Mashable

Picture this: you’re dating someone new, and, not for nothing, you’re excited about them. They do things like chat to you all the time, texting and checking in with how your day is going. They take you on thoughtfully planned dates, talk about introducing you to their friends, kiss your forehead after sex, and cuddle you all night — in short, they’re waving lots of green flags and you think there’s a real future here.

But then you blink and suddenly, even though this person put so much of their time and emotional energy into signposting at every turn that they were serious about you, and never once saying they just wanted to keep things casual, they drop you without so much as an "it's not you, it’s me."

This is what I’ve dubbed the Relationship Experience. I’ve seen it play out time and time again, and it’s liable to make even the most sure-footed singleton stumble. 

With a name borrowed from the niche of sex work commonly referred to as 'the Girlfriend Experience,' a Relationship Experience is about enjoying the perks of having a partner for a little while without any actual commitment.

In a way, it’s a tale as old as time. How many times have you, dear reader, felt like you’ve been led down the garden path by someone who was giving off all the signs of wanting something serious with you, only to be unceremoniously ditched without any explanation?

Not quite a situationship, not quite love bombing

A situationship, for instance, is an umbrella term that can define all manner of casual dating scenarios like this one, but not all of them have to be bad. Meanwhile, ghosting can be at play in how they end things with you, but there are plenty of other insensitive ways someone can call time on a Relationship Experience.

As for love bombing, that behaviour is done with seriously nefarious intent, often by narcissists. It’s a means of controlling you later down the line. By drowning you in how good their overabundance of ‘love’ feels early on, their affection becomes the carrot they dangle to get you to do what they want, while their emotional distance and/or cruelty become the stick.

SEE ALSO: How does orientation affect the dating app experience?

Yes, it’s possible to date a person with the best of long-term intentions only to change your mind about wanting to commit to them. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes, and it’s nobody’s fault. 

But the crux of the Relationship Experience is that one party may very well never have intended to commit in the first place. Meanwhile, all the green flags a Relationship Experience-seeker waves can trip up even the most seasoned singleton. This is what makes it so nefarious. 

And when they take their leave of you, they do so noncommittal-y rather than sensitively ending things.

Hurt people hurting people

But all this still raises the question: why do they put so much time and energy into romancing you, even though they have zero plans to take the ‘relationship’ further? 

Dr. Wendy Walsh, a relationship expert and psychology professor, thinks the answer is simple. "An unspoken rule has been observed by evolutionary psychologists around the world; the easiest way to obtain a short-term relationship is by pretending to want a long-term relationship."

"An unspoken rule has been observed by evolutionary psychologists around the world; the easiest way to obtain a short-term relationship is by pretending to want a long-term relationship."

However, psychotherapist Dr. Gisele Caseiras, of Likeminds psychotherapy, wonders if the whole thing isn’t more to do with fear and self-sabotage. She explains that the seeker of a Relationship Experience may well be conflicted about having a genuinely close and committed relationship. "While they seem to desire intimacy, crave connection, and pursue it intensely," she adds, "their underlying fear of intimacy leads them to sabotage the relationship."

And why not be upfront about their feelings? Again, the answer may stem from fear — of rejection and of intimacy — combined with a desire to protect themselves.

Caseiras says: "They may worry that opening up will make them seem unattractive or uninteresting. To avoid feeling rejected, they might show a lot of affection early on, fostering a sense of dependency in their partners."

"This strategy enables them to end the relationship on their terms before facing rejection, often leaving their partner confused and overwhelmed. By not explicitly stating their intentions, individuals might try to avoid becoming emotionally involved and maintain a sense of power."

Thus they can more easily leave the whole situation in the dust if they feel like things are getting "too intense" on either side. 

Even if they’re actively seeking out a connection, they could still fear that intimacy deep down. "By keeping things ambiguous," Caseiras adds, "they can avoid getting too close and risking the emotional pain that inevitably comes with rejection or vulnerability."

This fear can stem from previous love life traumas the Relationship Experience-seeker went through. "Sometimes," Dr. Caseiras says, "people can reenact past experiences, repeating unconscious patterns of behaviour."

"As painful as heartbreak can be, it often teaches us a lot about ourselves."

Ultimately, if you’ve been hurt by someone who was only looking for the Relationship Experience, it’s largely not your business to fully understand why. Or, heaven forbid, try to fix them. Instead, it’s a lot wiser to focus on yourself.

