This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession
As someone who works from home and tries his best not to eat out too often, living in New York City doesn't exactly help. With worldly cuisine on every corner and the familiar comforts of franchised chains always within reach, it's hard to settle for your modest grocery haul back home.
That said, Trader Joe's always manages to come up with a few intriguing ready-made options that tend to end up in my cart. Because as much as I love cooking from scratch at home, the reality is that some workdays only allow time for something quick and purposeful.This week, after being won over by its growing popularity online, I made it a point to get my hands on Trader Joe's Korean Style Bibim-Guksu. It's a light and refreshing cold noodle salad inspired by the treasured staple of Korean cuisine. It's sold in a decently sized 9.81-ounce clear container and is packed with fresh ingredients for a cool $4.99.
As a newcomer to this Trader Joe's find, I was instantly impressed by how well it held up in the fridge days after purchase. I didn't get around to opening the container until the day of the suggested 'Use By' date, and I was shocked by how fresh, green and inviting everything still looked inside.
Like much of Asian cuisine, the packaging is impressively efficient—no space wasted, with every inch of the compact container put to good use. Inside, a variety of textures and bold flavors await, including a hearty mix of spicy somen noodles, napa cabbage, carrots, cucumber, scallions, kimchi and two (yes, two!) packets of gochujang dressing.
After emptying one gochujang dressing packet and giving the vegetable and noodle medley a good mix, I quickly realized I had a new lunch option to add to my rotation. Even four days after purchase, each bite was still fresh, crispy and crunchy. The noodles were soft and plentiful, while the sauce itself was tangy and delicious, with a gentle heat that lingered as a background kick rather than hitting you head on.In a review shared online by @traderjoeslist, one fan suggested adding TJ's pineapple teriyaki chicken meatballs as the protein, saying, 'It's sooo bomb together.' Another chimed in with a tip to add sesame oil and sesame seeds, claiming, 'It will brighten the flavor,' while a third recommended the classic addition of a boiled egg for protein.
Whichever approach you take, you'll be impressed by the excellent mix of healthy ingredients, firm and juicy cucumber chunks, plenty of tangy gochujang dressing and the fact that you only spent $5 on lunch. Stock your fridge for a few days and enjoy a fresh alternative to the all-too usual delivery app meal.This Crunchy, Tangy and Spicy $5 Trader Joe's Find is My New Lunchtime Obsession first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Asking These 5 Questions Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert
Asking These 5 Questions Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert originally appeared on Parade. Social settings, for some of us, can cause us to overthink. Whether we tend to be stuck in a "fawn response" of people-pleasing (does it sound familiar to suddenly wonder if someone's subtle body language or quick comment means they're mad at you?) or we simply want to impress the group we're around, there can be self-inflicted pressure to "get it right" when it comes to conversing with you're about to attend a fancy work dinner with your partner, or you're thinking about joining a new social group. Whatever the occasion, you might be imagining how you want to come across, and the word that comes to mind is 'classy.'The good news is that it's actually not too hard. An etiquette expert helps us explore exactly what that word means and gives examples of questions you can ask that will instantly put you in the 'classy' category. Get ready to be inspired for your next dinner party or casual outing!Related: 10 Things Classy Women Never, Ever Do in Public, According to an Etiquette Expert What Makes a Person Sound Classy? If you look up synonyms of the word 'classy,' you'll find words like 'elegant,' 'sophisticated,' and 'stylish,' which elicit pictures of clothes (at least for me). But how do you apply that definition to conversations? Here's how an etiquette expert would describe it.'I believe being classy is being a warm, welcoming person while honoring your own boundaries, and being authentic without being inappropriately overly intimate with others,' says Jenny Dreizen, co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People, and a professional boundaries and etiquette expert. 'This means being active in conversation, inquisitive, nonjudgmental and curious.'Generally speaking, that might look like asking people about themselves. But what are some specific examples?Related: 14 Phrases That Make You Sound 'Instantly Uptight,' According to Etiquette Experts 5 Questions That Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert To make being classy easier, Dreizen shares some go-to questions that hit the mark. 1. 'I'd love for you to tell me more about that.' Dreizen speaks to how this question engages a person deeper, shows your interest in them and their interests, and makes them feel welcomed with your someone shows genuine interest in what you have to say and what you like, you can't help but feel special and important, right? No wonder this question is so 2. 'What's been exciting you recently?' This question is another way to show curiosity and interest in a person, Dreizen says, which helps establish a relationship of reciprocal interest. It's a positive conversation starter, and it doesn't necessarily have to do with the typical go-to (AKA work). 3. 'What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?' 'This allows someone to tell you about their history while also getting further insight into how their mind works,' Dreizen explains. 'It will open up so many avenues of connection too!' For example, you might connect over something meaningful you learned from your grandma or core values you 7 Phrases That Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to Etiquette Experts 4. 