6 Famous Mentoring Relationships And What You Can Learn From Them

mentoring relationships

Mentoring relationships aren't just great for your career. Having someone who can help you when you have a problem, cheer you on from the sidelines, and get to know you on a deeper level will help you in every area of your life. We loved discovering how these six mentors have changed their mentees' lives for the better, and we know you will too!

Maya Angelou And Oprah Winfrey

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Oprah Recalls One of Her Favorite Life Lessons from Maya Angelou | Oprah's Lifeclass | OWN

One of Oprah Winfrey's mentors was the writer and poet Maya Angelou, who she describes as a "mother-sister-friend." Angelou offered lots of wisdom, but one of Winfrey's favorite pieces of advice from Angelou was to believe people when they show you their true selves.

"'Baby,' she once chided me, 'they show you and show you, and you still don't believe what you see! Why does it take you 29 times?" Winfrey said on Oprah. That conversation was life changing for me."

Inspired by her friendship with Angelou, Winfrey has influenced the lives of countless other people and created a charity foundation.

Jane Fonda And Meryl Streep

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Meryl Streep on working on her first film JULIA with Jane Fonda

Meryl Streep met Jane Fonda on the set of Julia in the 1970s and learned a lot from the time they spent together. Because of learning from Fonda, Streep has been able to do the same for others.

"I thank you for [your guidance]," she said during Fonda's AFI Lifetime Achievement Award tribute. "And all of the young actors I've worked with subsequently, in the years following, thank you too, because that lesson and kindness got passed down. And it does keep going."

Streep and her husband have also given away millions of dollars in grants through their Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts, founded in 2012.

Meryl Streep And Viola Davis

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Meryl Streep gives an emotional speech honoring Viola Davis as the 'Fences' actress receives a Walk

Along with her philanthropy, Streep has been able to serve as a mentor herself for a number of people, including actress Viola Davis. The two met when they were filming 2008's Doubt and have been friends ever since, from Davis presenting Streep's Cecil B. DeMille award to Streep standing with Davis during the induction of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Davis said in an interview with Elle that Streep is "always imparting wisdom" and she "[gives lessons in confidence] all the time."

Faith Hill And Taylor Swift

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Watch Taylor Swift Perform With Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at Her Nashville Show

Taylor Swift told CMT in a 2008 interview that Faith Hill inspired her to move to Nashville.

"I first visited Nashville after I watched this TV program about Faith Hill. It said that she went to Nashville and that's how she made it in country music."

When Taylor Swift was first rising to fame, she felt she could rely on country Hill.

"She would reach out to me and invite me over and take me on tour, and I knew that I could talk to her," Swift said in an interview with Billboard.

Now, not only has Swift won more than 10 Grammys and been named the AMA's Artist of the Decade, but she also been able to help others. She mentors other artists, helping them get through the bad press she's dealt with, and she helped some of her fans pay their bills during COVID.

Dolly Parton And Miley Cyrus

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Miley Cyrus on Fame, Vegan Nutrition & Dolly Parton Being Her Mentor (INTERVIEW)

Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus' godmother and has been her lifelong mentor. Parton has said that "[Miley] does not need my advice, but she's often asking for information and advice, and I tell her what I know, but I think the girl's doing all right without me."

But that doesn't mean Cyrus doesn't look up to her anyway!

"She treats people with love and respect," Cyrus said in an interview with Cosmopolitan. "Always a reminder to me and my family of what is important. Never let success change your heart."

Parton was Cyrus' only co-writer on her 2017 album Younger Now.

Janel Parrish And Lana Condor

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Lana Condor and Janel Parrish on the Challenges of Being Asian in Hollywood | Thank You Notes

Condor became a fan of Parrish's long before they were cast as sisters in To All the Boys I've Loved Before. For Katie Couric's Thank You Notes challenge, where women surprise their role model with a thank you note, Condor wrote about how seeing Parrish in Pretty Little Liars, which ran from 2010 to 2017, was the first time she felt represented onscreen as an Asian American woman.

"You have helped create a space for girls like me in this industry," she says, "and I hope that I can do for young girls what you have done for me."

To All The Boys writer Jenny Han toldSeventeen that Parrish is "so lovely and generous with her time and her experience as an Asian American woman in the film industry. It's so important to have mentors...I can already tell that Janel will be that for Lana and [their costar] Anna."