Walsh, whose PhD is in clinical psychology and who works closely with DatingAdvice, suggests: "Use the experience as research on human behavior. Learn from it without beating yourself up for not seeing the red flags."

Caseiras agrees, suggesting you reflect, process, and note what you’ve learned from the whole thing.

"It would be natural to feel rejected but also confused, angry, and frustrated at being misled," she says. "Allow yourself time to reflect on those painful feelings. Explore your experience with a trusted friend — we often make better sense of experiences when we begin to think and put them into a context that others might understand. Those important conversations might help you not only to process your feelings but also lead you to some ‘aha’ moments."

You might also want to think about what exactly drew you to this Relationship Experience-seeker in the first place. "As painful as heartbreak can be," Caseiras says, "it often teaches us a lot about ourselves and what we are looking for in a relationship. Be curious about what kind of partner you are attracted to and whether that pattern is healthy for you. Keep that in mind when you feel ready to start dating again."

SEE ALSO: 10 free dating apps worth trying in 2025

As for new red flags to take away, you should watch out for things like a lack of truly deep conversations and a focus on physical attraction.

As Caseiras explains: “While chemistry and physical attraction are important, if the focus of the relationship seems solely on physical intimacy without any deeper connection, it could be a warning sign. You can tell if the person is interested in you by noticing if they are curious about you, your hobbies, and your interests. They might want to know about your views of the world and your goals. If the conversation is superficial and lacks depth, it could be a sign that the person is not interested in getting to know you on a deeper level.”

Emotional intensity early doors is another thing to be wary of, because, as the good doctor Caseiras says: “While feeling passionate is good, showing strong emotions and declaring love too soon can be a warning sign. If someone makes big gestures, wants constant contact, or makes big promises early on, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and dependent.”

And remember, cliché though it may be, actions speak louder than words. If someone consistently backs up what they say by making an effort to spend quality time with you and is there for you emotionally as well as physically, those are pretty big green flags.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Feb. 10: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 (save $40) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Echo Show 5 $69.99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Bose QuietComfort headphones $249 (save $100) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Amazon Echo Buds $34.99 (save $15) Get Deal

Another week, another slew of deals at Amazon. We've rounded up the best discounts we could find today amongst the lengthy list of President's Day deals at the mega retailer. From Kindle to Bose, some of our favorite gadgets are down to impressive lows.

Here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Feb. 10. If these aren't sparking your interest, stay tuned this week as we select new deals each day.

Our top pick: Kindle Paperwhite Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

The Paperwhite Kids is a heftier kids version of the standard Kindle Paperwhite, weighing in at 11.6 ounces compared to the adult version's 7.4 ounces. That means it's sturdier and can withstand most things a kid throws at it. It comes with built-in parental controls so you can monitor the content your kiddo is consuming. Plus, it comes with six free months of Amazon kids+, which is packed with tons of age-appropriate books. As of Feb. 10, you can snag it on sale for just $139.99 instead of the usual $179.99. That's a savings of 22% and matches its best price ever from Black Friday.

Amazon Echo Show 5 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The third-generation Echo Show 5 upgraded its speaker system with double the bass, more clarity for calls, music, audiobooks, podcasts, video content, and more. Not to mention, its reengineered microphone array makes for better Alexa responsiveness and its AZ2 Neural Edge processor makes for a speedier experience overall. While the display is small at 5.5 inches, it's a great fit for a nightstand or desktop. Usually $89.99, it's on sale for just $69.99. That's 22% off.

Bose QuietComfort Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort $249.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort headphones check all the right boxes: top-notch noise cancellation, rich audio, comfortable fit, and affordable price tag. They're not quite as impressive as their more expensive sibling, the QuietComfort Ultras, but our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) say "they absolutely won't disappoint if you want to save a bit of money." They come in seven different color options, each of which are on sale for just $249. That's 29% off the usual cost.

Amazon Echo Buds Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon's budget-friendly Echo Buds from 2023 completely revamped the design from the previous version. While they're pretty simple earbuds, they'll still get the job done. They don't offer noise cancellation or the most comfortable fit, but they sound great, last for up to 20 hours, and seamlessly pair with your other Alexa gadgets. Mashable's reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker put it simply: "For the price, the Echo Buds are a solid pair of wireless earbuds." As of Feb. 10, you can pick up a pair for only $34.99. That's 30% in savings.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

TL;DR: Learning doesn't end. Spend your life learning new skills in IT, marketing, business management, and more with lifetime access to the full 1,000+ course catalog on StackSkills Unlimited, just A$32. 

