12 Flawless Embroidered Dress and Straw Hat Pairings to Live in All Summer Long

Girl bosses and lazy girls everywhere, listen up! When it comes to sartorial matters, you’re second to none, but the whole outfit planning process? Well, you could definitely do without it — because hello, time and effort. Pass. This is especially true on your days off, when every second spent rummaging through your wardrobe means missing out on precious moments of beach time. Not on our watch. Times like these call for a foolproof summer uniform that combines throw-on-and-go effortlessness and impeccable style. Enter these on-trend embroidered dress and straw hat combos, perfect for lazy-girl dressing (not to mention the all-important sun protection factor). When you’ve exhausted your go-to shorts and tops pairings, try these DDG summer outfit ideas that make the transition from date night to lazy beach days flawless.

1. Mango Embroidered Long Dress ($60) + Yosuzi Pom Pom Detail Hat ($385): Pass up the chance to rock a few pom-poms? Never! Show-stopping color and festive pom embellishments set this straw hat — and your style — apart from the rest. Pop it on with a free-wheelin’ maxi dress and suede shorts for a festival-ready getup with major style cred, or style it alongside a classic shirt dress and espadrilles for a lazy afternoon in the park.

2. Madewell Embroidered Indigo Mercado Dress ($158) + Lack of Color Spencer Wide Brimmed Hat ($69): From lunch dates at your favorite sidewalk cafe to leisurely seaside strolls, this flirtatious pairing was made for frolicking in the sun. Pair it with lace-up sandals and tassel-tastic drop earrings for #OOTD perfection.

3. Zara Embroidered Dress ($40) + Frederica Moretti Minu Bow-Detail Straw Cap ($83): Athleisure? You’ve got it down pat. Joggers, trainers and bomber jackets have been in rotation since way back, which means it’s time to step up your sporty-chic game. When the temps start to sizzle, bust out this pop art dress and a summery take on a classic baseball cap, then style ‘em alongside minimalist slides and mirrored round sunnies for a casual-cool look with a funky downtown-meets-uptown twist.

4. Wilfred Allier Dress ($150) + Anthropologie West Palm Fedora ($78): When it comes to lying low, cotton tanks and cutoffs get all the love. When you’re ready to give your warm-weather uniform a revamp, look to this throw-on-and-go pairing that can easily be dressed up or down with a few quick swaps. Take along runway-ready platform sandals and mismatched earrings for a sunset walk along the boardwalk, or keep it real for a baseball game with a denim jacket and fresh white sneakers.

5. H&M Embroidered Maxi Dress ($35) + ASOS Straw Floppy Hat in Color Block ($28): Between waterfront soirees, backyard barbecues and graduation parties, this relaxed-yet-refined combo is one with major staying power. A swingy silhouette and soft fabric speak to the lazy girl in us all, while the elongated shape delivers a lady-about-town vibe, especially when paired with block heels and a killer mani. Top it off with a dramatic wide-brim hat and cat-eye shades that can be worn while sipping Champagne and schmoozing on the lawn. Fabulous, dahhhling.

6. Mango Embroidered Cotton Dress ($60) + Anthropologie Buenos Sun Hat ($88): From AM to PM, this cute cotton dress has you covered. By day it’s a stylish coverup for a ’70s-inspired crochet swimsuit, teamed, of course, with gladiator sandals and this cheerful striped topper. After hours it’s a toned-down alternative to your standard LBD. Styled alongside a choker and lace-up wedges, it’s the perfect companion for carefree summer nights.

7. Topshop Embroidered Bardot Dress ($68) + J.Crew Panama Hat ($58): When the agenda calls for something a little more put-together than a bathing suit and Birkenstocks, this off-the-shoulder stunner has your back. Bringing the nonchalant vibes you love, it’s just the thing for jam-packed Saturdays that require getups with wear-anywhere appeal. For day-to-night styling in a snap, roll out the red lipstick, beach babe waves (topped off with a straw fedora, obvi) and strappy sandals.

