Pets are so cute, cuddly, fun, and a handful at times as most owners can sternly repeat, "Come here! What's that in your mouth? Get off of that! Not again," in their sleep.
Clinically, pets are proven to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression in people. In my experience, my cat added an unexplainable value and sense of companionship into my life when I decided to venture off into my own living space alone. The love and affection that you receive is unconditional, nonstop, and even attempts to follow you into the bathroom.
Though life gets hard at times, pets make it figuratively and literally nearly impossible to feel alone and not to laugh. For people who are going through a tough time mentally, pets can help keep you on track in the following ways:
- They Keep You On A Regular Schedule: Knowing that you are depended on to feed, walk, or tend to your animals fills you with a sense of purpose and holds you accountable for taking care of a life outside of yours.
- They Keep You Physically Active: If you are a dog owner, you get to have a walking buddy each day and if you own a cat, you get to be creative with the games you can play indoors. And you can even ease your cat outside for walks while they are younger.
- They Keep You Social Even When You Want To Isolate: With an adorable furry companion by your side, it won't be too hard to spark up a conversation about your pet while outdoors, or even in their absence. Also for those days that you don't feel like being around other people, you can be comforted by somebody way cuter and more fun to cuddle with.
If you're not convinced yet, hear from these ladies who gushed to xoNecole about their experiences and love for their furry companions:
Reaundra Roach
Pet owner to dog for over a year:
"Having Nori has taught me that I'm capable of nurturing and caring for something/someone other than myself, being that I'm not a mother. I went through a rough time in my life and having her made all the difference. When I had no motivation to get out of my bed because I was sad, taking Nori for walks and playing with her helped me to be selfless and push through depression."
Talasi Haynes
Pet owner of two cats and a dog for well over 10 years:
"My life changed after adopting the cats because even though my friends and even family came and left throughout my life, I'd always have my little family at home. It's nice to have that constant company and they help so much with my anxiety. Then having Bilbo being outdoorsy, I have a companion to explore new places with. Animals bring a new perspective to life for me, I feel more at peace when they're around. I just love all animals."
Kandice Guice
Rico Images
Pet owner of dog for over 10 years:
"Foxx is family. He's been there through breakups, finals, numerous relocations, and even seeing me get married. His charming personality has made an impact on the lives of so many people. Years later, friends and family check in to see how he's doing and to laugh about funny memories they've shared with him. His unconditional love is the perfect greeting after a long stressful day or a frustrating moment. No matter what, his eyes scream that I'm his favorite person. Foxx is a little glimpse of how God meant for us to be loved - without fail, without motive, without change."
Taylor Honore
Pet owner of dog for 12 years:
"My dog is my child (laughs). I've had her since I was 13, and she's helped me get through a lot of tough times. She's been my emotional support for than a decade and even though she's mean as a snake, I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. She recently had surgery and I thought I was going to lose her... It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. It really put into perspective how much she means to me. She's so much more than a pet to me. She's been my (grumpy) best friend."
Featured image by Getty Images
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
Vogue/YouTube
Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she says. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
Vogue/YouTube
Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she says. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
Vogue/YouTube
She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
Vogue/YouTube
One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she says. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she says. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube