How to Clean Your Home for the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind

Kathryn Watson
Nov 19, 2017

Ah, the holiday season is upon us. For many of us, the backdrop of a clean house is part of the foundation of how we think about the visits with relatives, traditional meals, and cozy nights that this time of year represents. We imagine the lemon and lavender scents of a well-scrubbed and perfectly kept home rising to meet the aroma of cookies baking in the oven, while a picturesque crackling fireplace provides the soundtrack for the lovely slant of a setting sun through a gleaming window pane. But when our windows are streaky, our floors are sticky, and the ghost of Halloween candy past still lingers in the form of chocolate smeared on the entryway doorknob, the thought of holiday preparation starts to feel more bleary than cheery.

According to data compiled by Merry Maids, a national chain of housecleaning professionals, over 30 percent of people feel that cleaning the house is the most stressful part of having people over. That feeling is compounded for millennials, more than half of whom don’t regularly clean rooms that people won’t see, according to the same set of data. In fact, over a third of people would rather visit the DMV than host Thanksgiving! So when Mom is on her way to spread some major holiday cheer (and maybe just an ounce of passive-aggressive “did I not teach you how to clean the stovetop?” questions), the stress of a deep-clean can intensify into a task that feels impossible.

Be Realistic About Redecorating

The first step to getting your home looking its best for the holidays is not to spend the money you budgeted for Christmas gifts on new curtains, bathmats, knickknacks, and delightful lawn decorations to impress your guests. If your home is decked out to the nines in sparkle and glitz but your couch is covered in dog hair, you’ve lost the plot. You might want to make a list for a quick BB&B or IKEA run for a new throw pillow or two, but don’t overdo it. If you inventory how you’d like your guests to feel using adjectives like “cozy” and “comfortable,” you’ll be better able to figure out if there’s anything your home is lacking without giving in to the temptation to buy out the new Magnolia collection at Target.

Highlight What Makes You Feel At Home

You want your guests to spend the most time in the areas of your home that you like the most, right? So allocate your resources accordingly. Choose a weekend when you won’t be trying to accomplish a lot of last-minute holiday shopping and scour your kitchen table, scrub your floors with white vinegar and hot water, and maybe even clean that stove top. Work to maintain the level of deep-clean in the days prior to your party. If you can figure out how much time you will really need to get your house clean, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from getting that time.

Obviously, people will be making stops in your bathroom, and they will need a place to put their coats, so your coat closet and medicine cabinet (where most guests admit they love to peek!) might be in need of some attention. Do what you can, and if you can’t get to the rest, do not panic. It’s perfectly reasonable to have some locked doors (and, er, closets) when company visits.

Oh yeah, and make sure your partner or roommate is pitching in, as well. Remember that having it all done your way isn’t always preferable to having it all done, with some help.

It’s Okay to Hire Someone

If panic, anxiety, and despair over cleaning start to dim your holiday hopes, look into hiring a cleaning service or housekeeping professional to do a holiday once-over in your space. Some of these services offer holiday specials that will suit your needs — and your budget — better than you might think. Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert at Merry Maids, put it this way: “Time is of the essence, especially around holidays when people are hosting gatherings and dinners and just don’t have time to fully clean the house. This is a great example of when they can hire someone to come in and make sure their home is clean and ready for the holidays and guests.” Decluttering services and home organization professionals might also come in handy this time of year if you’re looking ahead to an existence that’s less crowded and more zen in 2018.

Ethically finding a trustworthy person who will help you clean your home for a fair wage is probably the zenith of adulting, but it’s not beyond your reach. Predetermine what you’d be willing to pay, including a tip, and do some internet sleuthing to find vetted professional cleaners in your area. A specialty corporation that’s bonded and insured is always the safest option. Asking around to your coworkers and friends is also a good bet: You might be surprised at who’s already outsourcing their housekeeping.

