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Little Singles star Krista finally confronted Sammy about his feelings for Stephanie as things seriously heated up in their love triangle.

Ahead of the July 13 episode of the new series, TLC shared an exclusive sneak peek of a pool date involving Sammy, 26, and Krista, 30.

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During a group vacation in Palm Springs, Fla., the pair had been hanging out and partying with John, 28, Stephanie, 32, and JJ, 37, among others. Several of them met at a little people conference years ago, and have remained friends since.

What the group didn't know at first was that Sammy and Steph had a secret fling going on — but they agreed not to put a label on anything. Meanwhile, Sammy had been flirting with Krista the whole time right in front of Steph, leading to hurt feelings and mixed signals. Krista finally decided to ask Sammy about Steph as the pair chatted by the pool together.

"I know that there's a bunch of stuff going on, and I don't want you to get hurt," Sammy told her. "But where do we stand?"

To that, she sighed and replied, "It's so hard to say because, like, I need you to be honest. Like, do you have feelings for Steph?"

Sammy confessed, "I did have really strong feelings for Steph. And then now, the more that I think about it, and go on every day, I just don't think she is my person."

'Little Singles': Krista Confronts Sammy About His Feelings for Steph (Exclusive Clip) (1:47)

In a confessional with producers, Sammy shared, "I just really wish Steph and I could have been a lot better on this trip. I know I kissed her because we're just comfortable with one another. And the way I look at it was kind of like a celebration that we're both having fun. But I may have gave her mixed emotions. And I feel bad because I came on this trip to have fun with my friends, not break hearts."

Sammy shared as much with Krista, admitting, "I should have just been honest with Steph from the beginning. I shouldn't have even done it in the beginning."

After Krista said that she was "glad" Sammy was "taking accountability for it," she shared her stipulation for moving forward with him: "If she told you it was OK for you to take me out, I would go."

Sammy responded, "I do have feelings for you, and I'm attracted to you," to which Krista reciprocated, "I really like you, Sammy. You seem like such a great guy."

To producers, Krista acknowledged that she feels a "strong connection" with another man, Anthony, who visited them at the vacation house. "But also, I really like Sammy. I think that there could be something there, possibly. But he's gonna have to do something."

Catch new episodes of Little Singles on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

Next: Little Singles: Krista Conquers Grocery Store First (Exclusive Clip)

When Jurassic Park roared into theaters in 1993, audiences were captivated by the dinosaurs, groundbreaking visual effects and the chemistry between Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler.

But decades later, Sam Neill, who died at the age of 78 on July 13, 2026, and Laura Dern realized there was one major detail about their characters' relationship that they hadn't fully considered at the time.

Neill, who played paleontologist Alan Grant, was shocked to discover just how large the age gap was between himself and Dern, 59, who portrayed Ellie Sattler. The actors recently reflected on the film's legacy and the changing conversations around Hollywood relationships, with Neill admitting he was surprised when he realized he was 20 years older than his co-star.

"I am 20 years older than Laura!" Neill once told The Sunday Times, recalling the moment it clicked for him. Dern laughed while discussing how age differences between leading men and women were often treated as normal in Hollywood at the time.

Neill explained that he became aware of the pattern after seeing conversations about older male stars being paired with much younger actresses. Films like Six Days, Seven Nights and Entrapment featured significant age gaps between their leading actors, and he was surprised to find himself included in those discussions.

"I thought, 'Come on. It can't be true,'" Neill recalled.

For Dern, revisiting the dynamic years later offered a different perspective. She explained that, at the time, the pairing felt completely natural to her and audiences, but looking back through a modern lens made her question Hollywood's longtime expectations.

"Well, it felt completely appropriate to fall in love with Sam Neill," Dern said, before acknowledging how cultural conversations about gender and representation have changed.

More than 30 years after Jurassic Park became a blockbuster, the duo's iconic on-screen romance remains one of the film's most memorable elements. But their candid reflection shows how even beloved movies can reveal surprising details when viewed through a new perspective.

RELATED: Sam Neill Once Revealed Why He Changed His Name as a Child

Dancing With the Starshas featured more than 50 professional dancers in its 20-plus years on the air, many of whom have become just as famous as their celebrity partners—and in some cases, just as rich.

While a pro’s paycheck isn’t huge by Hollywood standards (reports suggest salaries top out at around $100,000 per season, though ABC has never confirmed that figure), the exposure the dancers receive through the show is invaluable.   

Keep reading for a run-down of the richest DWTSpros (past and present) ranked by net worth.

Related: Dancing With the Stars Launching New Spinoff to Crown the Next Pro

17 Richest ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pros, Ranked by Net Worth (From Lowest to Highest) 

Note: This list represents every dancer listed on Celebrity Net Worth. It’s possible some dancers not listed there deserve a spot here, but for consistency, we relied on a single source for all third-party data.

Keo Motsepe Net Worth: $300,000 Keo Motsepe

ABC/Craig Sjodin

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, and raised in Johannesburg, Motsepe began dancing at age 5, enrolled in dance school shortly thereafter, and started competing as an amateur dancer. He went on to become an eight-time South African Latin Dance Champion, then broke new ground in 2012 as the first South African to join the famous Burn the Floor world tour.

Two years later, he blazed another trail, becoming the first Black professional dancer cast on DWTS. Alas, after nine years on the show, with partners including Chaka Khan and Jodie Sweetin, he was not asked back for the 30th season. "While it's disappointing to not be back for Season 30, I've been honored to be on the last nine seasons of the show and look forward to returning in the future," he said at the time.

Emma Slater Net Worth: $300,000 Emma Slater

Photo by JC Olivera on Getty Images

Slater has celebrated 21 seasons on Dancing With the Stars, making her one of the most seasoned pros on the series (she started out as a troupe member in 2012 and got promoted to main player the following year). The British-born dancer, who was touring internationally with Simply Ballroom by the age of 16, has competed alongside celebs like James Van Der Beek, Reginald VelJohnson and Andy Richter. She got her first and only win (so far!) in Season 24, with former NFL running back Rashad Jennings.

Dancing With the Stars aside, Slater has also enjoyed an impressive career as an actress: She appeared in the film adaptation of Mamma Mia! and has performed on London’s West End on multiple occasions, including in a production of Dirty Dancing. 

Related: ‘DWTS’ Champ, 42, Facing Jail Time After Shocking Arrest

Peta Murgatroyd Net Worth: $400,000 Peta Murgatroyd

Robin L Marshall/Getty Images

Murgatroyd made pro in Season 13 and was a mainstay on the show through Season 32, although she went on a handful of hiatuses over the years, including when she was pregnant. (She shares three children with her husband, former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy.) After giving birth to her third son in 2024, she announced that she’d be taking a break from the show. “I’m sorry,” she said. “...It’s just too soon.”

In addition to being a mom of three with two Mirrorball Trophies under her belt (she won in 2012 with Donald Driver and 2016 with Nyle DiMarco), Murgatroyd is the founder of the sunless tanning line Peta Jane Beauty. “[I]n many ways, my career as a dancer shaped the vision for the brand,” she told Haute Living in 2025. “I knew firsthand what wasn’t working, and I was determined to create products that performers, professionals, and everyday people could count on to look and feel confident.”

She also launched a podcast, “The Penthouse With Peta,” in which she interviews reality stars, in September 2025. It’s unclear whether her listed net worth reflects any combined assets she may share with Chmerkovskiy, but it seems unlikely given that his net worth is reportedly $8 million. 

Lacey Schwimmer Net Worth: $1.5 Million Lacey Schwimmer

Greg Doherty/Getty Images

Schwimmer, who debuted on DWTS Season 7 (2008) with partner Lance Bass, has dance in her blood: Her father is famous swing-dancer Buddy Schwimmer, and her brother is Benji Schwimmer, winner of Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance. (She was a finalist on the show the following year.) Her run on DWTS lasted through Season 13 and included partners Steve-Oand Chaz Bono. But despite her multiple high finishes, she never won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy before her time on the ballroom floor was up. 

Sharna Burgess Net Worth: $3 Million Sharna Burgess

Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

These days, you can catch Burgess on “Oldish,” the podcast she co-hosts with fiancé Brian Austin Green and his Beverly Hills, 90210co-star Randy Spelling. But from Seasons 16 through 30, she was a pro on DWTS (with the exception of Season 28, which she was not asked back for despite having won the Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones in Season 27). Although Burgess voluntarily sat out Season 31 to spend time with her newborn son, the Aussie dancer did so with the intention of returning for Season 32—only she wasn’t invited back, yet again.

“I realized when those spots were all filled, and I was like, 'Oh my God, I didn't get the call,'" she shared on the premiere episode of her podcast, referring to the decision as a “huge shock.” Her last partner on the series was Green, and they were the third couple to be eliminated.

Tony Dovolani Net Worth: $3 Million Tony Dovolani

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Dovolani began dancing at the age of 3 in his native Pristina, Kosovo, before his family moved to the U.S., where he trained at the Fred Astaire Dance Academy in Connecticut. He made his debut on DWTS in Season 2 (2006), paired with model/actress Stacy Keibler, but didn’t take home the Mirrorball Trophy until many years later, in Season 15 (an All Stars edition), with Bachelor alum Melissa Rycroft. He ended his run on the series after Season 22, with Donald Trump’s ex-wife, Marla Maples.

