Latest news with #Betches
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
How to Tell a Friend You Don't Like Their Partner
Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Image:) When your friend is in love—and you're writhing in horror at the object of their affection—the first question to ask yourself isn't how to raise the subject. It's whether you should. The decision 'requires a lot of introspection,' says Jordana Abraham, co-founder of the women-focused website Betches and co-host of the dating and relationships podcast U Up? For example: Do you dislike their beau because they have different interests than you, not to mention an off-putting vibe that kills your delusions of double dates? Or are you genuinely worried about the way they're treating someone you care about deeply? 'One is about you,' Abraham says. 'And one is about you protecting your friend.' We asked experts exactly what to say without breaking up your friendship. 'How are things going with Jess?' It's best to enter conversations about your friend's romantic partner with an open mind and a positive attitude. 'Approaching it with curiosity and no judgment will make your friend much more open to hearing your opinions,' Abraham says. If you come across as though you've already made up your mind about their other half, they'll be less likely to confide in you about any issues, because you won't seem like an objective enough source, she adds. Aim to bring it up privately during a quiet moment, rather than in a group setting. 'Your happiness is always my first priority, but I also feel protective of you. There are a few things I've noticed that I'd love to talk to you about—would that be OK?' This approach centers your friend's wellbeing, while gently introducing your concerns in a judgment-free way. 'It tells them you're not trying to control their choices—you're just paying attention because you care,' says Jenny Dreizen, an etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a website that offers scripts for tricky conversations. 'Ask for permission before diving in, and if they say they're not ready to hear it, respect that. It's about planting a seed, not demanding a reaction.' Read More: The Worst Thing to Say to Someone Who's Depressed 'I notice you seem different since you started dating Dan. What's changed for you?' The best thing about 'different' is that it's a neutral term, says matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom, who hosted the Netflix show Jewish Matchmaking. You're not telling your friend they seem any better or worse than usual—you're simply noting a change in personality and diving into what's behind it. 'It allows them to do some self-reflection and tell you what's going on—and maybe they'll have that 'aha' moment and see what you've also seen,' she says. 'You don't seem to be at your baseline happiness, and I'd love to see you in a relationship where you're at baseline or above.' It's never a good idea to compare your friend's new partner to an ex. Instead, reference their overall happiness, which could factor in their job, where they live, and their relationships, Ben Shalom says. 'It's acknowledging that the person they're with might be affecting them, but not in a way that makes you smile—in a way that makes you concerned,' she says. Read More: 8 Things to Say When Someone Lies to You Another approach Ben Shalom sometimes recommends: 'I don't know that your best self is coming through when you're with Matt.' Once you say this to your friend, follow up with a question: 'Does this resonate with you? Or am I off-base here?' Then allow them to guide the conversation; you'll be able to tell quickly if they're receptive to talking it out, or if you should back off. 'How was it when they met your family? What did they do to celebrate your birthday?' Asking about the more nuanced parts of your friend's relationship can provide insight. Since you're not phrasing your questions in a judgmental way, your friend is less likely to get defensive or clam up. 'They'll feel more free, if they are having an issue, to say, 'It didn't really go that well,' or 'He didn't get along with my mom,'' Abraham says. Your job after that is to make it clear you're a safe space for them to vent or ask for advice—and that you'll always be rooting for the best for them. 'What are the qualities you value most in a partner?' When you phrase a question like this, it's not taking a dig at one specific person—which makes it an ideal way to open a productive conversation, Ben Shalom says. Once your friend tells you what they value the most, ask a pointed follow-up: 'How in alignment do you feel Mike is with your values?' Then pause and allow them to reflect. 'They might be like, 'Well, we're not really connected in this area, but we're super connected here,'' she says. You'll get to learn more about why they're drawn to their partner—which could help shift your perspective. On the other hand, 'They could see, 'Wait a minute, maybe I'm in it for half the right reasons, but maybe this person as a whole isn't necessarily good for me.'' The best part? Your friend will be making the decision on their own, rather than feeling like you're making it for them. 'What's your gut telling you?' Especially in the early stages of a relationship, people often ask their friends: 'What do you think about so-and-so?' Ben Shalom likes to flip the question: 'What does your gut feeling tell you?' 'You don't have to point the finger and tell them—their insight is the most valuable thing to motivate whatever change needs to happen,' she says. 'And the truth is, they have to live with the decision. You don't have to. People pick their own person.' 'I just want to make sure you're up for handling a challenging relationship.' Some situations call for a more direct approach. Ben Shalom recalls the time someone asked her what she thought about their partner, and she replied: 'If you're asking me honestly, I don't think it's a great match. I don't think it's necessarily a smart match, and I don't think it's an easy match.' Then she added that, if they chose to move forward, she hoped they were prepared to navigate a challenging relationship. She recalls telling her friend: 'If you were working out, you could lift about five pounds. Maybe if you work out for a couple years, you'll work your way up to 50 or 100. I think you're trying to lift 500 pounds, and I just don't think you're ever going to be able to bench press that and hold it.' 'You know I'm always here, and always on your side.' Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is remind your friend that they're safe with you, Dreizen says. If they're in a dynamic that feels even slightly off, they might already be struggling with isolation or other challenging emotions—so a simple reassurance can help them feel grounded and loved. Read More: 14 Things to Say Besides 'I Love You' 'That's exactly what they need if they ever do want to open up or start questioning their relationship,' she says. 'Say it often. Not just once, not just when you're worried—make it part of your regular friendship language.' Repetition builds a safety net, and your friend will know who to turn to when they're ready. Wondering what to say in a tricky social situation? Email timetotalk@ Contact us at letters@ Solve the daily Crossword
