
Stop Living Your Life On Hard Mode And Try A Few Of These 36 Useful Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Imagine replacing sighs of misery with sighs of relief. Feels good, doesn't it?
1. A WD-40 pen — a multi-use lubricant in a convenient pen form! This works great at stopping squeaks, protecting against corrosion, loosening rust, and removing grime!
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and in the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
2. Some Glisten garbage disposal cleaner that'll foam up and scrub your disposal, leaving a fresh scent behind instead of icky drain pipe odors.
Promising review:"Takes away that gross smell. It seems counterintuitive to put a little packet down your garbage disposal to clean it, but this does actually seem to work, at least for getting out weird smells that baking soda and vinegar don't really touch. I scrub the sink down first, especially around the garbage disposal area, rinse it down, and then just follow the directions on the package. I have used it with single, large-size sinks and with double sinks — the only difference is that the double sink will have blue cleaning foam rise up the drain, which you rinse away when the disposal sounds clear again. I have tried the foaming cleaner in a can, but unfortunately, it stopped coming out of the can about 10% of the way through. Went back to this tried and true." — KS
Get two packs of four from Amazon for $7.56.
3. A belted cordless vibrating heating pad for those days when period cramps are a lot to handle. You can also use it on other parts of your body — neck, back, shoulders, etc. — to help with aches and pains. It has three temperatures and three different massage modes, so you can get the customized-to-you comfort you deserve.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Oh my god. This might be the best thing I have ever bought. It gets so incredibly warm. You do need to wear it over clothes to prevent burns, but as someone who never finds any heat pack warm enough, the lowest setting is exceptionally hot. As someone who has really bad menstrual cramps and chronic constipation, this little belt does it all. The heat is so soothing and adjustable, and it heats up so fast. The vibration is my favorite part. It helps so much with trapped gas and bloating pains and can even move things along if you're having a hard time using the bathroom. The various patterns and heat combinations allow this to be truly customizable to however you feel at the time, and it's fantastic. Absolutely worth every cent." — Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors).
4. A shoe stretch spray to soften and stretch tight-fitting shoes as you walk in them. Or, use the spray then insert a wooden shoe stretcher so you don't have to wear them. Either way, stop going through the pain of breaking in leather boots.
Fellow BuzzFeed writer Amanda Davis swears by this spray. Check out her Foot Matters Shoe Stretch spray review for more information!
Promising review: " I purchased my second pair of Dr. Martens three days before I was headed to New Orleans. Seemed like a mistake, right? Maybe it would have been if I didn't have this spray. I used it once and then walked around the house for a bit with some thick socks on. Then I sprayed the boots again, put beer cans inside of them, and let them sit overnight. I wore my NEW boots all over three different airports (thanks, layovers) and all over New Orleans. These were the only boots I packed, too. It could have ended up a nightmare, but it didn't! My boots still have a little ways to go to be fully broken in, but definitely ahead of schedule when I compare them to my first pair. I will use this spray on every pair of boots from now to forever." — lauren
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
5. A pore-blurring SPF 30 Elizabeth Mott face primer that'll help soften the appearance of fine lines while also protecting your skin against UVA/UVB rays. This lightweight formula will give you a lovely, dewy, glass-like finish. Chock-full of nutrients from shea butter, green tea, cucumber, and linseed, this primer is the holy grail you've been searching for.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've used many, many, many primers in my life, from the cheapest to the most expensive, and I would honestly rate this primer in the top five. After wearing this primer under my makeup all day, when I get home from work my face still looks blurred. I'm 39, and I constantly get compliments on how my skin looks, and I can partly thank this primer for that." — Erica Jackson
Get it from Amazon for $13.59.
6. The Pink Stuff cleaning paste — a miraculous problem-solver that can help you get rid of stains, streaks, gunk, and dirt from just about anything. I'm serious. That pan you don't use anymore because of all the caked-on food you couldn't remove? The Pink Stuff's got that covered. Literally. Try it on your stovetop, your sneakers, your walls, your toilet...you get the picture.
