We all know that cold and flu season is the worst. When your sniffles turn into full-blown muscle aches, headaches, coughing, sneezing, and everything else, it’s time to slow down and practice some self-care. But just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Instead, use your next sick day to really pamper yourself with stuff that makes you feel warm, cozy, and even a little bit better. This is how you *really* stop the cold and flu season from getting you down.
HSA isn’t just for prescriptions and doctor’s visits – there’s actually a ton of things you can buy with your savings. Blue light glasses and sunscreen are commonly HSA eligible, but a lot of people don’t know you can also finesse fancy spa visits and life-changing massage guns (I’m looking at you, Theragun) with their HSA dollars. Some of these items are also FSA eligible, so if you’ve got some funds to use before they expire at the end of the year, you’ve come to the right place!
Your HSA funds can do way more than you think. Check out these 14 unexpectedly fun health-related finds to help you step up your self-care!
What is HSA?
Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS
HSA stands for Health Savings Account, a type of savings account that lets you set aside funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are often available as a part of health insurance plans, though banks and credit unions offer them, too.
What can I buy with an HSA?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
You can buy a lot more with your HSA funds than you think: menstrual products, over-the-counter medicines, sunscreen, and travel to and from medical appointments are just some of the things you can buy with an HSA.
Is HSA worth it?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Whether an HSA is worth it is really dependent on your needs. There are some nice advantages associated with it, though. You may be able to lower your out of pocket costs for medical needs. Plus, the funds are not taxed, so you may be able to save more. Unlike an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), HSA funds roll over year-over-year, so you don't have to worry about it expiring.
Should I max my HSA?
Pixabay / PEXELS
Maxing out your HSA to your account's annual maximum amount via monthly contributions can be beneficial if your goals are to save money and limit out of pocket costs for medical care. You can also opt to invest some of your HSA funds, which can be a smart decision for saving for things like family planning or retirement.
Amazon
Sunscreen
Per Cigna, sunscreen counts as a reimbursable HSA purchase. SPF is super important for skin cancer prevention, plus wearing it regularly can reduce signs of aging – a win-win!
Amazon
Hatch Alarm Clock
The famed Hatch Restore alarm clock is both HSA and FSA eligible. It's a superb tool for going to bed soundly and waking up feeling refreshed as ever!
TomboyX
Period Underwear
Menstrual care and feminine hygiene products are also HSA eligible. Cigna says this category may include tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and similar items, like period underwear!
Amazon
Theragun
This luxurious massage gun is both FSA and HSA eligible! It's truly life-changing for relieving muscle soreness and tightness. Therabody's other devices like the Theragun PRO Plus, Theragun Sense, and Theragun Relief are also eligible.
Amazon
Oura Ring
This fitness tracker ring is FSA and HSA eligible – it can help you keep tabs on your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more.
Amazon
Breathing Strips
According to Cigna, breathing strips are HSA eligible, plus you don't need a doctor's prescription for reimbursement.
Amazon
Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are HSA eligible and reimbursable with a medical diagnosis. This model in particular cleans way better than a regular toothbrush, expertly supporting your oral health.
Amazon
Essential Oils
Essential oils are HSA-covered with a medical diagnosis. Certain oils can help relieve stress, anxiety, physical pain, and nausea, and aid in better sleep.
Amazon
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers of any kind are also surprisingly HSA eligible. We love these sprays from Touchland because they're cute, easily portable, and smell delicious.
Amazon
Humidifiers
Humidifiers are indeed HSA eligible – the moisture they put out into the surrounding air can relieve respiratory issues, common colds, and even reduce snoring.
Amazon
Air Purifiers
Similarly, air purifiers are eligible because they can help remove airborne contaminants and viruses that cause allergies and disease.
Anna Tarazevich / PEXELS
Spa Trips
In the case you're prescribed a lovely visit to a spa or resort by a physician for medical treatment, the only part that's covered by HSA are the services you receive while you're there. The cost of transportation is not eligible for reimbursement.
