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Misinformation has consequences. In a pandemic, those consequences can be deadly.

Misinformation has consequences. In a pandemic, those consequences can be deadly.
David Parsons/Twitter

Pandemics are confusing by nature. We're dealing with a new virus that scientists have to scramble to study, an unknown contagion and death rate, constantly shifting data, and new information being thrown at us on the daily. And as human beings like certainty, that's hard.

Throw in the social and economic impact of trying to control the outbreak (and buy time for scientists to develop treatments and/or vaccines), along with the totally-on-brand politicizing of the pandemic in the U.S., and it kind of feels like a gigantic, out-of-control sh*tshow.

It's a many-fold problem, but one outcome is that all of this uncertainty creates a prime breeding-ground for misinformation to spread. And whoa Nelly, is it spreading.

I've heard that the CDC admitted their death numbers are inflated (they didn't and they're not), that the virus is no worse than the flu (it is), that the whole global pandemic was planned by BIll Gates (blink, blank stare), and that masks either don't help anything or actually make you sicker (somebody tell most of Asia).

We know that misinformation spreads faster than truth. And we know that a frightening number of Americans have been brainwashed into believing that anything considered "mainstream" is totally untrustworthy, while fringe outlets with no accountability or credibility are legitimate sources of truth. (Hint: If anyone tells you that they're the only ones telling you the real truth, run away. No credible outlet would ever say that.)

And that combo has created a vortex where people get spun topsy turvy, up becomes down, and anything that hits them in the face as it flies past feels true. That's how we end up with signs like these in the middle of a freaking pandemic:

The photo, shared by David Parsons on Twitter, shows signs sitting in front of Ramsay One Flooring, a construction company in Simi Valley, California.

"We're open to the truth," the first sign reads, followed by "NO Masks allowed," "Handshakes OK," and "Hugs very OK."

Umm, yeah. Contagious novel virus, people. 80,000 Americans dead in two months, and we aren't even sure if we're starting to drop off yet. The entire world scrambling to mitigate the spread and racing to come up with a way to treat or prevent it. But somehow, being "open to the truth" means defying very basic, universal hygiene that even kindergarten kids know is important when there's a bad bug going around? How does that make sense?

The only explanation is that this store owner has fallen for one of several "plandemic" narratives that paints the pandemic as some kind of evil plot orchestrated by dastardly villains who are out to steal Americans' freeeeedoommm. So, not a real thing. A big conspiracy because a bunch of YouTube videos told them so.

If this were a 9/11 "inside job" conspiracy theory, a JFK assassination conspiracy theory, or faked moon landing conspiracy theory, it wouldn't be a huge deal. People believe all kinds of far-fetched things, and when those beliefs are confined to the fringe and deal with past events that aren't of much direct consequence now, I take a "live and let live" approach.

But conspiracy theories filled with misinformation about the coronvavirus pandemic are dangerous. They lead people to outright reject and defy public health guidelines that are in place to literally save lives. Successful containing or mitigating a pandemic requires a population to be on the same page and work as a team. It requires us to be truly the United States of America as if our lives depend on it—because they do.

Don't we pride ourselves on having the best and the brightest scientists, doctors, and researchers in the world? Experts have known something like this would happen sooner or later, and decades of research and planning have gone into preparing for just this moment. Now we're just going to ditch all of that work, all of that learning, all of that preparation? Why? Because a baffling number of people trust discredited scientists on YouTube over the world's most respected and accomplished epidemiologists and virologists? Seriously?

No. Enough. There are legitimate discussions to be had about government overreach and whatnot, but using misinformation to justify defying public health measures is foolishness. And it's the kind of foolishness that can kill people. In fact, we've already seen it happen. An Ohio man who called the coronavirus "bullsh*t" and a "political ploy" died of COVID-19 in April. (Here's the same story from Fox News as well, so no one can complain about media bias.)

Information leads to beliefs, and beliefs lead to actions. If you believe this pandemic to be fake/rigged/planned/a hoax, you're going to act accordingly. And that's dangerous for everyone, including you. Stop it, for everyone's sake.

