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How this woman went from amateur yogi to extraordinary studio owner.

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Adrianne "Ajax" Jackson discovered her true passion while pondering her future during a yoga class.

All photos courtesy of Ajax and Magnolia Yoga Studio.

She'd just turned 30, and her week had been a roller coaster.

The first 30 years of her life had been amazing, she recalls thinking, but now she wanted more. "The next 30, for me, felt like that's when I was really going to make my mark in the world," she says.

"I just started having those thoughts that you have in yoga where you're reflecting, and I thought, 'Okay, people say do what you love. I love this yoga.'"

For Ajax, yoga had been a refuge. Then just like that, it became her world.

A class at Magnolia Yoga Studio.

"Right away, I noticed a big impact in my life," she says. "First, it was just [...] I couldn't walk. I was so sore. Like a zombie, I was barely able to walk back to the studio, but I kept going."

Eventually, she learned the postures, and after a while, she began to notice that yoga was helping her sleep better. She had more focus and creativity. It helped her quit smoking. It made it easier for her to deal with the chronic pain in her knees. The practice encouraged her to love her body and gain more confidence.

That's when it hit her — she was going to teach yoga.

She knew she had to share it with everyone. So, for the past decade, she's been spreading her message of peace and good health all over the world.

Ajax's ultimate dream was to run the first black-owned yoga studio in New Orleans. But in order to make that dream a reality, she needed to transform herself from an educator into an entrepreneur. She did that with the help of Propeller.

Magnolia Yoga studio teachers and students.

Propeller is a New Orleans-based nonprofit that helps small business owners and nonprofits take their work to the next level. It's also giving them the opportunity to tackle the city's social and environmental disparities —including racism and sexism — with training in business and leadership.

"Since it launched its first accelerator program in 2011, Propeller has supported 200 ventures," says Catherine Gans, the program's Marketing and Communications Manager. Those ventures have generated over $105 million in revenue and financing and created 460 permanent jobs for New Orleanians.

These businesses are 71 percent owned by women or people of color and have an 89 percent business survival rate — much higher than the nation's average, which is just over 50 percent.

Ajax applied for the program at the urging of one of her clients, Propeller's Executive Director, Andrea Chen.

In her short time at Propeller, Ajax created an employee handbook, implemented payroll systems and put financial tracking tools in place to pay off debts and taxes as quickly as possible. She also made some new hires during the program. Ajax brought on a development director to create partnerships with hotels and hospitals and hired five part-time employees.

"In [Ajax's] final month of the program, MagnoliaYoga's profit margin increased to over 50 percent," says Gans.

And Ajax is still eager to keep learning now that she's a business owner. "There's still more to learn about being a woman in business and in power in America. And I learned more about that with [Propeller]. I'm very grateful for their support."

Magnolia, Ajax's yoga studio, just celebrated its second anniversary. And it's bringing the benefits of yoga to those who previously may have felt unwelcome in studios offering the practice.

Yoga class in the park.

When you think of people who regularly do yoga, you probably imagine a certain type, or maybe you think you need the right yoga pants or an expensive mat to get the most out of the practice. And you've likely noticed that many studios charge a hefty price for their classes.

That's not Ajax's policy.

"My business model is really unique in the sense that we're focused on diversity, inclusivity, and affordability," she says.

That model has created a whole new clientele. Ajax works hard to create a safe place for people who may be interested in getting more in touch with their bodies, no matter their size, shape or background. One of her main goals is to make representation the prevailing theme of her business.

"The average American woman is a size 14. That's the size I am," Ajax says. "That's the size I actually work really hard to maintain. It's the size I represent in the yoga studio. People love it. White, black, otherwise, 'cause it gives them permission to be different in the yoga studio and see that it's okay and you can do it."

Ajax is busting through all the misconceptions of who might be seen in a yoga class.

"It's about 85% black women who make up my membership and clientele," Ajax says. Everyone is welcome, though, and you will always find diversity within her studio.

One of Ajax's proudest accomplishments is bringing yoga to black men in her community. "We've been very fortunate to consistently have at least one black male on staff," she says. A recent 6 a.m. class she taught was comprised mostly of black men. For the studio, this was a reason to celebrate — tangible proof that Ajax is changing the face of yoga.

