A Guide to Buying NFT Art, and 19 Female Artists Leading the Charge

rainbow woman NFT by World of Women

Hi everyone, Brit here! Today, I collaborated with my friend Randi Zuckerberg, our latest partner at Offline Ventures, to talk to you guys about NFTs. For those who don't know, Offline Ventures believes strongly in the potential of Web3, and we back companies that aim to balance our online and offline lives, with the end goal being happier and healthier lives for everyone. That's one of the many reasons we're so excited to talk to you about NFTs.

The whole world is abuzz about NFTs, and for good reason: This new frontier of buying and selling digital goods is super exciting, both for its potential to change financial markets and its ability to create new income opportunities for artists and creatives. Admittedly, though, the concept can be tricky to wrap your mind around. Here's what you need to know about NFT art, and some of our favorite choices for NFT holiday gifts.

What Are NFTs?

NFT stands for "non-fungible token," which means that NFTs are digital tokens that cannot be replicated or replaced by a similar digital item. In other words, when you buy an NFT, you're buying a one-of-a-kind digital file whose value stands apart from the rest of the market.

In traditional markets, when you buy an item — let's say a sweater — a large portion of its value depends on how rare it is. Is it a designer sweater made for Paris Fashion Week, of which only one was ever made? Or is it one of 100,000 mass-produced sweaters that look the exact same? The first sweater will obviously have a much higher value, because it is rare and one-of-a-kind.

NFTs work similarly. Because only one of an NFT is ever made, the amount of that NFT in existence will always be 1.

Furthermore, NFTs are a natural fit for art. You can buy unique NFTs that can never be reproduced, and store them in a digital wallet, knowing no one else has access to your art collection. Your NFTs will never get damaged, torn, or broken — in short, they're completely digital and trackable.

We think creative types, design lovers, and makers will absolutely LOVE building a personal art collection of NFTs. If you have a friend who you think would love to own a unique piece of digital art, we've got plenty of picks for you to choose from! (No judgement if you'd rather get these for yourself though — we won't tell.)

For The Activist And Intersectional Feminist

www.instagram.com

Women Rise

Why we love it: Artist and creator Maliha Abidi is an artist, author, activist and incredible woman, which are just a couple of reasons why we love this collection. (Instagram)

For The NFT Newcomer 

www.instagram.com

Curious Addys

Why we love it: Curious Addys is by far the friendliest and most encouraging community for NFT newbies. (Twitter)

For The Boss Lady

www.instagram.com

Boss Beauties

Why we love it: Creator Lisa Mayer is the ultimate boss, and built this collection to empower the next generation of women. (Instagram)

For The Dancer/Theater Lover

Image via The Prima Ballerina

Prima Ballerina

Why we love it: Because the only thing better than seeing the Nutcracker this holiday season is owning your own virtual rendition! (Twitter)

For The Nursing Mom Or Breast Cancer Warrior 

www.instagram.com

Hello Breasties

Why we love it: We absolutely adore this funny, fierce, and relatable art. (Instagram)

For The Total Badass

www.instagram.com

Women and Weapons

Why we love it: Artist and creator Sara Baumann is a total badass who combines 1950s housewife aesthetic with badass weaponry. (Instagram)

For The Romantic Flower Child

www.instagram.com

Flower Girls

Why we love it: First of all, Varvara Alay’s art is gorgeous. And we love her co-creator Kira Bursky as well. Two amazing women in NFTs! (Instagram)

​For The Solana-loving Crypto Enthusiast

Image via SolSisters.

SolSisters

Why we love it: We love Solana and this is a beautiful collection of artwork on the Solana blockchain, celebrating a new era of eco-sustainability in NFTs. (Twitter)

For The Climate Change Warrior And Environmental Activist

Image via On Chain Monkey.

On Chain Monkey

Why we love it: Tying NFTs to real world social good, this community has evacuated a family from Afghanistan and raised money for clean water and ocean relief. (Twitter)

For The Animal Lover

Image via Cheetah Club Coalition.