When you're in school, learning sort of happens at you. There are teachers and homework and tests, but when you're an adult, those aren't quite as common. Taking the initiative to learn something new can be tough, but there are plenty of courses out there to help. Plus, they might even help elevate your career. 

Whether you're an IT professional, a graphic designer, a business owner, or a hobby collector, StackSkills Unlimited has something for you to learn. This expansive learning platform is home to over 1,000 courses across fields as varied as IT, finance, and marketing, and it's only A$32 to unlock them all. 

Is StackSkills worth it?

Judging whether or not access to a learning platform is worth it is tough. If you want to expand your skillset professionally or personally, there's certainly quite a lot to learn here. You can check the catalog before buying to see if there's a few you're interested in, but it's unlikely anyone would want to finish every course. 

StackSkills isn't just about professional courses. You can check out guitar lessons, courses about different types of art, and more. If learning is your hobby, you have quite a lot to work with, and there's no rush to get through it all. If you leave a course and want to come back, you can track your progress from your account page. 

Lifelong learners, look out

Whether you want to practice a new skill to show off at work or finally figure out how to play piano, StackSkills has a course for you. 

Get Lifetime Access to StackSkills Unlimited on sale for A$32. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access A$32.00
A$962.00 Save A$930.00 Get Deal

The first beta of Apple's new iOS 18.4 is coming very soon, and it will include a much improved, smarter voice assistant Siri.

This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that the first iOS 18.4 beta is coming in a matter of days; more precisely, "sometime between the middle of this week and the next one."

SEE ALSO: Apple's new iPhone SE is coming very soon, report claims

It's a very important update for iPhone owners as it should finally include the long-promised changes to Siri. This will include the ability for Apple's digital assistant to tap into your personal data to provide better answer to your queries. In its promotional materials, Apple says that Siri will also have richer language understanding, more natural communication, and the "ability to take action in and across apps."

Gurman does say that this will not put Siri on the same level as the most advanced voice assistants out there, though integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT should help with that regard. It is, however, an important update for Apple, which unveiled a suite of Apple Intelligence features last June, but still hasn't gotten to launching them all yet.

A public version of iOS 18.4 is due in April, says Gurman.

In his latest newsletter, Gurman also mentioned that Apple is ramping up efforts to create a tabletop robot, which could hit the market in 2027.

Gurman also reiterated his previous prediction that Apple will launch a new, revamped iPhone SE this week, likely accompanied with Apple's new PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds.

Clean Slate's Laverne Cox and George Wallace describe their experiences working on the show, what the show hopefully means for the LGBTQ+ community, and which music icons they would invite to the Last Supper of Soul.

Clean Slate premieres on Prime Video on Feb. 6.

The Dimension 20 cast (Brennan Lee Mulligan, Ally Beardsley, Lou Wilson, Siobhan Thompson, and Zac Oyama) stopped by the Mashable studios to give out show superlatives to their most beloved campaigns, like the funniest campaign, the campaign they would most like to revisit, and the best campaign for beginners.

Dimension 20 is now streaming on Dropout. Gauntlet at the Garden will stream on Dropout at a later date.

SAVE $70: As of Feb. 10, the Bose Ultra Open-Ear earbuds are on sale for $229 in Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale. This is $70 off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open-Ear Earbuds $229.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Best Buy is starting February off strong with its Presidents' Day sale. This event features an excellent variety of deals on everything from appliances to tech that are worth checking out. In particular, if you've been looking to upgrade your headphones or earbuds, there are quite a few offers to look through, including this discount on the Bose Ultra open-ear earbuds.

These earbuds have dropped from their list price of $299 to $229, allowing you to pocket $70. On top of that, your purchase also comes with YouTube Premium free for three months, so you can give them a test run on a variety of videos and music. This deal will not stick around for long though, as this sale event comes to an end on Feb. 17. So if they've caught your eye, act fast to grab them at this price.

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

Unlike most earbuds, these have a open design that allows sound to pass through, ensuring that you are more aware of your surroundings rather than tuned out through noise-cancelation. That doesn't mean they don't have high-quality sound, though. In our review, writer RJ Andersen says that these earbuds, "have a unique design that prioritizes awareness over noise cancellation. Though we were skeptical at first, these buds are extremely comfortable and score top marks for battery life, spatial audio, and sound quality."