"We're demystifying this erroneous conception that yoga's only for women, that it's only for thin people, it's only for white women, it's only for people with high incomes," she says. "All of that is untrue."

"All you need to do yoga is an open mind."

Propeller is growing and helping businesses like Magnolia thrive. But they couldn't do that without the support of Capital One.

Capital One is committed to fostering the economic vitality of communities it serves, including greater New Orleans and Louisiana, by supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners. That commitment manifests in the company's investment in organizations like Propeller that support forward-thinking, socially-minded entrepreneurs who apply their knowledge, skills and energy to address significant challenges affecting people today.

When Propeller was just starting up, Capital One provided the organization with a line of credit when they weren't sure of cash flow. Since 2012, the company has also given Propeller $350,000 towards its Impact Accelerator Program, which provides executive-level mentorship, access to networks and financing, and a focused curriculum to connect local innovators with the sources they need to impact the city and build sustainable businesses.

What's more, the Fortune 500 company provided Propeller with a $126,100 grant for a new Makerspace at Mildred Osborne Charter School in New Orleans. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming helps prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow — a focus of Capital One's Future Edge initiative — and the Makerspace at this charter school helps students learn in a more creative, technology-driven way.

But the relationship with Capital One quickly grew into something bigger than just a financial one, explains Executive Director Andrea Chen and Development Manager Kir Selert.

The financial-services company has helped the organization with everything from graphic design for its event flyers to public relations and marketing through associate pro bono and skills-based volunteerism. Capital One has also sent employees to work on projects directly with Propeller's entrepreneurs.

The partnership has allowed Propeller to help even more entrepreneurs like Ajax, leading to more positive change in the New Orleans community.

"The most rewarding part is seeing our entrepreneurs succeed, that entrepreneurs dream beyond what they think is possible for their own companies and for the impact they could have on their community," Chen and Selert note.

For Ajax, the support she's received has been life-changing. She's growing her business, branching out into yoga retreats, and working to bring her practice to incarcerated adults and youth.

Thanks to her connections at the studio — where she instructs lawyers, judges, city officials and activists, among others — previous work with UpRising Yoga and a potential partnership with the Prison Yoga Project, she's creating a program that will bring yoga to prisons sometime next year.

When Ajax looks back on her trajectory, she's overcome by all the positive change she's been able to bring to her community as a socially-minded business owner.

"It's helping me understand my gifts," Ajax says of everything she's learned since working with Propeller. "I've realized I'm a leader, a business leader in particular. And an advocate for people and their health."

"Teaching yoga's fantastic, but I knew to really have an impact, I would have to create my own business and create my own community. It's been a hard-fought battle. We've literally done it one student at a time."

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All In

Craveable snacks. Quality organic ingredients. Positive community impact.

Joy

5 ways people are going "All In" this week

From the silly to the sentimental, there are so many ways people like to go “all in” on something. Here are our five favorite examples this week.

5 ways people are going "All In" this week

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When you hear the words “all in,” what do you think? You might think of getting groovy at a nursing home, a french bulldog having a total breakdown in the drive-thru, or maybe even a snack bar company promoting self care. Whatever you picture, the idea is the same: Going “all in” means doing something with total commitment—literally giving it your “all” and going completely over the top. No second guessing, no holding back—just full-throttle enthusiasm with some creativity and flair thrown in. That’s how we get those viral internet moments we can’t stop watching.

This DWTS dance trend

If you’ve been watching TV or on the internet this week, you might have seen the viral dance move Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach performed while on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) last week. The one particular move, where Dylan holds Daniella as she does a mid-air horizontal walk, is going viral with over 8k videos using the sound. Some of my personal favorites include a mom and her baby, two girls or a girl and her cat, proving this dance trend is truly for anyone to try.

All In on Fiber

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Speaking of trends, there’s one that really is about going “all in”, it’s called #fibermaxxing. After years of protein being the biggest nutrition trend, it looks like fiber might be taking over. For good reason too, while protein can cause issues with digestion, fiber can lead to better digestion, blood sugar management, weight control and reduced disease risk. Our friends at All In made a video explaining the #fibermaxxing trend. Each All In bar has 6 to 7 grams of fiber , plus they are delicious. Don't take our word for it, though: Click here to try it yourself (for free).

