7 Fun Playdate Ideas for Kids

Playdates are your child’s first foray into the great wide world of friendships. All of a sudden, your newly social preschooler is all about Annie from daycare and Andy from the playground. Now they are asking to have friends come over, stay, and play. But you’re at a loss when it comes to playdate planning, since you had spent the last few decades planning non-kid-friendly Champagne brunches and late-night bar hops. Don’t stress. We’ve got the lowdown on the best playdates for your littles.

1. Playdough Playdate: You’ve seen just how very Pinteresting the “slime craze” is, but you’re not exactly in the know when it comes down to science-ing up a batch of the sticky stuff. If you’re not 100 percent about slime-making, playdough is a much easier (and less potentially hazardous) option. There are two schools of thought here: 1. Go online and make one of the zillion dough recipes, or 2. Buy the ready-made version. Either way, give the kiddos the mashable, malleable, mushy dough, a few tools (popsicle sticks, plastic spoons, and rollers), and let them go to town.

2. Super Science: No, your preschooler isn’t ready for quantum physics — but they’ll have a majorly fun time mixing baking soda and vinegar together to watch the erupting fizz, guessing how long it will take ice cubes to melt, or looking at items from around the house under a magnifying glass. Get ready for an exploration adventure, add in some pretend play with lab coats and kid-sized goggles, and help your child and their friend make their own discoveries.

3. Pollock Painting: If everyone (including your child’s friend’s parents) is okay with making a mess, then now’s your chance to be the coolest mom ever. Cover everything in the basement, playroom, or kitchen with painter’s tarps or plastic sheeting. Mamas who are lucky enough to live somewhere warm can take the artsy adventure outdoors. Fill up spray bottles with a powdered washable tempera-water mix, throw down a white sheet, and let those pint-sized Pollocks go to town. Provide a few brushes and a palette of paints, just in case someone doesn’t want to get messy.

4. Foodie Fun: The playdate snack is a must-try for any preschool social engagement. Instead of carving 10 or 15 minutes out for yogurt and an apple, turn the entire playdate into fun with food. Bake cookies from scratch, letting the kids measure and mix the dry ingredients, or try something more creative. Set up a “make a food face” buffet, giving the kids pita bread or toast cut into circle-shapes (use a cookie cutter) to decorate with peanut butter, raisin eyes, a carrot nose, or any other food find that mimics a facial feature.

5. Cardboard Creation Station: You probably have a stack of old boxes in the garage, so *now* is the time to use them. Invite your preschooler’s BFFs over for an all-out decorating fest. Give the kids the boxes, markers, paper, tape, paint, brushes, and any other art material that you have on hand. They can craft cars, build boats, or design dollhouses that come straight from their imaginations. Oh, and then the kids can play with their cardboard creations.

6. Awesome Olympics: When the weather isn’t cooperating because it’s cold, snowy, rainy, or just blah outside, that’s okay. Turn your playroom into an obstacle course, create a ski course with plastic cones and your child’s imagination, or have a pretend play swimming race (the kids pretend that they’re swimming, using arm motions while running or crawling). Make medals out of kitchen foil and hand them out at an awards ceremony at the end of the day.

7. Book Buddies: Get literary and start a buddy book club for your child and their friends. Yes, really! Although preschoolers can’t read on their own, you can sit down with the kids, read a story, and discuss it. Ask the kids questions about the story, the characters, and the setting. Afterwards, try an accompanying activity that extends the theme. Make book-based art, turn the story into a dramatic play that everyone acts out, or make a snack that ties into what you just read.

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Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

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Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! The family has shown up to the Eras Tour multiple times, and most recently supported the popstar at her concert in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blake and Ryan were joined by oldest daughter James (who looked amazing in a Reputation-inspired 'fit), and I can't believe how much James and Blake look alike! She's truly her mini-me! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday in 2024, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

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At the end of September, Ryan Reynolds revealed how different parenting seems to be now than when he was a kid. "Parents today are so different. We're so soft," he said at HubSpot’s INBOUND tech conference (via People). "I don't yell. I grew up with like — it was nuts, it was an improvised militia.”

