Here's How You Can Hack Your Workout Goals Based On Your MBTI Types

John Hackston
Oct 23, 2023
mbti types and excercise

We all know that exercise is good for you. But knowing that doing something is good for you doesn't mean that we always go ahead and actually...do it. Your physique, your fitness level, the other demands on your time — all sorts of things will affect how often you go to the gym and what you do once you’re there.

Good fitness trainers know that we are all different, so they'll try to devise workouts that will motivate and help us to meet our fitness goals. But one factor that is often forgotten, and that can have a major impact, is our personality. Research by The Myers-Briggs Company shows that our MBTI personality type preferences affect how we like to exercise and who (if anyone) we like to exercise with. Here’s how knowing where you fit on each of the four dimensions of the MBTI assessment can help you reach your workout goals.

How Do Extraverts And Introverts Workout Differently?

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If you're someone who focuses on the outside world, gets energized by interacting with people and your environment, and likes to talk things through, then you likely have personality preferences for Extraversion. On the other hand, if you tend to focus on your inner world of thoughts and feelings, get energized by contemplation and spending time by yourself, and like to think things through before talking, then you likely have personality preferences for Introversion. Of course, you probably show both Extraversion and Introversion at different times, but one of these will be your natural and preferred way of being – your personality preference.

Our research shows that Extraverts would rather exercise at a gym than at home, and they prefer to exercise with others (ideally, people they can build a relationships with) rather than alone. Most Extraverts like to share the results of their workouts and talk about this with friends. So, if you have Extraversion preferences, lean into these behaviors to keep yourself motivated:

  • Go to the gym, and do so at a time when there will be other people around. If you have the opportunity, try out a few different times or locations to see which is the most sociable and has the most buzz.
  • Join classes, get there in time to chat, and introduce yourself to the instructor (and others).
  • Get a gym buddy.
  • If you have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, go online and share your results.
  • If you have exercise equipment at home, don’t cancel your regular gym membership; solitary exercise probably isn’t for you.

Introverts in general are 50/50 as to whether they would prefer exercising at home or in a gym, but wherever they are, they mostly prefer to exercise alone. They're less likely to attend classes, and they generally prefer smaller classes if they do join. They're also less interested in sharing their results with others. So, if you think Introversion is your preference, here are some tips:

  • Don’t feel you have to join classes, or compare your results to others — a solitary workout, or competing against yourself might suit you best.
  • If you do take part in a class, maybe get there just before it starts, to avoid the small talk. And of course, you don’t necessarily need to attend a fitness center.
  • If you have the space and budget, how about a home gym? If not, solitary running, walking, and cycling are great ways to keep fit. Plus, there are lots of online services that let you stream fitness classes at home...just be considerate of the folks downstairs if you live in an apartment. 😉

Sensing Vs. Intuition In The Gym

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This aspect of personality is all about how you take in information. If you prefer and trust information that is realistic, practical, detailed and based on the evidence of your senses, then you have a Sensing preference. If you prefer the bigger picture, are more interested in connections and possibilities than factual detail, and are excited by new ideas, then you have an Intuition preference.

Most of us like a little variety in our lives, and both people with a Sensing preference and those with an Intuition preference like to vary their route when walking, running or cycling. However, most Intuition folks really, really dislike taking the same route every time. So, if Intuition is your preference, make sure that you don’t take the same route every day, or else you may get bored and give up. Go for a run on a day when you have plenty of time and see where random choices take you. The same applies if you are going to the gym or exercising at home — make sure that you keep interested and motivated by varying your routine and trying something new every now and then. Maybe try tossing a coin or throwing dice to decide what you're going to do today.

How Do Thinking And Feeling Traits Show Up During Workouts?

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Thinking-Feeling concerns how you make decisions and come to conclusions. If you prefer to make decisions on the basis of objective logic, using impersonal criteria, and have a focus on tasks, then you have a Thinking preference. Alternatively, if you want to make decisions according to your values, and on how people will be affected by the decision, with a focus on relationships, you have a Feeling preference.

If you have a Thinking preference, then choose a fitness instructor based on their qualifications and experience. Look logically at the pros and cons of different gyms and different exercises to check that they will give the results you want. Many Thinkers have a competitive streak, so don’t be afraid to set stretching but achievable targets – either against yourself or against other people. And if you also have an Introversion preference, look for somewhere where you aren’t compelled to make too many friends (acquaintances are fine, but mostly you likely just want to get on with your workout).

If you have a Feeling preference, it’s important that you get on with and connect with your fitness instructor. So don’t be afraid to work with a few different people (they won’t be offended) until you find the right one. It will also help if your fitness activities fit with your values — maybe join a not-for-profit gym or sign up for charity events. If you also have an Extraversion preference, look for somewhere that’s friendly and welcoming; gyms where everyone is just pumping iron and ignoring you while they do their routine will likely be demotivating.

