And unfortunately, many of us have also lost said person, making them “the one that got away.” These separations leave a noticeable hole in our lives and our hearts, triggering deep grief and even panic. 

Getting over someone you believed was “the one” is no easy feat. For some time following the split, you might experience denial, anger, depression, and even fear that you’ve lost your one chance at true love. But I promise you: that’s not the case.

Here are three tips for getting over the person you thought was your soulmate.

1. Challenge the Idea of ‘The One’

Growing up, I believed there was only one person created specifically for me. I’d read countless romance novels that only fueled that sentiment, hoping one day, I would meet my person and settle down for a peaceful, fulfilling life with them.

But over the years—and after experiencing different forms of heartbreak—my perspective has shifted. Call me jaded, but I don’t buy into the myth of “the one” anymore. Personally, I believe there are many people with whom we can fall in love, form a healthy attachment, and build a beautiful future.

Love might be a feeling, but it’s also a choice. And if someone chooses to betray or walk away from you, they probably aren’t meant to stay in your life. That doesn’t make them the villain, nor does it make you unworthy, and nor does it invalidate the bond you two shared. It merely means they were your person for a season—”the one” to show you how deeply you can love someone, but not “the one” to move forward with.

2. Understand that Love Does Not Equal Ownership

As I mentioned earlier, someone can be “the one” for a season. Long-term commitment is not the end-all, be-all. Life is ever-changing; relationships ebb and flow. Even if you believe the notion that “the one” is the person you will commit to spending your life with, understand that nothing is ever permanent or guaranteed—sometimes not even marriage. People divorce, spouses get sick, dynamics shift…

Of course, this isn’t to say marriage shouldn’t be your goal—I personally hope to get married and start a family one day. Marriage is a beautiful commitment, one that should be respected and taken seriously. But even a lawful union does not equate ownership over another person. Your spouse is still an individual, just as you are.

3. Know You Won’t Miss Out on What’s Meant for You

I remember going through a gut-wrenching heartbreak in my mid-20s, grieving someone I thought for sure would be the father of my kids someday. After nearly six years of dating, we’d talked of getting engaged, tying the knot, checking off all the boxes society has ingrained in us.

But ultimately, we realized we were growing apart more than together. We were still so young, and we had much growing to do individually. 

After the breakup, I thought for sure I would never find someone like him again. And I was right. 

No two people—no two partners—are the same. We all bring out different sides of each other, and I truly believe that certain people come into our lives when we need them, whether to teach us valuable lessons or to show us the kind of love we deserve.

I might not have met someone like my ex, but I have met new types of people. New friends, new partners, new connections that helped me grow in ways I wouldn’t have—couldn’t have—with him. And I’m sure he can say the same about me.

Does that take away from the relationship we once had? Of course, not. If anything, it’s a testament to how genuine our bond was at the time. 

Respect and express gratitude for the love you shared with your ex while acknowledging that your relationship didn’t work out for a reason. Trust what’s around the corner, and believe you will never miss out on what’s truly meant for you.

The post 3 Tips for Getting Over the Person You Thought Was ‘The One’ appeared first on VICE.

1. Stay In and Cook Together

Who says you need to go out on New Year’s Eve? Staying in, especially with your lover, can be just as—if not more—fun as hitting the bars or dining at a fancy restaurant. There are plenty of ways to make the night feel special from the comfort of your own home. For example, you can create a menu that suits your taste, featuring savory appetizers, a hearty meal, and delicious desserts, and try new recipes together as a couple. This makes for the perfect bonding opportunity. 

2. Set Couple’s Resolutions

Just as you’d set your own New Year’s resolutions, consider setting some as a couple. Write down promises you’d like to keep to yourselves and each other going into the new year, such as planning more date nights, hitting the gym together, or finally setting aside money for that romantic getaway you’ve been dreaming of. I’m convinced there’s power in mutual goals. When both people share the same intentions, you can hold each other accountable for sticking to your resolutions. 

3. Book a Hotel or Airbnb for the Night

Want to get away from the mundane without having to face noisy crowds? Consider booking a night at an Airbnb or hotel to enjoy some peace and quiet, along with some much-deserved alone time. A change of scenery can make even the simplest of plans feel more special. 

