14 French Toast Roll-Ups for Your Lazy Sunday Morning

Paige Johnson
Mar 30, 2016

Weekends are the perfect opportunity to sleep in a *little* later than normal, and spend some extra time making a leisurely breakfast. Healthy breakfast bowls are a great weekday option, but French toast is a go-to for when you’re craving something a little more… naughty. You already love it stuffed, but now we’re going to show you how you can wrap up all of your favorite ingredients into a glorious French toast roll-up. They’re perfect for dipping, and they can be sweet or savory (or both!). However you roll it, these 14 French toast roll-ups need to be in your weekend breakfast rotation.

1. Strawberry Nutella French Toast Roll-Ups: Maybe you dreamt you were vacationing in a romantic Italian village, but these French toast roll-ups are a delicious reality. They’re slathered with Nutella and ripe strawberries, and perfect for treating a special someone to breakfast in bed. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

2. Sticky Bun French Toast Roll-Ups: These may sound like an indulgent morning treat, but they’re actually quite healthful. Make with whole wheat or GF toast and stuff with nuts for a nutritious and tasty meal that gets your day started off on the right foot. (via Athletic Avocado)

3. French Toast Sausage Roll-Ups: Using fully cooked sausage links is the key to making this roll-up even quicker. The flavors are so nostalgic together, especially when dipped in maple syrup. The kiddos are definitely going to love these. (via Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice)

4. Blueberry French Toast Roll-Ups: Anything rolled in cinnamon sugar is bound to be a winner. Try making an extra batch to freeze so you can have them on busy weekdays as well. (via Damn Delicious)

5. Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups: It doesn’t have to be October for you to make these pumpkin-filled delights; thankfully, canned pumpkin is accessible all year long. Now you can indulge that pumpkin spice craving whenever it strikes. (via RDelicious Kitchen)

6. Ham and Cheese French Toastie Roll-Ups: The best part about brunching at home (other than wearing your PJs all morning) is that you can make something that you probably won’t find at your go-to brunch spot. If you’ve always longed for a cross between French toast and hot ham and cheese, your wish has been granted. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

7. Gingerbread French Toast Roll-Ups: Cinnamon is standard in most French toast recipes. To take it up to gingerbread level, add ginger, allspice and cloves to the soaking mixture for a spicy, holiday-inspired flavor. You’ll want to add this to your Christmas Pinterest board. (via Cafe Delites)

8. Cookie Butter Roll-Ups: The cookie butter obsession is very real. You’re always looking for new ways to incorporate it into your meals, and this is the perfect opportunity. The cinnamon sugar exterior goes perfectly with the subtle spice of the cookie butter. (via A Bountiful Love)

9. Blueberry French Toast Roll-Ups With Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce: A blueberry jam filling plus a cream cheese dipping sauce makes these roll-ups taste like a slice of creamy cheesecake heaven. These are baked instead of pan fried, so there’s no babysitting involved either. (via Cooking Classy)

10. Banana Nutella French Toast Roll-Ups: If Nutella had been a thing back in Elvis’s day, it would have definitely been a go-to ingredient in his banana sandwiches. Make your own version of the king’s specialty with a dusting of powdered sugar on top and a quick dip of syrup. (via My San Fransisco Kitchen)

11. Chocolate and Marshmallow French Toast Roll-Ups: Anything with marshmallows and chocolate has to be amazing. Try grinding some graham crackers to roll them in for a fun s’mores twist. (via Del’s Cooking Twist)

12. Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: Homemade cinnamon rolls can be quite the hassle to make. Now, when you get that craving, you can whip up these roll-ups that come together in only 15 minutes. Serve with extra cream cheese topping for dipping. (via Scrambled Chefs)

13. Bacon French Toast Roll-Ups: Bacon makes *everything* better. You could make these more savory and serve with a cheese sauce for dipping, or keep it sweet with maple syrup. Even served plain, these are French toast roll-ups everyone will love. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

14. Apple Butter French Toast Roll-Ups With Apple Butter Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce: These roll-ups have apple butter on the inside as well as an unbelievably delicious cream cheese mixture to dip them in. Eating them alongside a steaming cup of coffee is a great way to spend a gloomy Saturday morning in. (via Chocolate Moosey)

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22 English Muffin Recipes That Will Make You Forget All About Bagels

Sure, savory muffins, taco pancakes, and avocado toast are delicious ways to start the day, but you're overlooking an oft-forgotten breakfast staple. English muffins are the perfect foundation for a filling meal, whether it's as a replacement for brioche in a French toast recipe or as the vehicle to deliver a mouth-watering egg sandwich. Keep scrolling for 22 recipes that will make you realize that English muffins are worthy of the spotlight and more than just breakfast.