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5 ways people are going "All In" this week

From the silly to the sentimental, there are so many ways people like to go “all in” on something. Here are our five favorite examples this week.

5 ways people are going "All In" this week
5 ways people are going "All In" this week
5 ways people are going "All In" this week
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When you hear the words “all in,” what do you think? You might think of getting groovy at a nursing home, a french bulldog having a total breakdown in the drive-thru, or maybe even a snack bar company promoting self care. Whatever you picture, the idea is the same: Going “all in” means doing something with total commitment—literally giving it your “all” and going completely over the top. No second guessing, no holding back—just full-throttle enthusiasm with some creativity and flair thrown in. That’s how we get those viral internet moments we can’t stop watching.

This DWTS dance trend 

If you’ve been watching TV or on the internet this week, you might have seen the viral dance move Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach performed while on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) last week. The one particular move, where Dylan holds Daniella as she does a mid-air horizontal walk, is going viral with over 8k videos using the sound. Some of my personal favorites include a mom and her baby, two girls or a girl and her cat, proving this dance trend is truly for anyone to try.

All In on Fiber

Speaking of trends, there’s one that really is about going “all in”, it’s called #fibermaxxing. After years of protein being the biggest nutrition trend, it looks like fiber might be taking over. For good reason too, while protein can cause issues with digestion, fiber can lead to better digestion, blood sugar management, weight control and reduced disease risk. Our friends at All In made a video explaining the #fibermaxxing trend. Each All In bar has 6 to 7 grams of fiber , plus they are delicious. Don't take our word for it, though: Click here to try it yourself (for free).

This child's long hair

This creator went all in… on pranking the audience. I don’t want to give away the contents of this video, but let’s just say it’s creative- and it made me quite literally laugh out loud. There are a lot of "momfluencers" out there who make content that uses their children, and as relatable and heartfelt as it is, sometimes a little satire break is worth appreciating.

Two entrepreneurs getting down to business


Lots of people dabble in entrepreneurship. These two went "all in" on helping others learn it. After four years of interviews with CEOs , research, edits, and a Penguin Random House book deal (yes, seriously), their book, Down to Business, has made its way into classrooms and libraries around the world. Now they are teaching other kids that age is not a barrier to entry in entrepreneurship; the earlier you start, the further you can go—and an entrepreneurial mindset will serve you no matter what you do in life.

Bridesmaids who went all in

Last on our list; two bridesmaids who committed to the bit. These ladies went “all in” in their remake of the legendary scene from the movie “Bridesmaids”. If you haven’t seen the original movie, starring Kristen Wig and Maya Rudolph, this might be your sign.

In the viral TikTok this bride, Caroline, had no idea what was coming when she put on her favorite movie while getting ready for her big day. The fact that she wanted to watch her favorite show before her bridesmaids surprised her, makes this going “all in” surprise all the better.

Snag your free (!!) snack bar here while this deal lasts. Just pick up a bar at Sprouts and text a pic ofv your receipt to get it for free. Enoy!

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Beavers were brought to the desert to save a dying river. Six years later, here are the results.

Their engineering feats are pretty dam incredible.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change
Canva Photos

Can outsider beavers save this dried up river?

It's not easy being a river in the desert under the best of circumstances. The ecosystem exists in a very delicate balance, allowing water sources to thrive in the harsh conditions. These water sources in otherwise extremely dry areas are vital to the survival of unique wildlife, agriculture, and even tourism as they provide fresh drinking water for the people who live nearby.

But man-made problems like climate change, over-farming, and pollution have made a tough job even tougher in some areas. Rivers in Utah and Colorado part of the Colorado River Basin have been barely surviving the extremely harsh drought season. When the riverbeds get too dry, fish and other aquatic creatures die off and the wildfire risk increases dramatically.