Plan an Evening to Remember

It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed by the idea of family and friends overrunning your home space and possibly judging you as #notacleanperson. One way to shut down judgment about your hosting quick is to make your holiday party less about the setting and more about the other details. Try out a new tradition — like karaoke after dinner or assembling gingerbread houses together — and work to be a host who’s present in conversation to make sure people are talking to each other. Putting out name cards for each guest or putting together a prop photo booth station are other easy ways to wow your guests without a ton of extra time invested.

If there’s a nitpicky relative in attendance, steel thyself and be prepared with a kind remark that will also shut down further speculation about your housekeeping. A smile, a shrug, and a simple reply work best. Resist the urge to make excuses; you don’t need to! When Aunt Chamomile points out that your living room fans have grown dusty, say, “Oh, you noticed! I hope you can still have a good time!” — and move on.

Are you hiring extra help to get ready for the holidays? Tell us why on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

5 Easy Tasks To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

It’s never too early to get a start on a basic spring cleaning checklist that will make your home (and you) feel and look better. And as we all crawl out of our winter hibernation and inch towards the warmth of spring, it’s time to give your home some TLC. Staying on top of these maintenance to-dos will give you peace of mind and ultimately save you money in the long run — because we'd rather spend that money on a spring wardrobe, am I right?

I know the sheer volume of things to do can feel like a never-ending list, but there's no need to be overwhelmed or intimidated by these simple tasks! I’m here to hold your hand and walk you through each item on the checklist. Together, we’ll clean our way to a well-loved home, finding confidence along the way. And I have no doubt you've got this.

Each task on this spring cleaning checklist includes a fool-proof step-by-step guide, a time estimate, and level of difficulty so you know which ones to save for a Saturday morning, which ones to knock out after work on Tuesday, and which to add to your Sunday reset. Your home will thank you.

Deep Clean Your Most-Used Appliances

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Whether it’s your fridge, microwave, washing machine, toaster, or coffee machine — now is the perfect time to give your household appliances a good scrub with some cleaning tips. A deep clean keeps them working in tip-top shape and can keep you healthy. Over time, grease, grime, and food particles can accumulate, affecting just how well your machines work or how clean their output becomes.

How Long Should It Take: Approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the number and type of appliances.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Each appliance will have its own cleaning requirements, but here's a general overview.

  1. Declutter or remove everything from inside the appliance. That could mean taking everything off the shelves of the fridge, or disposing of your coffee maker's filter and grounds. This is an excellent time to dispose of expired foods or takeout you’re never going to eat.
  2. Take out any removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water. Dish soap and warm water in your sink work well.
  3. Wipe down surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution. I like vinegar and baking soda because it gets rid of odors and the chemical reaction can actually lift grime and dirt. Plus they’re both food-safe.
  4. Vacuum or wipe dust from coils, vents, filters, etc. Trust me, if you’ve never done this before — you will be horrified and never forget to do it again.
  5. Reassemble and restock.

Clear & Clean Your Gutters (& Check Your Roof While You’re Up There)

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No one likes to realize their home has water damage, and regularly cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof will keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaves, debris, and even pests can accumulate in gutters, leading to clogs and water overflow that can damage your home's roof and foundation. Make sure you’ve cleared those gutters to keep rainwater flowing, especially if your home has lots of trees around it.

How Long Should It Take: 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

How To: Adjust this tip depending on if you live in a single- or multi-level home, and make sure to practice extra caution — feel free to have someone nearby keep an eye on you.

