24 Easy Sweet Galette Recipes That Are A Literal Slice of Heaven

Sweet Galette Recipes

I'm a sucker for an easy dessert. Anything that requires minimal prep is an instant 'yes' from me, and is awarded an entry in my personal recipe book. Galettes are one of the sweet treats that involve so little: slap a slab of store-bought puff pasty down on a pan, stuff it full of your favorite fruits, and embellish it with even more tastiness from an icing drizzle or sugary crumble.

These sweet galette recipes exist to entertain everyone at the table. Wether you ride with an apple-packed recipe or want to lean on the more chocolatey side, you'll find what you're craving in each of these 24 sweet galette recipes. Also, vanilla ice cream on the side is an absolute no-brainer. Let's get to baking!

Apple Cinnamon Galette

Filling your kitchen full of cinnamon-y smells is a *must* for fall. Kick off the seasonal vibes with this flaky apple galette. (via Brit + Co.)

Blueberry Galette

To make the baking process so much easier on yourself, simply opt for a pre-made puff pastry to craft this delicious, bubbling blueberry galette. It'll still taste mind-blowing, I promise. (via Natasha Kravchuk for Brit + Co.)

Bourbon Chocolate Crusted Purple Sweet Potato Galette

This sweet galette recipe reminds us of a fire-charred s'more – which is exactly why we're craving it ferociously RN. Tender purple sweet potatoes are joined by a sprinkling of mini marshmallows and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to bring forth perhaps the fanciest sweet treat you've made all year. (via No Eggs or Ham)

Mini Lavender Mascarpone Blueberry Galettes

That extra touch of lavender included in this recipe will change the galette game for sure. Pair these personal-sized bakes with a cup of tea, and you're set! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Apple Persimmon Galette

To really dive into your own culinary creativity, try using less popular ingredients (like the persimmon in this recipe) to make your mark. (via Chef Bai)

Sweet Cherry and Hazelnut Galette

There's never been a better galette-friendly duo than some succulent cherries and crispy hazelnuts. Each flavor complements each other seamlessly to wrap every bite you take in total comfort. (via Completely Delicious)

Blueberry Almond Streusel Galette

You'll find that the crunchy-sweet streusel atop this fruity dessert completes it in an unforgettable way. Almonds not really your jam? Try prepping it with other nuts like pecans or cashews – it's your kitchen after all! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Strawberry Blueberry Galette with Rhubarb + Gluten-Free Crust

I'm drooling for the thicker crust on this sweet galette recipe. When baked to perfection, your crust should be crispy, flaky, and tender all at the same time. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Warm Chocolate Banana Galette

Chocolate and bananas. Do I really need to elaborate here? (via Half Baked Harvest)

Yellow Plum and Blueberry Galette

Yellow plums make for a unique and exciting ingredient inclusion in this pick. Sprinkling the crust with coarse sugar after baking it will add even more sweetness, if that's what your heart desires. (via Vikalinka)

Plum Galette

Stone fruits like peaches, plums, and apricots were practically made for dessert time. Arrange some thinly-sliced fruits in a rose-like shape (like the one seen above) for an elevated plate. (via Barley & Sage)

Puran Poli Galette

This sweet galette recipe takes direct inspo from traditional Indian puran poli, getting a charming flavor treatment with the help of cardamom and nutmeg. (via Signature Concoctions)

Vegan Strawberry-Peach Galette

This fruity selection is perfect for the warmer months, but thanks to your local grocer, it doesn't have to be summer to enjoy a medley of strawberry and peach! (via Earthly Provisions)

Blueberry Galette with Lemon

The added lemon juice and zest in this sweet galette recipe balances the notes out and provides a nice zing! When baked, the berries will turn super bubbly and drippy, so make sure you enjoy it with a napkin (or two!) nearby. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Mixed Berry Galette

Like I said – you can really throw in whatever you please into your sweet galette recipes. Some mixed berries are a great place to start! (via Woman Scribbles)

Vegan Peach and Raspberry Galette

Vegans shouldn't have to miss out on the magic. This plant-based recipe lays out easy instructions for a delicious crust and peachy-perfect filling. (via Two Spoons)

Peach Galette

I'm obsessed with the larger chunks of fruit in this pick. The peaches will turn totally tender once you bake them in the oven for about half an hour, practically melting on your fork. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Apple Toffee Galette

Apple + toffee = culinary genius. This recipe leverages bits of Heath bar to bring forth those sticky, chocolatey notes. I'll be taking notes. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Berry Galette with Lemon-Honey Ricotta Cream