Cheetah Cub Coalition

Why we love it: Club Coalition has 7,100 NFTs, one for every cheetah left in the wild — and each purchase helps adopt and save a cheetah. (Twitter)

For The Woman Who Loves To Support Other Women

Image via Rebel Society.

Rebel Society

Why we love it: This NFT collection of 7,000 female characters was created in celebration of all inspiring badass women. Also, they designed a custom Randi rebel!! (Twitter)

For The Person Who Loves A Surprise

www.instagram.com

Staxx Invaders

Why we love it: Designed by an awesome woman who goes by Stackles, Staxx Invaders is now selling “mint passes,” which means the mint hasn’t happened yet and you’ll get to experience the excitement of a mint and reveal. (Instagram)

For The Fashion Lover

www.instagram.com

Fierce Studios

Why we love it: These NFTs provide real women (the models) with revenue generated every time their NFT sells, giving them the chance to own their finances and careers. (Instagram)

For Celebrating Your Body

www.instagram.com

CypherCHK

Why we love it: We love how CyberCHK celebrates body positivity and all the beautiful shapes a woman’s body and story take. (Instagram)

For The Friend Going Through A Rough Time

www.instagram.com

Sad Girls Bar

Why we love it: Because the holidays can be tough and everyone deserves to wallow in a healthy dose of self pity every now and then. (Instagram)

For The Dog Lover

www.instagram.com

Bear BNS

Why we love it: The women founders of Bear BNS run an animal rescue organization in South Africa and this NFT collection is based on Bear, a blind rescue dog. (Instagram)

For The Comedy Lover

www.instagram.com

Stoner Cats

Why we love it: We adore this NFT animated short series, created by an amazing group of women we love. (Instagram)

For The Lover Of All Things Adorable

www.instagram.com

Kumo x World

Why we love it: One of the things that makes Kumo x World so exciting is that it's a story that evolves with the community! (Instagram)

www.instagram.com

Crypto.Chicks

Why we love it: GO YANKEES! (Ok, that one was all Randi.) And they have tons of other great gals too, all with a fun NYC edge. (Instagram)

How To Buy NFTs

Buying an NFT can be as simple as going to NiftyGateway or MakersPlace, where you can use your credit card to purchase the NFT directly. However, the preferred purchasing method (and arguably the more fun one) is to purchase NFTs using cryptocurrency.

Sites like OpenSea, Foundation and SuperRare allow you to purchase NFTs using crypto. Not sure how to get crypto? Just use a service like Coinbase or Gemini to purchase it with a credit card.

Lastly, you will want to set up a MetaMask wallet. This is the service that will allow you to actually log in and use the NFT platforms mentioned above. If you've purchased your cryptocurrency, the final step is to transfer it to MetaMask so you can use it to buy NFTs. After you've purchased them, your tokens will live in your wallet for as long as you'd like! You can keep them forever, sell them, or transfer them to friends as gifts.

Are you excited to get started with the world of NFTs? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know — and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest updates for makers and creatives!

Lead Image by World of Women/an NFT owned by Brit Morin.

Finding gifts for the person you're closest to can be the absolute hardest thing to do, especially when there are so many things that would make great gifts for him. If you're shopping for the main man in your life this season – whether you call him your dad, husband, fiancé, boyfriend, partner, or your preferred pet names – of course you want to find a gift that shows him just how much he means to you. Just remember that the key to the perfect gift is simply that it comes from you. These stunning gift ideas will help you say "this made me think of you."

Our 49 favorite gifts for men for 2024:

Amazon

RVCA Commonwealth Snapback

This flat-brimmed baseball cap replaces those older, worn-out styles you know your man has been hoarding. The green corduroy fabric on this gift-worthy hat will grace his head perfectly for every season!

Apple Watch SE

Get him motivated to reach his fitness goals with features like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, plus he can send a text, take a call, listen to his favorite music and podcasts. You can customize the watch faces and bands to his liking too. It's the perfect gift for the active guy!