“When I decided to quit, nothing major happened; it was just a buildup of things where I just said, ‘I didn’t sign up for this,’” Dovolani later explained on Hollywood Life’s podcast. “For babysitting, maybe, a little bit. Some of these celebrities, or reality celebrities, I should say, they sometimes … they have an idea of what they think they are and who they are, and they didn’t realize that I wasn’t there to deal with them. I was there to teach them how to dance. So, when it becomes about other than teaching them how to dance, I want no part of it.” 

His partners over the years included Kate Plus 8 star Kate Gosselinand Real Housewives of Atlantastar NeNe Leakes, among others in the reality realm. 

Mark Ballas Net Worth: $4 Million Mark Ballas

Getty

Ballas, whose father is renowned ballroom champ Corky Ballas, has spent 21 seasons and counting on DWTS, starting with Season 5 (2007). His run on the show has been far from linear, though—he took breaks during Seasons 23, 24, and 26 through 30. His return in Season 31 marked his third time winning the Mirrorball Trophy, which he took home with social media star Charli D’Amelio. (He also won with Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.)

Ballas then announced his retirement from the show during the DWTS Live 2023 tour, telling the audience it would be his “last dance” in that capacity. Still, he returned for Season 34. 

Cheryl Burke Net Worth: $4 Million Cheeryl Burke of 'Dancing With the Stars.'

Photo by Variety on Getty Images

Burke started dancing ballet as a little girl but switched to ballroom dancing by age 11—a move that ultimately set the stage for her long tenure on DWTS, which began in Season 2 (2006) and lasted through Season 31 (2022). She took home the Mirrorball Trophy right out of the gate with singer Drew Lachey, then won the very next season with former NFL star Emmitt Smith.

Announcing her exit from the series not long after her high-profile split from actor Matthew Lawrence, she said in part, “This show has been my 2nd family since I was 21 years old. The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highest highs & some of my lowest lows, & I honestly don’t know who I would be today without them. I also know that it is time for me to begin the next phase of my career, although dance will always be a part of me.”

Although she’s expressed interest in returning to DWTS as a judge or mentor, she’s so far only made a guest appearance at the judges’ table in Season 34’s Halloween episode.

Related: Cheryl Burke’s Relationship Status and Why She’s Been Celibate Since Her Divorce From Matthew Lawrence

Artem Chigvintsev Net Worth: $4 Million Artem Chigvintsev

Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Chigvintsev started out on the UK version of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing, before joining the U.S. show, first as a troupe member in Season 18 (2014), then as a pro in Season 19. He stuck with the series through Season 32, with one win in Season 29, when he was partnered with Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe, but wasn’t asked to return for Season 33.

In 2024, his now ex-wife and former DWTS partner, Nikki Garcia, with whom he shares a 5-year-old son, accused him of domestic violence (Chigvintsev denied the allegations and was never charged). In court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, he claimed his arrest caused him to lose more than $100,000 in income. Unrelated to that complaint, Garcia was ordered to pay him $200,000 in their divorce settlement.

Witney Carson’s Net Worth: $5 million Witney Carson

Getty

After competing on So You Think You Can Dance in 2012, Carson joined Dancing With the Stars Season 16 as a member of the troupe. She was promoted to pro during the show’s 18th season (2014), at which point she was paired with Australian musician Cody Simpson and eliminated in Week 5.

She fared much better the following year, when she competed with Fresh Prince of Bel Air icon (and future DWTS co-host) Alfonso Ribeiro. The two took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 19, marking an impressive victory for Carson—then a series newbie going toe-to-toe with such seasoned pros as Derek Hough. She sat out Seasons 29 and 32 but returned to win again in Season 34 with Robert Irwin.

Related: ‘DWTS’ Host Alfonso Ribeiro Opens Up About the ‘Year That Changed My Whole Life’ (Exclusive)

Allison Holker Net Worth: $6 Million Allison Holker

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

The So You Think You Can Dance alum was a pro on DWTS from Season 19 through Season 23, although she sat out Season 22 due to pregnancy. DWTS aside, she was married to the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in 2022. She wrote about their relationship in her 2025 memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light.

Karina Smirnoff Net Worth: $6 Million Karina Smirnoff

Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images

Smirnoff joined DWTS in Season 3 (2006) and appeared in 18 seasons overall, leaving the show after Season 22. (She sat out Season 20 to publish her debut book, We’re Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters From the Trenches.) Although she came close to winning the Mirrorball Trophy in her first year on the show, placing second with partner Mario Lopez, she didn’t actually nab the top prize until about halfway through her tenure, with J.R. Martinez in Season 13.

She now teaches masterclasses around the world while raising her son, Theo, born in 2020.

Valentin 'Val' Chmerkovskiy Net Worth: $7 Million Val Chmerkovskiy loves his brother, but he doesn't always agree with his opinions.

Michael Tran / AFP

Chmerkovskiy first appeared on Dancing with the Stars in Season 2 (2006) as a guest performer alongside his brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, but didn’t officially join the pro cast until Season 13 (2011). He’s gone on to become one of the show’s most celebrated pros, known for his romantic flair and charisma, and of course, his outstanding choreography.

He’s also taken home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy three times—first in Season 20 with actress Rumer Willis, again in Season 23 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and most recently in Season 32 with actress Xochitl Gomez. Beyond the show, Chmerkovskiy co-owns dance studios across the country and tours with his family’s Maks & Val Live productions.

Maksim 'Maks' Chmerkovskiy Net Worth: $8 Million Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Imagn

Chmerkovskiy is one of Dancing with the Stars’ most iconic pros, cast in Season 2 (2006) and credited with helping shape the show’s competitive edge. After many near-wins over the years, he finally took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 18 (2014), with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis.

More important than any win in the ballroom, however, was the connection the show gave him to Peta Murgatroyd, who joined the series in 2012. The pair had previously met in 2009, on the Broadway production of Burn the Floor, but after reuniting on DWTS, they struck up a romance that led to marriage and three kids.

Chmerkovskiy officially left the series after Season 25 (2017) to focus on other business ventures, including his chain of dance studios and his family’s live tour. He recently made waves as a guest on his wife’s podcast when he said that DWTS’ newly minted pro, Jan Ravnic—a former backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—was not qualified to be on the show.

“Jan has absolutely no business being a pro on Dancing With the Stars,” he said. “There’s zero foundation, technique, quality, understanding of the partnership. It is absurd. This is unreal—how blind we have to be to not say what’s obviously there.” He’s since apologized. 

Related: Who Is Jan Ravnik? Get to Know the Taylor Swift Backup Dancer Who Joined ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 34

Derek Hough Net Worth: $8 Million Derek Hough

Photo by Gilbert Flores on Getty Images

It’s not an overstatement to call Hough the most successful pro in DWTS history: He won the Mirrorball Trophy a record six times. (His partners over the years included Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Ricki Lake and Bindi Irwin.)

Although he left the pro lineup after Season 23 (2016) to pursue other projects, including World of Dance alongside Jennifer Lopezand Ne-Yo, he returned in 2020 with a spot at the judges’ table. DTWS aside, he’s now the host of Extra and continues to headline his own dance tours. He also had his first child, a daughter named Everley Capri, with wife Hayley Erbert in December 2025. 

Julianne Hough Net Worth: $12 Million Julianne Hough

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Hough signed on for DWTS in Season 4 (2007) and immediately made her mark, winning back-to-back championships with Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno in Season 4 and race car driver Helio Castroneves in Season 5. But she was only a dancer on the series for five seasons—she left in 2009 to focus on her acting career, starring in movies like the Footloose remake, Safe Haven and Rock of Ages.

She returned to the show as a judge in 2014, then exited again three years later, only to come back in 2023 as co-host, alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. 

Related: Julianne Hough’s Relationship History: From Her Age-Gap Romance With Ryan Seacrest to Her Divorce From Brooks Laich

Kym Johnson Net Worth: $100 Million Kym Johnson-Herjavec

Courtesy Rebecca Hitch Photography

Johnson started out on Dancing With the Stars Australia, where she became a fan favorite before joining the U.S. version in Season 3 (2006). She remained a fixture on the show for more than a decade, pairing over the years with Jerry Springer, Joey Fatone, David Arquette and her future husband, Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec, whom she married in 2016.

His net worth is a reported $600 million, which certainly contributes to Johnson’s wealth and explains her top spot on this list—but that’s not to take away from her personal success on DWTS: She won the Mirrorball Trophy twice, first with entertainer Donny Osmond in Season 9 (2009) and again with NFL star Hines Ward in Season 12 (2011).

She left the show after Season 24 (2017) and welcomed twins the following year. These days, she’s focused on establishing herself as a TV and film producer. "I’ve always believed it’s never too late to grow, evolve, and learn something new," she shared on Instagram in 2025, announcing the dance-themed Christmas movieChristmas in the Ballroom. "It’s never too late to pivot your career or follow a new dream."

It’s unclear what her next project will be, but one thing’s certain: Johnson can afford to fund it herself! 

Related: Country Star Reveals She Almost Quit ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Over ‘Rude’ Behavior: ‘That Show Wrecked Me’

The Damned Things' legacy continues after being named one of the greatest supergroups of all time.

Despite being inactive for years, the five-piece band, formed by influential musicians from celebrated bands like Anthrax, Fall Out Boy and Every Time I Die, has found itself back in the spotlight.

Louder Sound ranked the 20 greatest rock supergroups of all time that not only featured renowned artists but also possessed the talent and the X factor.

Legendary bands like Cream, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Temple of the Dog claimed the top three spots, making them the top tier in the category, but The Damned Things also earned recognition by joining the ranking at No. 17.

The publication praised them for delivering “a pair of unexpectedly great albums that melded metal’s power to hard rock melody,” referring to their 2010 debut album Ironiclast and 2019's High Crimes.

Joe Trohman, Dan Andriano and Keith Buckley of The Damned Things perform on stage at Bottom Lounge in 2019

Daniel Boczarski/Redferns

Formed in 2009, the band was composed of Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley from Fall Out Boy, Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano from Anthrax and vocalist Keith Buckley from Every Time I Die.

What set The Damned Things apart from other supergroups was its blend of musicians from heavy metal, punk and rock bands, giving the band a distinctive sound that stood out from its peers.

Their debut album, Ironiclast, was released in 2010 with nine tracks, with their lead single, "We've Got a Situation Here," which also served as the band's first official music video.

For the band’s first album, Trohman shared that it was influenced by their love for powerful heavy metal melodies and classic rock anthems.

"This is an amalgam of three very different bands," the guitarist said, as cited by Blabbermouth, adding, "It seemed unlikely, but it turned out we were on the same page musically. We were both interested in putting together a heavy/classic-rock, blues-oriented, riff-based band while trying to stay away from what makes that sound generic and overplayed."

Unfortunately, The Damned Things remained inactive for several years as its members focused on their respective bands, including Fall Out Boy, which reunited in 2013 and released Save Rock and Roll.

The supergroup reunited in 2019 and released its second studio album, High Crimes, with a new lineup.

At this time, Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio replaced Keith Buckley on vocals.

In addition to releasing their first album in eight years, The Damned Things also embarked on a U.S. tour with Crobot and He Is Legend as supporting acts.

Although the band has earned renewed recognition, The Damned Things remains on an indefinite hiatus with no official return in sight.

Related: Beloved Rock Band, Once Split for 10 Years, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Paris Brosnan just gave fans a serious case of déjà vu.

Legendary actor Pierce Brosnan's youngest son posted a new set of photos over the weekend, and the resemblance to his father's classic Bond look is hard to miss. Paris, 25, is the younger of Pierce's two sons with wife Keely Shaye Brosnan. His older brother, Dylan Brosnan, 29, has carved out his own path in the industry as a musician and filmmaker.

A Snapshot That Looks Straight Out of 1995 View this post on Instagram

Paris captioned the post simply, "Now and then," pairing the caption with images that highlighted both his artwork and his growing love of vintage cars.

One photo in particular stood out, a candid shot of Paris smiling behind the wheel, his expression and hairstyle bearing an uncanny resemblance to his father's look as Bond in the mid-1990s.

Following His Father Into the World of Art View this post on Instagram

Acting and good looks aren't the only traits Paris picked up from his dad. He's also embraced painting, a passion he credits directly to watching Pierce pursue his own art later in life. "Growing up, we would take family trips to various art museums in Europe and in the states," Paris told Paper Magazine in September, 2024.

"I fondly remember going to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and seeing Picasso's and Gauguin's works, and being so inspired that as soon as I got home, I'd paint."

Paris Brosnan and Pierce Brosnan

(Photo by Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

He also opened up about the creative bond he shares with his father. "My dad has been a painter since the '80s and has a vast portfolio of work, which he has been showing lately," Paris said. "We paint together and bond over it. He always told me the key was to practice by constantly drawing straight lines and shapes."

Pierce remains his biggest influence to this day. "Watching him vastly inspired and influenced me," Paris said. "My dad is a self-taught artist."

For decades, moviegoers have known him simply as Sam Neill. But the beloved actor behind memorable roles in Jurassic Park, The Hunt for Red October and The Piano wasn't actually born with that name.

Long before he became one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, Neill was born Nigel John Dermot Neill on Sept. 14, 1947, in Northern Ireland. When he was a young boy growing up in New Zealand, however, he decided "Nigel" just didn't suit him.

"I found I moved more easily in the world as a Sam," he once told The Guardian.

"Nigel is an awkward fit in most circumstances. Imagine being a movie actor called Nigel Neill."

In interviews over the years, Neill explained that he disliked his given name from an early age and eventually adopted "Sam" instead. It was a decision he never regretted.

"I clung on to 'Sam' with great enthusiasm," the actor explained to the Otago Daily Times.

"Nigel was a little effete for the rigours of a New Zealand playground."

Choosing "Sam," he said, felt much more natural and became the name friends and family came to know him by.

Of course, the name change didn't stop Neill from building one of the most respected careers in film. After breaking out in projects like My Brilliant Career and Ace of Spies, he became an international star with 1993's blockbuster Jurassic Park, where his portrayal of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant remains one of the franchise's most beloved performances.

In the decades that followed, Neill appeared in everything from prestige dramas to action films and television series, earning a reputation as one of the industry's most versatile actors.

While audiences will always remember him as Sam Neill, it's the story behind that simple first name that many fans are only just discovering. And it's one more fascinating chapter in the life of an actor whose career was full of memorable surprises.

Neill died at the age of 78 in Sydney, Austrailia.

RELATED: One of Olivia Newton-John’s Biggest Career Milestones Happened Before Most Fans Knew Her

Mark Ballasmay be best known for his Mirrorball Trophy-winning choreography on Dancing With the Stars. But outside the ballroom, his most important partnership is with his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean. In addition to sharing a son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, the creative couple also collaborate as the pop-rock duo Alexander Jean.

Ballas and Jean celebrate their 10th anniversary this year. Of their relationship, the DWTS star shared with Us Weekly, "We do a lot of things together. I love her more and more every day. It’s just marry your best friend.”

Keep reading to learn more about their relationship, from a meet-cute at a charity fundraiser to a surprise proposal in a half-built house—and now, parenthood.

Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Launching New Spinoff to Crown the Next Pro

Who is Mark Ballas married to?

The DWTS pro and Season 4 Traitors contestant has been married to singer-songwriter BC Jean since 2016. They tied the knot after about four years of dating and welcomed their first child, a son, in November 2023. 

How did Mark Ballas and his wife meet?

The Dancing With the Stars pro and his singer-songwriter wife met in 2012 at a mutual friend’s charity fundraiser, where they were both scheduled to perform. “It was so busy in there, I couldn’t see her; I could only hear her,” Ballas recalled in an interview with The Knot. “So my first connection with BC was just the sound of her voice.”

Smitten from the start, Ballas spent the next three months pursuing his future bride before she finally agreed to go on a taco date. “We ended up being there all night,” he told The Knot. “And now, here we are.”

Looking back on their love story in an interview with Billboard, Ballas marveled at how long it took for their paths to cross. “We used to hang out at the same places, roll in the same crowds,” he said, “and I always wondered, ‘How many times was I at the ATM when you were at the bar? How many times did I stop to say hi to someone at the table you were sitting at, and we never even knew each other?’” Spoken like a true romantic! 

Related: All About Derek Hough's Marriage to Hayley Erbert

How did Mark Ballas propose to his wife, BC Jean?

In November 2015, Ballas surprised Jean with a proposal at their then-new home, which was still deep in construction and not yet livable. She showed up there thinking she needed to put out a metaphorical fire before heading to a business meeting with her manager, but the entire scenario was just an elaborate ruse Ballas devised to get her there.

“I knew that if she had shown up [to the proposal] not dressed, she’d have been pissed,” he said on an episode of the Couple Things podcast with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East. “So I had to make sure that she had a meeting.”

When Jean arrived, she was greeted by lyrics from “Magic” by Coldplay (their song) posted on the front door. Inside, the home was fully decorated despite being a construction zone, with arrows leading her to the room where Ballas was waiting. He got down on one knee (“which was a challenge in skinny jeans,” he joked) and popped the question. 

The couple exchanged vows one year later, on Nov. 25, 2016, at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Calif. 

Related: 'Dancing With the Stars' Pros Ranked By Net Worth

What does Mark Ballas’s wife, BC Jean, do for a living?

BC Jean makes her living as a singer and songwriter. She’s been writing music for years, including co-writing Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy”—the first single off Bey’s 2008 “I Am … Sasha Fierce”—and she also performs regularly. These days, fans may recognize her as one half of the pop-rock duo Alexander Jean, which she fronts alongside Ballas.

“I didn’t show my emotions at a young age,” she told Songwriter magazine. “I’d hide in closets and that’s when the poetry started pouring out of me, and that was definitely the way I was expressing myself.”

By the time she was 14, she told her parents that she wasn’t planning to go to college. “‘The moment I get out [of high school],” she recalled telling them, “‘I’m going to go to LA and perform and sing and write my own music.’”

What is Mark Ballas’s wife, BC Jean, known for?

BC Jean is best known for being a singer-songwriter and musician, especially for co-writing Beyoncé’s hit song “If I Were a Boy.” She’s also written for Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus, and performs alongside her husband in the pop-rock duo Alexander Jean.

Gushing over his wife in what he called a “proud moment” on Instagram, Ballas wrote in December 2024, “Not only are you a stellar mother, wife & friend, you are also an incredible talent that rarely celebrates yourself. You always fly under the radar & are never the loudest person in the room but I want you to know…. I notice every melody you sing in the shower & I read every lyric I find written on a napkin. It’s an honor to make music with you & I love learning from you.”