  1. Safely climb a ladder to access gutters. Have someone hold the ladder for you and make sure to wear shoes with a good tred and ankle support.
  2. Remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop (make sure to wear safety gloves!). You’ll most likely find wet leaf clumps. Leaves fall into the gutters and when it rains, they stick together, clogging up your home’s way of redirecting water. You can use a leaf blower to lift some of the gunk too.
  3. Once the big pieces are out, flush out remaining dirt. Then, run a hose down the gutters to check for leaks. Take note of where the water funnels out and make sure it’s away from the house, ideally downhill towards your street’s gutters or another water source.
  4. Inspect the roof for damaged shingles or potential issues. Carefully walk the roof and feel for “soft spots,” where sitting water may have soaked into the roof, compromising the structural integrity. Cracks, punctures, or corrosion are common, but fixable.
  5. Make the necessary repairs or consult a professional for assistance. Many fixes can be done by simply visiting your local hardware store. But for any extensive damage, be sure to call your home insurance company first, and then a recommended professional.

Protect Your Home From Pests

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As the weather starts warming up, you may notice a few unwanted guests. Spring is a time when pests become more active, so don’t skip your pest maintenance or you’ll spend summer swatting away mosquitoes! Preventing infestations early on helps protect your home from potential damage and can make outdoor relaxation much more enjoyable.

How Long Should It Take: 1-2 hours, depending on the size of your home

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

How To:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry points. The first line of protection is prevention. Bugs come in through windows, doors, crawlspaces, porches, and more. Do a quick walkabout to ID any potential entry points and close them off.
  2. Remove standing water. Mosquitos love a resort-style pool so make sure your yard and surrounding areas are draining properly. Don’t let planters, wheelbarrows, chairs, or buckets fill with water. Turn them upside down to avoid creating bugs’ ideal vacation spot.
  3. Trim vegetation and keep a distance between plants and your home. Plants bring bugs and while they’re not all bad, if they’re too close to your house, they may try to break in. Keep everything manicure to avoid a breeding ground for bugs of any kind.
  4. Use natural repellents or consult with a pest control professional. Many pest control companies will come quarterly or monthly to spray and keep pests at bay. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are plenty of at-home kits or natural ways to deter bugs, like repellent plants or essential oils. Bugs are deterred by lavender, basil, peppermint, citronella, mint, and rosemary. Other solutions include neem oil, dryer sheets, vinegar, and Diatomaceous earth.
  5. Regularly inspect and clean areas prone to pests, such as basements and attics. Be vigilant, and stay on top of those suckers!

Declutter Closets/Donate:

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This spring cleaning checklist definitely extends to decluttering closets, creating a more organized and spacious living environment. Donating unused items not only reduces clutter but also benefits those in need. You’ll be better to make some space and your home will be easier to maintain. Looking to make some extra money? Try these sites for selling your clothes.

How Long Should It Take: 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your closet.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

  1. Remove all items from the closet. Sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better. Don’t let the chaos deter you — it’s a crucial step in the process!
  2. Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask “does this bring me joy?” If the answer is no — let it go. Also consider how frequently you wear or use the item. If it’s been six months or more (and the item is in season), you can probably live without it.
  3. Clean and vacuum the closet space. Say goodbye to dust bunnies and hello to a blank slate. Wipe everything down and give your clothes or other items a clean place to live.
  4. Organize remaining items by category or use. For clothing, some people like to organize by color, others by article of clothing like jeans, sweaters, and tees. Find a system that not only looks nice but will easy to maintain. If you find yourself never putting your sweaters back on their hangers, maybe find some baskets to fold and store them in instead.
  5. Donate gently-used items to local charities or organizations. Or at least take it to your car. It’s ok if it sits there for three months. You’ll get to it eventually.

Change HVAC Filter

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Changing the HVAC filter on your heating and air conditioning is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that enhances indoor air quality, improves system efficiency, and extends the life of your HVAC unit. While you're at it, there are plenty of filters throughout your home that need to be cleaned or replaced including your water filters, air purifiers, and laundry filters. Keep a running list of each.