Promising reviews:"I'd left an old pan in the sink for a day or two, and the water caused it to rust and leave an ugly rust stain in the sink. I tried EVERYTHING. I scrubbed and wiped, and nothing worked. Legit, two seconds into scrubbing with this, the stain came off. I swear, it's worth every cent! It doesn't leave any gross smell, and it's real quality stuff. My sink looks perfect now!!" — Alexis
"I was trying to get adhesive off of drywall and nothing was working. THIS WORKS on everything! It easily took off the adhesive. Then I had Corningware with a stubborn stain; I had tried everything. Then I tried The Pink Stuff, and it easily removed the stubborn stain. I will now always keep this on hand!" — David C. Rein
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
7. A pack of two wall outlet space heaters if your small room/office/bathroom can't handle losing any square footage to a more traditional space heater. You can adjust it to your desired temperature using its digital thermostat!
Promising review:"Great for office use. It's small and discreet, and I love the remote, so I don't have to crawl under my desk to turn it off and on. Keeps me warm and toasty. I have had this over a year, and it's still working fine." — Ashley
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (also available individually).
8. A can of fire extinguishing spray since it's easy to store in your kitchen and sprays for four times longer than a traditional (and cumbersome) fire extinguisher. This'll help provide some peace of mind as you cook.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I bought one for beside the grill, one for beside the stove, one for the laundry room, and one for the car. I think the intuitive, easy-to-use design is fantastic. We already have the muscle memory for using a spray can. In an emergency, it's so much easier to grab this and use it, and turn a small fire into a non-fire. I don't have time to remember a three-step method of fire control when my bacon has gotten out of control on the stove. I'm not a firefighter! I'd really like to have one in every room. Think about it. Isn't it better to immediately contain a small fire than deal with a big one? This could save your life, and your house." — K Zander
Get it from Amazon for $11.89.
9. A cute and compact portable pill container that has seven compartments to house your medications, so you don't have to go rooting through the lot of pills you have to take. And it also has a dispenser lid that'll make getting to your vitamins even easier when you're traveling.
Promising review: "This is the best pill container I have found. It holds a month's worth of pills in each compartment and is compact and easy to store and travel with. It is very sturdy and I don't have to worry about the cap opening accidentally. The enclosed labels are a bonus, and the see-through exterior makes it easy to see how many pills are left. I keep it on my nightstand and it doesn't take a lot of space." — TA
Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in four colors).
10. A pack of six extra-large wool dryer balls to replace dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Not only will these help you save on drying time, but they'll also help ensure your clothes are softer and have fewer wrinkles.
Handy Laundry is a small biz!
Promising review:"These are a fantastic purchase! My clothes come out of the dryer noticeably wrinkle-free and feel soft. I've also noticed a slight reduction in drying time, which is a bonus for saving energy. They're reusable and chemical-free, making them a healthy, eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets." — Avinash
Get them from Handy Laundry on Amazon for $12.99 (also available in packs of 4 and 12).
11. A pack of Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets so you don't risk limescale and mineral buildup affecting your dishwasher's performance. If a dishwasher can't properly wash dishes...it's essentially just a wet cabinet.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I had tried lots of white vinegar for two cycles in my 20-year-old dishwasher for the cloudy and powdery dinginess it had started making, and it only helped about 30%. We have very hard water. These tablets zapped the buildup, and my glass is clear again, and colored plastics no longer have the powder-like coating. So glad I took a chance on this!" — J. Holden
Get six tablets from Amazon for $8.99.
12. A dog paw scrubber — just squeeze the bottle to unleash the antibacterial foaming formula within and get those dirty spots off Spot's paws. This is perfect for at-home and on-the-go use!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wanted something that would clean my baby's paws after our walks because I didn't want germs or dirt coming into the house. It smells great, it works well, and I can see that the rubber part doesn't bother my doggy! It's super easy to use, and I use it to keep her paws clean and my house clean! 10/10, especially for the price point!" — Thia
Get it from Amazon for $6.24.
13.
Shower curtain rings that have separate hangers for your curtain and liner, which will make taking them down and switching them out so much faster and easier. This is also just a reminder that you do, in fact, need to change your shower liner. Today.
Promising review:"I was surprised what a difference these new shower curtain hooks made. They slide SOOOO much better across the shower curtain rod than the ones I had previously. There are also two hooks (one on each side), making it a breeze to change out or wash the shower curtain liner without removing the shower curtain. This saves so much time and aggravation!!! I will be purchasing this type from now until forever!" — MaryMaryinLA
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 17 colors).