View this post on Instagram Are Mark Ballas and BC Jean in a band together?

Yes. The pair make up the indie husband-wife duo Alexander Jean (a combination of their two middle names), which they formed in 2015. They released their first EP, Head High, the following year and have since dropped two more EPs (High Enough and Coming Down) and a handful of singles. Their most recent track is the alternative pop/rock jam “I Don’t Dance.” 

Did Mark Ballas and his wife lose a baby?

The couple revealed that they lost a pregnancy in 2022, sharing the news the following year with the release of their song “Rainbow.” 

"We lost a baby last year, just when we thought we were in a good place to tell friends + family," the couple wrote in an Instagram post. "We received the heavy news that our little one wasn't going to make it, we've both been through hard things in our lives but this was a different kind of sadness."

Ballas later revealed on a 2025 episode of Call Her Daddy that the loss took place during Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars, when he was competing with Charli D’Amelio (the pair went on to win the Mirrorball Trophy).

"During that season, we found out my wife was pregnant and we ended up losing our baby before the semifinal," Ballas shared. "I had to leave her having the appointment to have the baby removed to come dance for the semifinal and then go on. That had just taken it out of me."

Do Mark Ballas and wife BC Jean have kids?

Yes. They welcomed their first child, a son named Banksi Wylde Ballas, on Nov. 5, 2023, and announced his arrival one month later on Instagram. (Prior to his birth, they marked their anticipation musically, writing a song that includes the lyric “I can’t believe the biggest thing to ever happen to me could be so small.”) 

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The sweetness doesn’t stop there. About a year-and-a-half into fatherhood, Ballas shared a letter to his son on Instagram, alongside footage of him rocking the boy to sleep. 

“Dear Son. You’re growing so fast, I’m almost afraid to blink,” he wrote in part. “So many first times for you over the last few weeks. Seeing the world through your eyes has made everything more exciting the second time around & I can’t wait to share more moments & memories with you.”

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Related: ‘The Traitors’ Announces Fall Premiere Date for First-Ever Civilian Season

Nearly four decades after its release, Def Leppard's power ballad "Love Bites" continues to stand as one of the most famous rock songs of the late 1980s and remains the band's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Released from the band's 1987 album Hysteria, "Love Bites" reached the top of the U.S. chart on Oct. 8, 1988, where it stayed for one week. The song spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest single success of Def Leppard's career in America.

The achievement was especially notable for a band already known for major rock hits including "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Armageddon It," "Hysteria," "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages." Despite placing 19 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning four Top 10 hits, "Love Bites" remains the only song by Def Leppard to reach No. 1 in the United States.

Def Leppard members Pete Willis, Steve Clark, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen and Rick Savage posed for a photo in 1980 in Los Angeles.

Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage

Outside America, the single also became a major international success. It reached No. 2 in New Zealand, No. 3 in Canada, No. 7 in Ireland, and No. 11 in the United Kingdom.

The story behind "Love Bites" began with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who originally introduced the track to the band as a country-style ballad, per Ultimate Classic Rock.

The idea surprised Def Leppard because it sounded very different from the hard rock music that had made them famous. Rather than recording it as a traditional ballad, the band reshaped the song by adding layers of guitars, powerful vocals, and new production ideas.

The final version blended rock instrumentation with emotional backing vocals and R&B-inspired elements that helped separate it from other songs of the era.

According to guitarist Phil Collen, the song immediately stood out.

"Lyrically, it kind of painted a picture, and in a song you always want to do that, paint a picture," Collen told Songfacts in 2016. "'On a dark desert highway,' the first line of 'Hotel California,' great song, it just paints an image for you straight off the bat, and that's the sign of a really good song. It takes you right there. 'Love Bites' did that as well."

Collen also recalled the emotional response to the early recording sessions.

"We changed it around a little bit, me and Steve [Clark], and made the guitars slightly different, but the song was just beautiful," Collen added. "I played my mum the first draft where we had started doing vocals and stuff over it, and she started crying."

Lead singer Joe Elliott also found the song difficult to perform.

"It was possibly, for me, the hardest vocal I've ever sung," he told the BBC in 1990. "It's just a little bit too high for my lower register and it's a bit too low for my higher register. So it's like my midrange doesn't exist."

Producer Mutt Lange's original ideas also created debate during the recording sessions. Some of his production choices included unusual vocal effects that the band initially rejected. Still, parts of Lange's ideas remained in the final recording and helped shape the song's unique sound.

The challenge did not end in the studio. Def Leppard members later revealed they had to work hard to recreate the song on stage after it became a hit.

"We were on tour when 'Love Bites' went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and we'd never played it as a band," Collen said in Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard. "We had to get a rehearsal room in Vancouver for two days and work it all out. I had to learn how to sing the chorus while I was playing the guitar part, which I didn't think I'd be able to do. I practiced it over and over and over again until I got it right. That particular song caught us with our trousers down."

Today, the song has become one of Def Leppard's signature performances and remains a highlight of the band's concerts.

Def Leppard, formed in Sheffield in 1976, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. 

Yet among all of the band's major hits, "Love Bites" continues to hold a special place in music history as the song that gave the beloved rock band its only Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single.

Related: Beloved Pop Star Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 25 Years After Beginning Career

Long before Olivia Newton-John became a global superstar thanks to Grease and chart-topping pop hits like "Physical," she was quietly making history in country music.

Today, many fans remember Newton-John for playing Sandy Olsson opposite John Travolta in the beloved 1978 musical Grease or for dominating the charts with hits like "Physical," "Magic" and "Hopelessly Devoted to You." But years before those career-defining moments, she had already earned the admiration of country music audiences.

On July 13, 1974, Newton-John reached a major milestone when her album If You Love Me, Let Me Know climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album remained at the top for eight weeks, cementing her place as one of the genre's biggest crossover stars years before Grease introduced her to an even wider audience.

The album's title track also became Newton-John's highest-charting country single, peaking at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart. While she would go on to enjoy even greater success in pop music, the accomplishment showcased her versatility and helped establish her as one of the most successful crossover artists of the 1970s.

If You Love Me, Let Me Know featured a blend of country and pop that resonated with listeners at a time when crossover success was relatively rare. The album's commercial performance proved Newton-John's appeal stretched far beyond a single genre and helped lay the groundwork for the blockbuster career that followed.

More than five decades later, the achievement remains one of the defining early chapters of Newton-John's remarkable career.

RELATED: ‘If I Die Young’ Singer Kimberly Perry Turns 43

Over the last decade, I've become a devout thrifter — and over that time, I've discovered that there are so many advantages to shopping at thrift stores as opposed to buying new.

For instance, at thrift shops, there's always the chance that you'll find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Plus, by buying secondhand, you're helping to support a circular economy and reduce waste, making thrifting a much more eco-friendly choice than supporting big-box stores.

Plus, many thrift shops are run by nonprofits, which means your purchase benefits charity. And finally, at a thrift store, you can often find expensive items at low prices — and sometimes, these cheap purchases can even make your home look more expensive.

To learn more about which thrift store finds can help make a home look more expensive, Parade spoke with two interior designers: Katelyn Spacek, the Principal Designer and Owner of New Jersey-based firm Curate Interior Designs, and Josie Abate, the Principal Interior Designer at Ontario, Canada-based firm Ambience Design Group.

Not only did Spacek and Abate dish on which thrifted items can make a home look expensive, but they also shared tips on how to find these items at secondhand shops. Keep reading for their insights!

Related: If You Spot Henredon at Goodwill, Designers Say to Grab It Immediately—Here Are 9 More Vintage Brands Worth Looking for

These 7 Thrift Store Finds Can Make a Home Look More Expensive, According to Designers1. Pottery and vases

Quanthem / Getty Images

According to both Spacek and Abate, you can often find handmade or unique pottery and vases at the thrift store.

"Handmade pieces like pottery and vintage ceramic items bring warmth and interest to a home," Abate tells Parade. "Their unique shapes and natural finishes add texture to a space. You can display them individually or in groups on shelves, coffee tables or dining buffets for a refined look."

And Spacek has a fun trick for finding cool vases at secondhand shops. "I love to find a half-used candle in a truly awesome vessel where I simply remove the wax then repurpose as a flower vase or refill as a new candle," she tells Parade.

2. Decorative bowls

LumiNola / Getty Images

Using a decorative bowls or other serving vessel to store knickknacks can add an expensive touch to your home.

"Be sure to keep an eye out for decorative items such as vintage china, serving bowls or platters," says Abate. "These detailed pieces add luxury to many rooms, whether put on a shelf for display or for storing items around the home, such as keys and jewelry."

3. Picture frames

Oliver Helbig / Getty Images

"Vintage frames with carved wood, brass or gilded finishes instantly add elegance and architectural interest to your home," explains Abate. "Mix antique frames with modern décor to create a high-end aesthetic. You can display your own photography and art or use prints featuring nature, as this can bring a sense of wellness into your home."

Related: 35 Things in Your House Right Now That Could Be Worth Money, According to Certified Appraisers

4. Books and coffee table books

Trifonov_Evgeniy / Getty Images

Spacek is a big fan of buying books to use as decor at the thrift store — not just any books, "but a well curated collection." She explains that it's important to "pay attention to the title and content of the book as well so that the books actually are reflective of the homeowners."

