Stop us if this sounds familiar: One of your girls is swooning over her camp crush. Your track teammate is asking if you’ve hit up the new udon spot because she wants to take her GF this weekend. Your bestie just showed you the sweet Spotify playlist her S.O. made her. And let’s not even talk about the cringe-but-cute texts you spot your friends sending to their baes during lunch.
You’re happy for your pals…but, ugh, why aren’t you living out your own love story? Well, consider what might be holding you back—and how to break through.
YOUR “MUST” LIST IS A MILE LONG.
Listen, we’re all about having high standards. But rolling out a scroll of impossible wishes (you’re looking for someone who’s tall, plays guitar, has a 4.5 GPA and also plans on going to college in New York) doesn’t ensure a perfect pairing—trust us. And even if you do find that dream bae? They might not be right for you when it comes to day-to-day dating. Unicorns may be pretty…but they’re often just the stuff of fairy tales.
So set aside your more surface-level requirements and focus on crushes who meet the deeper musts, like being respectful, honest and kind. Then, maybe give someone who is a bit unexpected a shot.
YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO *LOVE* THEM.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now loading: Meditation mode
Haven't tried it yet? Here's your start-this-second strategy to find your center, no matter the strom.
Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)
You know that girl who's always bringing the holiday hype? Oh wait...that's you!
How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)
GOING DAYS—OR EVEN, YIKES, WEEKS—WITHOUT A SINGLE GREEN? THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.
THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD
It's exciting to be a part of the generation people say will transform the future.
NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT
What's in, you ask? New Year's intentions, aka the strategy that'll *actually* make all your end-of-December dreams come true.
"Ugh! My family is so...
OK. we're just going to say it: It's valid to sometimes get furiously frustrated and downright disappointed with your nearest and dearest. (Take that as permission to feel *all* your feels rn.) Our gift to you? Breaking down these daunting holiday dynamics so you can get back to being a fa-la-la family again.
Dear Carol
CRUSHING ON A POPULAR BOY There is this boy I've been crushing on.
YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP
Sure, you could whisper some mantras, ask your besties to gas you up and listen to \"Bejeweled\" on repeat...or you could try these simple (but srsly effective) hacks for making 2025 your most confident era yet.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Hunter L., 16, is really tired. Not the kind of tired when you stay up scrolling on TikTok, but tired of, well, being a teenager.
READ THIS before you hard launch
You and your crush are one what-are-we convo away from making it official...except for that one thing.