14. A super effective fungal nail renewal treatment if you've been living with thick, discolored, and brittle nails. This can help improve the look of your nails in as little as two days!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been dealing with a bad fungus nail for about three years. I've been trying to use products off the shelf and bought one here, you know, the ones with the brush. It never worked 'til I bought this one. Let me tell you, it only took just under a week to see GREAT results. It's pretty much gone, and it's been less than two months. Buy it and don't think about it! You won't regret it!" — itslilac
Get it from Amazon for $19.86.
15. A brilliant veggie chopper with a built-in tray so you don't have to deal with the mess of a cutting board. So go ahead and dice and slice veggies to your heart's content and stop wasting time (and tears) chopping onions by hand.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is one of my absolute favorite kitchen tools! This is right up there with my stand mixer. I save hours a week using this for dinner prep. I HATE cutting up veggies for dinner, and this makes it fast and fun! I can't believe I didn't buy one years ago. This is worth every penny. Easy to use, and I can just throw it in my dishwasher for clean up. I'm obsessed. I will be buying these as gifts. This is an absolute must-have for everyone." — Reviewer
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in six sizes and four colors).
16. A pack of two flexible dryer vent cleaners because there's likely a bunch of trapped lint causing your clothes to still come out kinda damp. Use this to get all that gunk out, which will also help to prevent dryer fires!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I clean my dryer vent after every single use. I was shocked to see so much lint and dust come out! It was very simple to use and it really works! I kept one for myself and gave the other to my daughter." — Shari Schmidt
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.99.
17. A Pikk-it hair-removal tool that'll help you pull out all the hair and fur caught in your vacuum head. Finally, you can more effectively clean your floors without secretly wishing your fluffy pet was born hairless. Reviewers also use this to clean their hairbrushes!
Promising review: "Between myself (medium long hair) and my overly fluffy cat, a lot of hair and fluff was continually getting caught up on the roller brush of my vacuum. I dreaded vacuuming because it took so long to pull and snip the hairs wrapped up on the roller brush out with scissors. Not anymore! This silly, little, inexpensive thing works great! Super quick to remove all the hair/fur — in virtually a minute, then back to vacuuming with my lovely Miele vacuum." — MKS
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
18. An ear-washing bottle for easy removal of wax buildup. Reviewers noted that the process was not only easy but comfortable, too. If you've been having a little trouble hearing your friends' gossip (and subsequently feeling bad that all you've got to offer them in return is "uh-huh"), try this handy system!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This product is awesome and completely exceeded my expectations! We have been struggling with excessive earwax build-up with my 4-year-old son. We tried everything else, and he would cry and scream if we did anything to his ear. It took two tries, but we got all the impacted earwax out. The first time, I used water and apple cider vinegar, and the second time, I just used warm water. Both methods worked equally well. I tried it myself, and it feels a little weird, but it doesn't hurt. My son doesn't mind doing it and watches TV the whole time. Would definitely recommend this product for young children!" — Alix H.
Get it from Amazon for $29.50.
19. A pet hair-removing ChomChom roller so you'll be able to reclaim your couch from the mob of fur that's been calling it home in a few quick swipes. And because it doesn't use disposable adhesive strips, you can use this thing over and over and over and over and...
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " We have two cats, one with long white hair who sheds a lot. I use this mostly on my furniture, comforter, and area rugs. It works wonderfully and is so easy to clean. Love that there is no sticky paper to throw away. A must-have for pet owners." — Steve Fadelli
"I have a golden retriever, and the shedding is out of control. My fabric sofa is constantly covered in hair and I finally decided to try this after reading an article about popular TikTok products. The reviews do not lie; this thing works magic!! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because the difference is noticeable. I watched the video tutorial before I tried it to ensure I was using it properly and everything he says is true, you do really have to put your arm to work with vigorous back and forth movement! However, I find it's a great arm workout, and it works wonders." — Joanne Ertel
Get it from Amazon for $19.59+ (available in four styles).
20. A vacuum-insulated Contigo travel mug because it'll keep your hot drinks hot for up to 11 hours and your cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, its auto-seal technology will help ensure that there's no leaking or spilling.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is the best insulated cup I have ever had. It keeps my coffee hot all day and doesn't leak. Great product!!!" — Alison Wall
Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in four sizes and several colors).