Do you have a mentoring relationship in your life? Selfmade has a mentorship program! Click here to apply.

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Do you hear wedding bells? Because after Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement, and those Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson marriage rumors, it appears Hollywood does. And after all those Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift engagement rumors, Travis just spilled on his ideal wedding timeline — that's right, it appears our favorite IRL rom-com couple could be thinking about tying the knot!

Here's what Travis Kelce had to say about his least favorite time of year to get married.

Travis Kelce wants to avoid THIS wedding season for one reason.

@britandco#greenscreen do you think any of these will come true?! #taylorswift#traviskelce#tayvis#travistaylor#thealchemy#prpredictions♬ the alchemy ts sped up - Swiftie_Jean-Alex 😁✨

On a new episode of the New Heights podcast he hosts with brother Jason, Travis Kelce revealed he would like to avoid an autumn wedding day. And the reason is literally so on brand it makes me laugh.

After a listener revealed over the phone that his girlfriend wants to schedule their wedding during football season, Travis admits that "I actually don't know people who've gotten married in the fall."

"My friends always do it in the summer," he says. "I've seen weddings everywhere but the fall. So, I'm not sure if the fall is a good wedding season."

The weather of an autumn wedding (not to mention the incredible aesthetic of the wedding photos!!) have always made it seem so dreamy. Plus, I've attended more than one summer wedding (some on the beach!) and it can get toasty under the summer sun. Spring then, Travis?

Travis' comments come after he responded to rumors that he'd pop the question to girlfriend Taylor Swift. During the June 1 Big Slick Celebrity Weekend's onstage comedy sketch, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis asked Travis about a potential engagement. "Hey Travis, real talk, OK, just the guys here," Jason says. "When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?"

"Guys," Travis says, "you're really pushing it." It's a pretty kind way to say back off!! I'm excited for whenever Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tell us they're engaged — should they choose to share at all.

Check out the latest news on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship!

Landman fans, how we feeling? The first season of Taylor Sheridan's new drama came to a close on January 12 with the season finale, "The Crumbs of Hope," and it provided viewers with plenty of to think about as tensions between the cartel and M-Tex Oil came to a head — and one character suffered a potentially-fatal medical emergency.

Here's everything you need to know about the Landman season finale, including THAT (potential) character death.

What happens in the last episode of Landman?

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The last episode of Landman opens after Monty's (Jon Hamm) ruptured aortic aneurysm in episode 9 lands him in the hospital for a heart transplant...if they can find a new heart in time. (I'm getting flashbacks to Dan's heart transplant catastrophe in One Tree Hill). But based on the fact Monty flatlines and Cami (Demi Moore) and their daughters cry over his bed, things aren't looking hopeful.

Meanwhile, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) takes over as M-Tex Oil president, and as he works on smoothing things over between the cartel and the oil company, he gets kidnapped by the cartel, who also blow up an oil tank and drive a nail into Tommy's leg for good measure. But just when it looks like Tommy might meet his end, cartel leader Galino (Andy Garcia) wipes out the other members and helps him escape.

Billy Bob and Andy have actually been friends for awhile, but this is the first time they've acted onscreen together! "Andy is such a great guy and great actor, and when we did those scenes at the end of the last episode, it felt so good, because we kind of had us two old veterans going head to head,” Billy Bob Thornton told Variety. “It was quite an experience, and I have to say every moment of it felt real. Tommy’s dealing with someone now who is really smart. The other guys were hired to work for him, but now Tommy’s talking to the man himself. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. Since he is so smart, who knows what Tommy is going to get tricked into?”

How did Landman end last night?

Landman season 1 ends with Tommy returning home with a proposition (er, more like a friendly demand) from Galino that the oil business and the cartel become allies. After all, the cartel's interested in taking part in the industry — and seeing what it has to offer.

“The cartel and the oil industry are kind of these odd neighbors living side by side in West Texas,” co-creator Christian Wallace tells Variety. “Now Andy’s character is thinking he is going to make a change and utilize that proximity in a way that could benefit him.”

Hopefully Paramount+ greenlights Landman season 2 so we can see just what happens between Galino and Tommy in the future...and if Monty makes it out of the hospital alive.

What did you think about the Landman finale? If you're a Taylor Sheridan fan who's still reeling from those final moments — and the Yellowstone finale — check out 17 TV Shows Yellowstone Fans Should Watch Next.