Judging Vs. Perceiving When Working Out

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How do you organize your life? What lifestyle do you prefer? If you are someone who prefers things organized, likes routines and structures, and who naturally plans their activities, you have a Judging preference. If instead you prefer to keep your options open and to be more flexible and spontaneous, you have a Perceiving preference.

It’s probably no surprise to find out that folks with a Judging preference like to go to the gym at the same time and have a standard routine, but if you have a Perceiving preference, you can find this constraining. The key is to vary things a little, and if you miss a session, don’t abandon the gym — you can go back tomorrow!

The Benefits of Exercise

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In another research project, some of my colleagues at The Myers-Briggs Company found that exercise improved the well-being of everyone, but that it was especially effective for some MBTI personality types. So, dust off those running shoes, get that gym kit out of the closet and do a workout that works for you.

Want to learn more about your MBTI? We've got you covered at Brit+Co.

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Why We Lose Flexibility As We Age — And How to Get It Back

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

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As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

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“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

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When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

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But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

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If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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17 Celebrity Cameos On ‘Gossip Girl’ You Probably Forgot About

New York City is a home and a hub for celebrities across all industries, and the glitzy appeal of Gossip Girl’s NYC is made all the more glamorous by its numerous celebrity cameos. Given that Blair and Serena run in the upper echelon of the city’s It girls, it actually makes total sense for them to be rubbing shoulders with Alexa Chung and Lady Gaga. You never know who you’re going to run into on the Upper East Side — and in Gossip Girl’s case, you may not even remember half the celebs you meet.

Over the course of six wonderfully melodramatic seasons, Gossip Girl racked up quite a stacked cast list on IMDB. From stars with recurring roles to those who pop in to play themselves for one scene, here are 17 celebrities who appeared on Gossip Girl that you probably forgot about.

Scroll down to see all the celebrity Gossip Girlcameos we're totally obsessed with!

1. William Baldwin

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Serena van der Woodsen’s got some serious daddy issues. One of Gossip Girl’s longest subplots is Serena’s search for her father, who essentially walked out on her when she was a kid. He finally appears for the first time in Season 3 Episode 19 (“Dr. Estrangeloved), where he’s played by a member of one of NYC’s royal families, William Baldwin. (In case you’re wondering, he’s Hailey Bieber’s uncle.)

2. Lady Gaga

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You probably blocked out the time Blair and Dan put on a jukebox version of Snow White at NYU given that the whole ordeal was painfully cringe. That means you probably also blocked out the fact that real-life NYU alum Lady Gaga gives a dead-eyed performance of “Bad Romance” at the end of the episode (Season 3 Episode 10, “The Last Days of Discostick”).

3. Hilary Duff

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Also included in the Season 3 NYU timeline is Hilary Duff as Olivia Burke. Olivia’s a famous actress who balances attending NYU, starring in the vampire romance franchise Endless Knights, and dating Dan. She’s basically the Gossip Girl universe’s hybrid of Kristen Stewart and Emma Watson.

4. Sebastian Stan

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Okay, there’s absolutely no way you forgot this one. Before Sebastian Stan was the MCU’s BB, he was Gossip Girl’s lesser-known CB — Carter Baizen. Stan played St. Jude’s sleaziest graduate and one of Serena’s most questionable exes from Seasons 1 through 3.

5. Karlie Kloss

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Karlie Kloss will always attend a NYFW party — even if that party only exists within Gossip Girl’s Season 4 premiere (“Belles du Jour”).

6. Armie Hammer

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Serena’s dating history includes one man whose bite may be worse than his bark. In Season 2, she starts dating a con man named Gabriel Edwards, played by Armie Hammer.

7. Cyndi Lauper

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Girls just wanna have Cyndi Lauper do a surprise performance at their eighteenth birthday party — at least, Blair Waldorf does. Lauper makes a cameo in Season 2 Episode 10 (“Bonfire of the Vanity”).

8. Tyra Banks

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Tyra Banks plays Ursula, a famous actress who Serena keeps from crashing out at a movie premiere, in Season 3 Episode 4 (“Dan de Fleurette”).

9. Clémence Poésy

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When Chuck goes to France in Season 4 and attempts to restart his life as Henry Prince, he takes Fleur Delacour — err, I mean, Clémence Poésy — along for the ride.

10. Mädchen Amick

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Sorry, Archiekins — Alice Cooper’s got her eye on a different Archibald. Riverdale star Mädchen Amick appears in Season 2 as Nate’s first foray into MILF territory.

11. Elizabeth Hurley

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Mädchen Amick walked so Elizabeth Hurley could run … Nate’s life into the ground. Hurley plays shady media mogul Diana Payne throughout Season 5.