'How are you taking care of yourself right now?' By asking a question like this, Dreizen says, you learn about how someone recovers and what their world looks like right now. 'It shows genuine care and curiosity,' she can also be helpful in the future if you want to further the friendship. For example, if they say they like to go on walks, you could ask them to go on a walk with you sometime. Or, if they don't like to cook when they're stressed, you could bring them a meal before a major presentation at 'I've Been an Etiquette Expert for 13 Years—Here's the #1 Phrase to End Small Talk Without Making It Awkward' 5. 'What movie do you think fundamentally changed your brain chemistry?' This question also allows you to get to know someone and their worldview, and it's just plain fun. 'It tells you a lot about their taste, past and who they are today,' Dreizen says. 'It shows a genuine curiosity about them.' And who knows, maybe by asking, you'll learn a life lesson (or find a new comfort movie) in the process. At the end of the day, remember this: Being classy isn't about being exclusive, and it's important to remain true to yourself. To find the right mix, consider asking these inviting questions in your own unique way. Up Next:Source: Jenny Dreizen, co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People, and a professional boundaries and etiquette expert Asking These 5 Questions Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert first appeared on Parade on Aug 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
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7 Subtle Signs You Might Be 'Oversharing,' a Psychologist Warns
7 Subtle Signs You Might Be 'Oversharing,' a Psychologist Warns originally appeared on Parade. There's nothing wrong with chatting with your friends and family—after all, that's one of the perks of having them around, right? But sometimes, mid-rant about work drama, an awkward date or a fight with your partner, you might suddenly wonder… am I saying too much? While opening up can be healthy, there's a fine line between sharing and revealing too much—and it's not always easy to tell when you've crossed it. If you've ever left a conversation feeling a little too exposed, or replayed something you said and cringed, you're not alone. To help you figure out if you're guilty of exposing too much, we rounded up some you might be gain more insight on the topic, we spoke with Texas psychologist Dr. Jenny Shields. She explains what oversharing entails and offers seven clear, relatable examples to help illustrate how it can show up in everyday conversations. Whether it happens during casual chats or more personal moments, her insights make it easier to recognize when a line might be crossed—without making you feel judged or self-conscious. Thanks to her thoughtful tips, you'll come away with a better understanding of what can look like and how to be more mindful of your communication you see these subtle signs, you will hopefully understand how to not cross the oversharing line. You'll feel like you've unlocked a superpower: catching yourself before conversing turns into full-on TMI mode. Say goodbye to those awkward 'Oops, did I say too much?' moments for good. If you're ready to master the fine art of sharing just enough without going overboard, let's dive in and keep your conversations from making you (and the person you're talking to) 7 Subtle Signs You Might Be 'Oversharing,' a Psychologist Warns 1. You feel the need to fill every silence "This often comes from a good place, like a desire to keep the energy up and be an engaging partner," Dr. Shields says. "However, if you always try to fill the silence during conversation, it could be a subtle sign you're an oversharer. You should think of a great chat like a relaxed game of tennis, with the conversational ball passed gently back and forth."Instead of talking the moment nobody is saying anything, Dr. Shields suggests trying this trick."To get back into rhythm, try the 'Three-Beat Pause,'" she says. "To do that, after you finish a thought, simply take one quiet breath and mentally count to three before speaking again."She explains that this "creates the perfect opening" for that person to "return the ball," so to speak. "This simple pause can transform the dynamic from a frantic monologue into a comfortable dialogue, and you'll feel the relief of knowing you don't have to do all the work to keep the game going," she says. 2. You often regret what you said later If you are not sure if you're someone who tends to overshare, this subtle sign could be your red flag to help you know that."The sinking feeling you get when you realize you've accidentally left your emotional front door wide open all afternoon is a subtle sign you said too much," Dr. Shields tells Parade. "It's that moment of regret when you realize you shared a story that was still too raw or personal for the situation, leaving you feeling overexposed."The "Headline Test" is an easy way to stop this from happening, she says."Instead of sharing the whole saga at once, just offer the headline, such as, 'Wow, I had the most embarrassing thing happen to me today,' and then pause," she explains. "Their reaction, whether it's a curious 'Oh no, tell me more!' or a quick nod, is your signal for how much detail to share." This "test" can be a temperature check, to gauge where your audience is at so that you can tailor your story to their attention span or level of interest. It can swap "that feeling of regret for the confidence that comes from building connections thoughtfully, one headline at a time," she says. 3. People don't always reply to your texts after you share something If you've found yourself in this scenario more than once, it might not be because your friend is too busy to reply. It might be because you've shared too much, making them not know how to respond."When you're going through something, it's natural to reach for a trusted friend, and a text can feel like the quickest way to pour your heart out," Dr. Shields explains. "But sending a multi-paragraph text about a heavy topic is like emailing a friend a 50-page attachment when they were expecting a quick note."She shares that the silence after such a heavy message might not be indifference; they're just overwhelmed. 