I think I could eat the light lemon-honey ricotta cream from this sweet galette recipe by the spoonful. But, TBH, it's likely a better idea to save it for actually pairing with the main attraction. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Orange Ginger + Cranberry Galette

Looking for an alternative Thanksgiving dessert recipe, but still want to pay homage to the ol' classic cranberry? Look no further than this sweet galette recipe that melds oranges, ginger, and cranberries. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Easy Apple Galette with Salted Maple Caramel Drizzle

The maple caramel drizzle on this pick will make you see stars. Seriously – the saltiness incorporates a heavenly flavor balance that you might've not known you were missing until you made it. (via Live Eat Learn)

Cranberry Cheesecake Galette

Hybrid desserts deserve *all* the love. Especially if they involve cheesecake! (via Culinary Hill)

Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

The lively combo of strawberries and rhubarb in this recipe will remind you of pie, but the process won't require any sort of pie dish. (via Amanda Wilens)

Puff Pastry Apple Galette

Prepping this sweet galette recipe in a cast iron will make you look fancy AF. C'mon, you know you want to! (via Cozy Cravings)

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Header image via Barley & Sage

There’s a reason we collectively love Thanksgiving episodes of our favorites series, and Friends fans have much to be thankful for when it comes to Turkey Day. Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Rachel and Phoebe were a helluva group to watch gather around the table. From Phoebe’s vegetarian Thanksgiving requests to Chandler’s refusal to eat turkey to Monica’s gourmet standards, there were plenty of LOLs to be had around the apartment come Thanksgiving. And as fans of the show know, there were some interesting side dish choices too. If you wanna cook like one of the gang, here are replicas of some of the Turkey Day dishes they served at their annual Friendsgiving celebration.

The Best Recipes From The Friends Thanksgiving Episodes

Brit + Co

Sweet Donut Grilled Cheese Recipe

After Monica and Rachel get locked out of their apartment (while the turkey is in the oven. Classic.), the gang has to swap good old Thanksgiving food for grilled cheese. Take this childhood fave to the next level by indulging in brie & donut deliciousness. Don't forget the chocolate and strawberries! (via Brit + Co)

Feast of Starlight

Sweet Potato Stuffed Pumpkins

Who could forget the episode where Rachel invites her co-worker Tag over for Thanksgiving dinner? Monica goes all-out making an extra sweet potato-stuffed pumpkin for him. You can go just as fancy with this creation inspired specifically by the show. (via Feast of Starlight)

Half-Baked Harvest

Fall Harvest Cider Roasted Chicken With Walnut Goat Cheese and Grapes

Chandler’s refusal to eat turkey on Thanksgiving made having some chicken on hand imperative. If any of your group doesn’t like turkey, this delectable roasted chicken should be a great substitute. You’re going to roast the grapes along with the chicken, giving it an amazingly sweet and fall-like flavor. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Natasha's Kitchen

Mixed Berry Angel Food Trifle

Remember the one where Rachel decided to make a traditional English trifle for Thanksgiving… and it was a huge mess due to a recipe mix-up? This one isn’t quite as “traditional” as Rachel’s (thank goodness, because Ross said it tasted like feet), but it’s close enough. And, thanks to the angel food cake and cornucopia of delicious berries, it’s also completely delish, so you won’t mess it up the way she did. (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

The Healthy Foodie

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Acorn Squash

In “The One With the Late Thanksgiving,” despite all the confusion over whether or not Thanksgiving will take place at all and WHAT TIME everyone should show up (seriously, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, and Joey!), we spot some Brussels sprouts on the Thanksgiving table. We think Monica would totally approve of this rendition, which also features acorn squash, dates, and walnuts. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Damn Delicious

Homemade Tater Tots

If you don’t know why we’ve included tater tots on our list, you need to go back and re-watch season one. Joey insists on having some tater tots, and we bet Monica would prefer to serve them homemade style. (via Damn Delicious)

The Suburban Soapbox

Citrus and Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Of course, the friends didn’t just enjoy random novelty items. In most of the Friends Thanksgiving episodes, they also had a big, juicy turkey on the table. This super yummy recipe brings out the flavors of your bird with citrus and rich herb butter (we’re talking sage, rosemary, and thyme). (via The Suburban Soapbox)