8. Zara Patch Denim Dress ($40) + ASOS Straw Visor With Geo-Tribal Trim ($17): A denim dress this rad requires a few equally as standout accessories, and this straw visor doesn’t disappoint. Hit the courts with this sporty combo and suede tennis shoes in tow, or pair it with holographic flatforms and a quirky crossbody bag for an upcoming concert series.

9. Muzung Sisters Black Floral Embroidered Eva Dress ($185) + Anthropologie Manzaneda Fedora ($98): Free-spirited femmes who live in flowy maxi dresses will swoon hard for this OMG-worthy pairing. As if the folksy floral embroidery on this getaway-ready frock weren’t enough, the woven red fedora is practically begging to be paired with a Jane Birkin-approved straw bag and colorful clogs for a wine tasting at the vineyard or perusing through a Saturday morning flea market.

10. Zara Embroidered Dress ($50) + Aldo Floppy Straw Hat With Stripes and Frayed Trim ($31): Your bohemian sensibilities have met their match in this embroidered slip dress and graphic floppy hat. Pair this dream team with minimalist gold sandals, a bright bucket bag and stacking rings for a casual coffee date or an island getaway.

11. Mango Embroidered Panel Dress ($60) + Nordstrom Stripe Floppy Sun Hat ($38): Master off-the-clock dressing with this prairie-chic dress and striped floppy hat that can be teamed with peep-toe booties and a messy fishtail braid for the main stage. Edge it up for an afternoon in the city with platform Oxfords, a leather jacket and a half-moon bag.

12. Topshop Embroidered Tassel Sundress ($52) + Kate Spade New York Embroidered Lovely Sunhat ($88): Run, don’t walk, to snag this trend-right pairing that would look best styled with bright espadrille sandals and a next-level pedi. Take style cues from Insta fashion darlings by rounding out the look with a suede topper and saddlebag.

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I don't know if it's bad luck, but I definitely wear my linen dresses — even the white ones — way past Labor Day. As long as the sun is shining and the air is warm, you will usually catch me in one of these comfortable, breathable, and obviously adorable little pieces. Another great thing about linen is that it generally will never go out of style, so don't be afraid to invest in some pieces that will be a part of your wardrobe forever. There are so many great options to choose from, but here are seven linen dresses that make the perfect summer (or any warm weather) outfit.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Linen-Blend Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

You guys, I'm not even kidding when I say this is the best dress I own. As a broad shoulder girly, the neckline is SO flattering. Plus, the material is thick and durable, but still breathable for a hot summer day. I own this in black which allows me to dress it up for dinner or wear it to work, but this vibrant pink — and the several other colors and patterns — is so cute for the summer time. At $60 (was $80), this is a steal!

J.Crew

J.Crew Squareneck Midi Dress In Linen

I need to be wearing this dress with a spritz in my hand ASAP. This dress is a J.Crew best seller for a reason — it makes the perfect warm weather staple. This design is so simple, yet with the help of some fun accessories, this dress can be a hundred different outfits. You can shop this dress in white, red, or black for $178.

Zara

Zara Linen Blend Midi Dress

You can never go wrong with a little slit in the summer. This linen blend dress is simple, yet elegant — perfect for any vacay dinner or date night. Throw on some cute sandals and chunky earrings and hit the town in this little green number. Plus, the tie-up back gives you easy adjustment depending on your chest size. Make this your next summer dress for $36 (was $49).

Madewell

Madewell Square-Neck Mini Dress in 100% Linen

Great, I'll take 10 of them! No seriously — this dress is fabulous, the square neckline is just perfection, and stretchy chest area make this dress fit anyone like a glove. You can get this dress in white for a classic summer look, or it's also available in a light blue. If you're a tall girl, this style shows off your beautiful long legs. You can also get it in a wide range of sizes for $93 (was $110).

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Strapless Linen-Blend Maxi Dress

Oh my god, the color of this dress is everything! I also appreciate a strapless dress in the summertime to show off my tan lines — there's something so luxurious and indulgent about it. This piece is so simple, which means room for you to customize with accessories. Although it's true to size, always be careful about sizing with strapless! A perfect linen staple for $72 (was $120).