Amazon
Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are covered by HSA; lenses like these block out blue light from screens which helps prevent eye strain and fatigue.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
In the age of prestige TV (hey The Bear!), I have really become a TV person. I love keeping up with the same characters throughout the course of multiple episodes (and in the cast of The Last of Us and The Summer I Turned Pretty, multiple weeks), and then over multiple years. And there are plenty of incredible TV shows premiering and returning in 2025 — and some of these January TV shows have already dropped!
Here are 25 new TV shows we can't wait to see in 2025.
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth — On Peacock Now
Graeme Hunter/SKY/Carnival
Dr. Jim Swire (Colin Firth) is mourning the loss of his daughter Flora after Pan Am Flight 103 explodes, when he becomes the spokesperson for all the UK victims. But the more he fights for justice for all the families, the more he realizes just how unjust the system is.
Lockerbie is on Peacock now and stars Colin Firth, Catherine McCormack, Sam Troughton, Mark Bonnar, Ardalan Esmaili, Mudar Abbara, Guy Henry, Nabil Al Raee, and Jemma Carlton.
Small Town Setup — On Hallmark+
Hallmark+
Consider this new TV show like living in a Hallmark movie IRL. When a single searching for love returns home, they're presented with dating options handpicked by people in their hometown. "All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."
Small Town Setup is on Hallmark+ and is hosted by Ashley Williams.
When Calls The Heart Season 12 — On Hallmark Channel Now
Hallmark Channel
Our comfort show is back! When Calls The Heart season 12 brings Elizabeth and Hope Valley into the 1920s — and the parties, romance, and eventual financial troubles that come.
When Calls The Heart season 12 is on Hallmark Channel and stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Melissa Gilbert, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Kavan Smith, and Viv Leacock.
Doc — On Fox Now
FOX
Dr. Amy Elias is chief of internal medicine, but doesn't remember anything from the last eight years of patients, work drama, and even her own divorce thanks to a traumatic brain injury. This is one medical drama you'll definitely want to check out.
Doc is on Fox and stars Molly Parker, Omar Metwally, Jon-Michael Ecker, Anya Banerjee, Scott Wolf, Amirah Vann, and Conni Miu.
The Traitors Season 3 — On Peacock January 9, 2025
Chris Haston/NBC
This is the reality show for people who aren't so sure about reality TV. Alan Cumming, a Scottish castle, and a crazy murder mystery game? Yes please!
The Traitors season 3 premieres January 9 and stars Alan Cumming, Wells Adams, Sam Asghari, Chanel Ayan, Bob the Drag Queen, Dolores Catania, Jeremy Collins, Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Nikki Garcia, Bob Harper, Britney Haynes, "Boston" Rob Mariano, Dorinda Medley, Ciara Miller, Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Danielle Reyes, Tom Sandoval, Chrishell Stause, Tony Vlachos, Carolyn Wiger, and Gabby Windey.
On Call — On Prime Video January 9, 2025
Prime Video
In this new TV show, veteran officer Traci (Troian Bellisario) and rookie (Brandon Larracuente) go on patrols around Long Beach, California. California beaches might be pretty laidback, but Traci is definitely in for plenty of challenges.
On Call premieres January 9 and stars Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, and Eriq La Salle.
With Love, Meghan — On Netflix January 15, 2025
Netflix
This new TV show follows the Meghan Markle on a cooking, gardening, and hosting journey! This is one home I'd love to step into, TBH.
With Love, Meghan hits Netflix on January 15 and is hosted by Meghan Markle, alongside guests like Mindy Kaling.
XO, Kitty Season 2 — On Netflix January 16, 2025
Netflix
In XO, Kitty season 2, Kitty (Anna Cathcart) wants nothing more than to just date casually. But a letter from her mom's past opens up new adventures, relationships, and opportunities — and the return of Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo)!!!