21. And add this cutesy and demure insulated lunch bag that'll make you feel both fashionable and responsible.
Promising review:"I love this insulated lunch bag so much. I usually just bring my lunch in a plastic grocery bag (lol), but I decided to step it up a little bit and get something insulated. It is nice and big! I can fit breakfast and lunch in there, plus more! It has side mesh pockets for napkins, utensils, snacks, whatever! My coworker immediately asked if I wanted to trade lunch bags with her. Great price point!" — Caitlyn
Get it from Amazon for $4.98+ (available in 20 colors/patterns).
22. A new Our Place personal blender to make feeding yourself an easier and faster affair (because you can't keep having popcorn for dinner). This cutesy blender has two high-speed modes so you can make a ton of recipes! You'll also get a cup and lid that'll allow you to take your fruity (or veggie!) concoction on the go!
Promising review: "This blender is perfect! It can be left on the counter because it is so pretty and it's super strong. Everyone loves to make their own individual smoothie in the house. It blends big frozen strawberries with no problem, and it's aesthetically lovely! We love it!" — Amazon Shopper 77
Get it from Amazon for $125 (available in four colors).
23. A super smart (and cute) humidifier tank cleaner for keeping your humidifier mold and mildew free for up to 30 days. It kills up to 99% of odor-causing bacteria, which you need if your humidifier has been spewing out some smelly smells.
Promising review:"I LOVE these little fish. I've been using them for about 2.5 years now, and I truly believe they help keep the humidifier and water cleaner. People don't realize all the nasty mold and bacteria that can be growing in their humidifier and then released into the air in their room! I've noticed a huge difference in mold growth when I use these fish." — Shelly
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
24. A bottle of Feed-N-Wax wood polish and conditioner — not only will this enhance your floor's and furniture's glow, but it will also layer them with a protective coating of carnauba wax and beeswax, so there's less polishing for you to do in the future.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff works really well. My cabinets had dry spots on them. This cleaned everything right up and gave them new life. I will be using this forever on my wood products." — Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.94.
25. Some deep-reaching, ergonomic "flossing toothbrushes" with dual-layered flossing bristles that are designed to get deep into the grooves of your teeth and gums. Though this shouldn't replace flossing, these toothbrushes can help rid your teeth of plaque and food residue. Plus, they're designed with those who have sensitive gums in mind.
Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, specializing in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed for deeper cleans.
Here's what writer Emma Lord has to say:"I love it just after the first few days of use! I use an electric toothbrush usually, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively."
Promising review: "I'm amazed at how well this toothbrush cleans my teeth — it definitely gets between the teeth and also, more importantly for me, gets in the small, deep crevices in my molars where I always have food stuck, and regular toothbrushes couldn't get stuff out. I brush more often (after meals/snacks) because of how effective it is. As stated, definitely go easy around the gums. The bristles feel soft but will cause your gums to bleed if you use regular pressure. Nice and easy does the trick, SO WELL!" — Jason A.
Get a pair from Mouthwatchers on Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a four-pack).
26. A bacteria-killing denture cleaner to remove any odors and discoloration caused by buildup. This also works on retainers, mouthguards, and Invisalign.
Promising review:"I was using Efferdent to soak my clear retainers, but I always still had to scrub them because it would leave a film, and I don't think it killed any germs because they would turn yellow as well. So I'm very happy I gave this brand a try because it's amazing. After just one use, my retainer was clear and looked brand new again! No scrubbing needed! I just pop one in the cup with my retainer and add a little warm water, and they are ready to go again that night, sparkling clean! Definitely recommend this product and will be using it forever!" — Tara Beth
Get 120 tablets from Amazon for $17.45 (available in two other pack sizes).
27. A chic and convenient stainless-steel Stanley flask for all your sly sipping needs. Take your fave drinking games on the go!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Hands-down one of the best purchases I've made in a long time. From its sleek design to its superior functionality, this flask is built for both practicality and style. First off, the build quality is incredible. You can tell right away that it's designed to last a lifetime. The stainless-steel construction feels sturdy and rugged, making it perfect for any adventure, whether you're camping, tailgating, or just hanging out with friends. Plus, it's leakproof — no worries about spills when you toss it in your bag. Cheers to a great product!" — Victor Villasenor
Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (available in six colors).