Abercrombie & Fitch

A&F Linen-Blend Shell Mini Dress

There's something about a dress with an open back that always gets me. It makes for a fun little surprise you wouldn't expect from looking at the front of the dress — and it's a great excuse for an updo. This piece would be perfect for any more professional setting like work, happy hour with your fave coworkers, or lunch with the in-laws. You could be its next prideful owner for $42 (was $70).

H&M

H&M Linen Slip Dress

I cannot think of anything more summer appropriate than a linen slip dress. It's lightweight, super comfortable, and you can dress it up for a fancy dinner, or literally use it as a bathing suit cover up. Everyone needs a slip dress as part of their summer capsule closet. Add this one from H&M to yours in white or black for $55!

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While 2024 gave us some incredible movies like Challengers and Dune 2, it also provided some pretty disappointing films. Despite the fact my memories surrounding Dakota Johnson's Madame Web were incredibly fun, the movie in and of itself felt like nothing but meme after meme. (I think about "I just wanna go home and watch Idol" all the time). But it's not just the movies' content that's struggling — it's movies in general.

Oppenheimer was one of 2023's biggest titles, and yet it was only in theaters for around 18 weeks, while the $1 billion-earning, "cinema saving" Barbie had a theatrical run and IMAX re-release that culminated in 10 weeks in theaters. Compared to 2012's Avatar, which earned almost $3 billion at the time and ran for 34 weeks, I'm wondering what a "good movie" even means anymore.

Is the best movie the one that earns the most money? Is it whichever film has the biggest internet presence? Or is it the one that makes you feel like a better version of yourself when the credits roll? No matter what your definition of a good movie is viewers agree these flicks ain't it.

Keep reading for the worst movies of 2024 to see if you agree.

Y2K

A24

A New Year's Eve party turns into an absolute nightmare when the Y2K crisis actually happens. I'm talking blood, terror, and lots of screaming. Unfortunately, despite the fact movie watchers love a good slasher-comedy, this movie got a 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.2 out of 10 for IMDb.

Miller's Girl

Zac Popik/Lionsgate

I guess we'd moved passed teacher & student will-they-won't-they movies, but apparently not. Miller's Girl is all about power, boundaries, and what happens when lines blur, and it follows Jenna Ortega's character, whose assignment from a teacher (Martin Freeman) makes both of their lives super complicated. The film has a 29 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.2 out of 10 IMDb rating.

Uglies

Brian Douglas/Netflix

This is one 2024 movie I could not get through with a straight face because the message is simple: you're either pretty and brainwashed or ugly and smart. What about the intelligent hot people?! The movie follows Joey King's Tally, who lives in a society that gives you a "perfecting" surgery at the age of 16. Uglies was aiming to recreate the magic of franchises like The Hunger Games but based on the 16 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and 4.7 IMDb score, it didn't work.

Borderlands

Lionsgate

This video game adaptation follows treasure hunter Lilith, who returns to her home planet of Pandora. Together with a rag-tag team of misfits, Lilith sets off to find a missing girl who's said to have endless power. Even though this has so many of the tropes movie-goers love — like found family and adventure — it only got a score of 10 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.3 out of 10 on IMDb.

Madame Web

Sony Pictures Releasing

In this superhero movie, Dakota Johnson stars as the titular clairvoyant, who steps in to protect Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor when she starts seeing the future — and their untimely ends. Despite the insane popularity of the other Spider-Man movies, this one only has an 11 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and 4 on IMDb. However, its 2.3 billion TikTok mentions prove it's got serious cult classic potential.

Lift

Christopher Barr/Netflix

This heist movie revolves around an impossible mission to infiltrate a 777 passenger flight from London to Zurich, and apparently viewers really leaned into the impossibility of it all because its Rotten Tomatoes score is only 20 percent while its IMDb score is 5.5.

Mean Girls

Paramount Pictures

Mean Girls was highly anticipated by theatre kids and Renee Rap fans alike. The movie is a retelling of the Lindsay Lohan classic — Cady moves from homeschooling to public school, and falls in with The Plastics clique. But instead of bringing them down, she becomes the worst Plastic yet. Renee's "It's Not My Fault" might have over 107 million streams on Spotify, but the film only ranks 69 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.6 on IMDb. We had a blast on the red carpet, though!

