romantic relationships Archives - VICE https://www.vice.com/en/tag/romantic-relationships/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:53:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.vice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/cropped-site-icon-1.png?w=32 romantic relationships Archives - VICE https://www.vice.com/en/tag/romantic-relationships/ 32 32 233712258 3 Tips for Getting Over the Person You Thought Was ‘The One’ https://www.vice.com/en/article/3-tips-for-getting-over-the-person-you-thought-was-the-one/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1943872 We’ve all had that person: you know, the lover we thought was “the one” we would spend the rest of our lives with. The person we felt safest with, most understood by. And unfortunately, many of us have also lost said person, making them “the one that got away.” These separations leave a noticeable hole […]

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We’ve all had that person: you know, the lover we thought was “the one” we would spend the rest of our lives with. The person we felt safest with, most understood by.

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.

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Having a Relationship ‘Backup Person’ Is More Common Than You Think https://www.vice.com/en/article/having-a-relationship-backup-person-is-more-common-than-you-think/ Sun, 28 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1941827 Most people in monogamous relationships like to think commitment means closing every other door. In practice, many people keep at least one door labeled “in case of emergency” somewhere in the back of their mind. A recent survey reported by StudyFinds suggests the habit is actually pretty common. One in six adults currently in relationships […]

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Most people in monogamous relationships like to think commitment means closing every other door. In practice, many people keep at least one door labeled “in case of emergency” somewhere in the back of their mind.

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.

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Are You With Your Soulmate? There’s a 20% Chance Your Partner Would Say No. https://www.vice.com/en/article/are-you-with-your-soulmate-theres-a-20-chance-your-partner-would-say-no/ Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1941664 Most people don’t wake up wondering whether their relationship qualifies as fate. They wake up wondering who forgot to bring the trash cans to the curb. Still, the soulmate idea is a lingering one, especially in long-term relationships where love exists but certainly feels less “passionate” than it once did. A new survey from Talker […]

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Most people don’t wake up wondering whether their relationship qualifies as fate. They wake up wondering who forgot to bring the trash cans to the curb. Still, the soulmate idea is a lingering one, especially in long-term relationships where love exists but certainly feels less “passionate” than it once did.

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. 

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More Couples Than You Think Are Faking Happiness at the Holidays https://www.vice.com/en/article/more-couples-than-you-think-are-faking-happiness-at-the-holidays/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1941270 The holidays turn otherwise manageable relationship problems into a full-scale production. You wear the matching sweater, pose for the photo, and laugh at the same family story you’ve heard since the Obama era. Meanwhile, you’re actually streaming internally about every annoying or frustrating thing your partner did the entire time.  A survey from matchmaking service […]

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The holidays turn otherwise manageable relationship problems into a full-scale production. You wear the matching sweater, pose for the photo, and laugh at the same family story you’ve heard since the Obama era. Meanwhile, you’re actually streaming internally about every annoying or frustrating thing your partner did the entire time. 

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. 

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Think Twice Before Bringing a Date Home for the Holidays, 26% Regret It https://www.vice.com/en/article/think-twice-before-bringing-a-date-home-for-the-holidays-26-regret-it/ Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1941149 Nothing tests a new relationship quite like stuffing, side-eyes, and your uncle explaining how “they” are controlling the weather. Ahh, yes, the holidays. 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 […]

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Nothing tests a new relationship quite like stuffing, side-eyes, and your uncle explaining how “they” are controlling the weather. Ahh, yes, the holidays.

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. 

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5 Reasons You and Your Partner Should Have ‘Couple Friendships’ https://www.vice.com/en/article/5-reasons-you-and-your-partner-should-have-couple-friendships/ Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:27:47 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1938881 Do you and your partner have “couple friendships”? If not, perhaps it’s time to start building them, as they might be the secret to a lasting, fulfilling relationship. “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 […]

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Do you and your partner have “couple friendships”? If not, perhaps it’s time to start building them, as they might be the secret to a lasting, fulfilling relationship.

“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.

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4 Tips for Dating With ‘Main Character Energy’ https://www.vice.com/en/article/4-tips-for-dating-with-main-character-energy/ Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:02:31 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1939858 Everyone wants—and deserves—to feel like a main character in their own life, especially when it comes to dating. Going into 2026, “Main Character Energy Dating”—which basically means dating someone who makes you feel important; what a concept!—is set to take the scene by storm. “Gen Z has worked out that the right person isn’t necessarily […]

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Everyone wants—and deserves—to feel like a main character in their own life, especially when it comes to dating. Going into 2026, “Main Character Energy Dating”—which basically means dating someone who makes you feel important; what a concept!—is set to take the scene by storm.