“Now it's like, I can go look at all my resources for parenting and remind myself how to be perfectly compassionate,” he continued. "Something I love about [conflict resolution], and I know this is not very fancy, but what I love about it is that you can meet somebody where they are, and you don't have to be right or wrong...You can disagree and still connect."

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' fourth baby is named Olin, which he revealed during the July 22 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine!

Before Ryan chose to reveal the name, he appeared on the Today show and made a cheeky joke about it after the hosts urged him to spill the beans. He said, "We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child's name will be. We'll say this: we're still waiting."

What are Blake Lively kids ages?

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Blake Lively's kids are all under 10. James is 9 (turning 10 on December 16), Inez is 7 (turning 8 on September 30), Betty is 4 (turning 5 on October 4), and Olin turned 1 in February.

What gender is Ryan and Blake's fourth child?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

On July 26, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that he and Blake Lively's fourth baby, born in February 2023, is a boy in an Instagram video supporting mental health charity Walking 4 Hope. Speaking with founder John Bell, who struggled with suicidal ideation after the 2020 loss of his son Jake, Reynolds says, “I want to share with you that I, too, have a son...Boy, John, if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I’ll feel like I’ve done a pretty d—mn good job.”

Considering how adorable James, Inez, and Betty are, I can only imagine how cute Blake Lively's son is!

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

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Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have four kids. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth child.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

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Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

How old was Blake Lively when she had her first child?

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Blake Lively was 27 when she gave birth to her first daughter, James, in December of 2014.

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

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The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

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In a conversation with Hugh Jackman ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds opened up about how his family has helped his anxiety. "I think it makes it better because your focus is less on yourself and more on your kids," he says (via People). "I love that I've had anxiety because when I see my kids experiencing some of that, which is probably genetic, I know how to address it in a way that is compassionate, that actually allows them to feel seen. I know that I can't just fix it. And I can communicate all that stuff to them and with them. I'm always grateful for it."

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has also made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying "the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access in 2020. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest child in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Deadpool actor also offered some parenting advice on Amanda Hirsch’s hit podcastNot Skinny But Not Fat. "Embrace the chaos,” he tells Hirsch. "[Blake] always says, ‘They're all under our roof right now. The whole family's under our roof right now. We have them all.’ And that is a fleeting thing. Not an infinite resource, you know?”

While Reynolds understands firsthand how overwhelming parenting can feel, he also doesn't wish away this time with four young kids: “Just say, ‘Think about what you would give in 40 years or 30 years to come back and enjoy this one moment.’"

Besides this, Ryan knows their kids' childhoods don't mirror his or Blake's. However, he's not trying to place a huge emphasis on that because he wants them to have "as normal a life as possible" (via Page Six).

"I try not to impose upon them the difference in their childhood to my childhood or my wife’s childhood," he said (via The Hollywood Reporter). "We both grew up very working class, and I remember when they were very young, I used to say or think, like, ‘Oh God, I would never have had a gift like this when I was a kid,’ or, ‘I never would’ve had this luxury of getting takeout,’ or whatever."

In his eyes, he doesn't feel like it's the kids' responsibility or "bag of rocks to carry" because they're full of "gratitude" and "have a strong sense of empathy." That's how he knows he and Blake are "doing an OK job" as parents.

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C

Blake Lively opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her kids! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibility not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

However, Blake Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

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Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's daughters are James, Inez, Betty, and her fourth child is named Olin! Their fourth baby's name was announced during the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Blake gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and Olin in February of 2023.

Do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids have nannies?

Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

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This story has been updated.

Fashion trends come and go, but not all of them are missed. Just like outdated shoes or makeup, there are some things we'd rather leave in our confused or wild party days. From thinking it was cute to wear teeny vests to not caring if our boobs spilled out of scarf tops, we cringe every time we think of these 10 nostalgic things we used to wear.