Argylle

Universal Pictures

Anyone who loves spy movies, campy rom-coms, and Taylor Swift was incredibly excited for this movie, which follows reclusive writer Elly Conway, who finds herself in the middle of a real-life spy mission when her books catch the attention of some really bad guys. I loved this movie, but considering it got a 33 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.7 on IMDb, I was one of the only ones.

Garfield

Product G Productions/Sony Pictures

Garfield loves living with Odie and Jon, and all the luxury that comes with it. But when he reunites with his dad, he winds up on the wildest outdoor adventure of his life. This flick is rated a 36 percent out of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.7 out of 10 on IMDb.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Warner Bros. Pictures

Godzilla and King Kong team up against a new threat in this crazy, mind-bending film. The movie got a 54 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.1 IMDb score, and as much as I love this new cast, I will admit I miss seeing Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Megalopolis

Mihai Malaimare/Lionsgate

We might all be thinking about the Roman Empire, but it seems a lot of viewers & critics wish they could forget Megalopolis. This story, which follows a duel between artistic Cesar Catilina, greedy leader Franklyn Cicero, and Julia Cicero feeling torn between them, is considered one of the worst movies of 2024. It currently has a 45 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.8 out of 10 on IMDb.

Despicable Me 4

Illumination/Universal Pictures

Gru and his family — Margot, Lucy, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and Gru Jr. — have to go on the run when a brand new villain rises up. Despite the fact everyone loves Gru (and the Minions), Despicable Me 4 was rated 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.2 on IMDb.

Do you think these are the worst movies of 2024? Let us know what we missed in the comments and check out The Worst TV Shows Of 2024.

This post has been updated.

Summer is officially here! That means swapping out the raincoats for cover ups, and sneakers for sandals. Whether you're at the beach or on a rooftop bar, you will always look cute with the right summer essentials. Though the warm weather welcomes all kinds of clothing, I can confidently say that there are a few staples that everyone should include in their wardrobe. These 8 summer basics are total must-haves to building the cutest outfits this season.

Free People

Free People Dream Weaver Maxi

Every summer calls for at least one (preferably more) reliable flowy maxi dress. You can be going to a wedding or a picnic in the park with your girlfriends, and a long colorful dress will suit any occasion! Make a statement this summer with a maxi dress that makes you want to frolic in a field. A few good places to look for the perfect flowy dress are Free People, Anthropologie, and Nordstrom. Don't be afraid to make an investment in a maxi dress, because they will never go out of style.

You can find this Free People dress in sizes XS-XL for $168.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Round Drop Earrings

Gold accessories complement a tan complexion like no other. Be bold this summer with some chunky statement earrings to level up any outfit! Even a plain tank top and some jeans will look extra-chic with a statement jewelry piece like these gold earrings. You can find endless styles out there, but I love the durability Anthropologie's jewelry offers.

Add a pair to your summer essentials for $44.

J.Crew

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt

I cannot stress the importance a button-up top has to offer. Bonus points if it's comfy and oversized! You can style a button-up top for literally anything. Wear it to dinner, to the office, or even as a beach cover-up! The thin material these shirts are meant to bear and beat the summer heat. Plus, they encompass the chic Euro girl style everyone wants. You can quite literally find them everywhere, but I would highly recommend the Étienne Oversized Shirt from J.Crew.

Find this pick in in endless colors and sizes at J.Crew for $98.

Levi's

Levi's Essential Racer Tank Top

Three words: white tank top. Arguably the most important basic in your wardrobe, everyone needs the perfect white tank. I personally love a ribbed tank with thicker straps, so I can wear a bra underneath my top. There are so many options on the market right now, so finding the perfect fit for you is crucial. It’s important to remember: a good quality top will last you a lifetime.

This Levi's tank is available in sizes XXS-XXL for $20.

J.Crew

J.Crew End-on-End Cotton Boxer Short

I don’t know if it’s just me, but my Instagram feed is filled with blue and white pinstripe shorts. So, something tells me it’s a comfy short summer. Bye, jean shorts! You can opt for a casual boxer shorts vibe or lean into the athletic vibe with some cute Adidas shorts. I'm in love with these J.Crew bottoms for running errands.