A Spicy Perspective

Best Mashed Potatoes

What would a proper Friendsgiving be without mashed potatoes?! Pretty much just another dinner, if you ask us. Pro tip: Make sure to bring any add-ins (such as cream cheese, butter, cheese, etc.) to room temperature before adding them in. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Sugar Free Mom

Low Sugar Low Carb Chocolate Pecan Pie

In “The One With The List,” Monica is determined to make mockolate work. While mockolate (that’s mock chocolate) may not be a real thing, you can in fact sub out traditional ingredients for low-sugar alternatives. Case in point: this low-sugar, low-carb chocolate creation. (via Sugar Free Mom)

Lauren’s Latest

Super Speedy Double Chocolate Pie

Chocolate pie was supposed to grace the friends’ Thanksgiving table in season 10, but Phoebe and Rachel forget to pick it up. You can whip it up for your own Thanksgiving celebration in a matter of seconds. Almost literally… the base is made from instant pudding. (via Lauren’s Latest)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Candied Yams

Yams are featured in almost every Friends Thanksgiving episode, and we think Monica would totally approve of this super yummy and seasonally fresh dish. Hearty yams are topped with a nut crumble and baked in the oven. Start with canned yams if you want to speed up the cooking process. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Vodka and Biscuits

Roasted Turkey Legs

You may have missed the food in “The One With the Football,” but Monica serves up turkey legs at season three’s Thanksgiving feast. You’ll be brining these bad boys for a good six to eight hours before cooking them for almost two. They’re insanely delicious and totally worth the wait. (via Vodka and Biscuits)

Audrey’s Apron

Apple Pie

Let’s be real — everyone loves apple pie, even the notoriously picky friends. This classic American dessert is a must-have in our book, and Monica has served it in a number of Friends Thanksgiving episodes. (via Audrey’s Apron)

BONUS: Monica’s Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich

Nutmeg Nanny

Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich With Moist Maker

Surprise! Ross would be psyched to know that you too can whip up Monica’s famous leftover Thanksgiving sandwich at home. It even includes the moist maker — an extra slice of bread in the middle that’s soaked in gravy, adding moisture and flavor to the entire creation. Happy Friendsgiving! (via Nutmeg Nanny)

Are the Friends Thanksgiving episodes your favorite? Follow us on Pinterest for more noteworthy recipes inspired by your favorite shows — like these 6 Friends-Inspired Cocktails For Your Reunion Viewing Party!

This post has been updated.

Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the like are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.

Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.

Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!

@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒

2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.

Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.

Riley Williams

3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.

Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.

Meredith Holser

4. Make an orange garland for them.

A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.

Krissy Derrick

5. Craft a candle holder using clay.

You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.

Mariam Antadze / PEXELS

6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.

To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!

Meredith Holser

7. Create a collage out of old magazines.

Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.

Meredith Holser

8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.

Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.

Brit + Co

9. DIY your very own body care line.

Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.

Ron Lach / PEXELS

10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.

Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

11. Make a batch of jam.

If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

12. Make a batch of spice mix.

In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

13. Make a batch of chili oil.

Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.

Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!

Damir / PEXELS

15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.

Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.

小龙 魏 / PEXELS

16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.

You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.

Brit + Co

17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.

Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.

Mati Mango / PEXELS

18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.

It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.

In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!

Brit + Co

19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.

You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.

If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!

Brit + Co

20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.

If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.

To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.

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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.

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
  5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

You and your friends have likely spent countless hours together, decoding everything from imaginationships to the best comfort shows to watch when you're sad. You've probably even settled into a designated role within the group. Maybe you're the super adventurous one, always suggesting friend date ideas for the group to try, while someone else always knows how to comfort everyone when life gets rough. But, have you ever wondered if you're the most empathetic friend in the group? That's easy, just ask Brianna Paruolo, LCMCH. She's the founder and clinical director of On Par Therapyso she knows how to recognize signs you're an empath, plus how to take care of yourself!

TL;DR

  • Empathy is when "you feel what others are feeling."
  • There are physical, emotional, social, and mental signs that you're an empath.
  • You may be an empath if you get physically exhausted after being in crowds, feel anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments, feel responsible for other people's happiness, or you find it hard to distinguish your own feelings from someone else's.

Are there really assigned roles in friend groups or am I just imagining things?

Gary Barnes

Like I said before, it can seem like you and your friends unintentionally gravitate toward certain 'roles.' It's not like anyone woke up one day and decided, "I'm going to be the 'mother hen' of the group," but it tends to happen. Why?