Amazon

Every Man Jack Mens Amber + Sandalwood Body Set

This gift set is filled with an ideal assortment of gifts for him. From body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and face wash, your man will have everything he needs to feel fresh – plus, having a good-smelling guy around is the real gift for you that keeps on giving.

Nike

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit

Be his biggest cheerleader as he reaches his 2025 fitness goals in these best-selling Nikes, made with sustainable materials. We are loving this vintage green.

Target

VANKYO Leisure D30T Mini Wi-Fi Projector

Bring the cinema home to your movie buff with a sleek projector setup for your own private screenings and viewing parties!

Sunswell

Sunswell The R&R Pant

Made from recycled materials for rigorous wear, the Sunswell R&R pants are bound to be a staple in your man's year-round wardrobe.

Amazon

Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker

This sturdy coffee maker will be a total hit for the caffeine-loving guy in your life. The layered stainless steel filter allows for a rich, creamy flavor in every sip, plus the decanter is holds a whole 34 ounces of brewed coffee to help him wake up!

Amazon

Stanley Stainless Steel Shot Glass and Flask Gift Set

This durable drinking set complete with a flask and shot glasses will be his new BFF for sharing on camping, fishing, or hunting trips. Top it all off with a brand-new bottle of whiskey to complete the gift for him.

Creem

Creem Magazine Subscription

For the music-loving man in your life, a subscription to Creem (the coolest rock 'n' roll mag) will really impress. The publication's covered plenty of classic names in the industry – as well as newer bands – so he's sure to soak up plenty of new knowledge about the scene. There's a handful of annual subscription tiers for the mag starting at just $79.

Amazon

Thermajohn Thermal Shirt

Whether he's hitting the slopes or is braving the cold winter weather to run errands with you, this warm thermal base layer tee will swarm his upper half in comfort, flexibly moving with his each and every move.

Herschel

Herschel Little America Backpack Pro

For his outdoor adventures or social gatherings, outfit him with a cool backpack (literally, this one is insulated) that he can fill with his favorite snacks and beverages.

Ties

Ties The Scientist Sock Pack

Whether it's a stocking stuffer or a smaller gift, a playful set of socks is both practical and personal.

Tie Bar

Tie Bar Navy Travel Tie Storage Case

This tie storage case means business, just like your man does. If he travels for work often, he'll appreciate that you're looking out for his formal-wear.

Amazon

Marlowe. Coffee Bar Soap

This manly bar soap is infused with coffee beans and cocoa butter butter that help tackle even the worst bouts of sweat and body odor. It's definitely long-lasting, too, so he can smell lovely all night long.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch The Workhorse Jacket

This jacket will hug his bod in the most stylish way, all while keeping him comfy throughout the season's cold weather.

Williams Sonoma

Breville Precision Brewer 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

For the early risers and coffee-obsessed, a programmable coffee maker means he can wake up to the smell of coffee every day (and no longer has to use wasteful pods for an instant brew).

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Italian Leather Desk Set

Whether he's going to work, outfitting a permanent at-home office, or heading back to school, a personalized desk set like this luxe leather one will please the most studious types of guys.

Nordstrom

Ugg Beckett Fleece Robe

If your man loves a cozy night in just as much as you do, a soft robe to lounge around in will make the ultimate gift for him.

Mejuri

Mejuri Flat Curb Chain Necklace

Once you've reached long-term status with your guy, gift him a signature gold chain he can flex for years to come.

Pangaia

Pangaia 365 Heavyweight Hoodie

For the hoodie-obsessed, Pangaia's signature sustainable sweatshirts (and sweatsuits!) are best-in-class.

Etsy

Custom Soundwave Art Print

From a first dance song to the one you always blast together in the car, every guy has their favorite tune. Memorialize it for your music-loving man with this custom art print.