And more specifically, Abate often finds great coffee table books at the thrift store.

"Coffee table books add sophistication and personality to your home," she says. "Choose books with beautiful covers featuring art, architecture, fashion, or travel. Create a stack of two to three on a coffee, console, or side table, and add a decorative object on top to give your home a curated look."

5. Small art pieces

Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Spacek recommends looking at thrift stores for small art pieces that you can add to your bookshelves, as they can help elevate a space.

"I first focus on the art itself, as it can always be reframed, but it is a true gem if the frame it is in goes with the period of the art it's showcasing," explains Spacek.

In addition to framed paintings, Spacek also looks out for small and unique sculptures and figurines — for instance, she recently purchased a brass grasshopper from a local vintage store. "While it is only 4 inches long, it's truly a statement piece," she says.

6. Brass candlesticks

VTT Studio / Getty Images

"Brass candlesticks are timeless accent pieces that bring sophistication into a home," says Abate. "They can add richness to fireplace mantels, dining tables and bookshelves. You can group candlesticks of different heights to create an elegant, designer-styled look."

7. Authentic vintage pieces

Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler / Getty Images

If you are looking for home decor, Spacek recommends checking the underside of the piece to see where it came from.

"I skip the 'made in China' piece and go for the hand drawn signature of the local artist," she says.

How to Thrift Items That Will Make Your Home Look More Expensive1. Go in with an open mind

When thrifting for homewares, keep your mind open to items that you never would have expected to like.

"If I'm drawn to a piece, it is well made, and in good condition or repairable within reason, I purchase it. I will find a home for it at some point," says Spacek. "The few times I did not purchase said piece, I regretted it."

2. Come prepared

"Instead of shopping randomly, imagine where each piece could live in your home before you buy it," advises Abate. "This helps you avoid clutter and focus on items that truly enhance your overall design. When you can visualize a piece styled on a shelf, coffee table, or console, it’s far more likely to look intentional and high-end in your space."

3. Look for natural and heavy materials

"Items made from solid wood, brass, stone, ceramic or glass almost always read as more luxurious than plastic or lightweight alternatives," explains Abate. "These materials have depth, texture and presence that instantly elevate a space. Even if a piece looks dated, the material itself often means it can be refinished or restyled beautifully."

4. Focus on shape and silhouette

"When browsing thrift stores, train yourself to look at the shape of an item before anything else," advises Abate. "Elegant curves, balanced proportions and timeless silhouettes are often what make a piece feel expensive. Even if you have to touch up the piece, it's the strong form that gives a piece lasting value."

5. Do two scans

When Spacek shops at thrift stores and flea markets, she takes her time, and starts off with an initial scan of the shop or booth "for any eye catching pieces." Then, she goes "back through much more slowly and intentionally to take time with each piece to seek out the gems."

Up Next:

Related: The Unexpected Way Americans Are Making Suburban Living More Affordable

Sources

• Katelyn Spacek, Principal Designer and Owner of Curate Interior Designs
• Josie Abate, Principal Interior Designer at Ambience Design Group

Persistence is the entire joke of The Comeback, and now it is the show's legacy too. When Emmy nominations arrived last week, Lisa Kudrow landed in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy race for the third and final season of the HBO series, along with a writing nomination she shares with co-creator Michael Patrick King. For a show that has been canceled twice, it sounds like a plot twist Valerie Cherish herself would have willed into existence.

Kudrow called the recognition "a very big, very meaningful honor to be nominated for Valerie and for the writing Michael Patrick King and I did."

The show's history proves that art can imitate life. HBO canceled The Comeback after a single season in 2005. The network revived it in 2014, only to cancel it a second time. The show returned this March for a farewell season, giving Kudrow one last run as Valerie Cherish, the eternally hopeful actress whose pursuit of a second act has powered the series from the start. Kudrow and King created the show together and have shepherded Valerie through every incarnation since that original run, so the shared writing nomination is fitting recognition for the partnership. Twenty-one years after the first cancellation, the final season produced exactly the kind of industry attention the character spent her whole fictional life chasing.

Related: Lisa Kudrow Says the 'Friends' Set Had a Dark Side Most Fans Never Knew About

The nomination has also become a story in its own right. CNN's entertainment coverage this week is spotlighting how Kudrow put herself forward for Emmy consideration before landing on the ballot, a detail that mirrors Valerie's do-it-yourself approach to staying in the conversation. The parallel between actress and character, always the engine of the show, has rarely been this direct.

For the Friends star, the recognition extends a career that has long balanced enormous mainstream fame with stranger, riskier work, and Valerie Cherish is the clearest example of the latter. As Valerie herself might say, "note-to-self: I wanted to see that."

Whatever happens on Emmy night, the final season has already given the series an ending that matches its premise. A show about a woman who refuses to accept that her moment has passed wrapped its run by proving, one more time, that it had not.

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Sometimes the deepest grief doesn’t require a lengthy statement. In a recent Instagram post dedicated to her late grandson, Benjamin Keough, Priscilla Presley skipped a traditional public eulogy entirely.

Instead, she shared just one photograph of Ben, accompanied in the caption by a broken heart emoji. It was a remarkably quiet gesture from one of Hollywood's most famous grandmothers, but the simple, silent tribute spoke volumes to millions of fans who continue to follow the family's journey.

The post, which was liked by Ben's sister, actress and producer Riley Keough, featured a striking photograph of Ben. He looked remarkably like a combination of his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and her father, Elvis Presley. She added John Lennon's tribute song for his son Sean Ono Lennon, "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" as background music.

Fans shared their condolences for Elvis' ex-wife. She and the King of Rock and Roll were a couple for 14 years and married for six.

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"Sending you and your family all my love, Priscilla. Always remember the precious memories," wrote one follower. A second fan penned, "Sending you and his sisters [Riley and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood] a hug."

A third Instagram user noted, "Sending hugs to the family." A fourth follower concluded, "Passing along a lot of love for the Presley's today."

Ben died on July 12, 2020. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed to the BBC that the 27-year-old took his own life.

One year after Ben's passing, Presley mourned the passing of her mother, Anna Lillian Iversen, on August 2, 2021. She was 95.

Lisa Marie, Elvis, and Priscilla Presley/Frank Carroll/Sygma via Getty Images

Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, died two years and five months to the day of her only son. She died on January 12, 2023, of cardiac arrest. It was later found that the 54-year-old had a small bowel obstruction, which occurred after weight loss surgery, as reported by NPR.

Priscilla Presley told ABC News that the losses were "unbearable." "It was unbearable. I lost my mother, I lost my grandson, and [then] I lost my daughter," she shared.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Related: In 1970, Elvis Presley Walked Onstage in a Bold New Look—56 Years Later, It Still Defines His Legacy

Costco never has a shortage of exciting finds, and if you love cheese and garlic bread, there's a new treat in the dairy case that you don't want to miss.

Carr Valley Garlic Bread Cheese combines the savory flavor of roasted garlic with a unique Wisconsin-made bread cheese that's designed to be heated before serving. The result is a warm, buttery, slightly squeaky cheese that delivers many of the flavors people love about garlic bread in a completely different form.

Unlike traditional cheeses, which are sliced and served cold, bread cheese develops a lightly toasted exterior when heated, while remaining soft and gooey inside.

You can see the new Costco find in this July 11 Instagram post from Amanda Tadros, @costcofam4u:

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The Carr Valley Garlic Bread Cheese is priced at $9.99, and each package contains three 6-ounce portions. Shoppers can check availability at their local warehouse using item number 2058928. Each package includes three individually wrapped portions, making it easy to heat only what you plan to serve.

Related: Costco's New High-Protein Freezer Find Is the Easiest Summer Meal Hack

Costco's New Garlic Bread Cheese Is Designed to Be Heated Before Eating

Carr Valley Garlic Bread Cheese is inspired by Finnish-style bread cheese, also known as juustoleipä, a specialty cheese known for its lightly toasted exterior and soft, squeaky interior.

Made in Wisconsin from cow's milk and flavored with roasted garlic, the cheese can be warmed in a skillet, oven, air fryer, or microwave before serving. As it heats, it becomes soft, gooey, and aromatic, creating a flavor that's reminiscent of garlic bread without the crumbs.

The cheese has also earned impressive recognition over the years, including Gold Medal honors at the Los Angeles International Dairy Awards and a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cheese Championship.

How to Serve Bread Cheese

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Carr Valley recommends serving the cheese warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It pairs especially well with marinara sauce for dipping and can also be served alongside vegetables or added to a charcuterie board.

Creative home cooks could even use it as the base for a chicken Parmesan sandwich or swap it in for rolls when making meatball sliders.

At less than $10 per package, it's also an affordable way to try a specialty cheese that you may not have encountered before.

For Costco shoppers looking to try something different, this warm and garlicky cheese offers a creative new way to enjoy the flavors of garlic bread.

Rosie O'Donnell is showing off the results of her recent facelift in the most low-key way possible: with a fresh-faced beach selfie that captured the actress and comedian looking relaxed and happy.

O'Donnell spent the day at the Jersey Shore, where her post had fans reminiscing about their own memories of the iconic vacation destination. "I grew up on the Jersey Shore. I miss it sometimes. Enjoy," one person wrote. Another added, "Polly's Dock is my personal favorite."