4. You post emotional content online without much filtering or context Revealing too much doesn't just happen in person. Dr. Shields says it can happen on social media and come off in the way you post. So, if this sounds like something you do, it may be a sign that lets you know you're an oversharer."The problem is, posting raw emotions to your social feed is like writing a deeply personal diary entry on a public billboard for all to see and is another sign of oversharing," she points out. "It may be a common impulse of yours, but it exposes your private feelings to a mixed audience of close friends, coworkers and old classmates." So how do you discern whether something is too much to share online? She tells Parade that you should "perform a quick audience check" before hitting "Post.""Ask yourself: 'Who is this thought truly for?' If the answer is one or two specific people, you've just identified that this isn't a public post, it's a private text waiting to be sent," she 7 Things You Should Never, Ever Post Online, According to Psychologists 5. You ask 'Is that too much?' but keep going According to Dr. Shields, if this is something you find yourself asking a lot, that's a subtle sign you should take note of. It probably means you're revealing too much about something."Consider this to be like a warning light flashing on the dashboard," she explains. "While asking, 'Am I sharing too much?' shows you're a considerate person trying to check in. The tricky part is when you ask it without pausing for a real answer, turning a good question into just a speed bump while you continue to tell your story, exposing that you're an oversharer."Basically, if you do ask this question, make sure to actually wait for and listen to the answer. And you need to "be ready to hear their honest answer," even if that means they do tell you that you're sharing too much. "Making this a genuine question builds immense trust, earning you a reputation not just as a good storyteller, but as a safe and perceptive friend people can be real with and at the same time, helps keep you from oversharing about a topic," she points out. 6. People respond with polite nods or flat 'Wow' reactions If this is a reply you get a lot during chats, the reason why might be because you exposed too much, says Dr. Shields. As a result, take this as a subtle sign you're revealing too much, even if you don't mean to be."When you share something heartfelt, but the only response you get is a quiet, one-word answer like, 'Wow,' or, 'That's crazy,' followed by a polite nod, this is the conversational equivalent of a 'low battery' warning," she doesn't necessarily mean your friend doesn't care; their "capacity to listen" might have depleted. Because you disclosed a lot of information, they're on "energy-saver mode," she explains. Don't worry, though. She tells Parade that even if you are an oversharer, you can turn things around. "Next time you notice this, 'pass the baton," she suggests. "Try to immediately shift the focus back to them with a simple question totally unrelated to your story, like, 'Anyway, enough about my drama! What's been the highlight of your week?' This quick pivot gives your friend's social battery a chance to recharge and shows you're a perceptive conversationalist, helping you build stronger connections by proving the chat is a shared space, not just a stage for one person's story."Related: 7. You have a history of relationships that burn out fast If your relationships with friends or romantic partners tend not to last long, it might be a sign you're excessively sharing. This is because, sometimes, opening up too much too quickly can make it hard for a bond to have time to grow naturally."When someone has a habit of sharing their biggest, heaviest 'logs,' or their deepest vulnerabilities with someone they just met—when a friendship or relationship is fresh—before there's a steady bed of coals built from shared time and trust, it can cause those connection to fizzle out quickly," Dr. Shields tells Parade."To counter this, focus first on the small stuff," she suggests. "Shared jokes, common interests and simply spending time together before oversharing vulnerable things you're dealing with."Up Next:Source: Dr. Jenny Shields, a licensed clinical psychologist and National Certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant. 7 Subtle Signs You Might Be 'Oversharing,' a Psychologist Warns first appeared on Parade on Aug 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
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7 Things You Should Never, Ever Post Online, According to Psychologists
7 Things You Should Never, Ever Post Online, According to Psychologists originally appeared on Parade. While the internet is a place filled with pleasant things like videos of puppies and cooking tutorials, it's also rife with negativity, and the stats prove it. According to Statista, a March 2024 survey of over 7,000 people found that 22% of participants said that they have had a 'somewhat negative' experience on social media, with 12% saying 'very negative.' And as Pew Research Center reported in 2021, 41% of U.S. adults have experienced some form of online harassment. 25% of those experienced "more severe behaviors online."The internet is also a medium where information flows freely, and lives there for years, typically forever, in many cases. With all that said, what are some ways that you can protect yourself and your mental health online? And still enjoy everything else that the internet has to offer? Psychologists tell Paradeseven things or post online, so you can do just Experts Warn Back-to-School Pictures Can Be Unsafe for Kids—What Parents Need To Know Why Should People Be Careful About What They Post Online? Psychologist, cautions that posting online can open the door to potential controversy, criticism, harassment and misunderstanding.'I would recommend that you read what you are about to post and ask yourself, 'Why am I sharing this?' before you post,' she says. ''How will I feel about myself if I receive a response to this that is negative or hurtful?''Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—founder of Growing Self, host of theLove, Happiness and Success Podcast, a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified coach—says that posting online is also about 'relationship management.''It can be so tempting to fire off random posts, comments and even jokes that you find incredibly funny," she explains. "But just like how things don't always land the same way when you text them, it's very easy to be deeply misunderstood by people on the other side of the app. People will make judgments about you, especially when they don't know you very well.' 'People snoop,' she adds, and echoes the thoughts of Dr. Tran: 'It's wise to run every 'Should I post this?' through the filter of whether you'd be happy for a prospective employer or prospective first date to know about it.' In general, protecting yourself online can lead to a stronger and better level of mental health. Related: Here's Exactly How To Remove Your Address and Phone Number from Google Search 7 Things You Should Never Post Online, According to Psychologists 1. Personal information As Dr. Tran says, don't post personal information online because 'it can make you a target for identity theft, stalking or scams.' This includes things like your passwords, log-in information and financial details. 2. Real-time locations To protect yourself and your property, as Dr. Bobby says, don't post your location in real time. This includes Facebook, where you can indicate your current location, and Instagram, where you can post a quick story and show exactly where you are. 3. Health information Although in some cases it's admirable to be authentic and vulnerable as you share personal health hurdles online, it's important to think before you post. Dr. Bobby recommends that, in general, delicate health information should really only be shared with trusted people in your life, not the internet. Before you post, think about why you're posting. Also, if you think that this health information could be used against you in any way, don't post. 4. Sensitive mental health struggles This also goes for sensitive mental health struggles. Again, it's commendable that you're willing to put yourself out there if you're dealing with things such as depression and anxiety, and people are talking about their mental health more than ever before, which can help remove stigma. But Dr. Bobby points out that this could potentially be used against you in a variety of contexts, 'and you can't get rid of it,' she adds.'Even if you're feeling much better in a couple of years, someone researching you could come to negative conclusions about who you are and what you're capable of,' she says. Once more, it's important to consider the why before posting. If you want to fully live in your truth and be transparent about your mental health struggles, that's your choice to make, and you may not worry about what people online think about them. 5. Inappropriate photos Dr. Tran says that posting 'inappropriate or embarrassing photos' can't be undone once they're out there, and you never know what the consequence might be. That's why it's also important to really think before you send them to someone confidentially. But you definitely don't want to post it online (even if your account is private, because anyone can save it or screenshot it). 6. Information about others Forgo posting information and photos of other people and/or your kids.'If you want to post something about someone else, always get their explicit consent,' Dr. Bobby says. 'Otherwise, be aware that you could be sharing things about them that they really, really don't want to have posted. And know that there may be some things that upset them that would surprise you, having to do with their complicated relationships with other people in their social network that you don't know anything about.' Also, as Dr. Tran notes, don't post private conversations in which the other person didn't provide their consent. Related: Thinking About Taking a Social Media Break? Here Are 10 Things That Happen When You Quit Social Media 7. Hateful speech or threats Dr. Tran says that hateful speech or threats, besides being harmful, can damage your reputation. How Should People Guard Themselves and Their Mental Health Online? Now that you know the big 'no-nos' to never post online, how else can you protect your mental health?First of all, Dr. Tran suggests reducing the time you spend on online platforms. She also recommends taking occasional social media 'vacations,' reducing exposure to negative content that causes stress, anxiety or negative comparisons and reminding yourself not to take unhelpful comments personally."Don't associate your personal value with your social media account,' she Dr. Bobby says that it's key to practice self-awareness while online.'Pay attention to what feels triggering, negative or upsetting to you, and then set boundaries accordingly,' she recommends. The internet does have powers that can be used for good. As Dr. Tran says, you can turn to social media as a tool to help you grow or contribute to a cause that is meaningful to you, instead of a means for validation or social status. 'Taking regular breaks from social media and tracking the amount of time you spend scrolling or watching content can help you see the real impact it is having on you,' she recommends. 'Decide on the amount of time per day you will spend on it and stick with it even if it means that you have to use a timer so that you have time to enjoy and experience life outside of online platforms.' Up Next:Sources: Dr. Shannon Tran, PhD, psychologist. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified coach. 7 Things You Should Never, Ever Post Online, According to Psychologists first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