This child's long hair

This creator went all in… on pranking the audience. I don’t want to give away the contents of this video, but let’s just say it’s creative- and it made me quite literally laugh out loud. There are a lot of "momfluencers" out there who make content that uses their children, and as relatable and heartfelt as it is, sometimes a little satire break is worth appreciating.

Two entrepreneurs getting down to business

Lots of people dabble in entrepreneurship. These two went "all in" on helping others learn it. After four years of interviews with CEOs , research, edits, and a Penguin Random House book deal (yes, seriously), their book, Down to Business, has made its way into classrooms and libraries around the world. Now they are teaching other kids that age is not a barrier to entry in entrepreneurship; the earlier you start, the further you can go—and an entrepreneurial mindset will serve you no matter what you do in life.

Bridesmaids who went all in

Last on our list; two bridesmaids who committed to the bit. These ladies went “all in” in their remake of the legendary scene from the movie “Bridesmaids”. If you haven’t seen the original movie, starring Kristen Wig and Maya Rudolph, this might be your sign.

In the viral TikTok this bride, Caroline, had no idea what was coming when she put on her favorite movie while getting ready for her big day. The fact that she wanted to watch her favorite show before her bridesmaids surprised her, makes this going “all in” surprise all the better.

Snag your free (!!) snack bar here while this deal lasts. Just pick up a bar at Sprouts and text a pic ofv your receipt to get it for free. Enoy!

From Your Site Articles

Sustainability

Beavers were brought to the desert to save a dying river. Six years later, here are the results.

Their engineering feats are pretty dam incredible.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change

Canva Photos

Can outsider beavers save this dried up river?

It's not easy being a river in the desert under the best of circumstances. The ecosystem exists in a very delicate balance, allowing water sources to thrive in the harsh conditions. These water sources in otherwise extremely dry areas are vital to the survival of unique wildlife, agriculture, and even tourism as they provide fresh drinking water for the people who live nearby.

But man-made problems like climate change, over-farming, and pollution have made a tough job even tougher in some areas. Rivers in Utah and Colorado part of the Colorado River Basin have been barely surviving the extremely harsh drought season. When the riverbeds get too dry, fish and other aquatic creatures die off and the wildfire risk increases dramatically.

About six years ago, one team of researchers had a fascinating idea to restore the health of some of Utah's most vulnerable rivers: Bring in the beavers.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change Beaver on riverbank. Canva Photos

In 2019, master's student Emma Doden and a team of researchers from Utah State University began a "translocation" project to bring displaced beavers to areas like Utah's Price River, in the hopes of bringing it back to life.

Why beavers? Well, it just makes dam sense! (Sorry.)

In all seriousness, beaver dams restrict the flow of water in some areas of a river, creating ponds and wetlands. In drought-stricken areas, fish and other wildlife can take refuge in the ponds while the rest of the river runs dry, thus riding out the danger until it rains again.

When beavers are present in a watershed, the benefits are unbelievable: Better water quality, healthier fish populations, better nutrient availability, and fewer or less severe wildfires.

It's why beavers have earned the title of "keystone species," or any animal that has a disproportionate impact on the ecosystem around them.

beaver, dam, dam building, nature, ecosystem Pbs Nature Swimming GIF by Nature on PBS Giphy

Doden and her team took beavers who were captured or removed from their original homes due to their being a "nuisance," interfering with infrastructure, or being endangered, and—after a short period of quarantine—were brought to the Price River.

Despite the research team's best efforts, not all the translocated beavers have survived or stayed put over the years. Some have trouble adapting to their new home and die off or are killed by predators, while others leave of their own accord.

But sine 2019, enough have stayed and built dams that the team is starting to see the results of the effort. In fact, beaver projects just like this one have been going on all over the state in recent years.

- YouTube youtu.be

The water levels in the river are now the healthiest they've been in years. The fish are thriving and Utah residents are overjoyed with the experiment's results.