We're also sure you happily wore one or few of them at some point. Like us, it's possibly you have a relic from the past stuffed in the deepest part of your closet.

All we can say is that we sincerely hope you don't plan to wear any of these cringey fashion trends next year!

Here are the 10 outdated fashion trends you definitely need to retire for 2025!

1. Cropped Vests

Brandon Ricketts

You didn't have to look far if you wanted to spot a celeb wearing a variation of a vest. From under boob designs to cropped versions, they used to dominate fashion. We're willing to bet you even wore the latter in middle or high school. If think we've been sneaking to look at your closet, we haven't nor are we psychic.

We know you had at least one cropped vest because we did too. Some of us had a punk rock era while others thought we were adopted the business casual style that seemed appropriate for our younger selves. Needless to say, this trend won't cut it in 2025.

2. Ponchos

Ayoub Moukhliss

If you didn't own a poncho when you were younger, what were you doing? It was one of the 'it girl' trends that dominated whether you were deemed stylish or not, and guess who couldn't get enough of wearing it? Us...and maybe you too!

Thankfully, we've outgrown our desire to be seen in something that wouldn't get us in trouble at church because we realize it's actually not flattering. Besides, the goal is to let your outfit shine without hiding it under a shapeless garment.

3. Scarf Tops

David Gari

Unless you're headed to a festival or vacationing somewhere where wearing minimal clothing isn't given a side eye, scarf tops are to be left in the past. We actually don't have the words to describe just how much we'd prefer for you to wear everything BUT this trend. Since we're currently glitching, we'll say that we'd prefer to see you wear a poncho in 2025 before you try to revive this.

4. Shorter Leather Jackets

Anna Shvets

This is more of our more controversial takes, but we'll say it anyway: shorter leather jackets don't belong in your closest in 2025. They were great when we were in college, but now? It just seems like they're reserved for 20-year-olds who are still trying to figure out who and what they want to be in life. An oversized, vintage-esque option always looks best!

5. Puffy Faux Fur Coats

Following NYC

Sigh, It seems like everyone wanted their hands on a faux fur coat, but we think this is one of the most outdated fashion trends. It looks like it belongs to the street style during 2016-2018's fashion weeks. While we're add it, please don't pair it with anything camo if you decide this is one thing you're not ready to give up yet.

6. Low Rise Jeans & Skirts

Mizuno K

All we can think about when we see super low rise jeans or skirts are our middle school days. Unfortunately, we saw too many pairs of thongs being exposed because of this style and it scarred us! Unlike other styles we've mentioned, we're adamant that you shouldn't pass 'go' for the sake of reviving low rise anything. Gen Z may say otherwise, but let's just let these lie where they belong: the 2000s.

7. White Sunglasses

Following NYC

Sunglasses are a cute way to spice up your outfit when you're looking for an accessory that doesn't feel distracting. BUT, it's possible to still get that wrong if you're wearing sunglasses that have glaring frames. They're known for making a statement, but not in a good way. Let's leave the white sunnies behind, please!

8. Page Boy Hats

Following NYC

We're sure you can pull of a great page boy hat, but it's the quickest way for most stylish people to wonder if you're trying to hold on to a time where they made everyone look great.

Sigh...Okay, we're just not a fan of this trend, and find that it may unintentionally age you.

9. Overdone Ruffles

cottonbro studio

Unless you're trying to show Lord Farquaad you would make an excellent wife, leave the overdone ruffles alone! They're not going to make anyone look good even if you've pulled them off in the past. Honestly, the above outfit would be really cute if it weren't for the layered ruffles around the neck so let this be a lesson to keep them in the past.

10. Tiny Denim Shorts

Nicolas Postiglioni

"Who wears short shorts?" Well, we used to before we realized that they're not the most stylish option. They're great for summer vacation or days where you want to give your legs breathing room, but we don't think they should be a part of your everyday uniform anymore. There's other denim styles you can rely on like balloon jeans, dresses, or even longline shorts!