Her simple caption, "The beach," also sparked a playful debate among commenters. "Not the 'beach'... it's the SHORE!!! Have fun," one fan joked, while another wrote, "I live at the shore. Today I went to the beach."

Others focused on O'Donnell's sun safety, reminding her to wear sunscreen after the facelift she's openly discussed in recent weeks.

The 64-year-old revealed she underwent a lower deep-plane facelift and neck lift in January 2026 after losing more than 50 pounds. She documented the experience on her Substack, explaining she initially wrestled with the decision before ultimately choosing a subtle procedure to address excess skin following her weight loss. O'Donnell has since said the results look so natural that even friends and family barely noticed.

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In May, she reflected on the decision in an Instagram post: "I used to feel very strongly about facelifts, not casually—morally. I had assigned myself as head of all women who would never – ever," explaining that she once viewed cosmetic surgery as a betrayal of aging.

But after seeing herself in a mirror one day, she realized, "This isn't aging, this is melting with intention," prompting her to move forward with the procedure.

Reflecting on the results on her Substack, O'Donnell wrote: "I went through a full existential feminist crisis, had my face and neck surgically altered, and the result is… zippo. Which honestly is the best possible outcome. I didn't disappear, I didn't become someone else—I just stopped arguing with the mirror. And maybe that's enough. Or at the very least…it's what a lower deep plane face lift looks like when it minds its own business."

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When packing a carry-on, it's important to bring fewer items that will be useful throughout your trip. After testing a wide range of travel essentials, these are the eight items I’d recommend for women over 70 who want to pack lighter, stay organized and make travel days feel a little easier.

As someone who has covered shopping and travel for outlets like Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested countless travel accessories over the years and learned that the best ones are the ones you’ll actually use throughout your journey. These eight carry-on essentials are very useful for women over 70, helping make travel feel more comfortable, organized and manageable without adding unnecessary bulk to your bag.

Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60

100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask

Getting quality rest on a flight can make a big difference in how you feel when you arrive. This sleep mask is made from 100% mulberry silk, which feels soft and gentle against the delicate skin around the eyes, while the adjustable strap helps you find a comfortable fit. It's also incredibly lightweight and takes up virtually no room in a carry-on.

Get it on Amazon.com

Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 50

Foldable Tote Bag Keychain

An extra bag always seems to come in handy while traveling, but there's no reason for it to take up precious carry-on space. This foldable tote packs into its own tiny keychain pouch, so you can clip it onto your handbag or luggage and pull it out for shopping, souvenirs or anything else you pick up along the way.

Get it on Amazon.comDouble Eyeglasses Case Hard Shell Dual Sunglasses Organizer

If you travel with both reading glasses and sunglasses, carrying two separate cases can add unnecessary bulk. This clever hard-shell organizer holds two pairs in one compact case, keeping them protected and easy to find without digging through your bag.

Get it on Amazon.com

Related: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs

Pashmina Shawl Wrap

Airplane temperatures can be unpredictable, which is why a lightweight wrap is one of the most versatile items to bring. Drape it over your shoulders when the cabin gets chilly, use it as a light blanket in your seat or wear it with dinner outfits once you arrive.

Get it on Amazon.com

Related: I Test Travel Gear for a Living—Here’s The Carry-On Checklist I Use Before Every Trip

Mini Portable Travel Umbrella With Case

A full-size umbrella can feel like extra weight until the weather takes a turn! This mini version is compact enough to tuck into a carry-on or day bag, so you'll be prepared for unexpected rain.

Get it on Amazon.comPackable Sun Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is a must for sunny destinations, but it can be frustrating to pack without crushing it or wearing it through the airport. This packable version can be folded into your bag and pulled out when you need extra shade for sightseeing or long afternoons outdoors.

Get it on Amazon.comPassport Wallet With Wristlet

Keeping important travel documents within easy reach can make navigating the airport feel much less stressful. This passport wallet has a wristlet strap that makes it easy to keep close at hand during check-in, security, and boarding, while also helping keep your essentials together in one place.

Get it on Amazon.comPortable Fan

Hot airports, crowded transportation and warm destinations can quickly become uncomfortable, which is why a compact fan is one small item that can make a big difference. This portable version is easy to keep in your carry-on and will give you a quick cooldown whenever you need it, without adding much bulk to your bag.

Get it on Amazon.com

Related: 8 Comfy, Polished Airport Outfits for Women Over 60

I just bought 12 grocery staples at my local grocery store and thought I hallucinated when I saw that I owed $107.54. Even McDonald's is costing me almost $30 these days with Happy Meals costing me $6.50 per meal.

So when Olive Garden announced today that they're bringing back their $100 Never Ending Pasta Pass, you can bet that I will be trying my luck to get one when the promo starts on Thursday, July 16 at 2 p.m. ET.

The Never Ending Pasta Pass first started in 2014 and ran annually until 2019. I'll admit I didn't consider getting one before, but now as a mom of two dealing with rising grocery costs, the Olive Garden Never Ending Pasta Pass will be my hack to saving money before the holidays start. Here's why.

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What Is the Olive Garden Pasta Pass and How Much Does It Cost?

The Pasta Pass is a VIP card that gives you unlimited access to the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl menu for 13 straight weeks.

• The Cost: $100 (plus tax).
• What it Includes: The Pasta Pass includes 13 weeks of unlimited pasta, homemade sauces and protein toppings, accompanied by never-ending soup or salad and breadsticks. Passholders can enjoy early access to Never-Ending Pasta Bowl starting Aug. 24, and the promotion officially begins Aug. 31 to Nov. 22 — perfect for easy back-to-school dinners when I'm too tired to cook after working all day.
• The Catch? Only 10,000 passes are being released nationwide.

My Strategy: How the $100 Pasta Pass Saves My Family Money

Let’s break down the actual math, because as a mom, numbers speak louder than breadsticks...especially in this economy.

A standard Never-Ending Pasta Bowl starts at $14.99. If I buy the $100 Pasta Pass, my break-even point is exactly seven visits ($100 ÷ $14.99 = 6.67). That means everything after that 7th visit is practically free money — and that's not even girl math, that's actually a really good deal.

Let me explain, by looking at how I can use it over 13-weeks:

• The Weekly Family Dinner: We try to do one family dinner out a week. Normally, my meal at Olive Garden would cost $14.99. With the pass, my meal is $0. Over 13 weeks, that saves us $194.87 on my entrees alone. Subtract the $100 pass cost, and I am up $94.87 for the promotion time period.
• The Kids' Menu Math: Because my meal is completely covered, I only have to pay for my kids' meals (around $6.99 each, and that includes a free side and kids' drink). That means I can feed myself and two kids at Olive Garden for about $14 plus tip. You can barely get fast food for that price anymore.

The Best Olive Garden Hack to Stretch Your Dining Budget

You can stretch this pass even further if you know how to work the menu. Let me explain:

Right now, Olive Garden is still offering their "$6 Take-Home meals" when you dine in. After eating my "free" pass meal in the restaurant, I can pay just $6 to take home a freshly prepped, chilled entree (my favorite is either the Fettuccine Alfredo or Spaghetti with Meat Sauce). That $6 covers my lunch for the next day.

Related: I Tried Every Olive Garden Soup and Ranked Them Worst To Best

Can You Share the Olive Garden Pasta Pass? (And Other Fine Print)

This is the most important rule for moms to know: No, you cannot share your pass.

The pass is strictly valid for the named cardholder only. You cannot order endless bowls of pasta and pass them across the table to your kids or your spouse. Doing so will get your pass revoked (and as moms, let's be real, we don't have time for that!).

How to Get an Olive Garden Pasta Pass Before They Sell Out

If you want in, you have to treat this like buying Taylor Swift tickets circa 2024 (IYKYK). In 2019, the Olive Garden Pasta Passes sold out in less than 60 seconds.

• When to get it: Thursday, July 16 at 2 p.m. ET.
• Where:PastaPass.com.
• My tip: Don't wait until 2:00 p.m. to load the page — under any circumstance! The digital waiting room traditionally opens a few minutes early (historically around 1:55 p.m.). Have your credit card information saved to your browser's autofill so you aren't frazzled when the countdown hits zero.

Related: 7 ‘Secret Menu’ Items at Olive Garden Even Regulars Don’t Know About

When Does the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl Start?

If you score a pass, your 13 weeks kick in with early access starting August 24. For everyone else without a pass, the standard Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion runs from August 31 to November 22.

Next: How to Make the ‘Addictive’ Olive Garden Salad at Home So You Can Satisfy Your Craving When It Hits

In 1974, Jim Croce's final Top 10 hit was released six months after his death.

The song, “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song,”  appeared on the legendary musician’s posthumous album, I Got a Name. The simple guitar ballad would become Croce’s final love song to his wife, Ingrid, written after the two argued just a few months before he died in a plane crash in September 1973.

“I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” went to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 27, 1974, becoming the final Top 10 hit in Croce's cut-short career. The song also made a rare crossover onto Billboard’s Hot Country chart.

Written solely by Croce, “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” featured an acoustic guitar melody and lyrics about expressing love through music.

“Every time I tried to tell you, the words just came out wrong / So I'll have to say I love you in a song,” Croce sang in the chorus.

Croce’s widow shared details on the inspiration for the song in her bookThyme in a  Bottle.

In the book, Ingrid Croce recalled that the song was written after her husband had just returned home from the road after many months away. After she questioned him about their financial situation—he had been working hard, yet the couple could barely pay their bills—he became upset.

“He hated questions as much as he hated confrontation, especially about money,” she wrote, per Songfacts. “He stormed out of our bedroom and went down to the kitchen table to brood. The next morning he woke me gently by singing his new song. 'Every time I tried to tell you the words just came out wrong. So I'll have to say I love you, in a song.'"

RELATED: 1973’s Last No. 1 Hit Song Has a Heartbreaking Backstory

Although his life was tragically cut short, Croce left behind a beautiful legacy of work with songs such as “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” “Time in a Bottle,” and “I Got a Name.”

Ingrid recalled that he wrote most of his songs quickly and would often give fans the backstory during his shows.

“In between songs, Jim would tell the audience how the song came about,” she once told Classic Bands. “Some songs, he'd write down the first two verses. Then the third one wouldn't come to him yet. …But, once in a while, it just happens that that magic is there. Songs being written in terms of timing, some things took no time at all. Words and music were right there.”

Ingrid also shared that while her husband was a natural songwriter, he sometimes struggled with his most personal songs.

“He had an amazingly agile mind and was able to articulate all kinds of music. It was a very natural thing for him,” she told Guitar World in an interview. “The slow songs and ballads were the ones that were tough for Jim to write, because they really expressed his feelings.”

More than 50 years after Croce's death, his son, A.J., is also a musician. A.J. Croce continues to perform “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" and other classics by his late father in his Croce Plays Croce show.

In a video shared to Instagram, A.J., 54, played the opening lines to “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” and confirmed its origin story. “My father wrote this song for my mother in 1973,” he shared in the caption.

Related: 1973 Classic Rock Hit Was Released One Day After Legendary Singer's Death

Over the course of 2026’s Cancer season, we’ve moved through some fairly dynamic, intense, game-changing astrology, given abundance-bringing Jupiter’s move into spotlight-loving Leo, action-oriented Mars’ conjunction to revolutionary Uranus, and Mercury’s retrograde back through the sign of the Crab.

Now, as we move into the heart of July, a new moon in Cancer on July 14 presents an opportunity to plant seeds related to your home life, sense of security, emotional well-being, and anything else you want to nurture into being. And because this lunation occurs just ahead of a rare, harmonious trine between Jupiter, the Great Benefic, and Neptune, the planet of mysticism, you could find that heightened emotional experience activates your spirituality, dreams, and imagination. Read on to discover the signs that will have a special chance to claim a new beginning, according to expert astrologer Maressa Brown.

New Moon in Cancer Timeline

The Cancer new moon will reach its peak energy at 2:43 a.m. PT/5:43 a.m. ET on July 14, 2026, but you’ll feel its effects for four days plus and minus the 14th. Its impact will also culminate two weeks later with the full moon in Aquarius on July 29, and six months later, with the corresponding Cancer full moon on December 23, 2026. 

To make the most of the Cancer new moon, make room for tuning into and listening to your heart, acknowledging complicated emotions, and carving out space for moving through your feelings, ideally alongside a loved one. This moment was made for kicking off new emotionally restorative habits, like decorating your space with beloved heirlooms or family photos or launching a new wellness routine that gives you the opportunity to be cared for in the same way you care for others.

View this post on Instagram What You Can Expect from the New Moon in Cancer 2026?

The Cancer new moon is an annual transit that functions as a launchpad for a cycle that centers on family, security, instincts, intuition, emotional centeredness, caregiving, nurturing, and harnessing the power of our ever-changing moods. Ruled by the moon herself, which oversees these same themes, Cancer is known for its sentimentality, sense of humor, emotional astuteness, and ability to show up fully for their nearest and dearest. As a cardinal sign, the Crab is no stranger to visionary thinking and taking the initiative. That said, this is a lunation that offers up a natural go-getter energy.

Because this new moon is happening right before Jupiter, the planet of fortune, is moving toward a positive trine to imaginative Neptune, which will be exact on July 20, you could feel especially hopeful, optimistic, dreamy, and enlightened. And as a result of the lunation occurring during Mercury’s retrograde back through Cancer, your new moon intentions might be best informed by inner work, self-reflection, or going back to the drawing board on existing, related business.  

Which 4 Zodiac Signs Are Most Impacted by the Cancer New Moon?

The signs that will be most impacted during this Cancer new moon are the cardinal signs: Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), Libra (cardinal air), Capricorn (cardinal earth). Keep reading, and look for your rising sign as well as your sun and moon signs. 

Aries (March 21 - April 19), Find Comfort, Security, and Emotional Peace at Home

With this lunation activating your fourth house of home life, its Cancerian themes are even more impactful for you than other signs. You tend to be incredibly action-oriented and interested in getting a move on out in the world, but in the days surrounding this new moon, you might feel a pull to spend more time in your own space, surrounded by loved ones. Because your ruling planet, go-getter Mars, is in chatty Gemini and your third house of communication, you’ll do well to channel your innately restless, dynamic energy into meaningful conversations and even short-distance travel-related experiences with your nearest and dearest, which could inspire you to revive traditions that previously fell by the wayside or heal ongoing wounds once and for all. This lunation also sets the stage for fresh starts tied to your physical home and sense of security.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22), Prepare for a Whole New Chapter

The Cancer new moon hits your sign and first house of self, inviting you to do some major soul-searching around how you want to be seen and perceived by others in the world. With Mercury retrograde in your sign until July 23, you could feel more comfortable going inward, journaling, meditating, or diving into a visualization practice versus actually making bold moves at the moment, but know that even these quieter techniques are supporting your ability to set powerful intentions. And with Jupiter in your second house of income moving toward a harmonious trine to Neptune in your tenth house of career, the work you do around this lunation could lead to more visible success and bolstering your sense of authority.

Libra (September 23 - October 22), Take a Chance on Claiming Center Stage

This new moon empowers you to step into a leadership position or another highly visible opportunity. You’re motivated to tap into your sense of authority now, because the new moon in Cancer is falling in your tenth house of career. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to throw your hat in the ring for greater responsibility on the job or you’ve been batting around launching your own venture that would allow you to advance your career on your own terms. Either way, trust that you have everything you need to make that vision a reality, and get the wheels in motion in the days surrounding this lunation. With expansive Jupiter in your eleventh house of friendships moving toward a sweet trine to imaginative Neptune in your seventh house of partnerships, know that friends, colleagues, and a significant other, if you have one, will have your back.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19), It’s Time to Tell a New Story About Your One-on-One Bonds

This new moon activates your seventh house of partnership, making it the start of a new narrative within your one-on-one relationships, whether platonic, romantic, or professional. Whether you’ve been wanting to show up differently with a significant other or collaborate with a new friend on a career-related endeavor, you have a blank canvas on which you can paint a vivid, emotionally charged vision. Of course, the super-emotional nature of this lunation might feel a bit disorienting, given your preference for pragmatism, but spending a little extra time tapping into and harnessing your feelings could be deeply therapeutic now, especially with Mercury moving back through this same zone until July 23. And thanks to lucky Jupiter in your eighth house of emotional bonds moving toward a positive trine to dreamy Neptune in your fourth house of home life, there’s no shortage of inspiration for taking your closest relationships to the next level.

In 1977, David Soul was best known as one half of the crime-fighting television cop drama Starsky & Hutch. Alongside Paul Michael Glaser, the actor took down bad guys on the streets of Southern California in a red-and-white Ford Torino, quickly becoming one of the biggest and most recognizable heartthrobs on the planet.

Soul was a genuinely accomplished musician. But because the 1970s were notorious for prime-time stars launching flashy, short-lived singing careers, he was easily lumped into that category.

Then he released the tearjerker "Don't Give Up on Us" in January 1977 and shot straight to the top of the Billboard charts by April. The song hailed from his self-titled debut album, released in the latter part of 1976.

It was a perfect time for its release. Starsky & Hutch was more than halfway through its second season, and Soul was a bona fide television star. Therefore, the show's popularity helped the song become a huge hit and made Soul a singing idol.

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Ironically, the tune wasn't included on the LP when it was first released, according to Billboard. But its popularity prompted Soul's record company to re-release the album with the new song added to the track listing.

"Don't Give Up on Us" made a list, compiled by the website Pop Preservationists, titled "Sad Songs of the '70s." It ranked on a Spotify list among many of the decade's tearjerkers, such as Terry Jacks' "Seasons in the Sun," Andrew Gold's "Lonely Boy," The Carpenters' "Superstar," and Anne Murray's "I Just Fall in Love Again," which left listeners reaching for the tissues.

The tune was written by Tony Macauley, who helmed many major pop hits of the late ’60s and ’70s, including The Foundations’ “Build Me Up Buttercup” and Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)."

Macauley told The Tennessean that he had written the song's beginning, but didn't have a second verse. Macauley revealed that the second section came to him while he was walking his dog.

"I walked round the park with my dog, and I remember when I got the second verse together, which I thought was really sweet, the way it all paid off and hung together as an idea," the songwriter explained. "I remember kneeling on the ground singing it to my dog and several people walking past, probably thinking 'poor man.'"

Macauley concluded, "From the time I started writing it, to its coming out was about 10 days. From finishing writing it to its coming out was a week."