28. A two-pack of reusable mop pads so you don't have to waste money on single-use Swiffer pads for your deep cleans. Made using extra-thick microfibers, these mop pads are super absorbent!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
They're compatible with the original Swiffer Sweeper!
Turbo Mops is a family-run small business that wants to help you live (and clean) more sustainably.
Promising review:"The Velcro closure alone is worth the purchase. It was really easy to put on (no more pinched fingers) and the hold is very strong. No more having to handle the dirty, drippy sheets to try to reattach them in the middle of cleaning the floor. I noticed that my floors are cleaner because the microfiber absorbs more and doesn't just push the grime around the floor. Also, these can be washed in the washing machine for the next use." — Rosemary Patterson
Get them from Turbo Mops on Amazon for $12.76.
29. An electric lighter because those cheap matches you've had for eons never actually catch fire. Now you can easily light your candles (and joints) without dealing with the frustration of matches literally snapping in half. It's rechargeable and has an auto-off function.
Promising review:"We love to have scented candles burning throughout the year and got tired of having to replace the gas lighters. This lighter is absolutely incredible. It has paid for itself several times by not having to replace lighters. Not only that, it's safer to have around the house compared to an open flame lighter." — Nathan
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in eight colors).
31. A rapid egg cooker for effortlessly preparing up to six eggs. Now you don't have to worry about cracking into a hard-boiled egg and finding a runny yolk. Get ready for instant hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets!
www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says,"I've owned one of these babies and have faithfully used it every week for upward of two years, and especially love it while working from home — it simplifies breakfast because I know no matter what assortment of groceries I'm working with, there are precooked eggs to add some protein to it. (I like mine medium-boiled. 🍳) If my dinner is boring or seems like it needs a little extra oomph to it, I'll throw in an egg from this, too. Some reviews note that the alarm on it is a little loud, but the new models have significantly decreased the volume and sing a little song instead!"
Promising review: "I saw someone on TikTok with this and gasped! Ordered it right away. I had no idea these things existed. Super easy and convenient, and the hard-boiled eggs came out perfectly. I'm testing a batch now without punching a hole in the eggs to see how they come out. Because why not make an easy process even easier?!?! LOL." — Gina
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in eight colors).
32. A super fast electric milk frother to add to your Corner (of the kitchen) Café so you can add lattes to your at-home menu!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Don't forget the AA batteries!
Promising review:"OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I've already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life. This comes highly recommended." — Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three styles, with/without AA batteries, and in lots of colors).
33. A plant-based litter box odor eliminator because as much as you love your little fur baby, the stench of their ~deposits~ can make your clean home feel filthy. These moisture-wicking granules contain a blend of essential oils, so your home can go back to smelling fresh.
Amazon
Promising review: "We have two kittens who share a litter box and produce a surprising amount of waste for such tiny guys! As a result, the odor was getting out of control. I bought this based on other reviews and have been using it for a few weeks. It really works! I've used it with regular clay litter and now pine, and it works well with both. It's been helping to keep the odor to a bare minimum, even when we forget to scoop for a little bit. Highly recommend!" — ktrammell
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
34. A grape cutter if grapes are your tot's fave snack, but it takes you forever to cut them up by hand. This will quickly slice grapes into quarters, so they're less of a hazard for your snacking tot. It's also safe enough for your tot to use (with your supervision, of course).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "LOVE it. It took three minutes to cut grapes, which would have taken me at least 10 [by hand]. As a mom of a toddler, those minutes are precious. It was also fun and easy to use." — Jacqueline
"I wish I would've had this a LONG time ago. This little gadget has come in so handy. If you have a toddler or small child, you NEED this. It quarters grapes, cherry tomatoes, olives, etc., so they aren't choking hazards for little ones. So much faster than slicing every tiny grape up yourself. 10/10 would recommend." — Sara Waits
Get it from Amazon for $11.76.
35. The Nori Press for anyone with no space for an ironing board. No problem! Plus, no more worrying about water leakage or burn marks. The portable and ever-so-sleek Nori Press works without an ironing board and can press and steam your outfits in minutes!
www.amazon.com
Nori is a woman-owned small business based in Connecticut hoping to make your life easier with this all-in-one travel iron and steamer.
BuzzFeed writer Negesti Kaudo is a fan:
"It's super travel-friendly too! I personally own one of these irons and take it with me on every single trip — it fits easily in a carry-on or weekender — just to make sure I still look fly after haphazardly tossing all my clothes into my bags."