Get yourself a pair for only $33 (was $40).

Zara

Zara Balloon Hem Dress

Little black dress? Never heard of her. It’s time to embrace a playful white dress this summer season. Whether you’re going out to drinks or to the beach, a flowy white dress is effortlessly cute. This will be a rotating staple in your closet that can be dressed up with heels, or casually with sandals. You can find the perfect LWD like this one at Zara. Some more cute options can be found at J.Crew, Reformation, Aerie, American Eagle, and Lulus.

Shop this style from Zara for $40.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Carolina Slide Sandal

It is the summer of sandals, people! We are embracing the chicness and practicality of a slip-on shoe this season. Give your feet as much love as the rest of your body when it comes to sun exposure. These are the perfect pairing for a skirt, but can also dress up a pair of jeans. There are endless ways to style a pair of sandals. You may opt for a chunkier sole for more support, or keep it dainty.

These sandals could be yours for $70.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Twist Set Top + Mid Rise Sarong Maxi Skirt Set

The easiest way to look effortlessly put together this summer is with a matching set. Not only do they look amazing, but they make figuring out what to wear a breeze. I love a good set for any event this summer, like a concert or birthday party. Plus, it's 2024 – matching sets are not limited to workout clothes anymore. We are hitting the town with our matching patterned top and bottoms. Personally, I'm a big fan of the long skirt-small top combo, like this one from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Add the top and bottom to your wardrobe for $110.

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Lead image via Zara.

Few books have made an impact on BookTok like Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. The story follows a woman named Lily who is intrigued by a new relationship with Ryle (Justin Baldoni), but an encounter with her first love Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) — and the reminders of her past that Atlas carries — complicates everything. This movie based on a bookis one to remember.

We had high hopes for this summer movie, and when it was announced that Justin Baldoni would develop the film in 2019, we knew the story was in good hands. Baldoni won us over with his role as Rafael in Jane The Virgin, and his feature directorial debut Five Feet Apart made us cry our eyes out.

If you're a Colleen Hoover fan, keep reading for everything you need to know about It Ends With Us. Check out the rest of this year's 2024 movies too!

Is It Ends With Us streaming?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Yes, you can now watch It Ends With Us at home! The movie is finally on Netflix, but it's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. That means you can watch the movie while reading up on all the cast drama without shame.

Is Ryan Reynolds involved in It Ends With Us?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Yes, Blake Lively revealed Ryan Reynolds helped write one of It Ends With Us' most memorable scenes. "The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it," she tells E! News."He works on everything I do, I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his."

Lively also says that Reynolds showed up in the movie in another unexpected way: through his clothes! "I have a few of my husband's shirts and socks randomly in the movie," she tells People. She also wears her own boots in the birthday party scene, and her own Louboutins in the bar.

"I have some of Gigi Hadid's sweaters in the movie," she continues. "She has this line, Guest In Residence, but also she would run out and I would be like, 'I want this one' because of all the really cool patterns and whatnot, and she’d be like, 'I have that. You can wear mine.'"

Watch the It Ends With Us trailer now!

Sony Pictures Releasing

The way I IMMEDIATELY slapped my hand over my mouth at the first notes of "My Tears Ricochet" from Taylor Swift's Folklore. What a song choice for the first trailer! And then to have Ethel Cain's "Strangers" lead the second trailer makes me want to cry! This is the one trailer we have been waiting for all year, and it totally captures the emotion, heart, and drama of the book.

When is the It Ends With Us movie coming out?

Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us premiered in theaters August 9, 2024. With so much color, plus the fact Blake Lively's Lily runs a flower shop, a summer release is perfect! Because of the writers' strike and actors' strike, production on the film paused over the summer of 2023, meaning the movie got delayed from its original February 9 (then June 21) release date.