Yummy English muffin recipes to replace your current sandwich habits

English Muffin French Toast

The Comfort of Cooking

Switch up the most basic of brunch dishes with this recipe that swaps brioche for English muffins to make a French toast that’s just begging for extra maple syrup and butter.

Spicy Chipotle Egg Breakfast Sandwiches

Aberdeen's Kitchen

This breakfast sandwich is so much more sophisticated than your standard Egg McMuffin. Bell pepper scrambled eggs, bacon, and a creamy chipotle sauce make this a morning meal you can feel proud of.

Grilled Shrimp English Muffin Burgers

I Wash You Dry

Juicy grilled shrimp burgers are way better than your standard barbecue fare. And once you’ve had a burger on an English muffin bun, you’ll never look back.

Mini Hawaiian English Muffin Pizza

Ease and Carrot

The next time you have a party, ditch the frozen snacks. These mini English muffin Hawaiian pizzas are perfect finger food.

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole

Baker Bettie

If making hollandaise sauce last minute is a little too stressful for your mornings, look to this casserole. It has all the eggs Benedict flavor you love, but is easily made ahead of time.

Homemade Cranberry Walnut English Muffin

Cook Nourish Bliss

The best part about baking is you can customize your favorite dishes. This recipe gives plain English muffins a hearty makeover with the addition of dried cranberries and walnuts.

Barbecue Chicken English Muffin Pizza

Unicorn's in the Kitchen

Skip the take-out pizza and opt for this simple recipe that’s just as tasty as the real thing, with the added bonus of homemade flavor.

Crab Melts

Spicy Southern Kitchen

When topped with crab meat and cheese, English muffins make for a mean canapé too.

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Culinary Hill

Sometimes brunch just isn’t brunch-y enough — everything tastes too much like either breakfast or lunch. Not so with this mealtime fusion, combining a breakfast favorite with a barbecue classic.

Homemade Whole Wheat English Muffins

Jenni Field's Fearless in the Kitchen

Making your own English muffins is great for two reasons. They taste better than anything store-bought, and any recipe using the homemade version becomes a million times tastier.

Lemon Thyme English Muffin Bread

Cook Nourish Bliss

If you’ve never had English muffin in bread form, you’re in for a treat. It’s super-moist, toasts like a dream, and makes every sandwich taste just a little more special.

2-Minute Flourless English Muffins

The Big Man's World

English muffins in the microwave may sound strange, but trust. This version is gluten-free, vegan, oil-free, and sugar-free, but still gets nice and toasty, making them a great allergy-friendly option.

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins

Food Fanatic

Sometimes the best part of baking is how it makes your house smell. These English muffins will fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, raisins, and baking bread.

Paleo Pumpkin English Muffins

Running to the Kitchen

Quick breakfast recipes are essential to have on hand. This two-minute Paleo pumpkin English muffin is made in the microwave, so you can have a tasty breakfast even on busy mornings.

Breakfast Burger

Well Plated

Hey, sometimes we all just want an excuse to have a burger for breakfast. This one is made with a turkey patty, bacon, and cheese, for a breakfast that will really fill you up.

Poached Egg and Prosciutto Brunch Sandwich

Salt and Lavender

Nothing hits the spot on the weekend like a brunch sandwich. This one, made on an English muffin and stuffed with a poached egg, prosciutto, and lemon garlic mayo, will make you glad it’s the weekend.

English Muffin Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Cups

No. 2 Pencil

Finding the perfect dish for a brunch party can feel like a chore — you don’t want to have to do a bunch of cooking after your guests arrive. This recipe for English muffin bacon, egg, and cheese cups solves that problem.

Baked Peach English Muffin French Toast

The PKP Way

Fruit-filled breakfasts always feel like a special treat. These English muffins, topped with baked rosemary peaches and cream cheese, will make you feel like a queen.

Make-Ahead English Muffin Melts

Julie's Eats & Treats

A fast breakfast doesn’t have to mean an apple or granola bar on the go. These make-ahead English muffins ensure that you can eat a hot and cheesy meal, even on busy mornings.

Game Day Mini Pizzas

Brit + Co

While ordering multiple kinds of pies can get pricey really fast, our mini English muffin pizzas are an all-around win. From tangy Buffalo chicken to a meatless Margherita, these healthier budget-friendly mini pies will be a hit with everyone - just start with a base of sauce, cheese, and muffin and then try one of these variations. Click for the more recipe details!