4. Host a Movie Marathon

Want to stay in and binge-watch some comfort films with your partner to ring in the new year? Host a New-Year’s-themed movie marathon with your favorite takeout, snacks, and warm beverages. This cozy night is the ideal way to celebrate the end of the holiday season while unwinding with your lover. Just make sure you stick with feel-good films so you can start 2026 on a happy note.

5. Recreate Your First Date

Looking for a romantic way to spend New Year’s Eve? Consider recreating your and your partner’s first date, paying tribute to the moment that started it all. Did you hit up a local bar the night you met? Head there for a few drinks. Maybe you went with the classic dinner and movie date. Make reservations at the same restaurant and see a new movie at the same theater for some nostalgic plans. It’s a surefire way to keep the spark alive.

6. Bundle Up for a Nighttime Walk

New Year’s Eve can be cold and dreary in many places, and heading outside might not seem appealing. However, if you bundle up in your warmest clothes, brew some hot chocolate, tea, or even mulled wine, and venture out with your lover for some fresh air, it can be especially romantic. Then, once you’re home with flushed cheeks and cold hands, cuddle up next to the fire to watch the ball drop together.

7. Make Cocktails at Home

You don’t have to go clubbing or bar hopping to enjoy some tasty alcoholic drinks. Why not look up some of your favorite cocktail recipes, pick up the necessary ingredients, and make each other some festive bevs for the evening? There’s nothing quite like getting toasty with your lover—especially from the warmth and privacy of your own home.

The post 7 New Year’s Eve Date Ideas That Aren’t Just Staring at Fireworks in Silence appeared first on VICE.

A recent survey reported by StudyFinds suggests the habit is actually pretty common. One in six adults currently in relationships says there is someone in their life they would leave their partner for if that person showed romantic interest. Not a hypothetical stranger. An actual person they already know. The data comes from a Talker Research survey of 1,279 Americans who said they were in committed relationships.

That finding sits alongside another revealing number from the same research. One in five Americans in relationships says they don’t consider their current partner their soulmate. Millennials were the generation most likely to believe in the soulmate concept overall. Wanting a romantic ideal and feeling settled in a real relationship don’t always line up.

There are also notable differences between men and women. Nineteen percent of men said they have someone they would leave their partner for, compared to 12 percent of women. Women, on the other hand, were slightly more likely to say their partner isn’t their soulmate. The survey doesn’t claim these are the same people, but taken together, the numbers suggest many couples are functioning with unanswered questions about commitment.

Clinical psychologist Adam Horvath says that internal tension isn’t unusual. “It is not uncommon to think we could leave our partner for the new, exciting, mysterious other one, but it matters how we respond to these feelings,” he said. “If you often find yourself emotionally invested outside your relationship, that’s a signal to look at why your boundaries are dropping.”

Horvath is careful to separate attraction from behavior. “We’re human. Attraction does not turn off when we say ‘I choose you,’” he said. “What matters is what we do with our feelings, and whether we’re honest with ourselves about why they’re there.” Having a crush or imagining a different outcome doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed.

The situation becomes more serious when people start comparing their partner to an imagined version of someone else. “When we compare our real partner to a fantasy of someone else, and check out because there’s something better,” Horvath explained, “that often reflects something missing that the other person represents.” He pointed to things like novelty, playfulness, or feeling understood without trying.

Taken together, the survey offers a blunt snapshot of modern commitment. For many people, staying in a relationship is an active decision rather than a lack of alternatives. Whether having a backup person is harmless or a warning sign depends on how honestly someone is willing to look at what that attachment says about their relationship.

The post Having a Relationship ‘Backup Person’ Is More Common Than You Think appeared first on VICE.

A new survey from Talker Research suggests that feeling is more common than people admit. One in five Americans currently in a relationship says their partner is not their soulmate. The survey included 2,000 adults, with 1,279 respondents saying they were partnered. Eighty percent said their partner is “the one.” Twenty percent said nope.