How Long Should It Take: 5-10 minutes

Level of Difficulty: Easy

How To:

  1. Turn off the HVAC system. You don’t want it to be blowing air out while you’re dusting and cleaning.
  2. Locate the filter access panel. It’s usually on a wall and looks like a grate with a small door that open and closes. You may even notice dust accumulating on the outside. Go ahead and vacuum that.
  3. Pull out the old filter and place the new one in. I buy filters in bulk so I have 6-12 at a time. I replace my filter once a month and only have to purchase filters 1-2 times a year. Each unit will have specific filters or sizes. Consider buying higher end filters if you have lots of pets or live somewhere that’s dusty or sandy often.
  4. Install a new filter, ensuring it's positioned correctly. It should slide right in, filling the existing hole in your system.
  5. Turn the HVAC system back on and keep an eye on it.

​Other Home Maintenance Tasks To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

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  • Check your windows and doors, and their weatherstripping, to ensure a proper seal and prevent drafts.
  • If you’ve been using your fireplace all winter, give it a good clean before closing it up for the season.
  • Fluctuating temperatures can be hard on your pipes. Inspect them for leaks or corrosion.
  • Prepare your outdoor living space for epic get-togethers. Wipe down patio furniture and clean your grill.

Looking for a full list of home maintenance tasks for your spring cleaning checklist? Check out my Homeowner Handbook, which includes seasonal cleaning tasks that make caring for your home so much easier. In addition to checklists for every season, it also includes an easy way to organize your home DIY projects, warranties and key home information, as well as a glossary of helpful terms and power tool cheat sheets.

The goal in keeping up with home maintenance is not only to keep your home looking beautiful, but to protect your investment and ultimately YOU. A healthy environment makes for a healthier you. And if we can avoid costly repairs by checking a few times each year, why wouldn’t we? Just a few hours a week can mean the difference between spending your bonus on a summer vacation or a new HVAC unit.

Together, we can hold each other accountable and tackle those daunting yet necessary tasks. If no one has told you today, I’m proud of you for creating and caring for your home, and by extension, yourself!

Loving this spring cleaning checklist? Check out our Weekend Scroll for more stories that'll get you in the mood for spring!

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WTF Does The "Challengers" Ending Mean?

Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.

What did the ending of The Challengers mean?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.

Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.

Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.

Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.

Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.

Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.

We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.

What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.

Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

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Everything You Need To Know About Your Bed Sheets

Whatever happens during the day, you deserve to know comfort awaits you each night when you crawl into bed. Your bed sheets have everything to do with that. If you’re someone who’s chronically cold at night, or perhaps someone who shares your bed with a couple dogs, you ask a lot of your bed sheets. Picking the right fabric and giving them the proper care can make or break your quality of sleep.

Whatever your style or budget, you deserve sheets that lull you to sleep each night, keeping you comfy year-round and adding benefits to your life beyond how they look. From hypoallergenic to wrinkle-resistant, hand-washed, or easily maintained, consider this your guide to everything you should know about your bed sheets.

What is the best material for your bed sheets?

Image via Brooklinen

Picking bed sheets begins with understanding the pros and cons of different materials and fabrics. Before you settle on a color or a pattern, consider how much you’re willing to spend, how durable you need the sheets to be, and how you want your bed to feel. Soft, silky, thick, stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking are all commonly-used terms to describe how you might want your sheets to feel when you slip into bed at night. Consider these options:

  • Cotton: A popular choice, cotton is natural and breathable, known for its comfort and variety of colors and patterns. Within the cotton family, there is a closely-woven version called percale cotton, which tends to be crisp, lightweight and cooling. Another option within cotton is sateen cotton, a silky-smooth option with a bit of a sheen.
  • Linen: A super breathable option is linen, which only gets softer over time. It’s made from flax fibers, making it a natural fabric. If wrinkles aren’t your vibe, steer clear, but the relaxed, lived-in look is perfect for warm, beachy environments or warm sleepers.
  • Microfiber: Synthetic fibers get a bad rep, but there’s a reason microfiber sheets are so popular. Whether they’re polyester or a blend of some kind, these low-maintenacne sheets are comfortable and easy on your wallet, plus they wash and wear easily.
  • Flannel: A type of cotton that provides extra warmth, flannel is a perfect seasonable option or pick for anyone who’s always cold at night. It’s extra durable thanks to to teased cotton fibers that insulate you and your bed.
  • Silk: This ultra smooth fabric is high-end-feeling and ideal for a variety of seasons. Silk is a natural fiber with a shiny finish. It’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and can be a perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin thanks to its hypoallergenic properties.
  • Jersey: You may have seen them called “t-shirt sheets” because they feel soft, stretchy and as comfy as your most-loved tee. The knit fabric is relaxed and cozy, not quite as breathable as cotton, but undeniably soft.
  • Alternative Fabrics: Often lumped together, bamboo, rayon, and tencel or lyocell, are known for their moisture-wicking properties. Each made from plant fibers, they’re the most eco-friendly choice and stay soft and breathable over time.