DUER

DUER Performance Relaxed Taper Denim Jeans

A good quality, fresh pair of denim is gonna set him (and his style) so right for the new year. These jeans feature a stretchy fabric that'll allow wear for practically any occasion.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Outfit his next game night with a poker set that's sure to impress and easy to bring on the go for weekend trips and group hangs.

New Balance

New Balance 9060 Sneaker

Secure your status as the greatest of all time by copping him that stylish pair of sneakers he's been eyeing.

Amazon

Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

If your man is into photography and all things nostalgia, consider surprising him with a retro Polaroid camera set. We bet you'll be his favorite muse.

Manly Bands

Manly Bands The Forged Ring

This sleek wedding band stands up to tough, hands-on jobs with a carbon fiber construction, unlike traditional rings. The inner part is actually made from a Jack Daniel's whiskey barrel, making the perfect personalized touch for gifting the guy who loves a drink.

Uncommon Goods

New York Times Custom Football Book

This isn't just any coffee table book, but one that true sports buffs will actually want to devour – with clippings from his team's history, glory days, and highlights.

Still trying to figure out the perfect gifts for him? Subscribe to our email newsletter for more gift guides!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated. Former reporting by Kaitlyn Ingram and Lauren Black.

I’ve triedtons of different food trends in my day. From dumping chili oil on ice cream to concocting my very own Sleepy Girl Mocktail, nothing I’ve eaten measures up to the sheer weirdness we saw go viral on social media this year (major side eye to Dua Lipa’s pickle Diet Coke).

These are the top 5 most ridiculous TikTok-viral food trends of 2024 that left us questioning whether they really should’ve gone viral in the first place.

@claudiaeatsgood chamoy pickles are so good😋😩❤️ @Bussin Snacks #chamoypickle#chamoy#chamoypicklekit#bussinsnacks#takis#fruitrollup#mukbang#asmr#asmrmukbang#chamoypicklemukbang#juicy#pickle#mexicancandy♬ original sound - Claudia💕

1. Chamoy Pickles

People couldn't quit it with the chamoy pickles (AKA chickles) this year. I never would've guessed that chamoy, a condiment made from dried fruits, chilies, sugar, and lime juice, would be slathered atop the sourest pickles money can buy.

But the food trend didn't stop at just chamoy – many snackers stuffed their pickles with everything from the likes of Hot Cheetos, Takis, and Fruit Roll-Ups. What?!

This insanely sour, tangy treat kickstarted what the internet's coined as the 'Red 40 Diet', which certainly cannot be medically advised.

If you care for your GI tract, this food trend is 100% worth skipping and leaving behind in 2024.

@dualipaofficial

What do we call her?

♬ original sound - Dua Lipa

2. Pickle + Jalapeño-Infused Diet Coke

Diet Coke, pickle juice, and jalapeño juice = all the ingredients needed to concoct Dua Lipa's controversial 2024 drink. She loves it, but I on the other hand, do not.

Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good unexpected flavor combo, but gulping down a simultaneous dose of both pickle juice and jalapeño juice was not tasty to me whatsoever.

This trend even sparked a slew of Sonic diners to start ordering their soft drinks with pickles – but as divisive as this trend can be ("Don’t knock it till you try it," TikToker Mississippi Memaw told Food and Wine), it's just flat out weird.

@logagm

New cucumber recipe 🚨

♬ original sound - Logan

3. Cucumber Salad

If you bought a mandolin slicer recently, you might as well admit you're a victim of the TikTok-viral cucumber salad trend that made its rounds this year.

"Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber," TikTok user @logagmsounds off in the intro of every single one of his cucumber salad videos. And thus, the food trend was born.

It felt like I couldn't go a day on TikTok without seeing at least 5 recipes for a damn cucumber salad. When it comes down to it, I can appreciate the novelty (and taste) of this trend, but not the oversaturation. I'm gonna eat an entire cucumber one day, and get so tired of it the next. New innovations in 2025, please!