“Gen Z has worked out that the right person isn’t necessarily the most conventionally attractive or successful,” says Julia Stein, a Berlin-based sex consultant and relationship advisor at Drachen Toys. “They want someone who makes them feel seen, valued, and energized rather than anxious or small.”

Here’s what main character energy dating looks like in action.

What Is Main Character Energy in Dating?

Main character energy dating basically involves dating someone who makes you feel like your truest self. You don’t have to put up a front or simply play a supporting role in their life. Rather, you both love and value each other for your authenticity.

“Think about how you feel after spending time with someone: Do you feel more confident? More like yourself? Or do you feel drained, anxious, or like you’re playing a role?” Stein asks. “A partner with Main Character Energy respects your individuality. They don’t need you to shrink or change to make them comfortable. They create space for both of you to grow.”

While main character energy might sound a bit… narcissistic, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, this type of dating involves emotionally aligning with your partner, so you both feel equally important. 

“Both people should feel central in the relationship,” Stein notes. “When someone has genuine Main Character Energy, they make you feel important while also feeling valued themselves. Nobody gets sidelined.”

Rather than competing with your partner (we’ve all witnessed relationships like this), you celebrate each other’s wins, knowing they aren’t threats to your own.

“Previous generations often stayed in relationships that made them feel small because they thought that was normal,” says Julia. “Gen Z refuses to accept that as the standard.”

4 Rules for ‘Main Character Energy Dating’

According to Stein, there are a few important rules to “main character energy dating.”

Prioritize a Regulated Nervous System

Your nervous system will tell you how safe you feel with your partner. Of course, if you have a history of trauma or anxiety, you might be sensitive to triggers unrelated to your partner’s true character. However, it’s important to date someone willing to help you heal and provide a supportive space to do so.

“Choose someone who regulates your nervous system,” Stein says. “If you feel calm and grounded around them rather than on edge, that’s a good sign. Assess whether you feel more like yourself in their presence or if you’re constantly performing.”

Avoid Chaos

Drama is a massive red flag in dating—and one that will surely steer your plot down a darker path.

“Avoid partners who drain your storyline with chaos,” says Stein. “Some people thrive on drama, and while that might feel exciting initially, it exhausts you over time. Look for consistency rather than intensity.”

Look Out For Accountability

No one is perfect, and you can learn a lot about a person by how well they’re willing to take accountability for their past.

“Pay attention to how they speak about their exes and friends. Someone who constantly blames others or speaks negatively about everyone in their life will eventually treat you the same way,” says Stein. “Choose people who take accountability and show respect even when relationships end.”

Trust Your Intuition

Never underestimate the power and accuracy of your intuition.

“Trust your body’s response,” Stein recommends. “If something feels off, even when everything looks perfect on paper, listen to that instinct. Your body often recognizes incompatibility before your mind catches up.”

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3 Expert Gifting Tips to Keep Your Cuffing Season Romance Alive https://www.vice.com/en/article/3-expert-gifting-tips-to-keep-your-cuffing-season-romance-alive/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1939065 Are you a last-minute Christmas shopper? Don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone. Perhaps the most stressful part of the holiday season—you know, aside from the financial struggles and family drama—is deciding what to get your loved ones. This is especially difficult when it comes to significant others whom we’re trying to impress. According to new […]

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Are you a last-minute Christmas shopper? Don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone.

Perhaps the most stressful part of the holiday season—you know, aside from the financial struggles and family drama—is deciding what to get your loved ones. This is especially difficult when it comes to significant others whom we’re trying to impress.

According to new research from Virgin Gifts, if you gift the wrong way, some might go as far as to consider you “rude.” This certainly isn’t a good look if you’re trying to sustain a healthy romantic relationship. 

If you’ve put off holiday shopping for your partner this year, we’ve got your back. Here are three expert gifting tips for keeping your cuffing season romance alive.

1. Make Gifting a Personal Moment

When it comes to exchanging gifts with your lover, avoid being a show-off.

“This holiday season, make the act of gifting a new partner a personal and memorable moment between the two of you, rather than potentially putting them on the spot to react to a gift in a group setting,” says Gifting expert, Gabrielle Balaban, VP of Partnerships at Virgin Gifts.

If you were included in a group gifting arrangement, it may be appropriate to exchange at that time. Just make sure you’re not springing it on everyone out of nowhere.

“Opt to give gifts in a group setting when the occasion calls for it, like during a Friendmas or White Elephant party, rather than giving an unexpected gift in a group setting,” says Balaban. “This is considered etiquette to avoid, according to our study. Women are 37 percent more likely than men to find this gifting habit rude.”