Time Magazine
7 days ago
- General
- Time Magazine
How to Tell a Friend You Don't Like Their Partner
When your friend is in love—and you're writhing in horror at the object of their affection—the first question to ask yourself isn't how to raise the subject. It's whether you should. The decision 'requires a lot of introspection,' says Jordana Abraham, co-founder of the women-focused website Betches and co-host of the dating and relationships podcast U Up? For example: Do you dislike their beau because they have different interests than you, not to mention an off-putting vibe that kills your delusions of double dates? Or are you genuinely worried about the way they're treating someone you care about deeply? 'One is about you,' Abraham says. 'And one is about you protecting your friend.' We asked experts exactly what to say without breaking up your friendship. 'How are things going with Jess?' It's best to enter conversations about your friend's romantic partner with an open mind and a positive attitude. 'Approaching it with curiosity and no judgment will make your friend much more open to hearing your opinions,' Abraham says. If you come across as though you've already made up your mind about their other half, they'll be less likely to confide in you about any issues, because you won't seem like an objective enough source, she adds. Aim to bring it up privately during a quiet moment, rather than in a group setting. 'Your happiness is always my first priority, but I also feel protective of you. There are a few things I've noticed that I'd love to talk to you about—would that be OK?' This approach centers your friend's wellbeing, while gently introducing your concerns in a judgment-free way. 'It tells them you're not trying to control their choices—you're just paying attention because you care,' says Jenny Dreizen, an etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a website that offers scripts for tricky conversations. 'Ask for permission before diving in, and if they say they're not ready to hear it, respect that. It's about planting a seed, not demanding a reaction.' Read More: The Worst Thing to Say to Someone Who's Depressed 'I notice you seem different since you started dating Dan. What's changed for you?' The best thing about 'different' is that it's a neutral term, says matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom, who hosted the Netflix show Jewish Matchmaking. You're not telling your friend they seem any better or worse than usual—you're simply noting a change in personality and diving into what's behind it. 'It allows them to do some self-reflection and tell you what's going on—and maybe they'll have that 'aha' moment and see what you've also seen,' she says. 'You don't seem to be at your baseline happiness, and I'd love to see you in a relationship where you're at baseline or above.' It's never a good idea to compare your friend's new partner to an ex. Instead, reference their overall happiness, which could factor in their job, where they live, and their relationships, Ben Shalom says. 'It's acknowledging that the person they're with might be affecting them, but not in a way that makes you smile—in a way that makes you concerned,' she says. Read More: 8 Things to Say When Someone Lies to You Another approach Ben Shalom sometimes recommends: 'I don't know that your best self is coming through when you're with Matt.' Once you say this to your friend, follow up with a question: 'Does this resonate with you? Or am I off-base here?' Then allow them to guide the conversation; you'll be able to tell quickly if they're receptive to talking it out, or if you should back off. 'How was it when they met your family? What did they do to celebrate your birthday?' Asking about the more nuanced parts of your friend's relationship can provide insight. Since you're not phrasing your questions in a judgmental way, your friend is less likely to get defensive or clam up. 'They'll feel more free, if they are having an issue, to say, 'It didn't really go that well,' or 'He didn't get along with my mom,'' Abraham says. Your job after that is to make it clear you're a safe space for them to vent or ask for advice—and that you'll always be rooting for the best for them. 'What are the qualities you value most in a partner?' When you phrase a question like this, it's not taking a dig at one specific person—which makes it an ideal way to open a productive conversation, Ben Shalom says. Once your friend tells you what they value the most, ask a pointed follow-up: 'How in alignment do you feel Mike is with your values?' Then pause and allow them to reflect. 'They might be like, 'Well, we're not really connected in this area, but we're super connected here,'' she says. You'll get to learn more about why they're drawn to their partner—which could help shift your perspective. On the other hand, 'They could see, 'Wait a minute, maybe I'm in it for half the right reasons, but maybe this person as a whole isn't necessarily good for me.'' The best part? Your friend will be making the decision on their own, rather than feeling like you're making it for them. 'What's your gut telling you?' Especially in the early stages of a relationship, people often ask their friends: 'What do you think about so-and-so?' Ben Shalom likes to flip the question: 'What does your gut feeling tell you?' 'You don't have to point the finger and tell them—their insight is the most valuable thing to motivate whatever change needs to happen,' she says. 'And the truth is, they have to live with the decision. You don't have to. People pick their own person.' 