@kylekruegerr Would you try these?😂 #foodreview#seagrapes#food#review#tastetest#weirdfood♬ original sound - Kyle Krueger

4. Sea Grapes

It was like people wanted to eat the weirdest, grossest things in 2024. I can't blame 'em, especially if it's for clicks and views. But this food trend in particular literally made me want to gag – and I was only watching people eat through a screen (any fellow ASMR fans out there?).

They don't look like they're supposed to be crunchy, but they are. Sea grapes grow from aquatic plants and are filled with essentially what is a "salty liquid." They burst in the mouth when you eat them (one TikToker called them 'edible Orbeez'). Yuck.

@julieta.asmr I figured it out!! Blooper at the end 🥴 #asmr#asmrcommunity#asmrtiktoks#asmrvideo#asmrsounds#asmreating#asmrfood#asmrfyp#asmrmukbang#mukbang#asmreatingsounds♬ original sound - Julieta ASMR 🍒

5. Exploding Candies

The final (and especially weird) food trend I propose we leave behind in 2024 is these dang exploding jelly candies. They also made their rounds on ASMR TikTok, and I truly cannot stand to watch a single video featuring them.

First off, they look so annoying to consume. The fruit-shaped jellies are contained in a thin layer of plastic that's meant to burst open when you sink your teeth into it, prompting you to slurp out the sweetness inside. But what irks me the most is the fact that many people trying them can't even break the seal.

I'd rather watch someone make a simple PB&J than go to town on these microplastic-infused candies.

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As much as I appreciate a practical gift (like the humidifier or ergonomic desk chair I tacked onto my very adult-y Christmas list this year), there’s truly no other gift I love getting more than a good beauty find. It’s no secret I’m a fiend for all things skincare, hair, and makeup, and the holidays are prime time for the cutest products – from travel-size picks to full-blown gift sets.

The beauty lover in your life is gonna adore one (or all!) of these gift ideas. The best part is they’re all worthy of stocking stuffer status. Plus, they're all easily shoppable via Amazon. Love!

Surprise them with these beauty stocking stuffers so they can glow all season long:

Scroll on to discover what I love most about these Amazon beauty stocking stuffers!

Amazon

OUAI Jingle All The OUAI Travel Size Gift Set

This festive set includes all of my OUAI faves: a delicious scalp and body scrub, anti-frizz creme, leave-in conditioner, and a detox shampoo, which I particularly love to use when I notice any build-up on my scalp. Each pick comes in a travel-friendly size, which offers your giftee the great opportunity to test out the products before they commit to the full-size version. And trust me: they'll absolutely want to repurchase 'em.

Amazon

NuFACE MINI+ Microcurrent Facial Device Kit

This skincare tool may be small, but it's oh-so mighty. It employs microcurrent technology to tone muscles in the face and neck, resulting in a noticeably firmer face and neck, plus reduced fine lines. Just 5 minutes a day delivers results, so it's the perfect gift for the low-maintenance beauty lover. This kit even comes with a gel and brush applicator that only help to boost the skin's hydration. Forget expensive spa treatments – this at-home tool is where it's at!

Amazon

Each & Every All Natural Deodorant Best Sellers Multipack

These aluminum-free deodorants are ideal for both gals and guys with sensitive skin. Each formula is rid of artificial fragrances and irritating ingredients, like baking soda or alcohol. Though they're very au naturel, these deodorants deliver dependable odor protection (I'm talkin' all day, baby) with delicious scents like the lavender, citrus, and coconut-forward ones you get in this trio.

Amazon

Lanolips Baby Baby Balms Set

I am thoroughly obsessed with Lanolips' unique formula – it includes lanolin, which expertly mimics the skin's natural oils to heal and hydrate dry lips, elbows, and even cuticles. This cute lil' trio comes complete with three mini-sized summery scents to give your giftee a nice taste of the warmer season. You could even break up the set between three different gifts if you plan to gift a bit more economically this year.