Making friends as an adult can be difficult but keeping friends? Apparently that's even harder. Miscommunication, Venmo requests, and romance can test even the best of friendships, but you really don't want to ignore any serious red flags in your relationships. A friend who only takes & never gives, someone who never listens, and someone who acts like they're the center of the universe are just a few no-no's you want to keep an eye out for.

These 13 friendship red flags should be deal breakers in your relationship.

1. Acting possessive is a huge friend red flag.

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"You don't have to prove you're my BEST friend by constantly saying it to everyone out loud or excluding people with inside jokes — you can just BE my best friend," says editor Haley Sprankle. Like y'all, friendships aren't supposed to make us feel like an item!

2. They don't care about your boundaries.

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If a friend doesn't care about boundaries you've set in place, that's a clear sign they don't actually value your relationship. One user on X thinks it's a huge red flag if "they do not respect your time, boundaries, energy, possessions, work, privacy, or space. They expect you to change and adjust yourself to their liking."

3. It's a red flag if a friend never pays attention during conversations...

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One big friend red flag is when someone never pays attention while you're trying to have a heart-to-heart — or if they're checking other messages. "One of my pet peeves is when people constantly check their Apple watches when we're in the middle of a conversation," says Entertainment Editor Chloe Williams. "Which is also why I will never buy one for myself."

4. Or if they only talk about themselves.

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We all joke that our dates never ask us questions, but the same rule should apply to friendships! Staff writer Kayla Walden considers it a friend red flag if someone "never [reciprocates] questions and [asks] how I am (a selfish needy Gemini here)." So valid.

5. Never learning to work through disagreements should be a friendship red flag.

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"A red flag in friendships is being agreeable on every little thing," @mikaylaxcvi says on X. "I’d much rather be told the truth, lightly & sweetly, than coddled. A grow together type of friendship." Preach.

6. Realizing a friend expects to be the center of your universe is a huge no-no.

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Staff writer Jasmine J. Williams says one issue she finds in friendships is if the supposed friend wants to be the most important person in every situation, like "getting upset because of your work schedule, life's emergencies, navigating newborn stage, etc." No thanks!

7. A friend shouldn't be rude to others.

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It's totally natural to be closer to some people than others. But making a point to exclude everyone around you? Not the vibe. "Red flag: when I notice they make plans without including everyone in the room but they make it loud enough for everyone to hear that they're making plans," says Brit + Co Social Media Assistant Melanie Cornejo.

8. And a friend shouldn't be overly critical.

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B+C editor Haley also things a friend red flag is when someone is "critical of all their friends' new relationships."

9. Turning every single detail into a competition is a friendship red flag.

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"Acting like everything is a competition really stresses me out and definitely has the potential to end a relationship before it begins," Entertainment Editor Chloe says. "It just makes every conversation feel inauthentic."

10. And friends DEFINITELY shouldn't talk behind your back.

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Talking crap to other people is a major friend red flag, hello! "If you are friends with someone who talks sh—t about people but smiles in their face later in front of you..Guess what they’ll eventually do to you?" @oriiizgold tweeted.

11. A friend also shouldn't make you feel bad about yourself.

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It's not great if friends "make 'innocent jabs' at you around other people," Social Media Assistant Melanie says. If conversations constantly make you feel bad, then that's definitely not good, y'all.

12. Outright refusing to engage with current issues isn't great.

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Limiting your social media & news exposure for mental health is one thing, but completely ignoring the state of the world is another. "If you [don't know] and don't wanna know about war crimes, current conflicts, and famine is just you enjoying your privilege and living in your bubble and I see it as a lack of humanity so...red flag," @OvenPsychological485 says on Reddit.

13. And don't forget, YOU don't want to have friendship red flags either!

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"My friendship red flag for myself is when I notice myself starting to contort into being obsessively helpful & overly accommodating," @pigletish says on X. "Means I don’t feel comfortable, am masking to perform likability & need to check-in on why I feel discomfort." That's a good reminder for us all!

What friendship red flags are deal breakers for you? Check out How To Deal With Unbalanced Friendships for more relationship advice.

It Ends With Us has quickly become the most memorable movie of Blake Lively's career after rumors of drama between her and costar & director Justin Baldonimorphed into a full-on legal battle. And after the feud was uncovered, the internet has spiraled over what Blake Lively's relationships with her other costars are like — and whether what's happening behind the scenes of her movies are going to delay them. Well, A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had the perfect response to rumors that another feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick caused Amazon to shelve the movie.