As we mentioned earlier, this deal may not stick around for very long, so act fast to save $70 on the Bose Ultra Open-Ear Earbuds today at Best Buy.

If you'd rather see what's going on in the world of headphone deals, there are quite a few worth checking out at Best Buy and over at Amazon. Best Buy's also offering an excellent discount on the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) and Amazon has deals on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones and the Beats Solo 4.

Robert De Niro has been nominated for multiple Oscars and won twice, so who better to give advice to Anora star Mikey Madison, who is nominated this year for Best Lead Actress?

When the two appeared on The Graham Norton Show recently, the host was quick to see what gems of wisdom might be offered.

"So looking back, are there things you wish you'd known about going to the Oscars, or being involved in the Oscars, that you could share with Mikey Madison?" Norton asks.

De Niro's blunt, albeit cheerful, response? "No."

Undeterred, Norton follows up with a "speech or no speech?" question.

"Well, you know if you prepare one, if you prepare it you're probably definitely not gonna win," comes the reply.

Fortunately, he does then end on a more optimistic note. "But I would just say that the one thing is, if you're nominated, you've already won."

See the full list of 2025 Oscars nominees on Mashable.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, February 10, 2025:

AcrossFlowers that bloom in late winter

• The answer is Croci.

Energy fields "read" by psychics

• The answer is Auras.

Conflict jarringly, as colors

• The answer is Clash.

Head, in French

• The answer is Tete.

Wrathful feeling

• The answer is Ire.

DownPrickly pears, e.g.

• The answer is Cacti.

What'll give you an inch, but not a mile

• The answer is Ruler.

Make a speech

• The answer is Orate.

Detective's assignment

• The answer is Case.

"Kinda sorta"

• The answer is Ish.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Popular ways to burn calories or tone up

• Green: Sports fashion companies

• Blue: Different types of throwing the ball down into the hoop in the NBA

• Purple: Ways to describe the playmaker in football

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Exercise classes

• Green: Sneaker brands

• Blue: Dunks

• Purple: __________Quarterback

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #140 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Exercise classes - BARRE, PILATES, SPIN, YOGA

• Sneaker brands - ASICS, CONVERSE, NIKE, PUMA

• Dunks - ALLEY-OOP, REVERSE, TWO-HANDED, WINDMILL

• _______ Quarterback - BACKUP, DUAL-THREAT, MONDAY MORNING, STARTING

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: 8NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 10 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for February 10, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Something tasty or pleasant to eat.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GOODY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 10

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for February 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Distribute small amounts

• Green: Describe wine

• Blue: Expressions of surrender

• Purple: Regional pronunciation differences

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Sprinkle

• Green: Scents of Wine

• Blue: "Aah, Enough!"

• Purple: Words Famously Pronounced Different Ways

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #610 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Sprinkle: DUST, PEPPER, SCATTER, SHOWER

• Scents of Wine: AROMA, BOUQUET, NOSE, NOTE

• "Aah, Enough!": MERCY, STOP, TRUCE, UNCLE

• Words Famously Pronounced Different Ways: AUNT, EITHER, TOMATO, VASE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 10

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The munchies

These words are food items.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are snacks you might grab when you're hungry, but don't want a meal.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Snack Time.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 10

• Granola

• Popcorn

• Cheese

• Nuts

• Candy

• Fruit

• Chips

• Snack Time

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

SAVE $70: As of Feb. 10, the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) headphones are on sale for $479.99 in Best Buy's President's Day sale. This is $70 off their list price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $479.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for some great deals on Apple devices, it's worth having a look through Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale. For a limited time, until Feb. 17, the retailer is offering quite a few discounts on Apple products, including the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C). These have gotten a $70 price drop, which is worth jumping on if you've been looking to upgrade your headphones.

This has brought the price of the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) headphones down to $479.99 from their $549.99 list price. As a bonus, you also get three months of Apple Fitness+ for free and up to three months of Apple Music for free with your purchase. What better way to start using these new headphones?