Who plays Lily in the It Ends With Us cast?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (who also directed) star in the film as Lily and Ryle, respectively. On April 20, 2023, it was announced that 1923 star Brandon Sklenar would join the duo as Atlas, and on May 1, Jenny Slate joined the cast as Ryle's sister Allysa. Hasan Minhaj joined the film on May 25 as Alyssa's husband Marshall.

Baldoni also posted a TikTok confirming that after an open casting call, they found Isabela Ferrer for young Lily!

Fans were initially unhappy with Blake's casting, because in the book, Lily is supposed to be in her early 20s. But author Colleen Hoover explained a bit of the intention behind the casting with TODAY, explaining that the "new adult" genre at the time favored characters in their early 20s — and that the point of the book is its message, not its cast or costumes.

“As an author, we make mistakes,” she says. “There’s no 28-year-old neurosurgeons, you know? You go to school for 15 years. And so to make corrections to what I messed up in the book, we aged the characters up somewhat...I love that there’s discourse surrounding it, I do. I think that people are going to be very pleased. I’m very pleased.”

What is It Ends With Us about?

Amazon

It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom after she moves out of her small town to start a flower shop in Boston. When she meets Ryle on a rooftop and quickly falls head over heels, it seems like fate. That is, until she comes face-to-face with her first love Atlas. It's a story of strength, deep-rooted relationships, and identity that made waves on social media.

Where was It Ends With Us filmed?

Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us filmed primarily in New Jersey. The first set images from It Ends With Us are from a scene that takes place between Lily and Ryle. While Baldoni is wearing a simple black sweater, Lively is wearing two different shades of pink over a brown dress. I love the way costumes highlight all the ways characters are different, and this is the perfect example!

On January 6, 2024, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were finally spotted in Jersey City again. While the costumes have gotten some backlash, I really love the texture and visual interest in this patchwork jacket + jeans combo! It feels creative and bright — just like Lily :).

And on April 30 we FINALLY got the first official images from the movie. The colors are just as bright and yet still have some emotional weight behind them to match the story. I'm particularly obsessed with this Blake Lively look — I'm a sucker for a jeans + tank + cardigan combo.

Is Colleen Hoover making a movie out of It Starts With Us?

Sony Pictures Releasing

We might have just gotten a movie adaptation of It Ends With Us, but fans are already hoping for a sequel movie based on It Starts With Us! There's no word on the potential sequel, but star Brandon Sklenar is totally down to return.

"I would love to do it, I really would, I would love to do it," Brandon Sklenar told Access during New York Fashion Week. "I hope we can get it together because I think the fans deserve it, and I'd just love to tell more of Atlas' story and get into his past a little more. Yeah, it would be beautiful if we can do it. I would love to."

Who else is working on the film?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Lively, Baldoni, Hoover, Steve Sarowitz, and Andrew Calof all served as executive producers, while Alex Saks, Christy Hall, and Jamey Heath produced. Hall also wrote the script for the film.

Follow us on TikTok and Twitter for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on It Ends With Us! Feel free to rewatch all of Blake Lively's movies too ;).

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This post has been updated.

Having toxic friends, family members, or romantic partners in your life can feel like standing in the rain for hours on end. You usually feel drained of energy on top of being drenched in bad energy. Though it's clear you probably need to set boundaries, it's not always easy to decipher what you should say during a conversation where a narcissist is doing what they do best.

Clinical social worker, and Clinical Director of Villa Oasis San Diego, Michelle Beaupre, MSW, Ph.D., LCSW has helped clients navigate this very topic at different points in their lives and has 6 phrases you can say to either shut down a narcissist or let them know you're uninterested in their behavior.

6 things to say when a narcissist thinks they're getting the last word

1. What to say if your romantic partner makes you question whether you saw inappropriate texts on their phone

Alex Green

If I had things my way, gaslighting would be outlawed. Unfortunately, some people just can't seem to take responsibility for their actions, and they really love to make it everyone else's problem. Even more infuriatingly, it can appear in romantic relationships when one person is caught doing something that breaches the trust between them and their partner.

If your boyfriend or girlfriend spins a tale that makes you question what you’re sure you saw, try not to panic. Instead, take a page from Beaupre’s book. She suggests saying, “I’ll stand by what I know is true. If we need to agree to disagree, that’s fine, but I’m not going to let this change what I know or how I feel.”