Pepperoni:

(serves 6)

  • pepperoni sticks, sliced into thin rounds
  • optional toppings: hot banana pepper rings

Buffalo Chicken:

(serves 6)

  • about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot
  • optional toppings: crumbled blue cheese or feta and chopped celery leaves

Pesto Chicken:

(serves 6)

  • about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
  • 3-4 Tablespoons of basil pesto
  • optional topping: crumbled feta

Veggie Lover’s:

(serves 6)

  • button mushrooms, sliced
  • green bell pepper, diced
  • red onion, thinly sliced or diced
  • cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • green olives, sliced

Margherita Inspired:

(serves 6)

  • cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • fresh basil leaves (if they’re large, you can slice them into ribbons or roughly chop them)

Greek Inspired:

(serves 6)

  • kalamata olives, sliced
  • red onion, thinly sliced or diced
  • cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • crumbled feta

Bao English Muffins 

Thomas Breads

Made with pork shoulder, try this slightly sweet Asian-style recipe from the classic English muffin brand.

Cherry Macadamia English Muffin French Toast

With Salt and Wit

Baked French toast is always a breakfast favorite. This recipe ups the ante, swapping bread for English Muffins and adding macadamia nuts and fresh cherries for flavor.

Hope you found an english muffin recipe to inspire your next craving! Share your recipe pics with us @BritandCo and find more inspiration in our baking courses on B+C Classes!

This post was updated.
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10 Booze-Free Ways To Ring In The New Year

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, the first thought that probably springs to mind is boozing it up with an NYE cocktail. And while there's nothing wrong with sipping some bubbly (if that's your inclination), those of us who prefer to keep thingsnon-alc may feel like there are no New Year's-appropriate activities for our preferences. We say that nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you're pregnant, abstaining, or just taking a break from the booze, here are 10 fun ideas for ringing in 2025, the sober way.

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

Photo by Jill Wellington / PEXELS

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Brit + Co

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

  • Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
  • Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
  • In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Brit + Co

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Brit + Co

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Photo by Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Image via Amazon

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.

Are you planning a sober New Year's Eve party this year? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your plans, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more booze-free hacks and party ideas!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.

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19 Fall Brunch Recipes Starring Squash, Apples, and Pumpkins

We're still waiting to feel a crisp fall breeze in the air, but that's okay! It's still time for some hearty brunch recipes to spice up the upcoming cozy season. We know you'll gladly take *all* the pumpkin recipes, but while you're shopping at your local farmers' market this fall, arm yourself with some apples, squashes, corn, and sweet potatoes in anticipation of the weekend's best meal. Read on for some brunch recipes to cure your fall fever quicker than the color on leaves can change.

Vikalinka

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

No meal is complete with tasty rolls, especially if they're cinnamon. However, this recipe makes baking them a little easier because it uses puff pastries. They take a little over 30 minutes to make which means you won't have to wait long to sink your teeth into their ooey goodness!

The Original Dish

The Ultimate Scrambled Egg Breakfast

Skipped breakfast and need to eat a hearty meal because you're starving. Of course you'll eat your classic scrambled eggs, but there's also delectable bacon, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and a secret herb sauce that'll make your tastebuds explode.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Collard Green Shakshuka

Rethink what you know about collard greens and shakshuka because this is one brunch meal you'll love cooking. You'll need ingredients like cayenne pepper, ground nutmeg, collard greens, and garlic cloves to help create this flavorful dish that takes less than 30 minutes to cook.

Julie's Jazz

Butternut Squash Waffles With Cashew Butter

We're going to squash this right here and right now: Butternut squash is just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner. Just look at the ooey gooeyness.

Baker by Nature

Morning Glory Muffins

Wake up on the right side of the bed with these scrumptious muffins. If you've never tasted these before, think about how tasty a spiced apple cake mixed with a carrot cake would be baked in one muffin. Yeah, it's that good.

Kitchen Confidante

Baked Oatmeal Stuffed Acorn Squash

Whether you're hosting a family brunch or just looking to switch things up, you absolutely need this recipe in your life. Plump prunes and brown sugar sweeten the baked oatmeal, which is perfect with the cranberry sauce served on the side.

The Almond Eater

Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl

Don't think for a minute that this bowl is going to leave you hangry in one hour. It's made with pumpkin puree, almond milk, and banana, making it *super* filling. For added nutrients, it's topped with apples, chia seeds, and walnuts, leaving no room for hunger attacks.

Macheesmo

Sweet Potato Hatch Chile Hash

There's just something about a sweet and spicy mixture that drives our taste buds insane. This recipe adds to the craziness with roasted hatch chiles, chili powder, and crispy sweet potatoes.

Little Spice Jar

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls always taste the best when they're homemade. Add some caramel and apples to the mix and it blows the socks off of store-bought options any day.

