11 Modern Christmas Albums to Ease You Into the Holiday Season

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving that typically signifies the start of holiday shopping season, though many retailers have started to launch their Black Friday deals earlier year over year. A lot of the deals that stores and brands offer during Black Friday outpace their other sales events (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day) in terms of savings.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Black Friday will land on November 29, 2024.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving that highlights savings and deals online as opposed to in-store offers. It's one of the busiest times of year for online shopping.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday will land on December 2, 2024.

When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?

We're big believers that it's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. The sooner you shop, the better, so you can check everyone off your list ahead of the busy holiday season and have some peace of mind once the real festivities start! Plus, if you're shopping online, starting early gives you ample time to wait for items to be shipped and delivered to your door. If deals and savings are what you're looking for, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some really great opportunities.

What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

The best thing to shop for during Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday promotions really depends on what your needs are as well as the items you're scoping out to treat yourself (or the people you're gifting for the holidays). Typically, big-ticket items like home appliances, tech products like earbuds, laptops, TVs, and tablets, and luxury self-care tools are heavily discounted during this time.

Beauty Sales

Bliss

When: November 20-December 17

What: 20-30% off select products

Ulta

When: Now-November 23

What: Weekly deals on skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance.

IT Cosmetics

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide (loyalty members get 35% off)

Kiehl's

When: November 21-December 2

What: 30% off site-wide and 50% off select items on November 26 only

Lanolips

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off at Ulta and 20% off on Amazon

Moroccanoil

When: November 25-December 3 (rewards members will have early access to the sale on December 2)

What: 25% off sitewide

NOYZ

When: November 28-30 and December 1-2

What: 25% off sitewide and a free baseball cap on purchases over $55 on November 28-30, 25% off sitewide and a free candle on purchases over $55 on December 1-2

dpHUE

When: November 3-15

What: 25% off sitewide

Dieux

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off original price items, 20% off single items, and a free Mini Slugging Kit on orders over $30

ILIA

When: November 25-December 2, VIP members get early access November 24

What: 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $125, and 25% off plus a free full-size product for orders over $150

Ogee

When: November 1-December 3

What: 20% off sitewide with code 'GIFTGLOW20' and receive free deluxe samples with purchases over $200 (November 28-December 3 only)

Youth To The People

When: November 23-December 3 on YTTP.com, November 21-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Sephora

What:

• YTTP: 30% off sitewide plus a free 3-piece gift with purchases over $85
• Amazon: 20% off select products through November 27, 30% off select products starting November 28
• Sephora: 30% off all products in-store and online

Hero

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Briogeo

When: November 20-December 2 on Briogeo's site, November 28 at Sephora and Kohl's, November 28-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Ulta and Target

What: up to 30% off products

Origins

When: November 24-30 at Ulta

What: 40% off moisturizers and 30% off cleansers

Fashion Sales

Dream Pairs

When: November 21-December 2

What: 20-40% off select styles on the Dream Pairs site and Amazon

Madewell

When: November 21-27

What: 30% off your purchase, including new arrivals

H&M

When: November 28-December 1

What: 30% off online only (November 28), 30% off online and in-store (November 29-30), and up to 50% off (November 30-December 1)

Old Navy

When: November 1-December 2

What: 50% off select products online and in-store (November 1-6), 50% off everything online and in-store (November 7-10), and 50% off everything online only and 50% off select products in-store (November 27-December 2)

Land's End

When: November 29-December 3

What: 50% off, including customizable canvas totes, sheets, towels, accessories and more.

Showpo

When: November 22-December 3

What:

• Black Friday early access (November 22-24): 25% off sitewide
• Black Friday (November 27-29): 25% off sitewide
• Cyber Weekend (November 30-December 1): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
• Cyber Monday (December 2-3): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers

Franco Sarto

When: November 23-December 3

What: Up to 70% off + free shipping

Oomiay

When: November 28-December 2

What: Free exclusive jewelry pieces (up to 5) with every item purchased on November 28-December 1 and up to 50% off your entire order on December 2 only

Barefoot Dreams

When: November 27-December 1 (Black Friday VIP access starts November 25) and December 2-3 (for Cyber Monday)

What: 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 30% off 4 or more items for Black Friday. The CozyChic Checks & Stripes Sock Set will be just $9.98 (was $45) on Cyber Monday only.