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

And these headphones are sure to be a treat for your ears. Powered by the Apple H1 chip, you'll get high-quality sound to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Not to mention, these sleek headphones also have noise-canceling features that allow you to tune in or out of your surroundings while listening. In our review, writer Brenda Stolyar says that, "the AirPods Max check off almost all the boxes for what makes an excellent pair of headphones: great sound quality, ideal battery life, easy controls, and a stylish design (sans Smart Case)."

If you've had your eye on these headphones, there's no better time than now to grab the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) in Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale.

This isn't the only Apple deal worth checking out at Best Buy. Right now you can also save on the 10th Gen iPad and the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE.

SAVE $100: As of Feb. 10, Apple's iPad Mini (A17 Pro chip, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Best Buy for $399. That's $100 off its list price of $499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro Chip) $399.00 at Best Buy
$499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Best Buy's Presidents' Day Sale has kicked off and there's a wide variety of discounts to look through. If you've had your eye on Apple devices, quite a few of those are enjoying some great deals there right now, including the iPad Mini. This little device has gotten a $100 discount that's well worth jumping on before the sale event is over.

This has dropped the iPad Mini (A17 Pro chip, WiFi, 128GB) from its list price of $499 to $399. Not to mention, it comes with a few fun bonus offers: Apple TV+ for free for three months, Apple Fitness+ for free for three months, up to four months free of Apple Arcade, and up to three months of Apple Music for free. This sale event only runs until Feb. 17, so if this deal has caught your eye, you'll want to act fast to scoop it up at this price.

SEE ALSO: 20 last-minute Valentine's Day gifts that will arrive on time

In our review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder notes that "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice." We also rank this iPad as the best for reading in our roundups of the best iPads, saying that "The iPad Mini is now equipped with the A17 chip but with the same 5-core GPU and 6-core CPU. Along with the chip upgrade comes Apple Intelligence, which is especially helpful if you plan to use it for reading as it can summarize articles."

Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale comes to an end on Feb. 17, so don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Apple iPad Mini.

Looking to save on more Apple devices? Amazon has quite a few deals that are worth checking out right now as well. Both the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 are on sale right now, and make for some great gift ideas ahead of Valentine's Day if you're still in need of something.

Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and packed full of Drake disses, Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show predictably broke the internet.

Sporting an "A Minor" chain, the rapper was joined on stage by the likes of Serena Williams and SZA as he worked through a set list of 11 songs. If you missed the show itself, though, the NFL has now uploaded the 13-minute clip on its official YouTube channel (we've embedded the video above, but you can click through here if it doesn't load).

Oh, and if you were wondering, yes — Kendrick did play his Grammy-winning Drake diss, "Not Like Us".

SAVE $10: As of Feb. 10, the Echo Pop is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's 25% off its list price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $29.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

If you've been looking to invest in a smart speaker but don't want to spend tons of cash on something fancy, look no further than the Amazon Echo Pop. This budget-friendly speaker comes with everything you need to fill your house with sweet sounds and use Alexa voice control without the big price tag. But thankfully, that price has dropped even further for a limited timec so you can score a sweet deal on this smart speaker.

Amazon's Echo Pop — in lavender bloom, charcoal, glacier white, and midnight teal — has dropped from its list price of $39.99 to $29.99, offering a 25% discount. Amazon also has this listed as a limited-time deal, so you'll want to act fast to scoop it up at this price before the discount disappears.

SEE ALSO: 30 Valentine's Day gifts for all the sweethearts in your life

In our Echo Pop review, SaVanna Shoemaker mentions that at its usual list price, "it’s $10 less expensive than the newest gen Echo Dot, with essentially all the same functionality and features. That makes it a good choice if you’re trying to save some dough while making your home a little smarter. Or if you already have a suite of Echo devices and are looking to add a little more Alexa to your home." We also consider it the best budget pick in our roundup of the best Amazon Echo devices.

This limited-time deal won't stick around for long, so scoop up the Echo Pop for 25% off at Amazon.

A few more Amazon device deals are floating around right now, too. At the moment, you can also save on the latest Kindle Paperwhite and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 10, the Seagate Expansion 20TB external hard drive is on sale for $229.99 at Best Buy, down from its regular price of $279.99. That’s $50 in savings on one of the best high-capacity storage solutions for photos, movies, music, and backups.

Opens in a new window Credit: Seagate Seagate Expansion 20TB External Hard Drive $229.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now

If your digital life is starting to take up way too much space,the Seagate Expansion 20TB external hard drive is here to save the day. It is the ultimate plug-and-play solution for anyone who needs massive amounts of storage without the hassle of complicated setups. Right now, it is available at Best Buy for $229.99, which means you can save $50 while upgrading your storage game.