Part of the tension comes from how loose the word soulmate is. For some, it means destiny and emotional ease. For others, it means trust, shared values, and choosing the same person even when nothing feels cinematic. The survey didn’t ask respondents to define the term, which leaves space for people who feel committed without feeling cosmically certain.

Your ‘Soulmate’ Might Have a Backup Partner

Another finding adds some discomfort. Sixteen percent of people in relationships said there’s someone in their life they would leave their current partner for if that person showed romantic interest. The stat doesn’t imply someone is halfway out the door. It implies people notice temptation and decide what lines not to cross.

Adam Horvath, a clinical psychologist at Personal Psychology, addressed that reality directly. “We’re human. Attraction does not turn off when we say ‘I choose you,’” he told New York Post. Horvath emphasized that noticing feelings for someone else doesn’t automatically mean someone is a bad partner or that their relationship is failing. It means they’re paying attention to their internal world.

Problems surface when attraction becomes an escape route. Horvath explained that comparing a real partner to an imagined version of someone else often highlights something missing. Not necessarily a different person, but a quality that feels absent, like novelty, playfulness, or excitement. In those moments, the fantasy says more about the relationship’s pressure points than about destiny.

The survey also showed small gender differences. Women were slightly more likely to say their partner isn’t their soulmate. Men were more likely to say they’d leave their partner for someone else if the opportunity appeared. Millennials stood out as the group most likely to believe in soulmates at all, which makes sense for a generation raised on rom-coms and curated love stories.

None of this feels like a crisis. It feels like people trying to balance romantic ideals with adult reality, and occasionally admitting the two don’t line up perfectly. 

The post Are You With Your Soulmate? There’s a 20% Chance Your Partner Would Say No. appeared first on VICE.

A survey from matchmaking service Tawkify suggests plenty of couples play along anyway. Nearly 40 percent of people in relationships said they have faked happiness with their partner during the holidays.

About 79 percent said couples get more “performative” online this time of year, and nearly 1 in 4 admitted they shared holiday posts that didn’t actually reflect what was happening off camera. We all know it. #blessed

Tawkify calls this season a time of “holding on,” even when “the heart is already halfway out the door.” That line explains why December can keep people stuck. Nobody wants to be the villain at the office party. Nobody wants to blow up a family dinner. Nobody wants the pity invite on New Year’s Eve.

The survey’s numbers match that emotional math. More than 1 in 4 respondents said they stayed in an unhappy relationship just to get through the season. Twenty-seven percent said they remained past the relationship’s “emotional expiration date.”

Forty percent postponed the breakup for one to two months, and 20 percent stretched it to three months or longer. Fourteen percent even set a breakup deadline for after the holidays. Fifteen percent said they kept it going to avoid being single on New Year’s Eve. Yeesh.

December also comes with built-in relationship exams. The survey found 48 percent of people see Christmas as a bigger test than Valentine’s Day, and 45 percent felt pressure to hit milestones like meeting parents or making the relationship official. Then the outside stress piles on.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Healthy Minds Poll warned that the season “can be fraught with stress” for some people, driven by finances, family relations, and grief. Add that to a shaky relationship, and the easiest choice can look like smiling through dinner and promising yourself you will deal with it in January.

That choice buys time. It also costs honesty. The best gift you can give yourself might be listening to your gut. 

The post More Couples Than You Think Are Faking Happiness at the Holidays appeared first on VICE.

But is your relationship in the right spot to pull the trigger on living together? Here are five signs you’re ready to move in with your partner.

1. You Spend Most Nights Together

If you and your partner have sleepovers most nights of the week, moving in together might be a natural next step.

“Couples often ‘move in’ long before they formally move in together,” says Charisse Cooke, accredited psychotherapist and relationship expert at Flirtini. “If you constantly have each other’s belongings at home, spend most nights together, and plan weekends as a team, you already have a shared routine.”

2. You’re Financially Compatible

Apparently, there’s a new dating trend on the horizon: heatuationships. According to Cooke, this refers to couples who move in together simply to save some money during the winter, especially to cope with rising heating bills. In fact, a survey by Casinos Analyzer found that 22% of couples would cohabit sooner to split winter bills.

Of course, your financial struggles should not be the sole reason you’re moving in with your partner. However, if you’re both financially compatible, it certainly can help you save money.