XO, Kitty season 2 stars Anna Cathcart, Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, Joshua Lee, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah.
Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January 17, 2025
Apple TV+
Relationships and identity will always be timely TV themes (try saying that five times fast), and in Severance season 2, Mark (Adam Scott) running around his office, and running from his problems, in the Severance season 2 teaser trailer is the most relatable thing I've seen. all day. After a full season of his work and personal lives being, well, severed, Mark is in for a lot of surprises this time around. Completely separating your career from the rest of your life might sound ideal, but this January TV show is going to show us why that's simply not the case.
Severance season 2 premieres on January 17, and stars Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble.
Prime Target — On Apple TV+ January 22, 2025
Apple TV+
Edward (Leo Woodall) is about to make a major breakthrough, meaning he (and any other genius) could have access to every computer in the world. Now he's teaming up with a National Security Agent (Quintessa Swindell) to keep it safe.
Prime Target premieres on January 22 and stars Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell, Stephen Rea, David Morrissey, Martha Plimpton, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jason Flemyng, Harry Lloyd, Ali Suliman, Fra Fee, and Joseph Mydell.
The Night Agent Season 2 — on Netflix January 23, 2025
Netflix
These new TV shows are just proving that 2025 is going to be another year of hot men. And in The Night Agent season 2, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is finally an official Night Agent after saving the President's life — and he is, once again, in way over his head.
The Night Agent season 2 premieres on January 23 and stars Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Sarah Desjardins, and Enrique Murciano.
Sweet Magnolias Season 4 — On Netflix February 6, 2025
Netflix
It's finally time to head back to Serenity and catch up with all our Sweet Magnolias! And it sounds like their friendship is about to be put to the test. Season 4 will examine "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life," showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson tells TUDUM, "and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us."
Sweet Magnolias season 4 premieres February 6 and stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley.
The White Lotus Season 3 — On HBO and Max February 16, 2025
Fabio Lovino/HBO
White Lotus season 3 is (somehow) spicier than ever before. This year we're headed to Thailand to meet some new characters...and see some familiar faces too. And just like the trailer teases, we're in for a crazy dose of both pain and pleasure.
The White Lotus season 3 premieres February 16 and will star Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.
Yellowjackets Season 3 — On SHOWTIME And Paramount+ February 16, 2025
Showtime
This season of Yellowjackets is sure to answer lots of questions — and probably give us even more than we had in the beginning. "How do you change while you are in your core, in your essence, the same person you always were?" creator Ashley Lyle tells Vanity Fair, teasing the merging the characters' past and present selves. "How much are you hiding that, and how long are you able to do that, is a question that we’re playing with this season."
Yellowjackets season 3 premieres February 16 and stars Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Courtney Eaton, Liv Hewson, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Kevin Alves, Sarah Desjardins, Simone Kessell, Elijah Wood, Joel McHale, and Hilary Swank.
1923 Season 2 — On Paramount+ February 23, 2025
Lo Smith/Paramount+
1923 season 2 is going to be all kinds of chaotic as the Dutton family fights to get back to one another: Jacob and Cara remain on the Yellowstone ranch, Spencer's making his way across the country, and Alex has to figure out a way to get off that dang ship.
1923 season 2 premieres February 23 andthe cast includes Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Darren Mann, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.
The Last of Us Season 2 — On HBO and Max April 2025
HBO
The Last of Us season 2 is going to be more intense, more emotional, and more explosive than ever — especially when Ellie figures out the huge secret Joel's been keeping from her. I'm ready to cry, TBH.
The Last of Us season 2 will star Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Wright, Tati Gabrielle and Ariela Barer.
Running Point — On Netflix In 2025
Netflix
In this new TV show, Isla Gordon becomes President of the LA Waves basketball team after a scandal costs her brother the job. And Isla will have to prove to everyone around her that she can balance work AND play (although maybe a little more work than play, ammirite?)