According to an early 2025 column in The Salt Lake Tribune (i.e. six years after the beaver translocation began) the revitalization of the Price River has "helped save [our] Utah town."

"A tributary of the Colorado River, the Price River runs through downtown Helper," wrote column authors Lenise Peterman and Jordan Nielson. "On a warm day, you’re likely to find the river filled with tourists and locals kayaking, tubing and fishing along its shore. A decade ago, it was hard to imagine this scene—and the thriving recreation economy that comes with it—was possible."

Of course, it wasn't JUST the beavers. Other federal water cleanup investments helped remove debris, break down old and malfunctioning dams, and place tighter regulations on agriculture grazing in the area that depleted vital plant life.

But the experts know that the beavers, and their incredible engineering work, are the real MVPs.

beavers, beaver dam, animals, wildlife, ecosystem, nature, earth, sustainability, deserts, waterways, rivers, pollution, climate change An actual beaver dam on the now-thriving Price River Public Domain

In other drying, struggling rivers in the area, researchers are bringing in beavers and even creating manmade beaver dams. They're hoping that the critters will take over the job as the rivers get healthier.

Utah's San Rafael River, which is in bleak condition, is a prime candidate. In one area of the river, a natural flood inspired a host of beavers to return to the area and "riparian habitat along that stretch had increased by 230%, and it had the most diverse flow patterns of anywhere on the river," according to KUER.

It's hard to believe that beavers nearly went extinct during the heyday of the fur trapping industry, and continued to struggle as they were considered nuisances and pests. Now, they're getting the respect they deserve as engineer marvels, and their populations have rebounded due to better PR and conservation programs.

It's about dam time!

This article originally appeared in June.

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Celebrity

Days from turning 100, Dick Van Dyke shares how avoiding hate and anger has kept him going

Wisdom we can all take to heart.

Dick Van Dyke, entertainment, 100th birthday, longevity, aging well

Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons

Dick Van Dyke has aged remarkably.

If all goes as planned, Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025—a remarkable milestone for the remarkable entertainer who has been wowing us since the original Mary Poppins film. Van Dyke has been in show business longer than most humans live, and as he nears a full century of life, he's sharing some reflections.

In an interview with People, Van Dyke said he feels "really good for 100," with no pain and no discomfort. He said people ask him what he did right, and he says, "Don't ask. I don't know." He said he's "rather lazy." However, he did put forth a theory about what may be at least partially responsible for his longevity.

dick van dyke, marry poppins, penguin dance, disney, longevity Hard to imagine Dick Van Dyke being "lazy." Giphy

"I've always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person's insides," he said. "And hate. I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate. You know, there are things I don't like, people I don't like and disapprove of, but I never really was able to do a white heat kind of hate."

He said his father was "a person who was constantly upset by the state of things in his life and everything." He died at 74 years old.

"I think that is one of the chief things that kept me going," Van Dyke said.

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Can a lack of anger really give you a longer life?

While there are no surefire secrets to living to 100, there are some things we know can affect people's health in ways that might shorten their lives. One of those things is anger.

We all feel angry sometimes, of course, but excessive anger or unmanaged anger over time can have serious health consequences. In one 2024 study, researchers found that people who were asked to recount memories that made them angry (as opposed to anxious, sad, or emotionally neutral) had significant impairment in blood vessel dilation compared to the other groups.

"The researchers propose that repeated episodes of negative emotions like anger might have a cumulative effect on cardiovascular health," the researchers wrote. "Over time, ongoing anger might lead to permanent damage and increased risk for cardiovascular disease."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

What about the health effects of hate?

Hate is a bit harder of a feeling to pin down than anger as there's a wide range of what it means. Obviously, hate can lead to harm for people on the receiving end of it. But does hate hurt the hater, too?

"Little research has been done to analyze hate’s specific symptoms or physical effects," writes Laura Williams for EverydayHealth. "But hate often coincides with other strong emotions, like anger, humiliation, or powerlessness, all of which take a toll."

There is evidence that the opposite of anger and hate—positive emotions like joy and love, which are part of healthy relationships and community—can have a positive impact on our health. So while we can't say for certain that Dick Van Dyke's lack of anger and hate has led to his century-long life, we can logically deduce that the joy and love he is known for may have helped him maintain good health for this long.