Which of these cringey fashion trends did you used to wear? Let us know on Facebook!

Britney Spears has been making headlines since the '90s, meaning her kids are no strangers to the spotlight. Despite how much they used to be with her everywhere, things haven't been smooth sailing for the family following the termination of the author's conservatorship in 2021. Still, there seems to be a lot love between Britney and her sons, and we were thrilled to learn she recently reunited with her youngest!

Keep reading for everything we know about Britney Spears' kids in 2024.

How many children does Britney Spears have?

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Thanks to frequent paparazzi shots of Britney Spears and her kids, we know that she has two sons! Sean Preston Federline was born September 14, 2005, making him 19 years old while his brother Jayden James Federline was born September 12, 2006 and just turned 18. Where did the time go?

Who did she have kids with?

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Britney Spears shares her sons with her ex-husband Kevin Federline. They got married on October 6, 2004 after a few months of dating, and their whirlwind romance led to the birth of their two sons (via Business Insider). The couple later divorced on July 30, 2007, but Kevin has spoken fondly of their relationship throughout the years.

He actually told PEOPLE in 2008 how much he loved the time they were together. "I pretty much realized that I was giving my life to her, and I was doing it without question," he said. "It was just something that was meant to happen. And probably my greatest moment with her is having our two sons."

Do Sean and Jayden live with Britney Spears?

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According to PEOPLE, Sean and Jayden currently live in Hawaii with their dad, Kevin as of 2023. And according to Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan, there's a specific reason why their sons were excited to move. "It's an opportunity for Kevin and his wife, and the boys are ready to get away from the L.A. microscope."

If you remember, Kevin gained "sole custody" of Preston and Jayden in 2008 due to Britney Spear's "mental breakdown," (via US Weekly).

There was reportedly a rift between Britney Spears and her sons after her conservatorship ended in 2021, but she just reunited with Jayden! A Page Six insider revealed "they have been spending a lot of time together,” while a source told People, "spending time together has made her happy."

What have Sean and Jayden said about their mom?

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In 2022 Sean and Jayden shared their thoughts about their tense relationship with Britney. The Daily Mail reported Jayden said, "It's just going to take a lot of time and effort. I just want her to get better mentally. When she gets better I really want to see her again." Given Britney's breakdown and the news surrounding her conservatorship over the years, we can only imagine how much the public nature of their lives affected her kids.

What's the current status of Britney's relationship with her sons?

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There have been several ups and downs throughout the years, but Britney hasn't held back from publicly sharing thoughts about her kids. USA Today shared that Britney and Jayden have recently reconciled in L.A. which comes amidst reports she's finished paying child support for him (via TMZ).

However, Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan says they're not sure what's happening behind the scenes. "If there has been a reconciliation it’s news to Kevin," he told TMZ.

Don't forget to revisit everything we know about Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' kids too!

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement is the marquis diamond ring heard 'round the world — and Justin Bieber may have just reacted to it. Our collective jaws were already on the floor after Hailey Bieber liked the Instagram, but this has taken everything to a whole other level. The "Sorry" singer took to Instagram himself, making a post that fans couldn't help tying to the recent engagement news. Here's what he said (in not so many words).

Here's how Justin Bieber (maybe) reacted to Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement!

Instagram/selenagomez

We all know that Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco announced their adorable Taco Bell picnic engagement on December 12, 2024. The post is chalk-full of friend, fan, and celebrity support — including a 'like' from Hailey Bieber, herself. If you're wondering why that may be a big deal, let me break it down for you.

Hailey and Selena both dated Justin Bieber in the 2010's, and there was seemingly a bit of back-and-forth between the three for a few years there. This erupted a "feud" of sorts, leaving Hailey and Selena at odds in the public eye. However, they've continued to show us that any remaining "beef" is squashed.

But now? Now, Justin is sorta stirring the pot a little bit.