What is the best thread count for bed sheets?

Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS

Odds are you’ve been standing in the bedding aisle contemplating the exact thread count to purchase, only to realize you’re not entirely sure what thread count is. So here’s a little breakdown: Thread count is the number of threads, horizontally and vertically, per square inch of the fabric. You may have heard that a higher thread count means better the quality and softer sheets, but this isn’t necessarily true. Thread count only applies to cotton sheets and there are ways to inflate these numbers without actually improving quality. A thread count between 300 and 600 is going to be the best bang for your buck.

Picking Sheets for Each Season (& Type of Sleeper)

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

Besides softness and look, your top priority when picking sheets is most likely temperature. Lighter, more breathable fabrics will always be preferred in the summer or year-round for anyone who tends to run hot at night. When temperatures drop, a warmer, thicker fabric will keep you comfortable and even save you from having the crank the heat. Anyone who spends their nights cold will appreciate these warmer fabrics.

  • Warm Weather or Warm Sleepers: Opt for something light like linen or percale cotton, or a fabric that stays dry like bamboo or tencel.
  • Cold Weather or Cold Sleepers: For extra warmth, flannel or jersey sheets will keep body heat in and ensure you stay cozy and comfortable all night.

Other Considerations When Picking Bed Sheets

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

Besides overall feel, you want to keep price and durability in mind. Higher priced bed sheets should last you a longer time, however, it’s often true that the more expensive, luxurious options actually require more maintenance.

For example, silk sheets, while elegant and opulent, can be a lot of work to maintain. They also tend to be more expensive than most bed sheet options. Silk is a delicate material that often requires hand-washing, gentle detergents, and mild temperatures. Not to mention, it’s prone to wrinkling and won’t stand up to things like pets. However, on the flip side, many people swear by the hypoallergenic and beauty benefits of silk for keeping your skin and hair clean and glowy. Linen and Egyptian cotton (a premium version of cotton known for its extra-long fibers) are other high-maintenance options that tend to be more expensive.

Alternatively, microfiber sheets are the most affordable option of the bunch, and because of how low maintenance they are, they’ve become one of the most popular options. They wash well in a machine and come out of the dryer wrinkle-free; not to mention they are stain resistant and thanks to their close weave, they’re hypoallergenic. Jersey and percale cotton are other affordable options that hold up well over time and with moderate maintenance.

How To Care for Your Bed Sheets

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk / PEXELS

Regardless of the fabric you choose, proper care can make your bed sheets last longer and sleep cozier. Beyond the effects on the sheets themselves, caring your bed sheets can improve your overall health and sleep. Each fabric may vary a little when it comes to care, but keep these general guidelines in mind:

Bed Sheet Washing Instructions

  • It’s best to wash your sheets every 1-2 weeks to remove dander, stains, crumbs, and more. If you have sensitive skin, consider washing them more frequently.
  • Wash colored sheets on lower temperatures to prevent fading or bleeding, but wash whites on warmer temperatures to sanitize and remove stains.
  • When it comes to drying, consider tumble drying or even hanging them to dry. If you do use the dryer, remove them quickly to avoid wrinkles.
  • Wash sheets on their own, or with other linens like towels, to avoid snags.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage the fibers over time.