Here's exactly what A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had to say about Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's relationship.

Paul Feig offers a very promising update on 'A Simple Favor 2'

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- YouTube

When a viral tweet claimed that Amazon had indefinitely delayed A Simple Favor 2 because of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, director Paul Feig stepped in to clear up the rumors.

"Despite glowing test screenings, Blake Lively’s refusal to promote—amid her messy legal battle with Justin Baldoni—and growing tensions with Anna Kendrick have derailed the sequel," X user Eric B tweeted on January 10. "Anna is furious. Paul Feig is disappointed. Hollywood is in shock. This isn’t just a movie—it’s an implosion."

"This is total BS. Sorry," Feig said in his retweet that same day. "The movie is finished and coming out soon. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days."

And Anna Kendrick says reuniting with Blake Lively was "lovely."

Anna Kendrick also spilled on reuniting with Blake Lively, claiming that working together felt "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she told PEOPLE. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

We don't know many details about the plot just yet but we do know it involves a destination wedding — and Blake Lively's Emily in a very fancy wedding dress. Stephanie and Emily "head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

Sign me up!

Check out The Best Blake Lively Movies to get ready for A Simple Favor 2.

Are you anxiously waiting for new TV shows to debut this year? Me too, particularly Meghan Markle's series With Love, Megan (January 15). But, we at Brit + Co have the perfect buffer that'll hold you over — revisiting the '90s.

Instead of trying to cram the likes of Dawson's Creek or Sex and the City into one weekend, we have the best show you should watch based on your zodiac! We've already made cozy plans to curl up with a cute blanket from T.J. Maxx so we can watch endless reruns of the shows associated with our signs, and we hope you join us!

Scroll to find the '90s show that perfectly matches your zodiac sign!

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Aries (March 21 - April 19): Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Bold, fearless, and always ready for a fight, Aries will love Buffy's courageous spirit and kick-ass attitude. She's got all the makings of a fire sign who means business.

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Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Friends

Taureans appreciate stability and comfort. Friends offers warm, familiar characters and a cozy, sitcom vibe. If you really want to tap into this vibe, call your besties and have an impromptu watch party!

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Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Felicity

Curious and ever-changing, Geminis will relate to Felicity's journey of self-discovery and her endless quest for knowledge. There's also the inevitable complicated relationship Felicity has with Ben and Noel that's hard to resist.

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Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Moesha

Cancerians are nurturing and empathetic. They'll connect with Moesha's family-oriented values and emotional depth. Though she didn't get everything right, Moesha always tried to remedy things whenever they went wrong — just like a true Cancer.

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Leo (July 23 - August 22): Beverly Hills, 90210

Leos love the spotlight and drama. 90210 delivers glamorous characters, high-stakes situations, and plenty of over-the-top moments.

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Virgo (August 23 - September 22): The X-Files

Virgos are analytical and detail-oriented. The X-Files offers a perfect blend of mystery, science, and a touch of the paranormal. What's not to love?

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Libra (September 23 - October 22): Sex and the City

Libras appreciate beauty, balance, and social connections. Sex and the City explores love, friendship, and fashion in a stylish and sophisticated way.

P.S. We won't be shocked if some of you discover you're more of a 'Charlotte' than a 'Carrie.'

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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Charmed

Intense and passionate, Scorpios will be drawn to the supernatural world of the Charmed Ones, filled with dark magic and powerful sisterhood.

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Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Adventurous and optimistic, Sagittarians will enjoy the Fresh Prince's witty humor, vibrant personality, and knack for getting into trouble.

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Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Dawson’s Creek

Ambitious and disciplined, Capricorns will appreciate Dawson's intellectual pursuits and the show's exploration of complex relationships and coming-of-age themes.

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Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Daria

Quirky and independent, Aquarians will identify with Daria's unique perspective and her ability to see through societal norms. It's also not surprising that Daria has what some call a 'black cat' personality because Aquarians can have a dry sense of humor that's borderline sarcastic.

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Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

Dreamy and imaginative, Pisces will love Sabrina's magical adventures and her ability to navigate the challenges of adolescence with a touch of magic.

Revisit your weekly horoscope to see if our predictions for your zodiac came true this week!