About six years ago, one team of researchers had a fascinating idea to restore the health of some of Utah's most vulnerable rivers: Bring in the beavers.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change Beaver on riverbank. Canva Photos

In 2019, master's student Emma Doden and a team of researchers from Utah State University began a "translocation" project to bring displaced beavers to areas like Utah's Price River, in the hopes of bringing it back to life.

Why beavers? Well, it just makes dam sense! (Sorry.)

In all seriousness, beaver dams restrict the flow of water in some areas of a river, creating ponds and wetlands. In drought-stricken areas, fish and other wildlife can take refuge in the ponds while the rest of the river runs dry, thus riding out the danger until it rains again.

When beavers are present in a watershed, the benefits are unbelievable: Better water quality, healthier fish populations, better nutrient availability, and fewer or less severe wildfires.

It's why beavers have earned the title of "keystone species," or any animal that has a disproportionate impact on the ecosystem around them.

beaver, dam, dam building, nature, ecosystem Pbs Nature Swimming GIF by Nature on PBS Giphy

Doden and her team took beavers who were captured or removed from their original homes due to their being a "nuisance," interfering with infrastructure, or being endangered, and—after a short period of quarantine—were brought to the Price River.

Despite the research team's best efforts, not all the translocated beavers have survived or stayed put over the years. Some have trouble adapting to their new home and die off or are killed by predators, while others leave of their own accord.

But sine 2019, enough have stayed and built dams that the team is starting to see the results of the effort. In fact, beaver projects just like this one have been going on all over the state in recent years.

- YouTube youtu.be

The water levels in the river are now the healthiest they've been in years. The fish are thriving and Utah residents are overjoyed with the experiment's results.

According to an early 2025 column in The Salt Lake Tribune (i.e. six years after the beaver translocation began) the revitalization of the Price River has "helped save [our] Utah town."

"A tributary of the Colorado River, the Price River runs through downtown Helper," wrote column authors Lenise Peterman and Jordan Nielson. "On a warm day, you’re likely to find the river filled with tourists and locals kayaking, tubing and fishing along its shore. A decade ago, it was hard to imagine this scene—and the thriving recreation economy that comes with it—was possible."

Of course, it wasn't JUST the beavers. Other federal water cleanup investments helped remove debris, break down old and malfunctioning dams, and place tighter regulations on agriculture grazing in the area that depleted vital plant life.

But the experts know that the beavers, and their incredible engineering work, are the real MVPs.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change An actual beaver dam on the now-thriving Price River Public Domain

In other drying, struggling rivers in the area, researchers are bringing in beavers and even creating manmade beaver dams. They're hoping that the critters will take over the job as the rivers get healthier.

Utah's San Rafael River, which is in bleak condition, is a prime candidate. In one area of the river, a natural flood inspired a host of beavers to return to the area and "riparian habitat along that stretch had increased by 230%, and it had the most diverse flow patterns of anywhere on the river," according to KUER.

It's hard to believe that beavers nearly went extinct during the heyday of the fur trapping industry, and continued to struggle as they were considered nuisances and pests. Now, they're getting the respect they deserve as engineer marvels, and their populations have rebounded due to better PR and conservation programs.

It's about dam time!

This article originally appeared in June.

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Celebrity

Days from turning 100, Dick Van Dyke shares how avoiding hate and anger has kept him going

Wisdom we can all take to heart.

Dick Van Dyke, entertainment, 100th birthday, longevity, aging well
Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons

Dick Van Dyke has aged remarkably.

If all goes as planned, Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025—a remarkable milestone for the remarkable entertainer who has been wowing us since the original Mary Poppins film. Van Dyke has been in show business longer than most humans live, and as he nears a full century of life, he's sharing some reflections.

In an interview with People, Van Dyke said he feels "really good for 100," with no pain and no discomfort. He said people ask him what he did right, and he says, "Don't ask. I don't know." He said he's "rather lazy." However, he did put forth a theory about what may be at least partially responsible for his longevity.

dick van dyke, marry poppins, penguin dance, disney, longevity Hard to imagine Dick Van Dyke being "lazy." Giphy

"I've always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person's insides," he said. "And hate. I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate. You know, there are things I don't like, people I don't like and disapprove of, but I never really was able to do a white heat kind of hate."