Vad Dyke also told People that he's not afraid of death when it comes. "I don't have any fear of it for some reason," he said. "I can't explain that, but I don't. I've had such a wonderfully full and exciting life that I can't complain. It's almost like it's accidental. I was having the time of my life doing all this stuff and creating a legacy at the same time. What I've left in the way of children's entertainment and children's music, I believe that's my legacy."

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And what a legacy it is. Van Dyke's wife, Arlene, has planned a big birthday celebration for him, which he says he's looking forward to as long as he feels up for it. We'll all be there celebrating with him in spirit.

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Pets

10-year-old girl walks into police station and brings officers to tears with 2 simple words

She's been handing out handwritten cards to officers all over the country ever since.

police, cops, police officers, law enforcement, heroes, 10-year-old, thank you letters, kindness

Photo credit: Canva

A 10-year-old has been handing out Thank You cards to police officers across the country for years.

10-year-old Savannah Solis knew she had to do something. Per KHOUN, the girl from Tyler, Texas had heard the tragic news that two local police officers in New York had been murdered. The news, all the way back in 2015, brought her to tears.

Solis knew that, as a kid, there wasn't much she could do, to stop the bad guys, to make the world safer. But she dreamed of one day being a police officer herself and being able to help. As a 5-year-old, Solis says her mother had a heart attack and the first person to arrive and offer help was a police officer. She never forgot that officer's kindness and bravery.

Savannah’s mom, Debbie, recalled the immense love and support the girl had for police officers all over the world. Inspired and mesmerized by their line of duty, she hoped and wished only the best for each of them. “We would drive by and see them stopping somebody and in the backseat she would pray, asking God to take care of them,” the mom recounted.

In the meantime, she wanted the heroes in her own community to know that she cared. So she decided to write personal letters. Hundreds of them.

police, cops, police officers, law enforcement, heroes, 10-year-old, thank you letters, kindness a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it Photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash

Her letters had two words recurring each time, “Thank you.”

Furthermore, the girl explained as best as she could what their service meant to her and how grateful she was to them for saving lives.

During her Christmas break, the girl went all out making these letters and posting them—she even delivered a few personally to police departments all over Texas.

“You are my heroes. I want to say don’t stop, please don’t give up. Many do not care or appreciate the sacrifices you make every day. But I do,” the girl remarked. Savannah added a note of inspiration which read, “Many are standing with me today to let you know that you matter. Officers across Texas, you matter to me. Officers in New York City, you matter to me. Officers all across America, you matter to me. Please keep taking care of us.”

One of Solis' deliveries was caught on video, per KXAN, where officers were moved to tears by her gesture.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

She went about taking autographs of as many officers as she could. Debbie noted that her daughter didn’t want celebrity or artist autographs but those of the cops. All the officers are seen shaking hands and getting teary-eyed as they read the cards colored and highlighted with the title, “My hero.”

Austin Police Department Assistant Chief Jessica Robledo felt proud of the girl’s gesture and of the fact that their role was so valued in someone’s eyes.

“The words she spoke from her heart touched every single officer. I noticed everyone was trying to blink back tears. That’s what it’s all about. She is an old soul. She knows the right thing to say and I don’t think she even realizes the impact of her words on these officers and this department,” she remarked.

That was 10 years ago. As Solis grew up, she continued her personal outreach to police officers all over the country, letting them know that their bravery was appreciated.

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She visited a precinct in Manchester, New Hampshire as recently in 2021 where she brought cards to the officers, met the K9 dogs, and was introduced to the police horses as well. Commenters were blown away that Solis was continuing the gesture after so many years.

"Savanna. Officers need that inspiration with everything going on today. You're remarkable for doing this."

"Amazing young lady right, thank you Savannah I appreciate all your efforts to show your appreciation for our men, woman, dogs and horses in blue"

"What an amazing young woman thank you for sharing this post and thank you for your service to our city. And all the law enforcement officers all over the Country."

Bravo, Savannah!

This article originally appeared in July. It has been updated.