Cotter Crunch

Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake

If you're not drooling over this gluten-free and vegan recipe already, we're not sure if we can be friends. Seriously. We want to scoop the cranberry, apple, pears, and pineapple mixture over vanilla yogurt and lick the bowl clean.

Savory Nothings

Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast

Creamy pumpkin is sandwiched between crispy bread coated in pecans and drizzled in maple syrup. You'll taste a satisfying, warm, and sweet crunch in between each bite.

Glue Sticks and Gumdrops

Apple Cider Donuts

Is it really fall without grabbing a bottle of apple cider? We don't think so either and that's why these donuts are extra special.

Diethood

Very Berry Baked Oatmeal

Here's a hearty recipe to stick to your bones for those chilly days. Covered in berries and toasted nuts, this oatmeal can be prepared the night before.

Belle Vie

Pumpkin Brown Sugar Pecan Pancakes

Whether you eat your flapjacks cut in triangles or squares, you're going to love how this recipe shapes up. Caramelized pecans and brown sugar sweeten the deal, but a drizzle of maple sugar is non-negotiable.

The Original Dish

Autumn Hash with Homemade Turkey Sausage & Fried Eggs

Red potatoes, acorn squash, and turkey sausage are seasoned with rosemary and thyme. Kale is also wilted in it with sage to add some good old earthy flavors.

Well Plated

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pecan adds a nutty flavor to this slow cooked recipe. Unsweetened almond milk makes it a creamy bowl of goodness.

Cozy Cravings

Maple Pumpkin Bread

Let the warm, sweet smell of maple pumpkin bread fill your home with this scrumptious recipe. Combined with the tasty glaze, this is a comfort loaf you'll have no problem making throughout fall.

Pink Owl Kitchen

Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes

For an alternative to pumpkin bread, try making fluffy sweet potato pancakes for a more traditional fall brunch. Pair it with decadent omelets for a well-rounded breakfast.

Half Baked Harvest

Salted Bourbon Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

This is one cake you can have and eat without anyone challenging your decision. This fall brunch recipe is simple and full of the taste of an unforgettable spiced bourbon and apple blend.

Check out our B+C online cooking classes for more brunch recipe inspiration all year round!

This post has been updated.

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This Unexpected Trader Joe’s Home Decor Find Is Sending Customers Into A Frenzy: “OMG Need.”

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Trader Joe's news!

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3 Key Things Super Compatible Couples Never Argue About, According To Experts

By now, you may be able to recognize signs of gaslighting or other toxicbehaviors, but do you know how to take everything you've learned and become a super compatible couple? According to experts, there are a few key things super compatible couples rarely argue about — even with whatever faults each person brings to the relationship table. While the topics these couples avoid may not surprise you, the reason why they're able to avoid them might. But first, let's talk about what makes couples more compatible than others.

Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery, has this to say: "Couples are compatible when they share similar values, goals, and know the best way to communicate with each other." Notice she didn't say these couples are just alike.

More so, she explains that "it's about how well they handle differences, whether they can support each other through tough times, and how they connect emotionally." Dr. Keels adds, "when there’s respect, trust, and a good balance of give-and-take between them?" Dr. Keels believes this gives couples a better chance "to be in sync."

Scroll down to see the topics you'll rarely hear compatible couples arguing about!

RDNE Stock project

1. Long-term goals like marriage aren't often a cause for concern.

Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."

Her examples include:

  • Relocating for careers
  • Family planning
  • Finding somewhere to settle down in general (i.e. apartment, condo, different state, close to family, etc.,)

"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.

Vlada Karpovich

2. There's a lesser chance arguments about weekend activities occur.

We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.

While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:

  • Buying tickets to watch the latest college basketball or football game
  • Going to a 'Paint and Sip' class for fun
  • Having a mini outdoor picnic
  • Visiting a national park if it's on your couple's bucket list
  • Spending a day at a local arcade

The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.

Mikhail Nilov

3. Communication styles aren't causing a daily disruption.

Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."

Here's a couple of examples:

  • If you're having a bad day that has nothing to do with your partner, they don't take it personal when you prefer some alone time.
  • If your partner says something they perceived to be a joke, but you didn't, you're less likely to immediately accuse them of being insensitive. Instead, there's a higher chance of asking what they mean by something and expressing why you didn't like it instead of arguing.

Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.

Alex Green

Are couples better (or more compatible) because they don't have a lot of arguments?

Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."

The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.

If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!

Keira Burton

How can I have healthier disagreements with my partner?

Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.

Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.

"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.

SHVETS production

Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.

"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."

Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.

Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."

Visit more of our relationships articles to find more advice about navigating friendships and love.

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