Nick Jonas Admits Fatherhood Has "Changed Everything" For Him

Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

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."

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this modern retelling follows the Grace family as they move from their longtime home in New York to their ancestral home in Michigan, where they discover an enchanted secret about the Spiderwick Estate.

Despite its whimsical premise and talented young cast (in addition to a cameo by longtime Hollywood actor Christian Slater), the first season of this Roku Channel series received an IMDb rating of 5.3 out of 10 and a 42 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yikes.

Another book adaptation that let some fans down came this summer when A Good Girl's Guide To Murder dropped on Netflix. The series follows Pip, who's determined to prove Sal Singh isn't responsible for his girlfriend Andie's death — and that the real murderer is still out there. Eek!

Even though BookTok couldn't get enough of the novel, the show received a 6.8 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 69 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But don't worry, Holly Jackson fans! The show just got renewed for season 2.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

As she's confronted with a secret from her past, Lara Croft puts herself in danger once again to retrieve a historical artifact that's been stolen. Although some critics commend the Netflix series for its animation style and its ability to be a solid continuation of the beloved game series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft didn’t quite hit the mark for viewers, earning an audience rating of 33 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.4 out of 10 score on IMDb.

But it appears that Netflix has decided to give Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft one more shot to impress audiences because the streaming service announced back in October that a second season has been officially greenlit.

Chicken Nugget

As someone who loves watching a cute K-drama every now and then, I’ll be honest: When I first read the premise for Netflix’s Chicken Nugget, I thought it was a little strange. Here’s the SparkNotes version: Inspired by the popular webtoon of the same name, the ten-episode comedy series follows a young woman who enters a mysterious machine and—get this—turns into a chicken nugget. Her father and a secret admirer ban together to turn her back to normal.

Despite receiving a perfect score from Tomatometer-approved critics, Chicken Nugget was only fairly received by audiences, receiving a 73 percent audience score on RT and a 5.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. Oh boy…

Megamind Rules!

Unfortunately, when it comes to the worst TV shows of 2024, kids' series took a hit too. Megamind is a beloved movie for lots of Gen Z, but its TV adaptation only received a shocking 2.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. It recovered a bit with a 77 percent audience rating on RT.

Echo

Just when we thought nothing could top Sony's Madame Web and its poorly-received execution on all fronts, Echo surely takes the cake for worst show of 2024 for some longtime fans of the comic book universe. The series follows Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who's pursued by Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) nefarious operation. This causes her to return home, where she's confronted with her family history and past.

Though the show has a bad—ss titular character and an exciting premise, it was just a hard “no” for some Marvel fans. In addition to its 6 out of 10 rating on IMDb, one fan on Reddit shared their thoughts on the series, writing, “There was no flow at all and it was seemingly set up more like a movie than a TV series. I didn’t feel excited at all and everything felt incredibly anti-climactic.” As they go on to note that this is their honest opinion, the Redditor emphasized that they “truly did not like that show at all.” So much for Echo season two.

The Acolyte

Serving as a prequel to the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte follows a Jedi Master investigating a string of murders that leads him to encounter a sinister foe from his past.

Despite its inclusion of characters from diverse backgrounds and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, the show was not only canceled after one season due to low viewership, it was also rated poorly by viewers, with a 4.2 out of 10 rating on IMDB and a 18 percent audience score on RT. Either way, I will always be an Osha + Qimir shipper 4LIFE!

Good Times

Netflix's animated series Good Times might have geniuses like Steph Curry and Seth McFarlane behind the scenes (and Marsai Martin!!) but it still only raked in a 4.1 on IMDb — and a 10 percent RT critics' score alongside a 25 percent audience score.