Amazon

Grace & Stella Under Eye Patches Eye Glow Trio Set

These under eye patches are sooo nice for a quick self care session whenever you really need it. I like stowing them away in my fridge (as I do with face masks, too) so they go on cool when I apply 'em, which is especially helpful for de-puffing. This gift set is packed with 12 pairs, all boosted with niacinamide, peptides, and amino acids for brighter, more hydrated under eyes.

Amazon

Mando Acidified Cleansing Bar

This cleansing bar is clinically proven to remove and control odor for 24 hours after showering – impressive, right? The formula is free of any SLS, SLES, phthalates, and parabens, so you can feel confident gifting it to sensitive skin-havers. This scent boasts notes of mandarin, lemon, and lime, which offers a real rejuvenating boost after the busy holiday season.

Amazon

OUAI Fine Shampoo and Conditioner Set

I wish I could make you smell this shampoo and conditioner through the screen. Seriously, it's that good. Keratin and biotin help strengthen hair strands while chia seed oil nourishes the scalp. Your (or your giftee's!) hair will be full of life after a good wash. This OUAI set will supply a very luxe-feeling upgrade to the drugstore shampoo + condish they're likely using every day. I'm already plotting a restock for myself...

Amazon

Lume Whole Body Deodorant 5 Pack Sampler

Whole body deodorant is a total game changer, and it comes in especially helpful for long camping or backpacking trips. I practically slather my entire body in it when I'm in the backcountry. This sampler set comes with 5 different scents to conveniently throw in a backpack, purse, or carry-on. Or, better yet, divide and conquer with this 5-piece to fill 5 different stockings! You never know when it'll come in handy for your gift recipient(s).

Amazon

Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask

As fun as potted lip masks can be (I'm looking at you, Laneige), tubes like this one are definitely preferable since they're a bit easier to travel with. This mask's formula is power-packed with lanolin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides that put in the work to heal dry or chapped lips while you sleep. I'm obsessed with the soft, buttery formula of this pick, mostly because it stays on for a long period of time!

Amazon

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand and Serum Bundle

I am a Solawave truther a thousand times over. Ever since testing and reviewing it, I use it almost every day to give my complexion a nice boost. The tool employs red light therapy, galvanic current, and therapeutic warmth (fancy!) to tackle fine lines. This would make arguably the most impressive beauty stocking stuffer for the skincare-obsessed!

Amazon

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

Body oils, from my experience, are such a luxurious way to boost the skin's hydration when used alongside a good lotion. I like to use this OSEA pick a couple times a week since it feels so nourishing. I really enjoy that the formula isn't noticeably greasy, too. It also just smells like straight-up candy, which makes applying it all the more delightful!

Amazon

Lanolips Golden Dry Skin Salve

I clearly do not play with dry skin – and this is the toughest season for it! That's where this salve comes in: hands, lips, or feet, it deeply hydrates and protects the skin from the elements. The gentle, clean formula is friendly on eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, so you really can't lose when you gift this cutie beauty stocking stuffer.

Amazon

OUAI Leave In Conditioner & Heat Protectant Spray

Like I mentioned before, this is one of my all-time favorite OUAI products. I own about 5 different leave-in conditioners (don't ask, I might have a problem), and none of them are as smoothing and good-smelling as this one. Snag a travel size to make the perfect beauty stocking stuffer this year!

Amazon

Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara

Anyone who's tuned into the viral beauty scene will adore this Tower28 mascara. It simultaneously volumizes, lengthens, and defines, all while having some adorable packaging. Plus, your giftee won't see a single smudge or clump from the sleek applicator wand.

Amazon

e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick

I love keeping one of these bad boys in my purse when my face is needing a blush or lip color refresh. That's right – a single stick (shoppable in 7 different shades) can cover multiple parts of the face. The formula is relatively lightweight, and I love that it has just a hint of shimmer for the glow!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more beauty must-haves and gift ideas!