We are talking about 20 terabytes of space. That is enough to store millions of photos, thousands of hours of video or your entire gaming library in one place. Whether you are a content creator, a PC gamer hoarding Steam sales, or someone who refuses to delete old files (because what if you need them later?), this external drive is an absolute beast.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

The best part is that it is as simple as it gets. There is no software to install. Just plug it into a USB 3.0 port, and you are good to go. Thanks to USB 3.0 connectivity, you can drag and drop your files, back up your important data, and enjoy fast transfer speeds. It is compatible with Windows and Mac, although you must reformat it for Time Machine backups on macOS.

Another major perk is that this Seagate drive comes with Rescue Data Recovery Services. If something goes wrong, you have built-in protection to help recover lost files. That is a level of peace of mind you will not get with just any external hard drive.

While SSDs are faster, they do not come anywhere close to this kind of capacity for the price. Suppose you need bulk storage for backups, media libraries, or archiving. Seagate Expansion 20TB drive is a solid investment, especially at this discounted price. Do not wait too long, though. Best Buy’s deals do not last forever.

SAVE $200: As of Feb. 10, the 2024 Apple MacBook Air (M3, 13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $899 at Amazon. This deal saves you $200 off its usual $1,099 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 Apple MacBook Air (M3, 13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If you've been waiting for the best MacBook Air deal before upgrading, this is your moment. The 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip just dropped to $899 at Amazon, making it a no-brainer upgrade for students, professionals, or anyone who wants a ridiculously fast, ultra-portable laptop.

Powered by Apple's M3 chip, this MacBook Air has an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, which means buttery-smooth performance for everyday tasks, creative apps, and even light gaming. It has 16GB of unified memory, so you can open a million Chrome tabs (we won't judge), and it has a 256GB SSD for speedy storage.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is gorgeous. Crisp, vibrant, and a joy to look at. It's perfect for editing photos or binge-watching in bed. And because it's a MacBook Air, it's stupidly thin and light (under half an inch thick), so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought.

Battery life? Ridiculous. Apple claims up to 18 hours, so you can leave your charger at home for once. It also has MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt four ports, and Touch ID because, for some reason, Face ID still isn't a thing on MacBooks.

If you've been eyeing an upgrade, $200 off on Amazon is a rare discount for Apple gear. With this deal, you get cutting-edge performance in a sleek, travel-friendly package for under $900. If that doesn't scream "buy me now," we don't know what does.

TL;DR: Zario helps you reduce social media usage, block distractions, and reclaim your time for life — for just $39.99 (reg. $299).

You grab your phone to check one thing, and suddenly, an hour has disappeared into the abyss of social media, endless news feeds, and random videos you don’t even remember clicking on. 

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to Medium, the average person will spend 17 years of their life scrolling—yes, that’s nearly two decades of mindless screen time.

Zario Pro can help you break the cycle. This AI-powered focus app is designed to help you reduce distractions, regain control of your screen time, and actually use your phone with intention. And right now, you can get lifetime access for just $39.99 (reg. $299). No subscriptions, no recurring fees—just a one-time payment to reclaim your time.

Zario is an AI-powered coach that helps you build better digital habits without completely cutting you off from the apps you need. Instead of forcing you to quit cold turkey, Zario helps you set smarter screen time limits, block distractions, and even "negotiate" for extra time with AI-powered coaching.

One of the best features? Mindful Pause. Instead of automatically blocking apps, Zario prompts you with a motivational quote or lighthearted roast before you open Instagram for the hundredth time. It’s like having a friend gently remind you, "Do you really need to check TikTok again?"

Need stricter rules? Strict Mode makes it impossible to override your screen time limits once set. So, if you’re serious about cutting back, Zario will hold you accountable.

Think of all the things you could do with an extra one hour and 35 minutes daily — read more books, start a new hobby, spend time with loved ones, or just enjoy a little extra peace of mind. Zario helps you regain control of your time, so you can live your life instead of watching someone else’s highlight reel.

With lifetime access for just $39.99 (reg. $299), this is a great time to check out Zario Screen Time App to see how it can help you.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Zario Zario Screen Time App - Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$299.00 Save $259.01 Get Deal