Local Eclectic

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Quince

When: November 27-December 2

What: 40% off select products

Athleta

When: November 27-December 1

What: 30% off sitewide

Home Sales

Revival Rugs

When: November 14-December 2

What: Scaled discounts automatically applied at checkout:

• 15% off $250-500
• 20% off $500-999
• 25% off $1,000-1,999
• 30% off $2000+

Walmart

When: November 11-December 1

What: Walmart is breaking up their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals into two events.

• Event 1 deals begin online on November 11 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
• Event 1 deals begin in stores on November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.
• Event 2 deals begin online on November 25 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
• Event 2 deals begin in stores November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.
• Cyber Monday deals start online on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 8 p.m. ET for all customers.

Amazon

When: November 29 and December 2 (tentative)

What: Amazon will feature "tons of great deals across all different categories."

Brookstone

When: November 25-December 4

What: Up to 76% off select items

Ruggable

When: Starting November 26

What: 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply) with code 'BF24'

Brümate

When: November 26-December 2

What: 20% off coolers and 25% off drinkware with code 'HOLIDAY25'

sproos!

When: November 27-December 2

What: 30% off of the Lookin' Good Bundle on sproos.co and Amazon

Great Jones

When: November 4-December 2 on Great Jones site and November 21-December on Amazon

What: up to 50% off sitewide and 20-33% off select items on Amazon

Contigo

When: November 21-December 2

What: 25% off the Contigo x Ally Love Collection

Parachute Home

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide

Anecdote Candles

When: November 20-24 and November 29-December 2

What: 25% off everything from November 20-24 and up to 40% off (20% off any order, 25% off orders over $100, 30% off orders over $150, up to 40% off bundles) plus a free wick trimmer with purchases over $90 on November 29-December 2

Fracture

When: November 14- December 1 and December 2-3

What: 30% off sitewide plus free shipping for orders over $150 on November 14- December 1 and 30% off sitewide plus free shipping for orders over $150 and 35% off orders over $275 on December 2-3

Food + Supplement Sales

Cure

When: November 26-December 3

What: 25% off sitewide on all Electrolyte Drink Mixes, Cure Kids, Energy Teas and merch with code 'HELPYOURSELF25'

Ritual

When: November 13-December 2

What: 40% off all products for new customers and 40% off all new subscriptions only

More Sales

Petco

When: November 23-30

What: 50% off select items

How many Grammy nominations does Beyoncé have?

As of November 8, 2024, Beyoncé officially has 99 Grammy nominations — the most of any artist EVER.

How many Grammy Awards has Beyoncé won?

Beyoncé's won 32 Grammy Awardssince her music industry start in Destiny's Child.

A Complete List Of The 2025 Grammy Nominations

Record of the Year

• "Now And Then" – The Beatles
• "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" – Beyoncé
• "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter
• "360" – Charli xcx
• "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" – Billie Eilish
• "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar
• "Good Luck, Babe!" – Chappell Roan
• "Fortnight" – Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone

Album of the Year

• New Blue Sun – André 3000
• COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé
• Short n' Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
• BRAT – Charli xcx
• Djesse Vol. 4 – Jacob Collier
• HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
• The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan
• THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT – Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

• "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" – Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark
• Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
• "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" – Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
• "Die With A Smile" – Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
• "Fortnight" – Jack Antonoff, Austin Post & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone)
• "Good Luck, Babe!" – Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan)
• "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
• "Please Please Please" – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
• "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" – Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Best New Artist

• Benson Boone
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Doechii
• Khruangbin
• RAYE
• Chappell Roan
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

• Alissia
• Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II
• Ian Fitchuk
• Mustard
• Daniel Nigro