Paruolo says, "In my clinical work, I've consistently observed that our friendship roles often mirror our early family dynamics. These patterns show up naturally — think about who in your friend group gets the first crisis call, who plans all the gatherings, or who everyone turns to for emotional support." I'm willing to bet you thought of a name for each scenario — including yours — because I know I did!

"Like in families, we each fall into specific roles that feel familiar to us," Paruolo further explains.

What actually makes someone an empathetic person?

cottonbro studio

There's so many definitions for empathy, but I thought it would be wise to ask a licensed professional for her opinion on the matter. "Empathy means to feel what others are feeling. You do not have to have a personal direct experience with something to feel empathy for another person," shares Paruolo.

For example, your friend could call to tell you she has to have fibroid removal surgery and is feeling scared. You may have never had surgery, but you could find yourself feeling the need to comfort her in spite of this. Paruolo says, "The cool thing about our brains is that we have mirror neurons, which means part of our brain is set up to feel what others feel. The ability to attune to others' emotional states comes naturally to some people, while others may need to develop this capacity more consciously."

Yaroslav Shuraev

To break it down even further, here's signs that Paruolo says point to your empathetic nature.

Physical Signs:

  • Getting physically exhausted after being in crowds
  • Feeling drained after social interactions, even enjoyable ones (OMG I feel so seen!)
  • Needing extra time alone to recharge

Emotional Signs:

  • Absorbing other people's emotions like a sponge
  • Feeling anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments
  • Finding it hard to watch violence or cruelty in movies/TV

Social Signs:

  • Feeling responsible for others' happiness
  • Having trouble saying "no" to people who need help

Mental Signs:

  • Picking up on subtle changes in others' moods
  • Being highly attuned to body language and tone
  • Finding it hard to distinguish your feelings from others' feelings

It sounds like I'm the empathetic friend, but are there any downsides to this?

Mikhail Nilov

I've been an empath for as long as I can remember and I've found that I have to 'recharge' my social batteries at times. I thought it was because I was trying to be superwoman by fixing others' problems, but it turns out theres more to it than that. Paruolo says, "Empathetic friends and people have an uncanny ability to sense others' emotional states even when unspoken, and frequently need recovery time after intense social interactions. They tend to be deeply affected by others' experiences and naturally consider situations from multiple perspectives."

In the long run, she says it can be "distressing" for some people to always feel the feelings of others. Over time, she says, "it can cause you to shut down and retract." This can look like not being as quick to respond to the funny memes your friends send you or not even answering their phone calls right away.

cottonbro studio

But, this doesn't mean you're the only person who tends to go through this. "Many empaths struggle with maintaining boundaries due to their deep emotional attunement," she says. Color me guilty because this sounds so much like me. It got so bad at one point that my sister nicknamed me 'Captain Save-A-Lot,' which is actually the clean version of what she truly meant. Still, empathy fatigue is no laughing matter nor does it mean you're defected. You just have the natural ability to show people their feelings are important to you.

How can I protect my peace as the empathetic friend?

Kaboompics.com

You know you need to set boundaries, but what does that mean? Paruolo says, "The key is understanding that empathy needs to be balanced with compassion - it's not just about feeling others' emotions but also knowing how to help without depleting yourself."

One of the things she loves to do is "encourage empaths to set clear boundaries around their emotional availability and make time for regular grounding exercises." As with gratitude journaling, try to focus on an activity that calls for you to be present. Focus on what you can hear, see, touch, taste, and smell.

"Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's essential maintenance for empaths. This might mean scheduling alone time, finding a supportive therapist, or joining communities where you can process your experiences," Paruolo implores.

I know how to be there for others, but how do I ask for emotional support when I need it?

Vitaly Gariev

You may feel like it's impossible to ask others for help since your shoulders are the ones people cry on, but you're only doing yourself a disservice by not speaking up. No one's super resilient or able to handle all of their distressing feelings alone. We're not meant to.

It's the reason Paruolo wants you to speak up about what you need. "The most effective approach I've seen is being direct about your needs rather than hoping others will figure them out," she says. I made this mistake during postpartum and found myself expecting my family & friends to know exactly how I felt, but they're not mind readers. The more I verbally asked for help with little or big tasks, the more my mental and emotional load lightened.

Paruolo wants you to look at "asking for support as strengthening your friendships through trust and vulnerability, instead of waiting until you're overwhelmed." By the time you reach that point, you'll be ready to enter rage or full-blown shut down mode and they're not fun.