“Sharing expenses creates less stress, which contributes to healthier relationships,” says Cooke. “It requires conversations about money, equitable sharing, and living practicalities. Because of this, the reality of life informs a deeper sense of partnership, as both parties confront financial responsibility together as a team.”

3. Your Daily Routines Are Aligned

If your routine is similar to your partner’s (e.g., you both wake up at the same time or go to the gym in the evenings), you’ll likely live well together. 

“When partners have similar microbehaviors such as sleep schedules, pace of life, and daily habits, all of them are the strongest predictors of successful cohabitation,” says Cooke. “Gottman’s research shows that ‘rhythmic compatibility’ is more important than similar hobbies or even temperament.”

4. You’re Both Emotionally Mature

Two hostile partners moving in together is a recipe for disaster. Before taking that next step, you must both reach a level of emotional maturity toward each other, working through conflicts with respect and healthy communication.

“If you have healthy conflict dynamics, this is a sign of readiness,” says Cooke. “When you don’t avoid difficult topics, you understand each other’s triggers, don’t try to win arguments, and have no issue with apologizing, it can compound into a healthy long-term relationship.”

5. You Factor Each Other Into Your Decisions

When you’re in a healthy, mature relationship, you’ll naturally consider your partner when making decisions—no matter how small they might be. This is a great sign you’re ready to take the next step.

“You don’t have to wait for a 5-year plan to move in together,” Cooke clarifies. “Small gestures, such as buying groceries with your partner’s preferences in mind, planning trips taking into account your partner’s schedule, and sharing responsibility for small things, are more than a sign that you’re ready for the next move.”

The post 5 Signs You’re Finally Ready to Move in With Your Partner appeared first on VICE.

Aaaand you likely know just how copy-and-paste many of the profiles are. Regardless of their gender, dating app users tend to reuse the same bios or cliches to attract attention. For example, “I love to travel” might seem like a harmless, alluring “about me” phrase, but it’s so overused that many people are starting to view it as a red flag.

According to Christopher Alesich, relationship expert and CEO of Sister Wives, this is a common yet cringeworthy trend called “template dating.” This occurs when you default to standard dating terms or profile trends just to secure matches.

The problem? You shouldn’t be trying to fit in—you should want to stand out.

What Is Template Dating?

Template dating basically involves using cliches to attract attention on dating apps. One common example is the statement “I love to travel.” Even if it’s true, it’s become such a go-to phrase that some users view it as a turnoff.

“When I see ‘I love to travel’ in a bio, I see it as a beige flag and a form of template dating,” says Alesich. “It’s not quite a red flag, but a glaring signal that someone’s playing it safe with copy-paste advice from 2015. Show people why you’re interesting, don’t just state the obvious.”

Template dating often makes people feel less connected, as it communicates what you think the other person wants to hear.

“A decade ago, this made you sound interesting. But now? You’re one of six people in a row saying the exact same thing,” says Alesich. “You’re competing with thousands of profiles in your area, and most of them sound the same. People need to give more of themselves to gain matches. Dating has evolved, but so many bios clearly haven’t.”

Why You Should Avoid a Travel-Focused Dating Profile

If you love to travel, you certainly don’t need to hide that from potential dating app matches. However, don’t rely on it as your sole form of connection. With nearly 1 in 6 dating profiles relying on travel or adventure clichés, you’re likely not going to stand out.

“Loving travel isn’t the problem,” explains Alesich. “It’s that declaring it doesn’t make you stand out … People think it makes them sound cultured and adventurous, but when everyone sounds the same, it stops being interesting and lumps you in a category. And once you’re placed there, you become easy to scroll past.”

In my opinion, you should never hide the parts of your life you’re most passionate about. So, if that truly is traveling, use your photos to show rather than tell.

“Writing this in your bio is the equivalent of saying ‘I like to have fun’—it’s true, but tells potential matches almost nothing about you,” Alesich says. “Don’t get caught in the trap.”

Additionally, Alesich recommends replacing generic claims with personal stories. For example, instead of just stating you love to visit new places, bring up a specific travel anecdote that conveys your adventurous spirit. Move away from universal experiences and focus on what makes you unique.