He said his father was "a person who was constantly upset by the state of things in his life and everything." He died at 74 years old.

"I think that is one of the chief things that kept me going," Van Dyke said.

Can a lack of anger really give you a longer life?

While there are no surefire secrets to living to 100, there are some things we know can affect people's health in ways that might shorten their lives. One of those things is anger.

We all feel angry sometimes, of course, but excessive anger or unmanaged anger over time can have serious health consequences. In one 2024 study, researchers found that people who were asked to recount memories that made them angry (as opposed to anxious, sad, or emotionally neutral) had significant impairment in blood vessel dilation compared to the other groups.

"The researchers propose that repeated episodes of negative emotions like anger might have a cumulative effect on cardiovascular health," the researchers wrote. "Over time, ongoing anger might lead to permanent damage and increased risk for cardiovascular disease."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

What about the health effects of hate?

Hate is a bit harder of a feeling to pin down than anger as there's a wide range of what it means. Obviously, hate can lead to harm for people on the receiving end of it. But does hate hurt the hater, too?

"Little research has been done to analyze hate’s specific symptoms or physical effects," writes Laura Williams for EverydayHealth. "But hate often coincides with other strong emotions, like anger, humiliation, or powerlessness, all of which take a toll."

There is evidence that the opposite of anger and hate—positive emotions like joy and love, which are part of healthy relationships and community—can have a positive impact on our health. So while we can't say for certain that Dick Van Dyke's lack of anger and hate has led to his century-long life, we can logically deduce that the joy and love he is known for may have helped him maintain good health for this long.

Vad Dyke also told People that he's not afraid of death when it comes. "I don't have any fear of it for some reason," he said. "I can't explain that, but I don't. I've had such a wonderfully full and exciting life that I can't complain. It's almost like it's accidental. I was having the time of my life doing all this stuff and creating a legacy at the same time. What I've left in the way of children's entertainment and children's music, I believe that's my legacy."

And what a legacy it is. Van Dyke's wife, Arlene, has planned a big birthday celebration for him, which he says he's looking forward to as long as he feels up for it. We'll all be there celebrating with him in spirit.

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Women over 60 share the unexpected things about aging no one told them about

From confidence to friendships to body changes, they spilled it all.

women over 60, women aging, aging, aging tips, aging advice
Photo credit: Canva

Women over 60 discuss the surprising things about aging.

Getting older is a privilege. From the moment we're born, the inevitable journey with aging begins, and with it comes many ups, downs, and unexpected twists. According to a recent study in the journal Cell, aging begins to accelerate at 50.

To support one another through the aging changes, women over 60 on Reddit opened up about the surprising things they discovered about aging that no one told them to expect. These women unloaded wisdom on everything from finances to health to outlook shift to help younger women.

These are 16 things women over 60 want younger women to know about aging.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

"A very accomplished artist who was in her 70's advised me to develop a skill or skills I could depend on instead of my looks and youth. It's good advice for everyone, I think." - Melodic-Beach-5411

"It’s better to be young and broke, than old and broke. Save your money!" - Pure-Guard-3633

"Strengthen your glutes and lower abs so you don’t have back problems in 20 years. And don’t stop squatting and sitting low or on the floor. Be able to do so and stand up from those positions. It’s really important, especially as we age." - freetree6655, Lame-username62

"Don't waste your time, energy, and psychic energy lamenting the things you don't like about your body. Enjoy yourself and your body NOW cause this is a one way trip. I look at pictures of myself at 20 (I'm 78 now) and remember how inadequate and downright ugly I thought myself. Fool. It was all a waste of time and joy. And now, at 78, I try to appreciate my body for the things it still does and the way it still looks." - Wroena

"Sun does damage your skin. Bad habits always catch up with you. Your children will make bad choices no matter what you think. The man you marry will not change and his good traits and bad traits will get stronger with age. Sex can still be fun. You will miss your mother and father for a long time." - No-Stress-5285