Running Point is coming to Netflix soon and stars Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, and Dane DiLiegro.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 — On Prime Video In 2025
Peter Taylor/Prime Video
Not only does our third trip to Cousins Beachfeature three extra episodes, but it'll also pick up smack dab in the middle of the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah love triangle. Here's hoping we're getting a spinoff so we can see these characters as many times as possible!
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 premieres in 2025 and stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard.
Stranger Things Season 5 — On Netflix in 2025
Tina Rowden/Netflix
This year, longtime fans of this series will finally get to see how the story ends. The show is bringing us into 1987 and last time we saw the Hawkins crew, they were face-to-face with the Upside Down infiltrating our world.
Stranger Things 5 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Amybeth McNulty, and Priah Ferguson.
The Bear Season 4 — On FX And Hulu In 2025
FX
The Bear season 3, in my opinion, was only the first half of the story. I'm excited to see how season 4 wraps it all up — including the restaurant's review and Carmy's effect on Sydney...
The Bear season 4 is coming to FX in 2025 and stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson.
Wednesday Season 2 — On Netflix in 2025
Bernard Walsh/Netflix
Wednesday season 2 is taking us back to Nevermore Academy alongside Jenna Ortega — and Lady Gaga? We don't know much about the plot just yet but this cast is all I need to convince me to watch.
Wednesday season 2 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Jenna Ortega, Lady Gaga, Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan.
Sullivan's Crossing Season 3 — On The CW In 2025
CTV/Fremantle/The CW
Sullivan's Crossing season 2 was full of twists and turns — and season 3 is going to be just as wild (and cozy). “We are so excited to return to Sullivan’s Crossing next year for a third season,” Brad Schwartz, CW's President, tells Deadline. "Roma [Downey], this talented cast, and the entire creative team have built an incredible world full of emotionally charged storytelling that has resonated with viewers over the last two years."
Sullivan's Crossing season 3 is coming in 2025 and stars Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Scott Patterson.
Only Murders In The Building Season 5 — On Hulu Soon
Patrick Harbron/Disney
We don't have an official release date for season 5 yet, but we've gotten a new installment every year since its premiere so I'm feeling hopeful! This year Mabel, Oliver, and Charles will have to solve Chester's murder (I'M HEARTBROKEN) and might even deal with some mob bosses.
Only Murders in the Building season 5 is coming soon and stars Selena Gomez, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Téa Leoni.
Virgin River Season 7 — On Netflix Soon
Netflix
If you've already binged all of Virgin River season 6, don't worry — there's another season coming! And showrunner Patrick Sean Smith says it'll “explore the honeymoon phase for them as they’re building their lives on the farm, which can come with its own obstacles.”
Virgin River season 7 is coming soon and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Colin Lawrence, Kandyse McClure, Sarah Dugdale, and Kai Bradbury.
Nobody Wants This Season 2 — On Netflix Soon
Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Nobody Wants This became an immediate classic when it premiered in 2024, and we can't wait to see Noah and Joanne navigate their relationship and family drama in season 2.
Nobody Wants This season 2 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.
Which new TV show are you excited to see in 2025? Sound off in the comments and check out the amazing 2025 movies headed our way!
We have a serious appreciation for all things creative, like these plus-size Halloween costumes, and we have a hunch you’ll love some of our newest finds, too. Afterward, if you still haven’t decided on which costume to wear this Halloween, gather your group of besties and get their opinion — or, better yet, pick out a group Halloween costume, and you can all dress up together! Here are 40 of the most curve-lovin’ (and seriously hot) plus-size Halloween costumes you’ll find out there this season.
Yandy
Cruella de Vil
Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.
Walmart
Maleficent
Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”
Amazon
Cozy Deer
Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.
Yandy
Sexy Stewardess
Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.
Brit + Co
DIY Jessica Rabbit Costume
This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)
Amazon
Sexy Kitty
Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.