Instagram/justinbieber

On December 16, 2024, Justin posted a selfie with Hailey kissing his cheek — innocuous enough, right? Well, fans noticed he attached "All My Ghosts" by Lizzy McAlpine to the post. The song has since been deleted, but Page Six still has the screenshot to prove it.

People attach songs to posts every day, but this tune in particular caught everyone's attention. In the very sentimental song, Lizzy McAlpine sings:

I can see it now, the wedding of the year

I can see it now, he stands up there and wipes his tears

I can see it now, when all my ghosts disappear

I can see it crystal clear.

Sensing any parallels to Justin's life? Yeah, us too. He could have truly just liked the song — it's great! — but it's pretty hard to ignore the underlying message there. All I know is, I hope these ghosts "disappearing" mean the drama between this trio is officially gone for good. We don't want the girls fighting anymore!

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Just like Gilmore Girls fans, The Holiday movie lovers get very passionate about which couple they love most: Iris and Miles (Kate Winslet and Jack Black) or Amanda and Graham (Cameron Diaz and Jude Law). But despite the fact Miles composing a song for Iris makes me swoon every single time, when I watch the movie, I can't help but think about how the true love story of the movie isn't between any of the romantic couples — it's between Iris and her new BFF Arthur.

Here's why the true love story in The Holiday is actually between Kate Winslet's Iris and Eli Wallach's Arthur.

Iris life changes forever when she meets Arthur in Los Angeles.

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures

The premise of The Holiday movie is pretty simple: Iris and Amanda swap homes for two weeks over Christmas to avoid their disastrous love lives, unknowingly agreeing to an adventure that ultimately changes them — and their love lives — forever. (Oh what I wouldn't give to hop on a plane to Europe to avoid boys. What a dream). When she lands in Los Angeles, Iris is totally overwhelmed by Amanda's gorgeous home, the DVD setup, and gigantic bed, but the aspect of her holiday that really shines is her ability to connect with people.

We see Iris learn all of the gardeners' names (as well as the mailman's) barely a week after arriving, and when she notices Amanda's elderly neighbor Arthur walking alone, she immediately pulls over to help him find his house. (Also, sidebar: this scene always terrifies me because why is Arthur in the middle of the street?! Why aren't you on a side walk, A?!).

Iris helps Arthur home and takes a look around his living room (which boasts at least one Emmy and Academy Award each) before inviting him to have dinner with her and boom! The greatest relationship in the movie is born.

Arthur empowers Iris to be "the leading lady in her own life."

These two become fast friends, as Iris confides in him about her disastrous love life that very same night, and he offers her a beautiful piece of advice about acting like "the leading lady in your own life" (remember folks, this was decades before main character energy). Iris also reminds him just how much of a role he played in Hollywood by helping him prep for his Writers Guild of America gala with strength training so he can climb the stairs without his walker.

So though it's not romantic, Iris and Arthur's relationship is the true love story of The Holiday because of how much love and confidence they offer each other. Neither of them expect anything in return — they just enjoy being together.

And Iris gives Arthur his confidence back too!

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures

Soon, it's time to head off to the WGA gala, and Arthur gives Iris a corsage, apologizing if it's corny or doesn't match her outfit. Iris declares she's "looking for corny," and it's such a small moment that really illustrates that the way they've empowered each other has changed their lives forever.

Iris helps Arthur feel sure of himself again, while Arthur's encouragement helps Iris find her power...and kick her ex Jasper out of her life forever! (Plus Arthur definitely picks up on the vibes between Iris and Miles during their Hanukkah dinner party. The ultimate wingman!).

When Iris and Arthur arrive at the WGA gala, and a sold-out crowd gives Arthur a standing ovation, it's clear he wasn't expecting so many people to care about his work. And in his overwhelming shock, he has Iris to lean on. Iris and Arthur don't only care about each other, they depend on each other, and their trust, love, and understanding is just the cherry on top. And sorry Jude Law, but I'll take that over romance any day.

Do you love relationship hot takes? Check out why The Best Bridgerton Relationship Has Nothing To Do With Romance either.