"My bladder surprised me." - joojoogirl

@gingerandcarman

Replying to @janis We’re not here to turn back time, we’re here to own it. Ageing has never felt more powerful ✨#ageingwithjoy #womenover60

"Menopause symptoms are real, and unless you’re lucky and your mother discusses it with you, nobody will. Do not suffer in silence. Talk to your friends, talk to your doctor. Treat your symptoms and you will be a much much happier person. The guy that you think you can change, you can’t. And while we’re on the topic of guys, or girls, for that matter, anyone who doesn’t treat you the way you deserve to be treated is not worthy of your time. Do not waste your valuable time on them. Save money the moment you get paid. Set aside a specific amount every month. Pay your bills, allocate money for fun stuff, but never touch that savings. Take care of your health, your physical, your mental, and your emotional health. Take good care of your body because you will need it for the rest of your life. Regular exercise will be your friend forever. Challenging your brain will keep you young. And being good to yourself reminds you of your worth, that you are loved, and it will be what you will attract." - Cupcake2974

"I stopped caring about how other people perceived me." - Walker5000

"Hitting 60 isn’t as bad as you make it out to be. Being on the downside of 60 isn’t as bad as you make it out to be. These are very liberating times for a woman. She has more options available for her today than any woman of our age has ever had in the history of this planet. These are all here and ready for us to embrace. Ladies of all ages … we aren’t getting older. We are getting better. For us, the best is yet to come." - Moist-Doughnut-5160

"It’s genuinely fine to lose interest in sex/being sexy." - sonawtdown

"You must be your own health advocate now...do not trust doctors to look out for you. Most are shockingly ignorant and outdated when it comes to proactive care for women in their younger years that could have prevented many serious problems as women enter late middle age/senior years. Doctors have screwed over generations of women and shortened both quality of life and lifespan by failing to consider (and in some cases actively DISCOURAGING) bone density, gastro, nutritional, and hormonal health. The silence is deafening and many of us are paying the price now." - flagal31

- YouTube www.youtube.com

"As you grow older, you get to know yourself and your most deeply held principles better. (I, for example, have learned how deeply I oppose injustice and abuse of authority.) There’s deep satisfaction in knowing oneself and directing your life’s energies toward what’s important." - Iterata2

"In your 60’s you will lose your hair. And not just on your head. Add moisturize the heck out of your neck. Your hair and face can lie about your age, but your neck tells the truth." - Sledgehammer925

"Don't neglect your teeth. They are very difficult to replace. Even if you can afford it. The daily discomfort I have in my mouth has reduced my quality of life, even though I have had expensive dental work done. Nothing will ever match your real teeth. And with all the emphasis on teeth, people are often unaware that caring for the gums is equally important. I found it challenging when I was young to floss daily and do all the recommended things. Now (that it's too late) I spend at least 7 minutes every evening with interdental brushes, floss, special toothpaste, careful brushing and gum care. Why I didn't have 7 minutes a day to spend with my teeth when I was younger I'll never know." - bijig

"You are never too old to start something new." - Intelligent-Dot-29

"That when you reach this milestone, it's very freeing. You don't care what others think of you. You don't feel the pressure to keep up on the latest trends because you know who you are. And that's just fine with you. You know who you are. It's freeing." - GGGGroovyDays60s

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John Oliver raised $1.5 million for public media by auctioning off the wildest TV props

A bidet signed by a costumed metal band? Sure! All for a great cause.

john oliver, last week tonight, gwar, bob ross, auction
Photo credit: Montclair Film via Wikimedia Commons (left, cropped), Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 / swimfinfan via Wikimedia Commons (right, cropped), Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

John Oliver raised over $1.5 million through a silly and sweet auction.

