Honor, and their Instagram posts have me emotional!!

"Almost two decades of friendship, there’s almost nothing we haven’t been through together," Nina says in her caption. "It makes me so happy to see you glowing with such a huge smile on your face. It’s an indescribable feeling to see your best friend marry the man of her dreams and create a beautiful (arguably the most beautiful) family together. It’s just the beginning, your life starts now. Congratulations you two lovebirds 🤍🤍🤍 i love you both so much!!!"

"You have been there with me through thick and thin for almost 2 decades… so thank you… thank you Nina for all you’ve done throughout our friendship- but especially for all the wedding events;)," Jessica's post says. "You outdid yourself … going through a surgery, had a movie coming out, redoing a house, and being such an amazing friend through everything. For real- love you more than you will ever know!"

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October 30, 2024 — Nina Dobrev And Shaun White Announce Their Engagement

Nina and Shaun announced that they're engaged at the end of October, and in Julianne Hough's words, "made all our dreams come true!" The couple posted separate Instagram posts celebrating the news, and Nina's definitely made me laugh: "RIP boyfriend, hello fiancé."

Shaun popped the question in front of a beautiful arch decorated in white roses (with a 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, no biggie), and literally swept Nina off her feet. "I went into shock. I just froze and stared at him,” Nina tells Vogue. And even though she says she blacked out and doesn't remember the actual proposal, she does know "he said all the right things.” I could cry!

The proposal came after Shaun had had to reschedule a few times (once after her dirt bike accident and once after she suspected it on their Cape Town vacation) — and to make sure Nina wasn't suspicious, he sent her a fake invitation to a dinner with Anna Wintour! "He made the invite look so legitimate,” Nina says.

Their upcoming nuptials will be quite the event, and one source tells People their wedding will be a "blowout party." I'm not even the slightest bit surprised. “They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”

Check back here for the latest update on Shaun White and Nina Dobrev, and read up on Gigi Hadid And Bradley Cooper’s Full Relationship Timeline.

This post has been updated.

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