The post You’ll Get More Dating App Matches If You Ditch ‘Template Dating’ appeared first on VICE.

Tawkify surveyed 1,000 Americans about holiday dating timelines, and the headline is brutal. More than 1 in 4 people, 26 percent, said they brought a partner home for the holidays and later regretted it, according to Tawkify’s Holiday Dating Timeline Survey. If you have ever watched a new partner try to decode your family’s inside jokes while someone loudly asks what their “intentions” are, this number feels right.

A lot of this comes down to basic timing. In the survey, 39 percent of respondents said couples should date for at least six months before doing the holiday intro. Meanwhile, 1 in 10 said one month is enough. Tawkify also found millennials were more likely than Gen Z to sign off on the one-month timeline. 

That pressure is clear in the data, too. Nearly a quarter of people, 24 percent, said they felt pushed to bring someone home before they were ready. The problem is that “home for the holidays” carries a loaded meaning. Tawkify found that 72 percent think bringing someone home makes the relationship “official.”

It’s Not You, It’s Your Weird Family

Then there’s the family factor, aka the part you cannot control. In the survey, 20 percent said they felt judged by their family based on who they brought. More than a third said their family told embarrassing stories, and 23 percent said relatives asked awkward or inappropriate questions. A full 32 percent even agreed that introducing someone too soon can “curse the relationship.” Cursed sounds crazy, but also, maybe?

Holiday stress makes everything just a bit spicier. The American Psychiatric Association has noted that the season can be stressful for many people, with common triggers like finances, family conflict, and grief. Add a new partner to that pressure cooker, and you can see why 12 percent admitted staying in a relationship longer than they wanted, just to get through the holidays.

So, if you’re newly in a relationship, maybe sit out the first round, wait til next year. Bring a dessert. Bring a buffer friend. And stop putting so much pressure on your relationship status at the holidays. 

The post Think Twice Before Bringing a Date Home for the Holidays, 26% Regret It appeared first on VICE.

According to the Millennial Intimacy Forecast for 2026 by Dating.com, 71% of respondents say nerds are sexy, proving that more daters are finally factoring in personality when searching for potential partners. Of course, that’s not to say that nerds aren’t physically attractive. Rather, it shows that fewer people will be wooed by superficial charm or lust-fueled chemistry. Instead, they’ll search for deeper connections and more emotional attraction.

“Millennials are reshaping the meaning of intimacy, companionship, boundaries, and even what it means to ‘be together,’” the report states. “They are widely considered the burnout generation for a reason. They came of age during financial crises, unstable job markets, the rise of hustle culture, and a decade of ‘always-on’ digital life. Their emotional bandwidth has been stretched for so long that exhaustion isn’t an episode—it’s a baseline.”

Smart Is Sexy Now, and Nerds Are About to Run Dating Apps

Given these facts, it’s understandable that Millennials are questioning the current (toxic) dating culture, neglecting the superficial, time-wasting dating trends that have dominated 2025.

“After years of carrying more emotional load than any generation before them, it’s no surprise that today’s dating and friendship dynamics look radically different, shaped by the rise of virtual intimacy as a sustainable way to connect,” the report continues. “This year’s findings show a culture that has hit emotional capacity—and is now rebuilding its relationship norms from the ground up.”

What will 2026 hold for Millennials in the dating world? More nerdiness, hopefully.

What Defines a ‘Nerd’ In This Context?

According to the report, nerds aren’t just “educated” and “capable” individuals. No, the definition digs far deeper than that.

The attractive nerds are the “actual nerds: bookworms, Dungeons & Dragons players, obsessives with deep knowledge about niche topics,” the report states.

The Millennial Intimacy Forecast referred to this phenomenon as “substance attraction,” which is basically attraction stemming from a genuine emotional connection, with a focus on someone’s character, intelligence, and depth. 

You might be wondering…why the uptick in this form of dating at this time? (And why didn’t it occur sooner?)

According to the report, the sudden shift is “because millennials grew up with chaos—financial crises, political volatility, burnout culture.”

“What’s attractive now is stability, competence, and someone who can disappear into a passion instead of disappearing from the relationship,” the report states. “Nerds have depth, interests, and consistency. They don’t perform cool—they live in whatever they genuinely care about.”

Why Nerds Are Winning on Dating Apps

According to Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, resident therapist at Dating.com, while nerdiness might have been a turnoff in more shallow dating contexts, it is now considered a green flag. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be with someone with passion and intelligence?  

“Superficial charm and constant self-display are taking a back burner,” says Bronstein. “People are looking for safety, emotional maturity, and stability over emotional flight.”

Sounds like the dream, to be honest. These are all admirable traits to find in a partner. Long gone are the days of prioritizing physical appearance and “charm” above an attractive personality and actual connection. At least, for me—and 71% of Millennials, apparently.

“Bottom line: classic intelligence and emotional intelligence are attractive!” Bronstein explains. “Someone genuinely interested in a subject brings presence, intrigue, and consistency in a relationship. These are qualities that were long unrewarded by social media clout, yet now are regaining their status in the dating landscape.”

Additionally, Bronstein adds, “nerds” are often more sincere and emotionally deep. In today’s shallow, narcissistic dating world, these traits are a breath of fresh air.

The post Smart Is Sexy: Nerds Are About to Dominate Dating Apps in 2026 appeared first on VICE.

“Togetherness is something that couples often take for granted in [the] very individualized society we live in,” says Jordanne Sculler, LMHC, licensed therapist and friendship expert for Doubles Social. “However, when a couple mutually decides who they want to be friends with and on what basis that friendship will be built, they experience stronger intimacy, communication, shared worldview, and respect for each other.”

Here are the five benefits of couple friendships—and why they matter.

1. Built-In Quality Time

Even couples who live together often struggle to carve out quality time for one another. 

“It sounds simple, but many couples unintentionally spend the bulk of their time apart, whether because of work schedules, travel, or separate social lives,” Sculler says. “Over time, that distance can lead to feeling disconnected.”

However, when you and your partner prioritize group plans with friends, you’re essentially building in some quality time for each other.

“Couple friendships naturally create scheduled, shared experiences that both partners enjoy, helping them reconnect and spend intentional time together,” Sculler says.

2. Boosted Intimacy and Connection

According to Sculler, the happier and more fulfilled you feel individually, the more affectionate and connected to your partner you’ll likely be. Spending time with the right people can be a game-changer.

“When couples spend time with people they genuinely enjoy, dopamine rises and overall happiness increases,” Sculler explains. “That feel-good energy doesn’t stop at the group hangout; it often carries into the relationship itself.”

3. Healthy Pushing of Comfort Zones

Every couple has its own values, boundaries, and routines. Sometimes, exposing ourselves to different dynamics can challenge our own beliefs and trigger personal growth—both individually and as a couple.

“Another couple introduces new perspectives, personalities, and ideas of what’s fun,” says Sculler. “This variety breaks couples out of their usual routines and exposes them to fresh experiences. Growth happens when we stretch beyond the familiar, and couples’ friendships create a built-in opportunity to do just that, together.

4. Meaningful Individual Friendships

You might assume that connecting as couples would keep interactions more surface-level. However, you can form some of the most meaningful, lasting individual friendships this way.

“Couple friendships often lead to deeper one-on-one friendships as well,” says Sculler. “It’s powerful when both partners connect with another couple and discover individual bonds within that group. In a world where so many friendships rely on convenience, meeting new people you truly want to invest in adds richness, support, and genuine connection to life.”

5. Expanded Personal and Professional Networks

One benefit you might not have considered is career development. By expanding your personal network, you may also expand your professional one, as they often overlap.

“Couple friendships can also organically support career growth,” Sculler points out. “New connections might lead to job opportunities, creative brainstorming, or simply valuable conversations about professional highs and lows.” 

When you speak to like-minded individuals about your career passions, you might leave feeling more inspired.

“Sharing these discussions in a group setting can spark motivation, new ideas, and a sense of camaraderie that benefits both the relationship and individual goals,” Sculler says.

The post 5 Reasons You and Your Partner Should Have ‘Couple Friendships’ appeared first on VICE.