Amazon
Flapper Girl
There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.
Brit + Co
DIY Ursula Costume
We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren Mermaid
This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.
Yandy
Storybook Alice
Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!
Halloween Costumes
Sea Siren
You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!
Amazon
Beauty And The Beast Belle
We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.
Amazon
Minnie Mouse
You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.
Amazon
Empress Divine
One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.
Amazon
Goth Red Riding Hood
Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.
Amazon
Flirty Cop
It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!
Halloween Costumes
Cinderella Fairy Godmother
We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.
Amazon
Harley Quinn
We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.
Amazon
Cozy Bat Costume
The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.
Amazon
Ghostbuster
If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!
Amazon
Queen Bee
Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!
Amazon
Oktoberfest Fraulein
The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.
Amazon
Snow White
If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.
Amazon
Pinup Sailor
Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!
Yandy
Miss Muerte
Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.
Amazon
Cozy Skeleton
If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.
Amazon
Grease Pink Lady
This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!
Walmart
Supergirl
No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.
Halloween Costumes
Spanish Senorita
With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.
Amazon
Mrs. Incredible
Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.
Amazon
Dark Alice
We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.
Amazon
Batgirl
Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?
Amazon
Hippie
Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!
Amazon
Friday The 13th Miss Voorhees
If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.
Walmart
Justice League Wonder Woman
While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more Halloween costume ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Valentine's Day is next month, so it's time for a little tough love. Are you ready? Deep breath... You're not going to get far in your relationship by wondering, "What are we doing?" anymore. For such a simple question, it carries the weight of being vague and loaded. It's not that you shouldn't want to know where your relationship is headed, but there are better questions to ask your boyfriend.
From my first relationship to being engaged with an energetic toddler, I know a thing or two about how to broach certain topics. But, I'm no one's expert so I turned to Sean O'Neill, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Director at Maple Moon Recovery, to help you figure out how to get to the heart of your relationship.
Scroll to see which deep questions to ask your boyfriend for a better, healthier relationship!
1. Questions To Ask If You're In The 'Honeymoon' Stage
Whenever we finally move from flirting with our crushes to being in a relationship with them, it's typically followed by a period of euphoria. You and your boyfriend likely can't get enough of each other right now which is probably making your friends playfully roll their eyes. Since everything is brand new, you can still keep it light though.
O'Neill suggests asking "open-ending questions that prompt curiosity and connection:"
- What's one dream you've never let me in on?
- What's one little gesture that can make you feel valued?
"These couple of queries facilitate bonding while generating enthusiasm for the goals and interests of each other," he says.
2. Questions To Ask After Your First Big Fight
Even if you and your boyfriend are super tuned in to each other, a disagreement or argument is bound to happen. In case you're worried, your relationship isn't on thin ice because you're not seeing eye-to-eye on something. O'Neill says you can ask:
- How do you think we handled the argument?
- What could we do differently next time to make our future fights more productive?
His reasoning is that these questions "promote growth and empathy" so "disagreements are transformed into stronger communication opportunities."
Note: Disagreements should never turn physical. It's not okay for you and your boyfriend to become physically aggressive with each other. If you're concerned about domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1(800) 799-7233.
3. Questions To Ask Before Introducing Your Boyfriend To Your Parents
Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a huge step that can be scary and exciting. I was terrified when my parents first met my fiancé because they couldn't stand my ex. But, the conversation between them flowed and everyone always looks for him to be at family events.
If you're ready for introductions to be made, O'Neill wants you to "encourage the normality of preplanned talks" by asking:
- What is something about me that you think my parents would really love to hear about?
By doing this, he says it'll "help alleviate anxiety and ensure both spouses feel comfortable and attuned before meeting the parents."
4. Questions To Ask If You Or Your Boyfriend Have An Illness
It's never easy to experience illnesses or health scares, but it can be terrifying if you don't know how to help your partner manage if something unexpected happens. O'Neill says to "nurture insights with queries such as:"
- What is one thing I could to assist you better when ill?