David Soul would never capture the lightning-in-a-bottle success that was "Don't Give Up on Us" ever again. He charted twice more that same year with the songs "Going In With My Eyes Open" and "Silver Lady."

Related: A Haunting 1971 Love Song by The Carpenters Is Karen Carpenter at Her Absolute Best

With all the social activities of today's world, etiquette can feel like quite the balancing act. Knowing all the right things to say and do—or not do—can matter a lot, but especially so when you're hanging out in a group.

More than that, though, it can feel like everything you do is under a microscope when more people are around to perceive you. Do you feel like you're not as polite as you're trying to come off as? Are you saying anything that doesn't quite fit the context? August Abbott, a certified etiquette consultant and Manners & Social Protocol Expert on JustAnswer, says she receives hundreds of questions about this topic every year.

One thing to avoid that tops her list is being a know-it-all and dominating in conversations to the point where people might not want to have you around anymore.

"You are convinced you know everything about the subject matter and your job on Earth is to teach everyone else to think and believe like you do," she tells Parade. "If you can’t remember the last time you were invited to a party or any social gathering with people who know you relatively well, this may be why."

If you want to brush up on your people skills and make sure you're invited to the next group hangout, take it from three etiquette experts who share 11 habits that could be making you "instantly unlikable" in group settings. Plus tips on how to smoothly navigate these scenarios in the future.

Related: 11 Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ With Strangers, According to an Etiquette Expert

11 Habits That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ in Group Settings, According to an Etiquette Expert

Some of the behaviors on this list might surprise you.

1. Being late

Do you know someone who's constantly late to meetups, no matter where you're going or what you're doing? Those people can often come off as unlikable, according to etiquette consultant Jodi RR Smith, who is also the President and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting and specializes in social and professional conduct.

Not only are these people hard to plan with, but they create unnecessary tension in the group, she says.

"This is the person who is consistently late for the show, the reservation, the train," she tells Parade. "It creates stress and anxiety for the group."

2. Constantly teasing

Some of us indeed enjoy poking fun at our friends, especially if it's reciprocal. But when it teeters on being excessive or turns into something that feels like bullying, Smith says that's where the fun should stop.

"This is the person who enjoys pointing out others' flaws or foibles in order to embarrass them," she shares. "Often it's a long-ago event that would be better off forgotten."

Related: Psychologists Warn: These 9 Phrases Can Make You Sound Arrogant

3. Forgetting people's names

If you're constantly meeting new people, it can be difficult to remember every single person's name who you come across. It's totally understandable, but you can come off as unlikable if you're that person who can never recall who someone is, says Nick Leighton, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the manners podcast "Were You Raised By Wolves?"

"We all forget people’s names, but it’s polite to try to remember," he explains.

Not making an effort to remember people's names signals a sign of disrespect and tells people that you might not care for them all that much, states Leighton.

"Going out of your way to not even bother tells people that they’re forgettable to you. And nobody likes that," he notes.

4. Making jokes at others' expense

Sometimes, pointing out something about another person that seems funny to you isn't actually a joke; it's just hurtful, according to Leighton.

"If you have to say, 'Just joking,' it probably means it wasn’t actually something funny," he states. "If your punchline is coming at someone else’s expense, it’s just rude."

5. Correcting someone's opinion

We all have opinions, and tons of them. That's what makes us all different and unique. If someone is sharing theirs, try not to speak over them and declare that your opinion is better than the one that they're bringing up in the group.

"Opinions are not necessarily facts, and each of us has them," explains Abbott. "What we believe about this, that or the other thing is something we are entitled to, and no one else is entitled to call us wrong. Nor should we similarly attempt to change them."

Related: ‘Am I Annoying?’ This Checklist Should Help You Tell, According to Psychologists

6. Speaking too loudly

If you don't know who this person in your friend group is, could it be you? Maybe, Abbott says.

"We all know at least [one] person who speaks just short of the yelling octave," she notes. "If you look left and it’s not them, look right, and it’s not them, it just may be you." 

Speaking too loudly when hanging out with a group of people is a big turn-off and can make it difficult to be around, but it's also just impolite, she shares.

"If it’s you with your volume turned up way too high, no matter the cause, the immediate cure is to be aware of it," she tells Parade. "This is very hard to do if your vocal levels are [high] because you really can’t hear yourself. Practice in private or with people you trust."

7. Being glued to your phone

Phones can be so addicting to a lot of us. But using them while being in a group setting can make it seem like you're not being all that aware or present.

"Glancing at your phone or smartwatch while you’re in the middle of a conversation with someone is rude," states Leighton. "It says that whatever is happening on your phone is more interesting or more important than the person right in front of you. That’s not a great feeling."

8. Being a "dialogue dominator"

Have you ever been with a group of people and just can't get a word in, because someone is dominating the entire conversation? It's an unlikable habit, and if you're guilty of it, that means that you're showcasing that you might not be all that interested in what anyone else has to say.

"This is the person who takes up all of the oxygen by turning a chat into a monologue," explains Smith.

9. Talking too much about yourself

We've all met this person. They brag and go on and on about how great their life is, and suddenly you wonder why you've stuck around so long listening.

This is a huge part of what can make someone unlikable. While it can seem like you're trying to come off as charming by doing this, it's actually causing you to be the opposite, according to Leighton.

"When you talk about your net worth, your connections or how much time you spend at the gym in order to try to impress others, it usually has the opposite effect," he says. "Avoid name dropping or status flexing."

Related: This Is the #1 Mistake People Make During Small Talk, Jefferson Fisher Warns

10. Leaving too early

While interacting with people after work or on a weekend when you'd rather be at home by yourself, don't leave the party too early, especially if you've committed to be there and have nowhere better to be.

According to Smith, it's bad manners to leave too suddenly and too quickly.

"Don't be the person who evaluates the interaction and decides to leave early," she advises.

11. Outdoing others

This one can be quite common, but Abbott's best advice is to just listen rather than trying to outdo someone's accomplishments. It can feel like you're just trying to relate to others, but it usually comes off as bragging or taking over their story.

"If we can change our perspective to one of being just an observer and finding them rather amusing, we escape trying to outdo others," she says.

Related: Group Chat Etiquette: 7 Unspoken Rules You Should Never Break

How To Avoid These Things Altogether—in Group Settings and in General

While many of us might associate being "likable" with being charismatic, according to Leighton, this actually isn't the case at all. Instead, he says to avoid being inconsiderate in group settings and that ultimately likability can come down to a few things. 

"We all want to feel seen, listened to and respected," he explains. "So be curious about people, give them the space to share and give them your full attention." 

Giving people your full attention can also mean staying off technology, says Smith. Especially in a large group of people, prioritizing being in the moment is the best way to show people you're being present. 

"Even young children can tell when they are your focus versus when you split your attention," she reveals. "It is a gift to be present and engaged with the group." 

While social media is a huge part of our lives, she advises that the more we stay focused on the people in front of us, the better we come off. 

"Posting one or two pics is fine. But then put down your phone and interact with your friends," the etiquette consultant shares.

She also says it's important to avoid dominating entire conversations so you can "be aware of air-time." 

"True conversations consist of give and take. If you have been speaking for a while, stop. Take a breath. Ask a question. Allow others to share as well," she explains. 

Abbott also says that staying out of conversations between two people isn't rude; it can actually be rude to give your two cents. While it's perfectly normal to jump into a discussion, you have to gauge when the appropriate time to do so is.

"When you hear others' conversations, it’s not a free-for-all to butt in, especially if it’s between two people," she explains. "Even in a group, don’t talk over anyone and don’t come into the conversation hot and ready to straighten everyone out."

Related: How to Politely End a Conversation With Someone Who Won’t Stop Talking

How to Smoothly Navigate Group Settings

There are a few unspoken rules to go by if you want to easily navigate group settings in a way that makes you likable. 

Abbott mentions that sometimes people who aren't quite your speed will be present in group scenarios, and depending on what those people are like, you have to act accordingly.

For example, if you're in the presence of someone who's a know-it-all, there are a few ways you can smoothly navigate being around them. The best thing is, surprisingly, nothing. At least if you want them to like you. Why? Because oftentimes, not giving energy to someone else's annoying behavior will make you seem like a better person.

"I highly recommend this option," she shares. "It’s actually very amusing, which takes the wind out of the sails of the know-it-all and maybe even helps them see themselves through others’ eyes."

According to Leighton, being in a group of people will usually mean that you should "be as interested as you are interesting." This allows you to seem likable since you're showing an interest in what others say, not just in what you have to say.

With this, he also points out that it's important to be inclusive of everyone present. Amicable people are so valued because they make everyone feel like they belong.

"Be sure to include everyone in the conversation. The most charming [person] in groups is typically the [one] who is making everyone else feel welcome," he explains.

Navigating smoothly in groups can also be as simple as trying your best to agree on logistics before a hang out, such as "timing, location, attire and costs," according to Smith.

"The more you discuss in advance, the easier it is to be a valued member of the group," she notes.

Up Next:

Related: 11 Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ at Family Gatherings, According to an Etiquette Expert

Sources:

• August Abbott is a certified etiquette consultant and Manners & Social Protocol Expert on JustAnswer based in California.
• Jodi RR Smith is the President and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, as well as an etiquette consultant specializing in social and professional conduct.
• Nick Leighton is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the podcast "Were You Raised By Wolves?"