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police

Pop Culture

John Oliver raised $1.5 million for public media by auctioning off the wildest TV props

A bidet signed by a costumed metal band? Sure! All for a great cause.

john oliver, last week tonight, gwar, bob ross, auction

Photo credit: Montclair Film via Wikimedia Commons (left, cropped), Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 / swimfinfan via Wikimedia Commons (right, cropped), Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

John Oliver raised over $1.5 million through a silly and sweet auction.

During the Season 12 finale of his rapid-fire deep-dive HBO series, Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver took a 35-minute look at the state of public media in 2025. It all culminated in a signature wash of absurdity and thoughtfulness: The comedian announced an online auction, pledging the proceeds from dozens of hilariously wacky show props and nifty fan experiences to Public Media Bridge Fund, which serves at-risk communities. According to Variety, that initiative earned over $1.5 million—an amazing figure, especially given the weirdness of many of these auctioned items.

Before we dive into that, it’s worth noting the cultural backdrop: a recent law slashing a reported $1.1 billion in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through the 2027 fiscal year. Throughout the episode, Oliver spent a half-hour diving into the history of public media, the impact these budget cuts could have on everyday Americans, and—in a signature slice of Oliver silliness—the wonders of Mr. Bean. Then he unveiled the auction, hosted at a site amazingly called JohnOliversJunk.com.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

A Bob Ross painting was auctioned for big money

That $1.5 million auction figure is impressive, and a massive chunk of it comes from "Cabin at Sunset," an original Bob Ross painting created during a 1986 episode of his beloved PBS series, The Joy of Painting. Per Variety’s final tallies, the characteristically serene landscape fetched "around $1,044,000 after 35 bids." As an impressive sidebar, per NBC News, this follows the $600,000-plus total earned from three Ross originals auctioned only weeks earlier in a similar effort to aid public broadcasting.

Now here’s where the bizarre stuff comes in. Numerous items from Last Week Tonight’s auction were actually featured in comedic asides, miniature sketches, and running bits from the show—including a jock strap apparently "worn by [actor] Russell Crowe in the major motion picture Cinderella Man (2005) and later purchased by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver during season 5 of the show." Naturally, it earned $21,000.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Absurd(ly funny) items from the Last Week Tonight auction

Other highlights include a massive "sculpture of President Lyndon B. Johnson's scrotum" ($25,500), numerous wax figures of various U.S. presidents (the Bill Clinton was sold for $6,000), and "Mrs. Cabbage Oliver." (The latter—well, you need to watch the episode in question to understand, but it involves Steve Buscemi officiating a wedding between Oliver and a cabbage as part of a Season 9 piece about AI-generated art. Really. It sold for $11,111.)

The funniest piece could well be a bidet signed by Blöthar the Berserker, singer of the famously costumed metal band GWAR. While the final numbers are no longer viewable on the auction site, Consequence reports that they viewed a winning bid of $6,000 "the last time [they] checked."

Last Week Tonight also auctioned off a number of fan experiences, including two VIP tickets to attend an in-person taping and appear on the show as an "over the shoulder" graphic ($100,025, per Variety). If you’re an Oliver superfan—or just someone who wants to support the overall mission—you can always donate directly through the Public Media site, which outlines their overall mission to "secure local public media service across the country, with an early focus on rural and underserved communities where public media organizations face the greatest risks."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

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charity

Culture

Unconventional but non-negotiable things people require in a partner

"Do you believe in dinosaurs?"

non-negotiable, unconventional, people, partner, insightful options, relationships, qualities

Photo credit Canva

Couple on an enjoyable dinner date.

Finding the perfect partner might take an entire lifetime. Some people discover their high school sweetheart who brings them all the way to the finish line. Others find themselves searching for that relationship well into adulthood. Still others are never able to find the perfect match.

It takes time to truly understand the qualities a person wants in a prospective partner. It can be the failed relationships of the past or valuable therapy sessions that uncover the perfect ideals we seek.

In a r/AskReddit thread, an important question was posed: "What is your unconventional 'I need this in a partner' that you will not negotiate on?" People offered up some really unique and insightful opinions.

dinosaurs, flat earther, intellignece, cognitive processing, belief systems, historical accuracies, reality Dinosaur bones.Photo credit Canva

"The Dinosaur Test"

There can be numerous details that signal compatibility. One consistent idea was shared intelligence and belief systems. A 2022 study in Stanford Medicine found that marital relationships were more successful when partners shared similar cognitive processing. Relationship happiness was affected by higher synchronization and similar neural response times.