Promising review:"It heats up incredibly quickly, so I can tackle wrinkles in no time. The steam output is powerful and consistent, effortlessly smoothing out even the toughest creases on all types of fabric, from delicate silk to heavier cotton. I love how lightweight and easy to use. Plus, the built-in safety features give me peace of mind while I use it." — Alisha
Get it from Nori on Amazon for $95.20 (available in five colors).
36. A portable Bissell multi-purpose carpet cleaner to take care of the spots and stains your carpets and couches have garnered over the years. No need to go out and rent a cumbersome contraption when you've got this compact bad boy at home. It's got powerful spray and suction, so those stubborn pet messes will be gone in mere moments. Deep clean made easy!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow! Bought this little steamer and am really impressed. I did one go on my brothers' couches, and [there's a] difference. It could use one more go to get to the 'looking like brand new,' but this is amazing!!! When you watch the video in the product description, there is something oddly satisfying about watching the dirty water get suctioned in after spraying the surface you are cleaning, but I must admit I didn't believe it would work that well. Well, it does!! Just like advertised! I am so impressed. If you are considering this cleaner, get it; you will not be disappointed." — edina bajraktarevic
Get it from Amazon for $99.99.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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- Yahoo
15 'Ew...That Gave Me The Ick" Relationship Red Flags That Are Secretly Huge Green Flags
Red flag this, green flag that. When dating, people have so many characteristics they look for in a partner. Or more truthfully, traits they try to avoid. Sometimes, though, one person's red flag is another person's green flag. We asked the BuzzFeed Community for examples of things that, when dating, some might see as a reason for pause, but they see as a good thing. The responses were fascinating: Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 1."Not having social media. I have heard (and read on BuzzFeed) that 'not having any social media is a huge red flag for me.' WHY?! HOW?! So you're upset that you don't have to police their Instagram, Facebook/Messenger, TikTok, Snapchat, etc? My partner of six years only has Snapchat and literally has like 25 friends. They are 99% friends I have met, have mutual friends with, or are his family. It's a HUGE green flag that they don't give a crap about social media and what others think about his life/our life. It's OUR life, so why should anyone expect to see into it if you're not invited? I have social media only because it's how I communicate with family. He has full access, and I have full access to his phone, etc. Why? Because we trust each other. It's so nice having a partner who doesn't give a fuck about what others think of him as much as I don't give a fuck. If you think it's a red flag, you need to ask yourself why." —Anonymous, 36; Tennessee 2."Having a quirky or weird interest. That does not automatically make someone a weirdo or obsessive. For example, my husband has ADHD and tends to get very interested in a hobby or topic quickly and loves to geek out about it. Some of his interests are kind of out there. For example, he's 27 and LOVES Disney (especially the parks and movies), LOVES gardening, LOVES caring for our bearded dragon, LOVES working on his tank, and LOVES improving his life quality. A lot of other girls in college thought he was weird for his niche and intense interests, especially because he can be kind of shy and quiet. I was the only girl who gave him a chance. And I won the jackpot! He's caring, romantic, respects me, takes great care of me and our home, and he's wicked smart. Sure, he's quirky. Sure, he doesn't have typical 'masculine' hobbies. But he's a great guy, and I wish more people saw more for him than his quirks." —Anonymous, 25; Virginia 3."Not doing surprise gifts, dates, etc. Spontaneity and big gestures are highly romanticized, but they can often set both parties up for disappointment or unrealistic expectations. Communicating and involving your partner instead is a green flag for me. My partner and I like to discuss and plan fun ideas together. We go shopping for gifts together as well, so we get to pick out exactly what we like. It's so much more fun, and there is less pressure to like a gift or hope they like a gift. (And wastes less money)." —Anonymous, 30; Canada 4."Inserting himself into my college life. We currently go to different colleges, but he makes the effort to see me at my college because he wants to get to know my friends and new interests I've picked up. It's so, when I talk, he knows how to contribute to our conversations in a way that he understands what and who I'm talking about. Some people may see it as signs of insecurity or jealousy, but he truly wants to see the way I've been growing as a person now that I'm in college." —Anonymous, 18; New York 5."Online gaming. I've dated a couple of people I've met through online gaming. I know people tend to think that's a bad thing (to game a lot), but it requires communication and planning