When to Replace Bed Sheets

  • If you notice thinning or holes, it’s time to buy new sheets
  • If the fitted sheet’s elastic no longer fits snugly over your mattress, consider new sheets.
  • With proper care, most sheets only last for 2-3 years before needing to be replace for hygiene and softness.

Other Bed Sheet Tips

  • Consider swapping your sheets throughout the seasons for better comfort and longevity of your sets.
  • When you’re not using the sheets, store them properly in a cool, dry place.

Picking the right bed sheets are a lot like picking the right mate. You need support, comfort, softness, and it shouldn’t be too much more to keep the magic alive. Before you invest in your next set, consider your sleeping habits, preferences, and budget, beyond just the patterns you like. You’ll be happier with your purchase and sleep soundly knowing you made the best decision for yourself.

Looking for some home goods to add to your space? Check out our storefront!

Header image via Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

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7 Devastating TV Breakups That Almost Broke Us

While it's always nice to see something realistic represented in our favorite TV shows, there are few things more painful than watching a TV breakup. Even when we don't actually know fictional characters IRL, it's absolutely devastating to see them break each other's hearts. (Although, it's equally as bad as never seeing your favorite prospective couple get together — I will never forgive The 100 for what they did to Clarke and Bellamy!!).

Keep reading to see some of our most heartbreaking splits — and then check outWhat Being Team Conrad Or Jeremiah Says About Your Dream TV Boyfriendto put a smile back on your face.

Image via NBC

Ross and Rachel from Friends

Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all times, and Ross and Rachel is definitely one of the most devastating TV breakups. In season 3, this iconic couple decides to take a break in and in "The One with the Morning After," Ross wakes up with another woman named Chloe at the exact moment Rachel shows up at his door. Rachel finds out about the affair, and after a fight in Monica's living room, the couple calls it quits.

Regardless of how you feel about Ross claiming they "were on a break" when he slept with Chloe, seeing Rachel's reaction (and knowing the trust between them was broken) is one of the worst moments in the whole show. Just thinking about it makes my stomach bottom out!

Image via The CW/WB

Rory and Jess from Gilmore Girls

This is one of my personal most-devastating TV breakups because it seems like, out of all of Rory's boyfriends, Rory and Jess are just perfect for each other when they start dating. Not only does their love of books bring them closer together, but their personalities are so compatible. But when Jess leaves for California at the end of season 3 — without saying anything to Rory, I might add — is unacceptable! It breaks my heart, and based on the final look he gives Rory during A Year in the Life, he also regrets it BIG TIME.

Image via The CW/WB

Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries

This Vampire Diaries couple was truly endgame, and the will-they-won't-they of it all was one of my favorite things about the show. So when they broke up (to my horror), I was devastated.

Damon and Elena admit they're bad for each other in the season 5 episode "While You Were Sleeping" (then Damon tells her he doesn't even want to be friends. Ouch!!), but it's the season finale, "Home," that makes me extra emotional. When Damon gets stuck with Bonnie on the Other Side, he says goodbye to Elena, who's begging him not to leave but can neither see nor hear him. Say it with me: gut! wrenching!

Image via Erika Doss/Prime Video

Conrad and Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are PASSIONATE about whether they're team Conrad or team Jeremiah (trick question, my OTP is Taylor and Stephen), and even the most dedicated Conrad stan hates the prom scene. You know, when he breaks up with Belly at her prom, in the rain. I know he just thinks Belly deserves better, but it's still very painful to watch.

Image via FOX

Schmidt and Cece from New Girl

When I hear "devastating TV breakup" I IMMEDIATELY think of Schmidt and Cece from New Girl. Schmidt gets away with a lot of ridiculous things throughout this show, but dating two girls at one time is not one of them. After Nick has a hard time keeping Schmidt's love life a secret, Schmidt finally comes clean to Cece in "Double Date," leaving both her and me in tears. No matter how many times you rewatch the show, it truly feels like their relationship (and maybe even the friend group) will never recover.