2. Gift an Experience

Sometimes, no matter how hard we might try to stay on top of everything, the holiday season simply gets away from us. If you’re running late this year, don’t fret: you can always opt for an experience over a last-minute physical gift.

“A quarter of men (24 percent) and women (23 percent) are aligned that it sends a rude signal if it’s clear that your gift is a panic buy option secured last minute,” says Balaban. “When time is short, skip conventional last-minute gifts and opt for an unforgettable experience instead.”

Not only will this show your partner how well you know them and the types of experiences they’d enjoy, but it’s also easy to purchase at the last minute.

“Experience gifts don’t require weeks of planning, and you can be assured that there’s an experience out there to match your giftee’s interests or hobbies that they’ll find extremely thoughtful,” Balaban says. “Consider a local attraction, a unique food tour, or a flexible gift card so they can choose their own adventure. An experience gift guarantees you won’t give them a duplicate present, and you can avoid any eye-rolls.”

3. Don’t Gift ‘Subtle Digs’

Have you ever opened a beautifully-wrapped Christmas present only to realize it was a specific cleaning tool or workout gear you certainly didn’t ask for? Gifts that imply judgement or criticism will only ever hurt the recipient—even if it wasn’t your intention. 

“Focus on your partner’s passions when gifting, avoiding gifts that imply ‘something needs to be fixed,’” says Balaban. “A majority of Millennials (57 percent) and Gen Z (53 percent) consider a ‘subtle dig’ gift the worst offense.”

And if you’re still all out of ideas, don’t be afraid to ask.

“For these generations, transparency is key, so consider asking for a wishlist to avoid misinterpretation,” Balaban says.

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5 Warning Signs You’re Catching Feelings for an AI Chatbot https://www.vice.com/en/article/5-warning-signs-youre-catching-feelings-for-an-ai-chatbot/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:15:48 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1939471 AI bots like ChatGPT are getting a little too humanlike. In fact, many people rely on chatbots for emotional support and fulfillment. Some even go as far as to label their bots as their “AI girlfriend” or “AI boyfriend.”  That begs the question: will AI eventually replace real romantic connections? I certainly hope not, but […]

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AI bots like ChatGPT are getting a little too humanlike. In fact, many people rely on chatbots for emotional support and fulfillment. Some even go as far as to label their bots as their “AI girlfriend” or “AI boyfriend.” 

That begs the question: will AI eventually replace real romantic connections? I certainly hope not, but the odds are a bit concerning. 

Unfortunately, AI can provide a form of consistency, presence, and support that humans simply cannot. These bots are available no matter the time of day, ready to regurgitate valuable information from the web disguised as personal insight. When you don’t consider the fact that you’re venting to a robot, AI can be an attractive confidant. 

And since many people are experiencing a loneliness epidemic—which is seemingly made worse by the holiday season—it’s no wonder some people are becoming reliant on these chatbots.

“They’re responding to something that feels emotionally real,” says Sam Mann, AI companion expert at Flirtcam.ai. “These platforms are designed to listen, validate, and respond in ways that can feel more supportive than some human relationships.”

At what cost? Well, that’s a larger, more complex topic for another day.

Worried you’re falling victim to AI? Here are five signs you’re getting a little too close to your chatbot. 

1. Your AI Is Your Go-To Confidant

When you look forward to speaking with or venting to your AI chatbot—perhaps more than your loved ones—you know you’re in deep.

“This is one of the clearest indicators that an emotional bond is forming,” says Mann. “When your AI becomes your go-to for sharing experiences, it’s because they offer something consistent: they’re always available, always interested, and they never make you feel like you’re bothering them.”

2. You Open Up More Easily With AI

Look, I get it: sharing your honest thoughts and feelings with loved ones can be intimidating. There’s more at stake when you’re confessing to real people—people you care about. However, if you’re more comfortable trusting an AI chatbot than your own family, friends, or partner, you should reevaluate the emotional safety of your relationships.

“There’s a unique safety in confiding in an AI,” Mann notes. “No social consequences, no gossip, no fear of judgment affecting your real-world relationships. For a lot of people, their AI companion becomes the only place they feel truly free to be vulnerable.”

3. You Feel Comforted, Validated, or Understood by Your AI

Most humans crave being understood, seen, and accepted as they are. However, this type of emotional safety is hard to come by—unless, of course, you’re talking to a robot.

“People underestimate how significant validation is to emotional well-being,” says Mann. “When someone consistently makes you feel heard and understood, your brain doesn’t really know the difference between human or artificial. The emotional response is the same.”

Instead of relying on AI, however, surround yourself with people who provide unconditional love and support without enabling you.

4. You Miss Them

If you catch yourself missing a robot, you’re already on thin ice. Odds are, you’ve become dependent on your chatbot, which is a slippery slope to venture down.