12. Aaron Tveit

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This guest star lives rent-free in Broadway fans’ minds. Aaron Tveit, the patron saint of tenors, appears in Seasons 2 through 5 as Nate’s cousin, politician Tripp van der Bilt.

13. Alexa Chung

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In Season 6 Episode 3 (“Dirty Rotten Scandals”), Alexa Chung, the minimalist darling of the 2010s fashion blogging scene, refuses to walk the runway at Blair Waldorf’s debut fashion show.

14. Rachel Bilson & Kristen Bell

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Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell show up in the series finale as two actresses auditioning for a role in Inside Out, the movie adaptation of Dan’s bestselling book, Inside. Bell’s voice should ring a bell — she’s the voice ofGossip Girl.

15. Tim Gunn

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Project Runway’s iconic mentor, Tim Gunn gives Jenny a little mentorship in Season 4 Episode 6 (“Easy J”).

16. Rachel Zoe

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Rachel Zoe: celebrity stylist, fashion designer, and extremely good sport. In her GG cameo in Season 4 Episode 7 (“War at the Roses”), Zoe takes a tumble and spills chocolate sauce all over her head before delivering her iconic catchphrase, “I die.” We die, too.

17. Florence Welch

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Welch’s performance of “Cosmic Love” in Season 4 Episode 14 (“Panic Roommate”) was reportedly due to her real-life friendship with Blake Lively. The actress suggested to the producers that they should use Florence’s music in the show. The producers went one step further, and we’re all the better for it.

Wonder what other celebs have appeared in your favorite TV shows? Check out these 24 Sex and the City cameos and 11 Gilmore Girls cameos you may have missed!

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10 Revealing Signs You’re Actually An Extrovert

Most of us fall in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the early 1900s, but there are some who can find themselves at either extreme. My most extroverted friend is the connector of our girl group, bringing us all together and making sure we stay connected. She’s always up for an adventure, and challenges me (an ambivert who leans toward introvert) to always break out of my comfort zone. But not in a pressuring kind of way. She makes it fun and positive so that you just want to take her lead.

Extraversion is one of the Big 5 personality types that include openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, or OCEAN. Typical traits? Extroverts are often defined as outgoing, enthusiastic, approachable, and assertive. Here are tell-tale signs you are one of them.

You Make A Good "Middle"

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Whether you're in a party of two or 200, you feel energized and recharged by spending time with other people. That makes you a great “middle” at the dinner table (reference: Curb Your Enthusiasm Bad Middling episode) as you love to engage in conversation, bring everyone into the mix, and get the party going.

You Heart Social Media

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You're not afraid to put yourself out there, IRL and on social. You easily express your emotions and share your thoughts without hesitation. You may be an over-sharer, but that's what people love about you – you don't hold back.

Group Activities > Than Solo Activities For You

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Team sports and group trips are more your speed, rather than running or traveling solo.

You're Chatty

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You're comfortable talking to strangers and striking up a conversation on the train, plane, or anywhere in public. You also love to chit-chat on the phone to your long-distance friends. You seek out social situations of any form.

You Have A Big Circle Of Friends

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People are drawn to your energy. You have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and enjoy meeting new people and expanding your social network.

You Shine On Stage

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Public speaking is no problem for you, whether at a podium, presentation at work, or singing karaoke at a bar. You feel comfortable and confident, and actually enjoy the chance to share your ideas (or pipes) with the group.

You're Bored By Solitude

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Extended periods of alone time can make you feel restless or bored. You might end of calling friends or heading outdoors to be around people, your source of good vibes.

You Love Crowds

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Whereas an introvert might feel drained, you thrive in big crowds where there's lots of action and interaction.

You Adapt Easily To Awkward Or Unfamiliar Social Settings

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You make a good first impression – you're friendly, warm, and social and can easily adapt to different social scenarios. You easily connect with others.

You're Spontaneous

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You make decisions quickly and often go full-speed-ahead on them, whether it's booking a last-minute trip or hosting a last-minute girl hang. It's what drives you and keeps you feeling alive and invigorated.

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Blake Lively's 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' Co-Stars Slam Justin Baldoni For "Forceful Retaliation"

This weekend, news dropped that Blake Lively filed a bombshell lawsuit against It Ends With Usco-star Justin Baldoni, and everyone is rushing to her support — including her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsco-stars!

One day we need to have a conversation about how easy it is to assign the 'mean girl' role to women like Anne Hathaway, Hailey Bieber, Meghan Markle, and now, Blake Lively. Since that's a separate article, let's focus on the situation at hand. According to Deadline, Lively's suing Baldoni for "sexually harassing her and subsequently enacting 'a coordinated effort to destroy her reputation.'" After the news dropped, The New York Times subsequently published article that details the winding allegations against Baldoni, producer Jamie Heath, and more players in the supposed targeted attack against her.

While a lot of public opinion turned against Lively during the It Ends With Us rollout, it's clear those closest to her showed unyielding support. Now, fellow celebrities are showing up in droves to stand with Lively amid the allegations. One bold show of support that we're totally here for? Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Amber Tamblyn taking their "sisterhood" to new heights. Here's what they — and everyone else — has said in support of Blake Lively so far.

Scroll down to see everyone who's supported Blake Lively amid the Justin Baldoni lawsuit so far!

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Blake Lively's The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Co-Stars

Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, and America Ferrera made it clear that they're firmly in support of their friend Blake Lively. They released a message on Instagram that left no room for assumption about their beliefs following Blake's lawsuit against Baldoni.
The statement reads:
As Blake's friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation. Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.

Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.

We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others.

For anyone seeking more information or engaging in this important conversation online, please read the full legal complaint in the investigative reporting by Megan Twohey, Mike McIntire, and Julie Tate for the New York Times.

We love the lasting, strong friendship between these four!

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Colleen Hoover, Author of It Ends With Us

According to Entertainment Weekly, Colleen Hoover also spoke up in light of the damage Baldoni inflicted. She tagged Blake via Instagram Stories and wrote, "You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt." A picture of the author and star hugging followed Hoover's words, adding to the depth of the moment.

Paul Feig, Director of A Simple Favor

Director Paul Feig also shared his thoughts about what it's like to work with Blake on X. He said, "I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this."

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Robyn Lively, Blake Lively's Sister

The sisterly energy is real and we're so glad Blake is surrounded by it. Robyn, Blake's big sister, shared her full thoughts in a lengthy Instagram caption just 10 hours!

While encouraging people to do research for themselves by reading The New York Times article that details the devious plot to publicly destroy Blake, she had other things to say. "We live in an age where we have access to people’s personal lives like never before — especially actors. It makes us feel like we know them. We see them on social media, watch clips of them, and make snap decisions about their character," she wrote. This reminds me of the parasocial relationships author Amanda Montell detailed in The Age of Magical Overthinking — definitely something for us all to keep in mind.

She also called out how easy it is for the media to warp the public's perception of the truth. "The 'truth' in the tabloids is hardly ever what you think," she added before eventually expressing how "proud" she is that her sister "didn't allow herself to be silenced in the face of adversity and lies."

Bart Johnson, Blake Lively's Brother-in-law

According to Page Six, Blake's brother-in-law Bart Johnson didn't hesitate to share his thoughts about the behavior of Baldoni and his team. He reportedly wrote, "Her complaints were filed during the filming. On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him [Baldoni] for a reason." in the comment section of the NYT Instagram post about the lengthy deep dive into what happened.

He continued by writing, "His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is with out [sic] faults. But the public got played."

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Nicole Kidman Spills On Spending "A Lot Of Time In Bed" With Harris Dickinson During 'Babygirl' — Exclusive

The most important detail about any romantic movie is chemistry between its leads. Even the worst movie can be rescued by two characters you believe actually love each other. But that's not a problem for A24's Babygirl (in theaters December 25) because Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson have chemistry in spades. The new A24 movie follows CEO Romy (Kidman), who begins a torrid affair with a young intern named Samuel (Dickinson). And AMC queen Nicole says she knew Harris was different the moment he walked in the room.

Here's what Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson had to say about their chemistry in our exclusive Babygirl featurette.

Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson connected the moment they met.

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"As soon as he walked in, I was like, 'Oh good, here's somebody who's gonna play with me," Nicole Kidman says in our exclusive Babygirl featurette. "We spent a lot of time in bed. Hours would go by, and it was like you would step out of there and you would say, 'What just happened?'"

"From the moment [Samuel] sees her, he's attracted to her. He realizes there's someone at the height of their power," Harris says. "There was an element of mystique that needed to be there for the exploration of the relationship."

Harris continues that "perhaps there's something unfulfilled going on," perhaps referencing Romy's fizzled-out marriage with Jacob, while Nicole adds that "she's searching for something else" as the movie examines "desires, wants, [and] needs."

"Drink it in and be transported," she says.

​And their chemistry in 'Babygirl' was so intense, Nicole Kidman had to take breaks from filming.

In addition to spending "hours" in bed (which, honestly sounds like a pretty good work day to me), Nicole told The Sun in October that filming those scenes with Harris Dickinson became so intense, she would need breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she said. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But having a woman at the helm of the film (writer-director-producer Halina Reijn) both made Nicole feel more comfortable, and empowered her to tell this story. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," she says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," Halina says, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?” See Babygirl in theaters December 25 to find out.

Here are the 10 New December Movies You Need To Add To Your Calendar ASAP.

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