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

• Jessi Alexander
• Amy Allen
• Edgar Barrera
• Jessie Jo Dillon
• RAYE

Best Pop Solo Performance

• "BODYGUARD" – Beyoncé
• "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter
• "Apple" – Charli xcx
• "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" – Billie Eilish
• "Good Luck, Babe! "– Chappell Roan

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

• "Us" – Gracie Abrams feat. Taylor Swift
• "LEVII’S JEAN" – Beyoncé feat. Post Malone
• "Guess" – Charli xcx & Billie Eilish
• "The Boy Is Mine" – Ariana Grande, Brandy and Monica
• "Die with a Smile" – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

Best Pop Vocal Album

• Short n' Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
• HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
• eternal sunshine – Ariana Grande
• The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan
• THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT – Taylor Swift

Best Dance/Electronic Performance

• "She’s Gone, Dance On" – Disclosure
• "Loved" – Four Tet
• "Leavemealone" – Fred Again.. & Baby Keem
• "Neverender" – Justice & Tame Impala
• "Witchy" – KAYTRANADA feat. Childish Gambino

Best Dance Pop Recording

• "Make You Mine" – Madison Beer
• "Von Dutch" – Charli xcx
• "L’Amour De Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit]" – Billie Eilish
• "Yes, and?" – Ariana Grande
• "Got Me Started" – Troye Sivan

Best Dance/Electronic Album

• Brat – Charli xcx
• Three – Four Tet
• Hyperdrama – Justice
• TIMELESS – KAYTRANADA
• Telos – Zedd

Best Remixed Recording

• "Alter Ego – KAYTRANADA Remix" – KAYTRANADA, remixer
• "A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Remix]" – David Guetta, remixer
• "Espresso (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix)" – FNZ & Mark Ronson, remixers
• "Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix" – Alexx Antaeus, Footsteps & MrMyish, remixers
• "Von Dutch" – A.G. Cook, remixer

Best Rock Performance

• "Now & Then" – The Beatles
• "Beautiful People (Stay High)" – The Black Keys
• "The American Dream Is Killing Me" – Green Day
• "Gift Horse" – IDLES
• "Dark Matter" – Pearl Jam
• "Broken Man" – St. Vincent

Best Metal Performance

• "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)" – Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le
• "Crown of Horns" – Judas Priest
• "Suffocate" – Knocked Loose feat. Poppy
• "Screaming Suicide" – Metallica
• "Cellar Door" – Spiritbox

Best Rock Song

• "Beautiful People (Stay High)" – Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Beck Hansen & Daniel Nakamura, songwriters
• (The Black Keys)
• "Broken Man" – Annie Clark, songwriter (St. Vincent)
• "Dark Matter" – Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder & Andrew Watt,
• songwriters (Pearl Jam)
• "Dilemma" – Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool & Mike Dirnt, songwriters (Green Day)
• "Gift Horse" – Jon Beavis, Mark Bowen, Adam Devonshire, Lee Kiernan & Joe Talbot, songwriters (IDLES)

Best Rock Album

• Happiness Bastards – The Black Crowes
• Romance – Fontaines D.C.
• Saviors – Green Day
• TANGK – IDLES
• Dark Matter – Pearl Jam
• Hackney Diamonds – The Rolling Stones
• No Name – Jack White

Best Alternative Music Performance

• "Neon Pill "– Cage the Elephant
• "Song of the Lake" – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
• "Starburster" – Fontaines D.C.
• "Bye Bye" – Kim Gordon
• "Flea" – St. Vincent

Best Alternative Music Album

• Wild God – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
• Charm – Clairo
• The Collective – Kim Gordon
• What Now – Brittany Howard
• All Born Screaming – St. Vincent

Best R&B Performance

• "Guidance" – Jhené Aiko
• "Residuals" – Chris Brown
• "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" – Coco Jones
• "Made for Me (Live on BET)" – Muni Long
• "Saturn" – SZA