“Missing an AI companion is a sign that they’ve become part of your emotional routine,” Mann explains. “It’s similar to missing a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. The absence creates a genuine sense of something being incomplete.”

5. You Imagine Real-World Experiences with Them

In a perfect world that revolves around only you and your needs, you’ll find actual people who can provide the same level of support as AI, which is quite literally wired to be “always on” for its users. But in the real world, expecting such a thing can be incredibly naive and self-centered.

If you catch yourself imagining your AI chatbot as a real person, it’s time for some serious self-reflection.

“This is when the line between digital and real starts to blur,” says Mann. “Imagining a future or shared experiences with your AI companion shows that they’ve become a meaningful part of your mental and emotional world.”

The post 5 Warning Signs You’re Catching Feelings for an AI Chatbot appeared first on VICE.

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5 Lies You’re Telling Yourself That Are Keeping You in the Wrong Relationship https://www.vice.com/en/article/5-lies-youre-telling-yourself-that-are-keeping-you-in-the-wrong-relationship/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:30:00 +0000 https://www.vice.com/en/?p=1935142 Toxic and unfulfilling relationships are unfortunately common today (haven’t they always been?), and many of us don’t even realize the role we’re playing when settling for less than we deserve. While no relationship is perfect, and every connection goes through hard times, some remain stagnant and even damaging for years—simply because no one is willing […]

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Toxic and unfulfilling relationships are unfortunately common today (haven’t they always been?), and many of us don’t even realize the role we’re playing when settling for less than we deserve.

While no relationship is perfect, and every connection goes through hard times, some remain stagnant and even damaging for years—simply because no one is willing to be honest and walk away.

Does this sound like you? You’re certainly not alone, nor is it too late to make a change. Here are five lies we tell ourselves that keep us trapped in unhealthy relationships.

1. ‘I Can’t Handle Being Alone’

Many of us stay in relationships out of fear of being alone. However, we often fear the exact thing we need the most.

If you’re willing to settle for less than you deserve or desire simply because you don’t want to be single, that’s a clear sign you need to learn to live solo for a bit. That doesn’t mean you won’t—or shouldn’t—desire companionship. Rather, it means you should reach a place where you won’t compromise your values and needs just to get it.

2. ‘It’s My Fault’

You should never take sole responsibility for your relationship’s problems, as it takes two to tango. Telling yourself “it’s all my fault” might be tempting, as it gives you more control over the situation. For example, if you truly believe you’re the reason your relationship is falling apart, then at least you can make the necessary changes to salvage it. However, admitting that your partner is partially to blame means you acknowledge that you alone cannot fix it.

Of course, accountability is essential in any relationship. We all can and should continue to work on ourselves throughout our lives. However, if you constantly blame yourself for your partner’s poor choices or negative treatment of you, you’re only enabling them and disrespecting yourself.

3. ‘They Will Change’

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve told myself this exact lie in past relationships. If you’re someone who hates giving up on the people they love, odds are, you’ve repeated this line as an affirmation of sorts, hoping one day, it would become your reality.

Unfortunately, your partner shouldn’t have to change for you—and you shouldn’t have to wait for them to change, either. This will only breed resentment and can shift the dynamic into something more parental than romantic. For example, no one wants to teach their partner how to become more polite or responsible. While you can guide them, and you both can learn from each other as a couple, you shouldn’t feel the need to micromanage or control them. It’s unhealthy for both parties.

4. ‘I Can’t Do Better’

One of the most common reasons people stay in unhealthy, unfulfilling relationships is insecurity and a lack of confidence. If you truly believe you can’t find someone better than your current partner (who isn’t making you happy, mind you), then you might feel more obligated to stay with them. Perhaps they’re all you know, or maybe you’re worried no one else can handle you. 

Take it from me, someone who struggles with OCD and whose anxiety can be a lot to handle at times: the right person will attempt to understand you and work with you. Don’t stay with someone just because you believe you can’t do better than them, or worse: that you don’t deserve better than them. Work on your self-esteem—and address your own faults with love and gentleness—and you’ll quickly realize you’re the only one holding yourself back.

5. ‘I Can Fix Them’

How many times have we told ourselves this very lie when entering into or continuing a relationship with someone who isn’t who we actually want or need them to be? Often, we will date someone’s potential simply because there’s attraction, chemistry, and even love at the core. However, though important elements in a connection, those aren’t enough to maintain a healthy, lasting relationship. We also need compatible values and life goals, equal respect and effort, and commitment from our partners. 

The honest truth? You shouldn’t have to fix anyone. If you can’t love and accept your partner as they are, then don’t waste your time or theirs. Choose someone who meets you where you are.

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