Image via BBC/Prime Video

Fleabag and The Priest on Fleabag

In the history of TV, I don't think I've ever heard anything as heartbreaking as "I love you," "It'll pass." Like, who approved that line?! The viral moment comes at the end of the Fleabag series finale, when Fleabag is sitting with The Priest at the bus stop. Over the course of the series, we not only see how much these two care about each other, but how well they know each other (like how The Priest recognizes when Fleabag zones out). To be loved is to be known, and that's what makes this devastating TV breakup even more devastating.

Image via HBO

Carrie and Aidan on Sex and the City

After so much back and forth, it's hard to accept Carrie and Aidan's final breakup on SATC. But in season 4's "Change of a Dress," Carrie realizes she's not ready for marriage and Aidan realizes he doesn't trust her after her affair with Big. The combo of broken trust and being at two different life stages makes this extra painful to watch, and I don't think any amount of rewatches (or And Just Like That binges) is going to change that.

What's YOUR most devastating TV breakup? Let us know on Facebook!

Lead image via The CW/The WB

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Sophia Bush And Ashlyn Harris Made Their Relationship Red Carpet Official

Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris caused quite a stir at Elton John's Oscars afterparty, but for good reason! After dodging dating rumors for quite awhile, they dressed to impress and made their first public debut as a couple! Sophia even wore her best accessory — a mega-watt smile — that further confirms this blissful pair.

While some people love to know whencelebrity couples fell in love, the details about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship have people wondering when this couple actually got together. Well, our wait is over because Sophia decided to open about what led to her romance with Ashlyn Harris and why certain rumors hold no merit!

Since we're clearly tuned in to this love story, here's everything you need to know about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris's relationship!

Who is Sophia Bush?

Image via Robin L Marshall/Getty Images

Sophia Bush has had a lengthy career as an actress, and she's most recognized for her portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit TV series One Tree Hill. She's also appeared in Nip/Tuck, Chicago Fire, Incredibles 2, and John Tucker Must Die. When she's not showing off her acting chops, she hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside former One Tree Hill castmates Hilarie Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz!

Who is Ashlyn Harris?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for W Magazine

Ashlyn Harris is a former U.S. soccer player who had a successful run — no pun intended — as a goalkeeper during the career. She also won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and continued making an impressionable mark. However, she announced her retirementin 2022 and — per her Instagrampage — has gone on to become the Global Creative Advisor for Gotham FC and Adidas Football.

When did the dating rumors about Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris start?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

June 2023

Rumors about a possible connection between Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris swirled last summer when Cosmopolitanreported they were on a panel at Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity. Sophia shared a pic of the two at the festival on Instagramand wrote, "Love you @ashlynharris24 and @sophieannkelly" towards the end of her caption.

A source told Page Six, "It’s very new...They are definitely a couple.” But, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris didn't confirm or deny anything at that time.

When did Sophia Bush file for divorce from Grant Hughes?

Image via Leigh Vogel/Getty Images

August 2023

A couple of months after Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were seen getting cozy together, Sophia filed for divorce from her former husband Grant Hughes. Peopleshared that they were only married for a little over a year — 13 months — but didn't end on a bad terms. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, "Grant and Sophia are better off as friends and they weren’t getting enough time with each other before their breakup."

When did Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger file for divorce?

Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

October 2023

While things seemed to quiet down, Ashlyn Harris soon filed for divorce from Ali Krieger after getting married towards the end of 2019. What's interesting is that a source told Peoplethis decision wasn't surprising. "Although it’s new information to the public, Ashlyn and Ali’s divorce began months ago and they have been living apart since the summer,” the source said.

This is also around the time it was speculated Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris had their first official date. A rep told People, "Grant will always want the best for Sophia, and is supportive of all that makes her happy and fulfilled." We guess it helps he and Sophia had a solid friendship before getting married!