During the Season 12 finale of his rapid-fire deep-dive HBO series, Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver took a 35-minute look at the state of public media in 2025. It all culminated in a signature wash of absurdity and thoughtfulness: The comedian announced an online auction, pledging the proceeds from dozens of hilariously wacky show props and nifty fan experiences to Public Media Bridge Fund, which serves at-risk communities. According to Variety, that initiative earned over $1.5 million—an amazing figure, especially given the weirdness of many of these auctioned items.

Before we dive into that, it’s worth noting the cultural backdrop: a recent law slashing a reported $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through the 2027 fiscal year. Throughout the episode, Oliver spent a half-hour diving into the history of public media, the impact these budget cuts could have on everyday Americans, and—in a signature slice of Oliver silliness—the wonders of Mr. Bean. Then he unveiled the auction, hosted at a site amazingly called JohnOliversJunk.com.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

A Bob Ross painting was auctioned for big money

That $1.5 million auction figure is impressive, and a massive chunk of it comes from "Cabin at Sunset," an original Bob Ross painting created during a 1986 episode of his beloved PBS series, The Joy of Painting. Per Variety’s final tallies, the characteristically serene landscape fetched "around $1,044,000 after 35 bids." As an impressive sidebar, per NBC News, this follows the $600,000-plus total earned from three Ross originals auctioned only weeks earlier in a similar effort to aid public broadcasting.

Now here’s where the bizarre stuff comes in. Numerous items from Last Week Tonight’s auction were actually featured in comedic asides, miniature sketches, and running bits from the show—including a jock strap apparently "worn by [actor] Russell Crowe in the major motion picture Cinderella Man (2005) and later purchased by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver during season 5 of the show." Naturally, it earned $21,000.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Absurd(ly funny) items from the Last Week Tonight auction

Other highlights include a massive "sculpture of President Lyndon B. Johnson's scrotum" ($25,500), numerous wax figures of various U.S. presidents (the Bill Clinton was sold for $6,000), and "Mrs. Cabbage Oliver." (The latter—well, you need to watch the episode in question to understand, but it involves Steve Buscemi officiating a wedding between Oliver and a cabbage as part of a Season 9 piece about AI-generated art. Really. It sold for $11,111.)

The funniest piece could well be a bidet signed by Blöthar the Berserker, singer of the famously costumed metal band GWAR. While the final numbers are no longer viewable on the auction site, Consequence reports that they viewed a winning bid of $6,000 "the last time [they] checked."

Last Week Tonight also auctioned off a number of fan experiences, including two VIP tickets to attend an in-person taping and appear on the show as an "over the shoulder" graphic ($100,025, per Variety). If you’re an Oliver superfan—or just someone who wants to support the overall mission—you can always donate directly through the Public Media site, which outlines their overall mission to "secure local public media service across the country, with an early focus on rural and underserved communities where public media organizations face the greatest risks."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

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Unconventional but non-negotiable things people require in a partner

"Do you believe in dinosaurs?"

non-negotiable, unconventional, people, partner, insightful options, relationships, qualities
Photo credit Canva

Couple on an enjoyable dinner date.

Finding the perfect partner might take an entire lifetime. Some people discover their high school sweetheart who brings them all the way to the finish line. Others find themselves searching for that relationship well into adulthood. Still others are never able to find the perfect match.

It takes time to truly understand the qualities a person wants in a prospective partner. It can be the failed relationships of the past or valuable therapy sessions that uncover the perfect ideals we seek.

In a r/AskReddit thread, an important question was posed: "What is your unconventional 'I need this in a partner' that you will not negotiate on?" People offered up some really unique and insightful opinions.

dinosaurs, flat earther, intellignece, cognitive processing, belief systems, historical accuracies, reality Dinosaur bones.Photo credit Canva

"The Dinosaur Test"

There can be numerous details that signal compatibility. One consistent idea was shared intelligence and belief systems. A 2022 study in Stanford Medicine found that marital relationships were more successful when partners shared similar cognitive processing. Relationship happiness was affected by higher synchronization and similar neural response times.