Best Traditional R&B Performance

• "Wet" – Marsha Ambrosius
• "Can I Have This Groove" – Kenyon Dixon
• "No Lie" – Lalah Hatahway feat. Michael McDonald
• "Make Me Forget" – Muni Long
• "That’s You" – Lucky Daye

Best R&B Song

• "After Hours" – Kehlani
• "Burning" – Tems
• "Here We Go (Uh Oh)" – Coco Jones
• "Ruined Me" – Muni Long
• "Saturn" – SZA

Best Progressive R&B Album

• So Glad to Know You – Avery*Sunshine
• En Route – Durand Bernarr
• Bando Stone and the New World – Childish Gambino
• Crash – Kehlani
• Why Lawd? – NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)

Best R&B Album

• 11:11 (Deluxe) – Chris Brown
• Vantablack – Lalah Hathaway
• Revenge – Muni Long
• Algorithm – Lucky Daye
• Coming Home – Usher

Best Rap Performance

• "Enough (Miami)" – Cardi B
• "When the Sun Shines Again" – Common & Pete Rock feat. Posdnuos
• "Nissan Altima" – Doechii
• "Houdini" – Eminem

Best Melodic Rap Performance

• "Kehlani" – Jordan Adetunji feat. Kehlani
• "Spaghetti" – Beyoncé feat. Linda Martell & Shaboozey
• "We Still Don't Trust You" – Future & Metro Boomin feat. The Weeknd
• "Big Mama" – Latto
• "3:AM" – Rapsody feaet. Erykah Badu

Best Rap Song

• “Asteroids” – Rapsody, feat. Hit-Boy
• “Carnival” – ¥$, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Playboi Carti & Rich The Kid
• “Like That” – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• "Yeah Glo!" – GloRilla

Best Rap Album

• Might Delete Later – J. Cole
• The Auditorium, Vol 1 – Common & Pete Rock
• Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
• The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) – Eminem
• We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

• À Fleur De Peau – Cyrille Aimée
• Visions – Norah Jones
• Good Together – Lake Street Dive
• Impossible Dream – Aaron Lazar
• Christmas Wish – Gregory Porter

Best Musical Theater Album

• Hell’s Kitchen
• Merrily We Roll Along
• The Notebook
• The Outsiders
• Suffs
• The Wiz

Best Country Solo Performance

• “16 Carriages” – Beyoncé
• “I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll
• “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves
• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
• “It Takes a Woman” – Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

• “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan
• “II Most Wanted” – Beyoncé feat. Miley Cyrus
• “Break Mine” – Brothers Osborne
• “Bigger Houses” – Dan + Shay
• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

Best Country Song

• “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves
• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
• “I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll
• “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
• “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé

Best Country Album

• COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé
• F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
• Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
• Higher – Chris Stapleton
• Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

Best Americana Performance

• “Ya Ya” – Beyoncé
• “Subtitles” – Madison Cunningham
• “Don’t Do Me Good” – Madi Diaz feat. Kacey Musgraves
• “American Dreaming” – Sierra Ferrell
• “Runaway Train” – Sarah Jarosz
• “Empty Trainload of Sky” – Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Best Latin Pop Album

• Funk Generation – Anitta
• El Viaje – Luis Fonsi
• GARCÍA – Kany García
• Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – Shakira
• ORQUÍDEAS – Kali Uchis

Best Música Urbana Album

• Nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana – Bad Bunny
• Rayo – J Balvin
• FERXXOCALIPSIS – Feid
• Las Letras Ya No Importan – Residente
• att. – Young Miko

Best Tropical Latin Album

• Muevense – Marc Anthony
• Bailar – Sheila E.
• Radio Güira – Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
• Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) – Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
• Vacilón Santiaguero – Kiki Valera

Best Children’s Music Album

• Brillo, Brillo! – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
• Creciendo – Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats
• My Favorite Dream – John Legend
• Solid Rock Revival – Rock for Children
• World Wide Playdate – Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids

Best Comedy Album

• Armageddon – Ricky Gervais
• The Dreamer – Dave Chappelle
• The Prisoner – Jim Gaffigan
• Someday You’ll Die – Nikki Glaser
• Where Was I – Trevor Noah

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

• All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words – Various Artists; Guy Oldfield, producer
• …And Your Ass Will Follow – George Clinton
• Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones – Dolly Parton
• Last Sundays in the Plains: A Centennial Celebration – Jimmy Carter
• My Name Is Barbra – Barbra Streisand

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

• The Color Purple
• Deadpool & Wolverine
• Maestro: Music by Leonard Bernstein
• Saltburn
• Twisters: The Album

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

• American Fiction – Laura Karpman, composer
• Challengers – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, composers
• The Color Purple – Kris Bowers, composer
• Dune: Part Two – Hans Zimmer, composer
• Shōgun – Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross & Leopold Ross, composers

Best Song Written for Visual Media

• “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma [from Twisters: The Album] – Luke Combs
• “Better Place” [from Trolls Band Together] – *NSYNC & Justin Timberlake
• “Can’t Catch Me Now” [from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes] – Olivia Rodrigo
• “It Never Went Away” [from American Symphony] – Jon Batiste
• “Love Will Survive” [from The Tattooist of Aushwitz] – Barbra Streisand

Best Music Video

• “Tailor Swif” – A$AP Rocky
• “360” – Charli xcx
• “Houdini” – Eminem
• “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
• “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone

Best Music Film

• American Symphony (Jon Batiste)
• June (June Carter Cash)
• Kings from Queens (Run DMC)
• Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (Steven Van Zandt)
• The Greatest Night in Pop

When are the 2025 Grammy Awards?

The Grammy Awards February 2, 2025 at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles.

There's no shame in realizing you're feeling lonely, but it's also important to identify when that loneliness morphs into isolation. "Even though many might be experiencing the same feelings, that doesn't mean they are reaching out for support," Kelman says. "Many are not feeling enough strength to reach out to others or feel like they are being a burden so they reason alone with their feelings."

"It's also become more evident as our reliance on digital communication has grown, sometimes leaving us more connected online but feeling less understood and less connected in more meaningful, in-person ways," Dr. Stratyner adds. And then there's the social expectation of it all. "Many people tend to hide their loneliness because they feel shame or embarrassment about it. This can make it even harder to open up and connect with others who might be feeling the same way. The more we keep these feelings to ourselves, the more it reinforces the isolation, even though we all experience it in varying forms."

"It is hard to see light when things feel dark, and many go inward to deal with their feelings," Kelman points out. "Many are so burdened by their feelings that they might not feel capable to care for those around them or to show up and be present for others."

And just like Dr. Gilboa says, we're looking for true connection, not just surface-level friendships. But how can we make true social connection? Here's what they suggest.

1. A good friend shows care and empathy for the people around them.

If you care for the people around you, there's a very good chance others will want to be your friend. "People that show empathy toward others are very attractive qualities as it shows that one has the capacity to care for others and be present for them," Kelman says. "Those that are gregarious and selfless can be quite appealing as well. Those that are self-involved tend to repel others rather than attract."

Focusing on others instead of yourself can be easier said than done, but the it's definitely worth it. "People are drawn to those who show genuine care and understanding," Dr. Stratyner agrees.

​2. A good friend is reliable and trustworthy.

Our inner circle is going to be made up of people who know us inside and out, but it's unlikely someone will reach that level of emotional intimacy unless you really trust them. "In friendship people rate reliability, honesty and trustworthiness more highly [than romantic relationships]," Dr. Gilboa says.

​3. People are attracted to humor.

I'm sure we can all think of someone who never fails to make us laugh. And being the funny friend can mean a lot of things: you know how to poke fun at yourself or you don't take things too seriously (unless they need to be taken seriously, of course). But that doesn't mean making other people the butt of mean jokes.

"A good sense of humor helps foster a positive, lighthearted atmosphere, making interactions feel enjoyable and memorable," Stratyner says. "Plus, everyone loves to laugh."