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

First loves are TOUGH — especially when you start to see all the red flags you missed along the way once it's over. If you've been dissecting your own early love stories by reading Reddit threads or chatting with your girlfriends about their own relationship experiences, just know this: you're not alone! The entire Brit + Co staff even found ourselves discussing the first person we ever fell in love with...and the recounts did not disappoint. From realizing 19 seemed to be a common age for our all-time worst relationships to understanding how our first love was probably not as ideal as we originally thought, it made us wonder why we couldn't pinpoint red flags back then.

Licensed Psychotherapist Prerna Menon, founder of Boundless, LCSW-PLLC and Licensed marriage and family therapist Joseph Cavins, LMFT have a few thoughts that have helped us decode the precarious time in our lives.

Here's why some of us ignored how awful our first love might've been

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

Savannah Dematteo

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

Keira Burton

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Luis Zambrano

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

Adely

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Pavel Danilyuk

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Ketut Subiyanto

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

Andrea Piacquadio

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

  • Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
  • Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

Anastasia Nagibina

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

  • Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
  • Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
  • Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.

Menon's final piece of advice is similar in that she encourages you to be "self-critical, self-aware, and self-nourishing." She doesn't want you to be afraid to be "clear and transparent about your expectations for the relationship" either. Though we weren't a fan of the outcomes of our first real romantic relationships, they've made us wiser. So, shout out to our first loves for being the worst because they've become our best learning lessons.

That's not all! We have even more helpful articles about relationships & family if you're looking for everything from celebrity couples to navigating hard conversations during the holidays.

No matter how many times I rewatch The Vampire Diaries, there's nothing like seeing a cast reunion — and the weekend of December 6, we finally got to see our three favorite Mystic Falls gals together again! Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King were just some of The Vampire Diaries cast members who reunited for Epic Con to chat all things Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline...but things took a turn in the middle of the interview when one of the backdrops almost fell on Nina!

Keep reading to see what happened during The Vampire Diaries cast reunion with Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King.

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Even after all these years, Bonnie and Caroline are still saving Elena #tvd #thevampirediaries #ninadobrev #candiceking #katgraham #elanagilbert #carolineforbes #bonniebennett #epiccons

As someone who's done plenty of interviews myself, I know how fast a situation can spiral — and this interview accident is crazy. While talking on stage about the show, one of the backdrops begins to lean forward, and right before it falls on top of Nina, Candice and Kat quickly move to push it in the opposite direction.

"I don't want to see any 'Bonnie saves the day' memes," Kat jokes, referencing the fandom's love for Bonnie consistently helping the group throughout the show's eight-season run. "I don't want to see it, I don't want to hear it!" You can also see a relieved Nina hug Candice before revealing she thought it was a spider!

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In addition to this "Bonnie saves the day" moment (sorry, Kat, I couldn't help it!), the internet went crazy when Nina posted a video of her, Candice, and Kat recreating a photo they took during season 1 — especially after rumors have circulated for years that Kat Graham was mistreated on The Vampire Diaries set.

While these rumors have never been outright confirmed, fans have paid very special attention to what Kat has said...especially when she confirmedshe was the lowest-paid cast member and cried over her natural hair after revealing she wasn't really allowed to have an afro while filming.

"Love you girls so much!!!!!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️" Kat commented on Nina's post, while a fan added, "And now the rumors can definitely be ended 🫶🏼❤️." These women are so powerful and clearly love each other so much, and I will take any and every cast reunion we can get!

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When Brit + Co caught up with Ian Somerhalder, he also expressed how much he loved filming The Vampire Diaries. "Every single day it was a laugh," he says. "I mean we had to be serious, you're running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and you know, someone makes a fart joke and a 130 people erupt in laughter, there's only so much you can run for your life."

And thank goodness, Ian confirms just how much fun the cast had! "We laughed, that's how we kept each other sane," he says. "I spent 8 years on the show and now it's [been] 15 years. It's my longest relationship."

"I cannot believe it's been 15 years," he continues. "And so everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — and me — in any way, shape, and form regarding the show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

What would your dream The Vampire Diaries reunion look like? Let us know on Facebook!