Avoid unlocking their proverbial doors by scheduling "regular check-ins with trusted friends," suggests Paruolo. "This creates a sustainable support system and helps prevent emotional crisis points.

We have even more self-care stories for you to dive into if you need a mental and emotional boost!

Holiday movies are one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy or romance, we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a mug of comforting hot chocolateand snuggle up with a blanket. Here are our picks for the most highly anticipated new Christmas movies releasing soon!

​Trivia at St. Nick's — On The Hallmark Channel November 8, 2024

Hallmark Channel

Let’s be honest, we all love when Pretty Little Liars co-stars reunite for a new project and the Hallmark Channel is delivering with Trivia at St. Nick’s. When Celeste and Max end up on the same team for their university's annual faculty Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament, they discover a newfound friendship — and chemistry. Who knows what could happen between the two of them before the championship?

Trivia at St. Nick’s stars Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty.

​Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

The holidays can be hard for those dealing with a loss, which is something Kathy is still experiencing. However, what will happen after she magically brings a handsome snowman to life? Will she learn to love again?

Hot Frosty stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Katy Mixon Greer, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, Joe Lo Truglio, and Craig Robinson.

​Red One — In Theaters November 15, 2024

Karen Neal/Amazon MGM Studios

Who doesn’t love an action-packed holiday adventure with Dwayne Johnson as the North Pole's main security guard and Chris Evans as a bounty hunter? Throw in a kidnapped Santa Claus and you have a Red One Christmas.

Red One stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons.

​An Almost Christmas Story — On Disney+ November 15, 2024

Walt Disney Studios

The third and final installment of Alfonso Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+ is almost here, and it follows the adventure of an unlikely duo: a young owl called Moon and a lost little girl named Luna, both wanting to make it home for the holidays. This Christmas movie was was inspired by the tiny owl who was actually rescued from NYC's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020!

An Almost Christmas Story stars Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, Mamoudou Athie, Alex Ross Perry, Gianna Joseph, Phil Rosenthal, Natasha Lyonne, and John C. Reilly.

The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland — On Hulu November 15, 2024

Universal Pictures/Hulu

There's nothing more festive than an animated musical and this year, we’re finally getting the film adaptation of Carys Bexington’s The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, which is a perfect mix of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland. Down the rabbit hole we go!

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland stars Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler, and Simone Ashley.

​The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen is your classic story of a former big-city girl returning to her parents’ small-town to save the day, but with a twist…a steamy, all-male Christmas-themed production!

The Merry Gentlemen stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel.

​Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27, 2024

Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

Christmas with your ex? Definitely not fun for anyone, especially when you’re stuck under the same roof with new partners. Prepare for a whole lot of chaos and mixed feelings!

Our Little Secret stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

​Nutcrackers — On Hulu November 29, 2024

Nutcracker Productions LLC/Hulu

Ben Stiller is back on our screens after seven years in Nutcrackers! The comedy is filled with heart and tells the story of Mike, who's all work and no play. Everything turns upside down when he becomes the guardian for his orphaned nephews. What’s extra fun is actors Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are actually siblings in real life.

Nutcrackers stars Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Arlo Janson, and Atlas Janson.

​A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

After Sabrina Carpenter’s incredible sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, she’s ready to give us the holiday special we deserve this season. That’s right, it’s a nonsense Christmas with the singer performing songs from her fruitcake holiday EP as well as some unforgettable covers. Plus, we all know there will be some fun surprises!

A Nonsense Christmas stars Sabrina Carpenter.

​A Carpenter Christmas Romance — On Lifetime December 21

Lifetime/A+E

Andrea escapes to her family’s farmhouse to finish her novel. This leads to a run-in with her woodworker ex-crush, who's helping rebuild the town after a tragedy. Naturally, sparks fly.

A Carpenter Christmas Romance stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert.

​Oh. What. Fun. — On Prime Video Soon

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Claire's preparing to celebrate Christmas with a special family outing, until they forget her (giving classic Home Alone vibes). While this could lead to a miserable holiday for everyone, Claire's determined to get back to her family.

Oh. What. Fun. stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, and Maude Apatow.

​Champagne Problems — On Netflix Soon

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Clase Azul

Who doesn’t want to take a trip to the city of love? Friday Night Lights' Minka Kelly is set to play an executive who goes to France in hopes of obtaining a well-known champagne brand. But life has other plans when she falls in love with the founder’s son.

Champagne Problems stars Minka Kelly.

Here are 28 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For The Holidays to go with your holiday watching :).