The New Dating Green Flag đź’š

Plus beauty trends and a summer margarita recipe

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Forget “Can He Cook?” — The New Dating Green Flag Is: Can He Budget?

PHOTO: istock

Dating: There’s a quiet shift happening in the way millennial women date—and it has nothing to do with height, abs, or whether he owns a cast iron skillet.

Instead, we’re paying closer attention to things like:

  • Does he have a budget?

  • Can he talk about money without shutting down?

  • Does he actually understand his own finances?

Inspired by women like tennis legend Steffi Graf, who famously challenged outdated gender norms in her relationship, more women are asking deeper questions before committing. We’re not just looking for someone who’s emotionally available—we want someone who’s financially grounded too.

From weekend plans to long-term goals, being on the same financial page matters. And in a time when the cost of living is rising and student debt is still very real, it’s more than just a nice-to-have.

It’s a sign of self-awareness. A sense of responsibility. And honestly, it’s a reflection of how someone shows up in the rest of their life. Modern dating looks different now—and that’s a good thing. We’re looking for people we can build with. Grow with. Be honest with.

Love is still romantic, but being financially aligned? That’s just smart.

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 The “De-Kardashian-ification” beauty trend 

PHOTO: Getty Images

Beauty: So Long, Pillow Face: The Natural Look Is Making a Comeback

First it was low-rise jeans. Now? Natural beauty is back too. Plastic surgeons are reporting a new wave of patients walking in with one request: undo it. Think: lip filler reversals, implant removals, and face tweaks…getting untweaked.

It’s being called the “de-Kardashian-ification” of beauty. Which, honestly, kind of makes sense. Because after a decade of hyper-curated, contour-heavy perfection, a lot of people are just over it. The look isn’t aging well, and neither is the upkeep.

Instead, 2025’s beauty vibe is all about softness. Subtlety. Less “Instagram filter” and more “I slept 8 hours and drink water (sometimes).” People are investing in facials over filler. SPF over sculpting. Balance over BBLs.

And let’s be real — the goal isn’t to never age. The goal is to not feel like your face is fighting your personality. We’re not against a little enhancement. (We love a glow-up.) But the tide is turning. And if your aesthetic still screams 2016 Snapchat filter? Might be time to freshen up. Because nothing looks better than feeling like yourself.

Podcast Rec: Imagine your funniest, most honest gal pals giving you a weekly dose of truth bombs—about dating, sex, relationships… and yes, even finances and fetishes. That's Girls Gotta Eat, the diva duo's comedy podcast that's been slaying since 2018. If you’re craving something that’s equal parts hilarious and heart-to-heart—spilling truth on hustle culture, ghosting, hookup etiquette, or how to date with intention—this is your weekly fix.

Summer Watermelon Margarita

PHOTO: Love & Lemons

Recipe: Sip into summer with a margarita that’s as vibrant as your playlist and as effortless as your weekend morning flow. Naturally sweet, tart, and ready in minutes—this is the cocktail your soul’s been craving. Simple ingredients, effortless prep, major season vibes. This Watermelon Margarita is your go-to for sunshine-fueled hangs, backyard gatherings, or just saying yes to summer.

Finance: Let’s be honest—between rent, rising oat milk prices, and the occasional “treat yourself” trip, investing can feel... a little overwhelming. But if you’re looking to build wealth without staring at charts all day or pretending to know what a candlestick pattern is, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are where it’s at.

They’re basically the smoothie bowls of the investing world: nutrient-dense, low-maintenance, and you don’t need to be a finance bro to benefit.

Here is the top ETFs to invest in now: VOO – Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

A classic. This ETF tracks the 500 biggest companies in the U.S.—think Apple, Amazon, and all the other brands you probably already use.

Why we love it:

  • Ultra-low fees (we love a good deal)

  • Historically stable growth over time

  • No need to babysit it—VOO does its thing while you do yours

Ideal for long-term wealth building without the stress. Set it, forget it, check your balance once a year while sipping your matcha.