​4. You need to be a good listener.

No one wants to be talked at and never listened to. After all, we do have two ears and one mouth! But simply nodding your head and zoning out won't cut it. "People appreciate feeling truly heard," Dr. Stratyner says. "This demonstrates respect, interest, and a willingness to connect on a deeper level."

"Be a great listener without asserting your own views or agenda," Kelman adds. "Be available, vulnerable and present. Ask those around you how they are and truly listen to how they feel. Be open and direct and most of all, be a constant. Nothing better than knowing that you will be there for all things."

So engage with what your friends are saying and, even better, remember it later!

5. A good friend is generous.

Is there a better time to talk about generosity than Thanksgiving? Be generous with your time, resources, and your heart — but don't worry, that doesn't mean you have to let someone else steam roll you. After all, a good friend also won't take advantage of you!

"Giving to others and the community are wonderful traits and habits that are very attractive to others and may draw people in," Kelman says. "People want to be around people that give and are easy-going in their interactions with individuals and the world around them."

​6. New friends are attracted to positivity.

When things feel dark, new friends will be attracted to someone who can make the world feel a little lighter. "People are often attracted to those who can find the silver lining, stay hopeful, and spread good vibes, especially in challenging situations," Dr. Stratyner says.

That's not to say you can never have bad days or process things like disappointment and grief. It just means you aren't ruled by them. (Listen, as an Enneagram 4, I'm talking to myself!)

Ok, you might be thinking, this is great but what do I do with this information? Here are some easy, actionable steps to take if you want to make new friends.

1. Understand why you're feeling lonely will help you address the real problem.

"First is to get an understanding of the loneliness and where it is coming from...finding community too soon may cause an increase in loneliness even while being surrounded by others," Kelman recommends.

You can't reach a solution if you don't know what the real problem is. I realized since I work from home, I need to do better about leaving the apartment, and my favorite way to spend an afternoon is coworking with a friend at a coffee shop.

​2. Finding new hobbies will connect you with similar people.

I met some of my best friends through a big movie group, which means when I have a meme or a piece of news to fangirl over, I know exactly who to contact. "Find activities that ignite you, find like minded individuals with whom to connect," Kelman adds. "Join a book club, pick up a new sport or hobby, but again, trying to immerse yourself too soon may not have any impact on the lonely feelings."

"The antidote to loneliness is social connection — true connection that paves the way for belonging," Dr. Gilboah says. "Talking to people to learn what interests and values are shared will open the door for the types of relationships that become community."

​3. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Listen. If you only ever order takeout and watch Netflix, you'll simply never make new connections. You gotta get after it! "Look for community events, clubs, or hobby groups that align with your interests, whether book clubs, sports leagues, or volunteering opportunities," Dr. Stratyner says. "Being around people with shared passions makes it easier to start conversations and find common ground."

​4. And don't be afraid to reach out first.

For some reason, we've decided that reaching out first (or double texting) means we're needy and insufferable. This is simply not the case because who doesn't want to know they were thought of!! Plus, there's a good chance that if you're overthinking every little detail, other people are too.

"Reach out, even in small ways, to those around us who may be feeling the same," says Dr. Gilboah. "Loneliness often leads to rumination - the act of dwelling on or spiraling downward through negative thoughts. Ruminating can cause further isolation and distracts us from the people and stimuli around us."

​5. Be present when you're finally with people.

When you do make special connections, it's super important to make sure you're offering your full attention. "Showing up emotionally and physically makes them feel valued and heard, strengthening your bond," Dr. Stratyner says. She also recommends checking in to remind them you're there, and genuinely celebrating their wins (which, separately, is definitely a sign of being a girls' girl). "If a friend is going through a tough time, offer to help in any way you can," she adds. "Sometimes, simply acknowledging their struggle and offering your time can make all the difference."

"The best news about friendship is that Gen Z values authenticity above just about any other factor in friendship," Dr. Gilboah says. "Gathering the courage to be your true self and [mixing] that with empathetic listening will make you a sought after friend."