She says doing this “shows them you’re not going to be swayed or pulled into their ‘game.’” It also helps “keep you grounded and firm, making it clear that their gaslighting isn’t going to work.” The more you stand your ground, the more someone is “less likely to continue trying to manipulate/control you,” according to her.

2. What to say when a friend keeps lying about their accomplishments

Pavel Danilyuk

This is a tricky one because you probably know one of your friends likes to embellish the truth a bit. It’s one of the things that used to be funny because they could always come up with a story on the spot. But, it can be confusing if you notice your friend tends to lie about something they’ve accomplished. Just don’t think you have to go out of your way to expose them though.

Beaupre says, “If it’s not harming anyone, sometimes it’s okay to leave it alone because, eventually, the truth will catch up to them anyway, and they will learn their lesson on their own.” But she says if you notice “their lies are causing major problems or hurting others,” speak up “gently.”

“You can ask them why they feel the need to lie, and if there’s something they’re struggling with that they might want to talk about,” she continues. Her suggestion is to say, “I’ve noticed that sometimes, you say things that don’t really add up, and I’m just wondering if there’s a reason. Is everything okay?”

3. What to say when someone complains about you setting boundaries

Pavel Danilyuk

If there’s one thing a narcissist can’t stand, it’s boundaries. If you know someone who has a tendency to overreact when you set them, Beaupre knows what you can say to them. “I’m not okay with how you’re reacting. If you can’t respect my limit, then I’m going to have to take a step back and distance myself,” she suggests.

She feels “this makes it clear that you’re serious about your boundaries.” Also, it signals that you “won’t let their reaction change what you need to feel respected, safe and secure.”

4. What to say if someone utters "I love you" after a few weeks of dating

Katerina Holmes

If only some of us would’ve asked this question during some of our prior relationships, we may have avoided unnecessary heartbreak. Should you find yourself faced with someone’s eager declarations of love early on, Beaupre wants you to “to be honest about how you feel and not feel pressured to say it back if you’re not ready.”

What you can say is, “Thank you. That means a lot, but I’m not there yet. Maybe one day, but not now.” By doing this, you’re not discrediting their emotions. Instead, you’re letting them “know you appreciate them and their feelings” while setting “the pace that works for you,” according to Beaupre. Please don't force yourself to feel something if you don't.

5. What to say when someone makes light of something or someone you're grieving

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This reminds us of one of the relationship red flags we recently dug into. We know why people say passive-aggressive things, but it's still painful no matter what the situation is. In the case of grieving, it's a hard no for us. Beaupre says, “In times like this, when you’re going through a lot of heavy emotions, it’s important to set a boundary for your peace.”

If you feel yourself questioning whether your feelings are valid, Beaupre says not to do that. "Don't let others downplay/dismiss what you’re feeling or going through, especially if it's something that's really taking a toll on you." What she urges you to say is, "I know you may not fully understand, but this is really important to me, and I need you to respect that.” In her opinion, it's a way of letting that person "know you're serious about protecting your emotional space without being confrontational."

And if they're still being a grade-A jerk about it? It may be time to limit the time you spend with them.

6. What to say if someone uses 'jokes' to constantly critique your appearance

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We think laughter is good for the soul, but not at the expense of hurting other people's feelings. This means no one should have the luxury of repeatedly commenting about the way you present yourself. Beaupre says, "If the way you look, what you’re wearing or how you speak isn’t hurting anyone, they really shouldn’t be commenting on it." Should you notice this unfortunate pattern in someone close to you, it's time to address it.

Beaupre wants you to try saying, "I’m fine with how I look and speak. You can let me know if there's a problem, but please don’t make me feel bad about it." That way, you can "set a clear limit about what you won't tolerate," according to her. She believes it's also a "chance to share any concerns without crossing into criticism or bullying."

Still, someone who refuses to stop disguising their obvious issues with you as harmless 'jokes' isn't someone who deserves a long-term spot in your life.

Scroll through more relationships stories to see how you should navigate everything from tense friendships to conversations about money.