Here are some of the more intellectually inclined responses:

"This is weird, but it’s a question I always ask right away: if they believe in dinosaurs. I once dated a guy so religious he didnt believe they existed because they are not mentioned in the Bible. Now I make sure they have the minimum level of intelligence."

"Has to share my annoyance at historical inaccuracies."

"I need a partner who loves learning, not their own dogmatic interpretation of reality."

"I would argue that flat earth is an order of magnitude worse... Whereas with the spherical earth, I have done the research. I can see the moon, sun, and some of the planets are spherical. I don't have good enough a telescope for then all I've been out in the ocean. I can perform the thought experiment 'if gravity doesn't exist, and everything just falls down, why do i fall faster than the ground when i jump' and 'why hasn't all the water fallen over the edge?'"

"I was coming here to say 'they must be willing to learn' but this sums it up perfectly."

"If I was on a date and somebody asked me if I believe in dinosaurs I'd be like 'you mean do I believe in dinosaurs achieving their goals and dreams?'"

juggling, skills, unique talents, habits, gifts, focus, abilities, training, party tricks A jump and juggle.Photo credit Canva

"Special Set of Skills"

Some people are just a little more uniquely talented than others. There can be physical gifts or habits that have developed abilities the typical person may never acquire. A 2025 study in the National Library of Medicine found that engaging in novel activities can reduce boredom and improve relationship quality.

"Ok. Its kinda weird but I find juggling hot. Theres something both absolutely mesmerizing about it and the whole being able to concentrate and focus so well is just a crazy turn on. My partner doesnt do it often but lord when I catch him doing it. Mmm."

"i love weird hobbies! doesnt matter if im into them at all - i will enjoy it! harmonica playing, figurine painting, aquascaping, mushroom growing, unicycle riding... its the unashamed passion that gets me. Well, that and the fact that i have my own weird hobbies"

"As someone who unexpectedly crushed on three separate men with circus and French clown training in my 20s: I know exactly what you mean. Invite me to stand on your shoulders at the end of a date?"

"Occasionally I juggle things like potatoes or tennis balls to make sure I still can. I also juggle in front of people as a party trick. I always thought that it would be amusing at best and a silly thing that people will try to see if they can do it as well. I never thought that it would be a turn on for somebody."

widow, widower, grief, traumatic experience, couple, dual-trauma, spouses, death The widow.Photo credit Canva

"Widow meets Widower"

Finding a connection through shared traumatic experiences, some argue, is a valuable benefit when seeking a partner. A 2025 study in Sage Journals reported that "dual-trauma" couples revealed increased emotional difficulties, relational dysfunction, and intimacy issues. Here is what some Redditors had to say about it:

"As a widow, I feel like I'd need a widower. It seems like we'd both be a bit more understanding of each other."

"I think one of the biggest challenges is not just empathizing with the loss, but understanding that you may never take their place."

"Divorced is not the same as widowed- I promise"

"For perspective I was widowed at 37 2.5 years years ago . Left with three kids ages 5 to 16. His death was sudden. I am now 40 and have an amazing man in my life . Was never married nor had kids . He has taken us all on with nothing but love and kindness . He even honors their father and his memory. Sometimes, someone with just a kind gentle soul, with no background in anything like yours , comes along! So while widowers may understand better , some who haven’t been down that same hurt road understand and go above and beyond too !"

"I can imagine how hard it would be with a non-widowed partner who starts feeling insecure about the deceased spouse, comparing themselves to them, etc. Then the whole removing remnants of them in the house thing. I wouldn't be able to handle that."

"I'm a widow (5 years) in a two-year relationship with a widower (3 years), and it is perfect for us. Our late spouses are an important part of our lives, and we talk about them (and even to them) frequently. We understand the grief of not only losing our beloved spouses, but also losing the future we planned with our life mates."

adventure, vacations, travel, mountains, psychological well-being, mood, life satisfaction, restless Overlooking a mountain adventure.Photo credit Canva

"The Mobile Adventurer"

People can get a bit restless if they aren't allowed to get out into the world and stretch their legs. A 2021 study in Science Direct suggested people drawn to adventure and travel showed overall improved psychological wellness and significantly boosted mood and life satisfaction.