skills, especially when their gaming group includes people around the world." —Anonymous, 39; Phoenix, AZ 6."Not being close to their parents. It's great if your family is close. It's also absolutely okay if it's complicated, but sometimes it is better to cut ties with abusers or toxic people. I think it can be healthy to be no or low-contact, and it can protect partners and future children. It takes a lot of strength to break cycles." —Anonymous, 32; California 7."It's not toxic to have never dated someone before. Like, they're waiting for the truly right person to date." —Anonymous, 20; South Carolina 8."When people always respond with 'What do YOU want to do?' People find it weirdly annoying, but I think it just means they care about how you feel. I don't like it when people are like, 'What do you want to do?' 'Oh, I was thinking ice skating, then lunch at this restaurant, then a museum…' That just feels like they've been creepily putting this whole date together for months. No, thank you." —Anonymous 9."Not responding to texts quickly. My bf was sooooo slow to respond to texts when we first exchanged numbers. I thought he wasn't interested, but it turned out that he was not a very tech-savvy guy and had no interest in his phone. This makes dates great as we can converse for hours on end and away from screens. Our interactions are always genuine, and he's so thoughtful!" —Anonymous, 16; Oklahoma 10."Having girl friends as a man. It's not a red flag. It actually tells me women feel safe around you, and you can build a relationship with a woman other than a romantic one. So that means you don't see women only as objects for your pleasure. You actually see them as human beings you can interact with just like you do with other men." —Anonymous, 22; Romania 11."Not telling someone their WHOLE life story. The older I get, there are things people keep to themselves for a reason. Doesn't mean they don't trust you or you can't trust them. If it's significant enough, it will reveal itself. I am not going to force someone I am with to tell me everything if they're not comfortable doing so. That being said, if you don't communicate what is important to you for them to share about themselves, that is all on you." —witchysorcerer621 12."Not being a self-proclaimed nice guy. This might be specific to my relationship, but he straight up told me he was 'kind of an a**hole' on our first date and said he wasn't good with emotions. It was refreshing as hell, coming from seemingly endless dates with self-professed 'nice guys' who were anything but. Turns out he's not an asshole at all, and he's pretty damn good with emotions now. That first date was 15 years ago." —rakishrogue 13."A guy cooking, cleaning, and being able to do stereotypically 'female' stuff." —Anonymous, Maddi, USA 26 14."Being upfront about dating other people. It might seem like a red flag at first, but it's actually a green one. Honesty about where you stand shows emotional maturity and respect. It also sets the stage for clear communication when the time comes to discuss exclusivity — if and when both people are ready for that step." —Anonymous, 37; Mexico "On a blind or first date: I am totally OJ with small talk. People have all sorts of different levels and experiences when it comes to meeting with a person for the first time. Being nervous is OK, and not knowing what to say is OK." —sparklysalt40 Have examples of your own where a perceived red flag is actually a green flag? Let us know in the comments or through the anonymous form below!


Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
15 Relationship Red Flags That Are Huge Green Flags
Red flag this, green flag that. When dating, people have so many characteristics they look for in a partner. Or more truthfully, traits they try to avoid. Sometimes, though, one person's red flag is another person's green flag. We asked the BuzzFeed Community for examples of things that, when dating, some might see as a reason for pause, but they see as a good thing. The responses were fascinating: "Not having social media. I have heard (and read on BuzzFeed) that 'not having any social media is a huge red flag for me.' WHY?! HOW?! So you're upset that you don't have to police their Instagram, Facebook/Messenger, TikTok, Snapchat, etc? My partner of six years only has Snapchat and literally has like 25 friends. They are 99% friends I have met, have mutual friends with, or are his family. It's a HUGE green flag that they don't give a crap about social media and what others think about his life/our life. It's OUR life, so why should anyone expect to see into it if you're not invited? I have social media only because it's how I communicate with family. He has full access, and I have full access to his phone, etc. Why? Because we trust each other. It's so nice having a partner who doesn't give a fuck about what others think of him as much as I don't give a fuck. If you think it's a red flag, you need to ask yourself why." —Anonymous, 36; Tennessee "Having a quirky or weird interest. That does not automatically make someone a weirdo or obsessive. For example, my husband has ADHD and tends to get very interested in a hobby or topic quickly and loves to geek out about it. Some of his interests are kind of out there. For