- Are there any aspects concerning your healthy that haven't been discussed which make you anxious?
"The conversations provide a safe space for airing concerns while building up mutual support through health difficulties," he adds.
5. Questions To Ask If You're Worried About Boyfriend's Spending Habits
Financial red flags are always a cause for concern when dating someone — especially when it seems like your boyfriend doesn't care about his spending habits may affect your household if you live together. O'Neill suggests asking:
- What are your financial goals?
- How do you see us working towards them together?
- How do you feel about budgeting as a team?
This will "make goal alignment stronger" because "effective communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings," he says. Also, this helps "lay the foundation for a shared vision of the future."
6. Questions To Ask To Deepen Vulnerability With Each Other
Being vulnerable isn't easy for everyone, let alone two people in a relationship. It took me years to feel comfortable expressing my sadness or fears to my fiancé because I was afraid he'd think I was 'weak.' However, this can cause more harm than good because it becomes difficult for our partners to know what's going on with us if we don't open up.
O'Neill says you can ask:
- What's one fear or concern you've hesitated to share with anyone before?
- How can I help you feel safe sharing with me?
These questions "create room for openness and trust between partners" which aids in "helping them connect emotionally," according to him.
7. Questions To Help Move The Relationship Forward
If you're still wondering "what are we doing" after asking some of the above questions, you focus on asking the following "future-oriented questions," according to O'Neill:
- Where do you see us in 5 years?
- What's something you envision us doing together as a couple in the future?
"Thinking about what is ahead strengthens commitment to the relationship and brings both partners' goals into line," he says.
Even though my fiancé and I have been together for a while, we still have conversations about our goals, health, raising our son, and more. It helps us to either stay aligned or see what needs to be addressed as opposed to letting physical attraction guide the way we feel 95% of the time.
But that's not all! We have more advice about relationships if you're looking to build a deeper connection yourself, friends, or family in 2025!
If you’re a trueTrader Joe’s fan, you probably already carry your pickle tote bag everywhere. And, of course, you can’t forget the frenzy for the-ever stylish Trader Joe’s mini tote bags! TJ’s is here to shake (or, rather, shred) things up with an all-new tote bag design – and it’s super cheesy.
Trader Joe’s
That’s right – Trader Joe’s latest and greatest tote bag design (which you can shop from end caps near the TJ’s checkout lines) features all things cheese! Any charcuterie, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and pizza lover will immediately fall in love with it.
Eme Estevez / Dupe
The tote is covered in “charmingly cheesy” illustrations of all the varieties of cheese Trader Joe’s has to offer. They’re perfectly colorful and bold, so you’ll adore looking at it every time you make a grocery trip.
Fans are calling the new design "sooo cuteee" and "un-brie-lieveable." One Instagram user even said, "now that’s a tote worth getting if you are cheeseboard obsessed. 🥳🥳🥳"
Jayda Anderson / Dupe
The bag is certifiably heavy duty, made of 100% cotton, and features reinforced seams with two handles long enough to hang comfortably on your shoulder – perfect for you if you walk to your nearest Trader Joe’s instead of driving there! It measures 18.5 by 13.5 inches to carry all the snacks, frozen meals, and beverages your heart desires.
Trader Joe’s
My favorite part of this new TJ’s tote is that it’s also covered in tons of cheese puns, which are quite “pun-gent,” per Trader Joe’s.
The cheese puns in question? “I’m wheel excited to be here. You cheddar believe it. To brie, or not to brie. I am fondue you. Life’s so gouda.” I’m a firm believer that everyone loves a good pun, so this bag is an instant source of entertainment.
Alexy Almond / PEXELS
The new Trader Joe’s cheese tote bags are just $4 each. I’ll definitely be snagging one for myself and a few more to share with the TJ’s lovers in my life!
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