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“Britney Brûlée”

— Britney Spears’ limited-edition Valentine’s Day collaboration with an ice cream shop. Gimme more.

Top Story

XOXO

The Story

The way people date has changed a lot.

Let’s talk about it.

It’s Valentine’s Day. That means it can feel like everyone is posting gushy IG posts about their partner, shouting out their Galentines, or going to some Italian restaurant. However, the Census Bureau says more than 117.6 million Americans over the age of 18 are unmarried. That’s about 50% of the adult population — way up from the 22% of singles in 1950 and up about 5% since 2014. While that can mean there’s more fish in the sea, that doesn’t mean everyone’s going fishing.

Explain.

More and more women are actively choosing to be single. Some say it's because they have negative experiences with infidelity. Others are focused on their career or say they get enough love from their non-romantic relationships. One study predicts 45% of women between 25 and 44 will be single by 2030. It’s not just wedding bells that women are skipping. Another survey found that about 41% of Americans said they’re not actively looking to date. But for those who have too much love to give, there are other options.

Tell me more.

Companionship takes many shapes: polyamory, polycules, platonic partnerships, or even being “solo poly.” This all comes as the US surgeon general last year said that widespread loneliness in the country poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Now, some people are getting creative with how they accept and find love.

theSkimm

Romance and partnership look a lot different from when our parents were in the game. The media’s narrative of boy meets girl and they fall in love isn’t what everyone is looking for anymore, leading more people to find a shot at love in unconventional ways.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

Who just got impeached…

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a historic, razor-thin vote last night, the GOP-led House voted 214-213 to impeach Mayorkas — the second time in history that a Cabinet member has been impeached. Back in the 1870s, Secretary of War William Belknap became the first — a Civil War hero later accused of taking bribes. Now, Mayorkas is being accused of a “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust” amid record border crossings and an ongoing fentanyl crisis. Unlike last week’s attempt, House Republicans this time managed to impeach Mayorkas by a single vote, made possible because House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) was back in DC after cancer treatment. The DHS said the House is “trampling on the Constitution for political gain.” Next, the issue heads to the Senate, where Democrats are expected to acquit Mayorkas or sidestep the issue.

...Oh and speaking of the House, the GOP's razor-thin majority just got smaller. Last night, Democrat Tom Suozzi won back his seat in New York’s special election to replace former Republican Rep. George Santos. Analysts say the win could give Democrats more hope heading into the general election.

What everyone was watching…

Super Bowl LVIII. On Sunday night, more than 123.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, making it the most watched Super Bowl in US history. The game comes only second in viewership to the 1969 moon landing. In an era where TV networks are looking for new ways to adapt to the media landscape (cue: Paramount Pictures layoffs), the Super Bowl has consistently been able to draw millions of viewers every year. Still, it’s not clear if the drama of the game going into overtime, the Taylor-Travis relationship, or just American love for the sport is behind the surge. Viva Las Football.

What’s lowkey still feeling itself…

Inflation. Yesterday, the Labor Department reported the overall consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.1% in January from a year earlier. That’s a bit more than analysts' expectations of 2.9%. Meanwhile, the US stock market had its worst day in nearly a year as the Dow dropped more than 700 points at its low. The CPI report had investors worried it could be a bit longer before the Federal Reserve starts cutting interest rates.

Parenting's a marathon

The littlest humans can have the biggest personalities and while we want to encourage them to be who they are, we also get tired.

There are many times we can’t wait for our kids to go to bed… only to stare at pictures of them as they sleep, wondering, “Was I good enough today?” Skimm Parenting is here to help you feel more confident when you answer. (And just in case you need to hear it, you were.)

Every Thursday we offer up the latest parenting news, trends, products, and expert-backed advice to your questions. So you can be informed and feel supported. Subscribe here — especially if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your toddler.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A dermatologist-tested moisturizer you won’t wanna sleep without.

This sensitive skin-friendly night cream is packed with nourishing plant-based ingredients like rosehip oil and squalane. Cut to you waking up with brighter, smoother, intensely hydrated skin. Psst...Skimm’rs get a free 60-day supply.*

Try it free

2. A last-minute Valentine's Day gift idea they'll be thrilled with.

It's not too late. Send them an e-card from Sugarwish today, and they'll be able to choose whatever gift category they want, from wine to candles to flowers. To sweeten the deal for you, use code TheSkimm8 to shave $8 off your order.

Treat them

3. Up to 50% off at Nordstrom.

The Winter Sale is live for one more day, so don't sleep on your chance to get some really god deals across categories. We're using this as an opportunity to refresh our sheets and underwear drawer.

Don’t miss out

4. If you're an overpacker, here's what you need to stay organized on your next trip.

Aka, an ode to the compression packing cubes that let us bring more stuff and clever tote bags that fold up into nothing.

Zip it up

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

THESKIMM BETA

We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Feeding the community…Adriane G (VA). She launched Human Kind Foods six months ago with the goal of spreading good food and helping end period poverty in Uganda. So far, Human Kind Foods has donated a year’s worth of reusable period supplies to over 30 menstruators.

(Some) Birthdays…Emilie Dorn (NY), Lauren Cook (TX), Mary E Higbe (TX), Allison Baritz (NY), Andrea Ravagnani (OH), Becca Miller (PA), Carly Matz (MI), Emilie Dorn (NY), Emily Council (MN), Gary Gingerich (FL), Khrystyan Masters (KS), Konnie Darrow (TX), Maegan Dockery (AL), Mary Higbe (TX), Meaghan Timko (GA)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.