example, he's 27 and LOVES Disney (especially the parks and movies), LOVES gardening, LOVES caring for our bearded dragon, LOVES working on his tank, and LOVES improving his life quality. A lot of other girls in college thought he was weird for his niche and intense interests, especially because he can be kind of shy and quiet. I was the only girl who gave him a chance. And I won the jackpot! He's caring, romantic, respects me, takes great care of me and our home, and he's wicked smart. Sure, he's quirky. Sure, he doesn't have typical 'masculine' hobbies. But he's a great guy, and I wish more people saw more for him than his quirks." "Not doing surprise gifts, dates, etc. Spontaneity and big gestures are highly romanticized, but they can often set both parties up for disappointment or unrealistic expectations. Communicating and involving your partner instead is a green flag for me. My partner and I like to discuss and plan fun ideas together. We go shopping for gifts together as well, so we get to pick out exactly what we like. It's so much more fun, and there is less pressure to like a gift or hope they like a gift. (And wastes less money)." —Anonymous, 30; Canada "Inserting himself into my college life. We currently go to different colleges, but he makes the effort to see me at my college because he wants to get to know my friends and new interests I've picked up. It's so, when I talk, he knows how to contribute to our conversations in a way that he understands what and who I'm talking about. Some people may see it as signs of insecurity or jealousy, but he truly wants to see the way I've been growing as a person now that I'm in college." "Online gaming. I've dated a couple of people I've met through online gaming. I know people tend to think that's a bad thing (to game a lot), but it requires communication and planning skills, especially when their gaming group includes people around the world." —Anonymous, 39; Phoenix, AZ "Not being close to their parents. It's great if your family is close. It's also absolutely okay if it's complicated, but sometimes it is better to cut ties with abusers or toxic people. I think it can be healthy to be no or low-contact, and it can protect partners and future children. It takes a lot of strength to break cycles." "It's not toxic to have never dated someone before. Like, they're waiting for the truly right person to date." —Anonymous, 20; South Carolina "When people always respond with 'What do YOU want to do?' People find it weirdly annoying, but I think it just means they care about how you feel. I don't like it when people are like, 'What do you want to do?' 'Oh, I was thinking ice skating, then lunch at this restaurant, then a museum…' That just feels like they've been creepily putting this whole date together for months. No, thank you." "Not responding to texts quickly. My bf was sooooo slow to respond to texts when we first exchanged numbers. I thought he wasn't interested, but it turned out that he was not a very tech-savvy guy and had no interest in his phone. This makes dates great as we can converse for hours on end and away from screens. Our interactions are always genuine, and he's so thoughtful!" —Anonymous, 16; Oklahoma "Having girl friends as a man. It's not a red flag. It actually tells me women feel safe around you, and you can build a relationship with a woman other than a romantic one. So that means you don't see women only as objects for your pleasure. You actually see them as human beings you can interact with just like you do with other men." "Not telling someone their WHOLE life story. The older I get, there are things people keep to themselves for a reason. Doesn't mean they don't trust you or you can't trust them. If it's significant enough, it will reveal itself. I am not going to force someone I am with to tell me everything if they're not comfortable doing so. That being said, if you don't communicate what is important to you for them to share about themselves, that is all on you." —witchysorcerer621 "Not being a self-proclaimed nice guy. This might be specific to my relationship, but he straight up told me he was 'kind of an a**hole' on our first date and said he wasn't good with emotions. It was refreshing as hell, coming from seemingly endless dates with self-professed 'nice guys' who were anything but. Turns out he's not an asshole at all, and he's pretty damn good with emotions now. That first date was 15 years ago." "A guy cooking, cleaning, and being able to do stereotypically 'female' stuff." —Anonymous, Maddi, USA 26 "Being upfront about dating other people. It might seem like a red flag at first, but it's actually a green one. Honesty about where you stand shows emotional maturity and respect. It also sets the stage for clear communication when the time comes to discuss exclusivity — if and when both people are ready for that step." Finally, "On a blind or first date: I am totally OJ with small talk. People have all sorts of different levels and experiences when it comes to meeting with a person for the first time. Being nervous is OK, and not knowing what to say is OK." —sparklysalt40 Have examples of your own where a perceived red flag is actually a green flag? Let us know in the comments or through the anonymous form below!