Here are some of the more intellectually inclined responses:

"This is weird, but it’s a question I always ask right away: if they believe in dinosaurs. I once dated a guy so religious he didnt believe they existed because they are not mentioned in the Bible. Now I make sure they have the minimum level of intelligence."

"Has to share my annoyance at historical inaccuracies."

"I need a partner who loves learning, not their own dogmatic interpretation of reality."

"I would argue that flat earth is an order of magnitude worse... Whereas with the spherical earth, I have done the research. I can see the moon, sun, and some of the planets are spherical. I don't have good enough a telescope for then all I've been out in the ocean. I can perform the thought experiment 'if gravity doesn't exist, and everything just falls down, why do i fall faster than the ground when i jump' and 'why hasn't all the water fallen over the edge?'"

"I was coming here to say 'they must be willing to learn' but this sums it up perfectly."

"If I was on a date and somebody asked me if I believe in dinosaurs I'd be like 'you mean do I believe in dinosaurs achieving their goals and dreams?'"

juggling, skills, unique talents, habits, gifts, focus, abilities, training, party tricks A jump and juggle.Photo credit Canva

"Special Set of Skills"

Some people are just a little more uniquely talented than others. There can be physical gifts or habits that have developed abilities the typical person may never acquire. A 2025 study in the National Library of Medicine found that engaging in novel activities can reduce boredom and improve relationship quality.

"Ok. Its kinda weird but I find juggling hot. Theres something both absolutely mesmerizing about it and the whole being able to concentrate and focus so well is just a crazy turn on. My partner doesnt do it often but lord when I catch him doing it. Mmm."

"i love weird hobbies! doesnt matter if im into them at all - i will enjoy it! harmonica playing, figurine painting, aquascaping, mushroom growing, unicycle riding... its the unashamed passion that gets me. Well, that and the fact that i have my own weird hobbies"

"As someone who unexpectedly crushed on three separate men with circus and French clown training in my 20s: I know exactly what you mean. Invite me to stand on your shoulders at the end of a date?"

"Occasionally I juggle things like potatoes or tennis balls to make sure I still can. I also juggle in front of people as a party trick. I always thought that it would be amusing at best and a silly thing that people will try to see if they can do it as well. I never thought that it would be a turn on for somebody."

widow, widower, grief, traumatic experience, couple, dual-trauma, spouses, death The widow.Photo credit Canva

"Widow meets Widower"

Finding a connection through shared traumatic experiences, some argue, is a valuable benefit when seeking a partner. A 2025 study in Sage Journals reported that "dual-trauma" couples revealed increased emotional difficulties, relational dysfunction, and intimacy issues. Here is what some Redditors had to say about it:

"As a widow, I feel like I'd need a widower. It seems like we'd both be a bit more understanding of each other."

"I think one of the biggest challenges is not just empathizing with the loss, but understanding that you may never take their place."

"Divorced is not the same as widowed- I promise"

"For perspective I was widowed at 37 2.5 years years ago . Left with three kids ages 5 to 16. His death was sudden. I am now 40 and have an amazing man in my life . Was never married nor had kids . He has taken us all on with nothing but love and kindness . He even honors their father and his memory. Sometimes, someone with just a kind gentle soul, with no background in anything like yours , comes along! So while widowers may understand better , some who haven’t been down that same hurt road understand and go above and beyond too !"

"I can imagine how hard it would be with a non-widowed partner who starts feeling insecure about the deceased spouse, comparing themselves to them, etc. Then the whole removing remnants of them in the house thing. I wouldn't be able to handle that."

"I'm a widow (5 years) in a two-year relationship with a widower (3 years), and it is perfect for us. Our late spouses are an important part of our lives, and we talk about them (and even to them) frequently. We understand the grief of not only losing our beloved spouses, but also losing the future we planned with our life mates."

adventure, vacations, travel, mountains, psychological well-being, mood, life satisfaction, restless Overlooking a mountain adventure.Photo credit Canva

"The Mobile Adventurer"

People can get a bit restless if they aren't allowed to get out into the world and stretch their legs. A 2021 study in Science Direct suggested people drawn to adventure and travel showed overall improved psychological wellness and significantly boosted mood and life satisfaction.