'I just want to make sure you're up for handling a challenging relationship.' Some situations call for a more direct approach. Ben Shalom recalls the time someone asked her what she thought about their partner, and she replied: 'If you're asking me honestly, I don't think it's a great match. I don't think it's necessarily a smart match, and I don't think it's an easy match.' Then she added that, if they chose to move forward, she hoped they were prepared to navigate a challenging relationship. She recalls telling her friend: 'If you were working out, you could lift about five pounds. Maybe if you work out for a couple years, you'll work your way up to 50 or 100. I think you're trying to lift 500 pounds, and I just don't think you're ever going to be able to bench press that and hold it.' 'You know I'm always here, and always on your side.' Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is remind your friend that they're safe with you, Dreizen says. If they're in a dynamic that feels even slightly off, they might already be struggling with isolation or other challenging emotions—so a simple reassurance can help them feel grounded and loved. Read More: 14 Things to Say Besides 'I Love You' 'That's exactly what they need if they ever do want to open up or start questioning their relationship,' she says. 'Say it often. Not just once, not just when you're worried—make it part of your regular friendship language.' Repetition builds a safety net, and your friend will know who to turn to when they're ready. Wondering what to say in a tricky social situation? Email timetotalk@
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Under the Desk News: TIME100 Creators 2025
Credit - Tasos Katopodis—GLAAD/Getty Images More than half of Americans get at least some of their news from social media, according to Pew Research. So it's no surprise that V Spehar—better known online as Under the Desk News—has become a trusted source for an audience of 4.5 million across TikTok and Instagram. The 42-year-old, who identifies as non-binary, went viral for their first-ever segment: during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. capitol, they shared a short TikTok video addressed to then-Vice President Mike Pence while lying under a desk—as if in a tornado drill. These days, while they typically address viewers from the comfort of a chair, they continue to break down the issues of the day in short-form, digestible clips—from the political impact of the 2025 New York City mayoral election to the latest developments in reproductive rights. They also co-host the Betches podcast American Fever Dream, diving deeper into issues shaping politics and pop culture. Spehar has landed high-profile collaborations with notable figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and last year interviewed then-Vice President Kamala Harris about bodily autonomy for the podcast. In October, they diversified their reach by launching on Substack, where they've amassed more than 150,000 subscribers. Data and insights powered by #paid Contact us at letters@
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
LadBible publisher faces £2m hit from dollar woes amid US expansion
LadBible owner LBG Media has warned that continued US dollar weakness will hit sales and profits this year. The digital publisher, which has been expanding operations in the US, told investors it had 'done all it can to mitigate the impact', but said a weak dollar could cost it about £2million in revenues and £1million in earnings this year. The US dollar index is down by almost 10 per cent since the beginning of the year as global investors have grown wary of the country's enormous debt pile, weaker economic growth and the impact of trade tariffs. LBG, which owns US female-focused digital media brand Betches, took a £366,000 loss from FX movements over its first half, over up from £15,000 last year. Analysts at brokers Zeus, Investec and Peel Hunt have cut their annual turnover and earnings forecasts for LBG by 2 and 5 per cent, respectively, due to the foreign exchange headwinds. But LBG remains optimistic about increasing its turnover by 10 per cent at constant currency rates this year, despite elevated economic volatility partly resulting from recent tariffs. The Manchester-based group, whose other brands include UniLad and SPORTbible, reported that its sales rose by 13 per cent to £43.9million in the six months ending March. Indirect revenues jumped by 18 per cent to £24.5million following a weak comparative period on social platforms last year. Direct turnover expanded by 8 per cent to £19.3million thanks to a strong performance in the US, where the firm's clients include Netflix, Dunkin' Donuts and PepsiCo. Sales growth far outpaced the rise in costs, helping LBG's adjusted earnings before nasties climb by 18 per cent to £12.2million and pre-tax profits more than double from £3.3million to £8.6million. Solly Solomou, chief executive of LBG, said: 'LBG Media has positive momentum, with double-digit growth in the first half of 2025. 'This reflects our diversified and agile model, which offers blue-chip brands access to the hard-to-reach 16-34 year old demographic. He added: 'Our confidence of progress in the second half of the year is underpinned by our audience, the power of LBG Media's brands, our attractiveness to brands and celebrities, and the relevance of our content.' LBG claims to be the UK's fifth largest social and digital business, with an audience of 520 million as of March, compared to 503 million at the same time last year. The company is attempting to capitalise on two major long-term trends: an expanding digital advertising market and higher purchasing power among the millennial and Gen Z generations. Consequently, LBG is heavily targeting the US market; it acquired the female-focused digital media firm Betches two years ago in a $54million deal. Fiona Orford-Williams, director at Edison Group, said: 'Getting it right in the US is key to LBG Media's growth ambitions, and the Betches acquisition has given a good springboard, as well as broadening out the addressable audience. 'The second half of the year will provide more difficult comparatives, and currency moves are unhelpful, but full-year revenue progress in double figures should be achievable, and the medium-term potential remains positive.' LBG Media shares were 5.3 per cent up at 99p on Tuesday morning, although they have still fallen by over a quarter this year.