"I need someone who either understands and supports my need to occasionally disappear into the mountains for days on end, or will do it with me."

"I disappear every year into rural India. Keeps me sane the other 11 months. It's non-negotiable. I save all year so it doesn't financially affect anyone else. My husband is welcome to come with me if he wants and we can afford it."

"I also work remotely, so I can move year after year. I don't think living like that year round is in the cards for me, but a good break every so often where I can get away from it all while still working would be so peaceful."

"Yup. I go on all day bike rides some times. Ex get up at 5 and bike to the next state line and then take the long way home. My husband told me when we first started dating that his friends thought I might be cheating. He told them that I actually was working out"

"There are just a few people in the world who I’ve met who I could tolerate along side me disappearing into the mountains but it’s nice to see that it’s not such an uncommon need"

"Initially this caused some insecurity with my current partner but after he joined me a few times he understands it now. I just need to disappear into the wilderness."

feet, couples, monogamy, polyamorous, committed relationship, multiple partners, intimate activities, sex Looks like 6 feet under the covers.Photo credit Canva

"Love is a Potluck"

For some, there can be only two people in an intimate relationship. Others want the ability to have multiple partners. A 2025 study in Phys.Org investigated which type of relationships are more successful. It concluded that unconventional relationships are just as satisfying as monogamous partnerships. A healthy relationship structure shares similar characteristics, such as honesty, communication, trust, and clear boundaries.

"I've never been open to non monogamy when I'm in a committed relationship. I'm either single and do whatever or I'm all in."

"Human relationships have no set rules, of any kind. The ones we made up about romantic relationships being a distinct kind of relationship, and about sex being an intimate activity that is completely distinct from other intimate activities, are made up. Of course they are different, but they do not warrant another set of rules completely just because they are a different thing."

"I don't do monogamy, that's the first bar to clear."

"Unconventional? I guess some people find my requirement for polyamory/ or at the very least some form of ethical non monogamy unconventional, although I find it normal."

"I want a partner who will at least be down to go to a swingers club with me."

random likes, giphy, games, cute, meme, playful, Yankees, sports "Bow chicka bow wow!" media0.giphy.com

"Some Random Needs"

People can hold a wide range of unique desires. These feelings often determine whether someone is more likely to enter into a relationship. Here are some more out-of-the-box ideas offered by Redditors:

"I love watching period shows and googling along to see what really happened."

"I only date mathematicians"

"Ability to make decent potato salad."

"I look for the ability to make pancakes."

"I can’t date someone with a racist family."

"They gotta be like, unquestionably an asset not a liability in a zombie apocalypse"

"Loose cartilage in the tip of their nose so it wiggles a little when they talk."

"He needs to have so much body hair people should question if he’s really human."

"Left my last girlfriend because she did completely open anything... i hate having that tin foil cover under the lid to the sour cream. Its now a requirement, and the first thing i ask about anybody i date."

"Sleeping in separate rooms. I am an extremely sensitive sleeper and for the life of me cannot fall asleep if someone else is in the room."

"For me, it's fear of birds. What a freaking turn off it is to feel your man flinch while making out because a bird in a cage chirped."

"I can’t be with a man who wears pointy-toed shoes. Or boots. It’s just a gut feeling. I just can’t trust a man with witchy feet."

"How they drive is really important to me. If they tailgate, have road rage, or speed up when people try to pass them, I’m out."

"Gotta like horror movies. I spend a lot of time watching or reading horror."

stronger relationships, virutes, truth hurts, best interests, dating, high value, needs Two people sharing a milkshake. Photo credit Canva

Whatever your particular quirks and needs, bringing them to the table early is probably in your best interest. A 2025 study in University Lab Sites found that telling the truth, especially about sensitive and even potentially threatening topics, contributed to stronger relationships. Honesty is a highly valued virtue that benefits all relationships, even when the truth may hurt.

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