"I need someone who either understands and supports my need to occasionally disappear into the mountains for days on end, or will do it with me."

"I disappear every year into rural India. Keeps me sane the other 11 months. It's non-negotiable. I save all year so it doesn't financially affect anyone else. My husband is welcome to come with me if he wants and we can afford it."

"I also work remotely, so I can move year after year. I don't think living like that year round is in the cards for me, but a good break every so often where I can get away from it all while still working would be so peaceful."

"Yup. I go on all day bike rides some times. Ex get up at 5 and bike to the next state line and then take the long way home. My husband told me when we first started dating that his friends thought I might be cheating. He told them that I actually was working out"

"There are just a few people in the world who I’ve met who I could tolerate along side me disappearing into the mountains but it’s nice to see that it’s not such an uncommon need"

"Initially this caused some insecurity with my current partner but after he joined me a few times he understands it now. I just need to disappear into the wilderness."

feet, couples, monogamy, polyamorous, committed relationship, multiple partners, intimate activities, sex Looks like 6 feet under the covers.Photo credit Canva

"Love is a Potluck"

For some, there can be only two people in an intimate relationship. Others want the ability to have multiple partners. A 2025 study in Phys.Org investigated which type of relationships are more successful. It concluded that unconventional relationships are just as satisfying as monogamous partnerships. A healthy relationship structure shares similar characteristics, such as honesty, communication, trust, and clear boundaries.

"I've never been open to non monogamy when I'm in a committed relationship. I'm either single and do whatever or I'm all in."

"Human relationships have no set rules, of any kind. The ones we made up about romantic relationships being a distinct kind of relationship, and about sex being an intimate activity that is completely distinct from other intimate activities, are made up. Of course they are different, but they do not warrant another set of rules completely just because they are a different thing."

"I don't do monogamy, that's the first bar to clear."

"Unconventional? I guess some people find my requirement for polyamory/ or at the very least some form of ethical non monogamy unconventional, although I find it normal."

"I want a partner who will at least be down to go to a swingers club with me."

random likes, giphy, games, cute, meme, playful, Yankees, sports "Bow chicka bow wow!" media0.giphy.com

"Some Random Needs"

People can hold a wide range of unique desires. These feelings often determine whether someone is more likely to enter into a relationship. Here are some more out-of-the-box ideas offered by Redditors:

"I love watching period shows and googling along to see what really happened."

"I only date mathematicians"

"Ability to make decent potato salad."

"I look for the ability to make pancakes."

"I can’t date someone with a racist family."

"They gotta be like, unquestionably an asset not a liability in a zombie apocalypse"

"Loose cartilage in the tip of their nose so it wiggles a little when they talk."

"He needs to have so much body hair people should question if he’s really human."

"Left my last girlfriend because she did completely open anything... i hate having that tin foil cover under the lid to the sour cream. Its now a requirement, and the first thing i ask about anybody i date."

"Sleeping in separate rooms. I am an extremely sensitive sleeper and for the life of me cannot fall asleep if someone else is in the room."

"For me, it's fear of birds. What a freaking turn off it is to feel your man flinch while making out because a bird in a cage chirped."

"I can’t be with a man who wears pointy-toed shoes. Or boots. It’s just a gut feeling. I just can’t trust a man with witchy feet."

"How they drive is really important to me. If they tailgate, have road rage, or speed up when people try to pass them, I’m out."

"Gotta like horror movies. I spend a lot of time watching or reading horror."

stronger relationships, virutes, truth hurts, best interests, dating, high value, needs Two people sharing a milkshake. Photo credit Canva

Whatever your particular quirks and needs, bringing them to the table early is probably in your best interest. A 2025 study in University Lab Sites found that telling the truth, especially about sensitive and even potentially threatening topics, contributed to stronger relationships. Honesty is a highly valued virtue that benefits all relationships, even when the truth may hurt.

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