As for Ali Krieger, she basically let the world know things were business as usual with an Instagrampost. She captioned a pic of her playing soccer with, "Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era." A comment from user @lgbtlfg said, "the fact that a lot of players in these comment’s usually mind their business and stay out of drama but are supporting ali should tell everyone all they need to know."

The only thing Ashlyn said about it on Instagramis that she never intended for her and Ali's divorce to be made a public matter. A portion of her note says, "This process is never easy, but we were making our way through."

Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris publicly talked about their relationship?

Image via Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio

March 2024

Besides showing up to Elton John's Oscars afterparty together, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris were previously tight-lipped about their relationship. The only hint Sophia offered was much more of a reflective post about 2023 on Instagramat the beginning of January. She said, "This year taught me to listen to myself and no one else. To let go of expectation that wounds and grasp possibility that frees. To not care about optics and instead invest in honesty."

But, she's since chosen to own where she is in life.

Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine

Sophia Bush on the cover of Glamour Magazine

April 2024

Sophia Bush has now reached a point where she's publicly ready to stand in her truth regarding her life and her relationship status so much that she penned her own cover story for Glamour. The first thing she did was open up about how she really felt about her marriage and fertility struggles.

She wrote, "But after the wedding I found myself in the depths and heartbreak of the fertility process, which was the most clarifying experience of my life. It feels like society is finally making space for brutally honest conversations about how hard and painful any fertility journey is, but I kept mine private. I was trying to get through months of endless ultrasounds, hormone shots, so many blood draws that I have scar tissue in my veins, and retrieval after retrieval, while simultaneously realizing the person I had chosen to be my partner didn’t necessarily speak the same emotional language I did.”

Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine

As far as her relationship with Ashlyn Harris is concerned, the star is enjoying the love that exists between them. Contrary to alleged rumors, their initial relationship was a platonic one that stemmed from a place of understanding and support.

She told Glamour,“I didn’t expect to find love in this support system. I don’t know how else to say it other than: I didn’t see it until I saw it. And I think it’s very easy not to see something that’s been in front of your face for a long time when you’d never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option. What I saw was a friend with her big, happy life. And now I know she thought the same thing about me.”

She also added, "A lot of effort was made to be graceful with other people’s processing, their time and obligations, and their feelings. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker. The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women—my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!).”

Image via Lauren Dukoff/Glamour Magazine

It's safe to say that Sophia Bush is thoroughly comfortable with her love life and identity as a queer woman. She said, "I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”

And this is what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when so many people are looking at a brief glimpse of the lives of celebrities. We love that Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are loving each other on their terms without feeling pressured to share anything before they were ready to. Our hope is that their love story continues to unfold beautifully.

Be sure to watch Sophia Bush's interview with Glamour's Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry here!

Full Credits From Glamour Magazine:

Writer: Sophia Bush

Photographer: Lauren Dukoff

Stylist: Deborah Afshani

Hair: Matthew Collins

Makeup: Afton Williams

Manicure: Brittney Boyce

Have Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their official red carpet debut?

Image via Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Kimball Stroud & Associates

April 27, 2024

Per Glamour, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn made their official red carpet debut as a couple on Friday. They attended the White House Correspondent's dinner where they were dressed to impress in complementing black ensembles.

It's easy to see the glowing couple couldn't stop laughing and smiling as they posed for pictures that seemed to capture every good angle of their faces and style.

Image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images

After the dinner, Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris posed for more pictures on the red carpet leading to the Correspondent's after-party. Now that we're able to see their full faces, we have to talk about how well their hair and makeup complements their outfits. It's clear that Ashlyn's contour and bronzer were expertly applied to her face while Sophia's blush gave her a natural flush.

*Sigh* Their smiles are the only confirmation we need that they're enjoying the bliss of being a couple.

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This article has been updated.

Lead image via Paul Morigi/Getty Images

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