Blogroll

Stephen Colbert has spent many years challenging guests to his "Colbert Questionert", a series of rapid-fire questions that he claims allows the guest to be "truly known".

And now, with The Late Show coming to a close this week, it's finally time for the man himself to enter the hot seat.

SEE ALSO: When is Stephen Colbert's last show? How to watch the end of 'The Late Show'.

"I've always said that I wouldn't give my answers to any of those questions until this show is over, but I guess this is close enough," says Colbert in the video below, before a series of guest celebrity guest hosts take turns asking him a question each.

Here's part one, featuring questions submitted by Billy Crystal, Weird Al Yankovic, Josh Brolin, and Martha Stewart:

Part two, featuring questions from Mark Hamill, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Daniels, and Tiffany Haddish:

Part three, featuring questions from Evie McGee Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Ben Stiller:

And the final part, featuring questions from Aubrey Plaza, James Taylor, Robert De Niro, and John Dickerson:

It's a fun series of answers that ends on a sweet note, when Colbert describes the rest of his life in five words.

"My family. My friends. Fun."

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

SAVE $300: As of May 21, the Samsung 85-Inch Neo QLED QN70H smart TV has hit its lowest-ever price of $1,997.99 at Amazon. This is $300 off its list price of $2,297.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 85-Inch Class Neo QLED QN70H TV $1,997.99 at Amazon
$2,297.99 Save $300.00   Get Deal

With Memorial Day sales kicking off, this is a great time to buy a TV. If you're hoping to go big with a brand new, huge screen for your home this summer, the Samsung 85-Inch Neo QLED QN70H TV has received its first big price drop at Amazon.

As of May 21, this 85-Inch Samsung TV has been marked down to $1,997.99 at Amazon. Usually it's listed for $2,297.99, so this deal gives you a chance to save $300. According to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel, this marks its first discount at the retailer.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you're hoping to upgrade from a mid-size TV to something larger for your binge-watches and movie nights, this Samsung TV's 85-inch screen size is sure to impress. It even features crisp 4K resolution on its QLED display that helps bring out every little detail in what you're watching alongside stunning colors and deep contrast.

This Samsung TV's Motion Xcelerator technology is a huge plus for gamers as well, as it can support a refresh rate of up to 144Hz so you can enjoy smooth performance while you play. And on top of all that, it's also a smart TV. So those looking forward to some of the exciting shows dropping on their favorite streaming services this summer can access them quickly and easily from the home screen.

If a TV upgrade has been on your mind, don't miss out on this deal on the Samsung 85-Inch Neo QLED QN70H smart TV at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

So, you missed out on tickets to see BTS's long-awaited return. It sucks.

The ARIRANG world tour, the Bangtan Boys' first tour together in four years, is well underway. Set to hit 34 cities across the world, the tour kicked off in Goyang, South Korea on April 9 — and at this point, almost every one of the 82 shows is either sold out or on last seats. But there's good news, ARMY!

BTS is livestreaming three of their concerts in cinemas. Here's everything you need to know about the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing.

SEE ALSO: Milk, tears, and Digimon: BTS' 'Hot Ones' episode was pure chaos When is the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing?

BTS has already brought their ARIRANG world tour concerts to movie theaters, and as someone who watched it in a London cinema, I can say it's an absolute treat. Fans already attended the April 11 screening, streamed live from Goyang Stadium and the April 18 concert from the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

Another date has been added to the live viewing sessions: June 13, the second concert at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea.

The filmed concert series is a collab between HYBE, BigHit Music, and Trafalgar Releasing, who did the same thing with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. All seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — will perform songs from BTS's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, as well as that colossal BTS catalogue.

Times will vary across time zones, so check the website for your session times.

How to watch the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing

Tickets for the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing are available from the official website and ticket sellers such as Fandango.

Just find your nearest cinemas by filtering locations and pick your time slot. Prices will vary across countries.

If you want to buy tickets for the June 13 livestreamed Busan show, these go on sale May 28 at 9 a.m. ET.

Wait, didn't BTS already do a livestreamed concert?

They sure did, but that was a special event for Netflix marking the band's first performance together in four years. That was also when poor RM injured his ankle during rehearsal and performed seated or behind the slickest mic I've ever seen.

BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang is now streaming on Netflix, so if you've got a Netflix account, you can watch the set from Gwanghwamun, outside Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, which includes BTS's first-ever live performances of songs from Arirang. While you're there, check out the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return — you won't regret it.

Opens in a new window Credit: BTS Attend BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing   Learn More

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box on sale for $24.41, down from its $34.99 list price. Click the extra 20% coupon, and the price drops to $19.52 at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $19.52 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.47 Get Deal

The Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box is one of the most affordable ways to get into the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, and now Amazon has dropped a coupon that takes it to its lowest-ever price.

As of May 21, Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box listed for $24.41, which is already 30% off its $34.99 list price. However, there is also a 20% off coupon on the product page that brings the final checkout price down to $19.52. Amazon lists the coupon's expiration as May 25, though coupon quantities are limited and collected offers can expire before then. 

Confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price the Avatar Beginner Box has ever been on Amazon. If you’ve been set on getting into Magic or trying out the Avatar expansion, pull the trigger now in case the opportunity to use the coupon goes faster than expected. 

Not only does Amazon’s $19.52 offer make it lower than TCGplayer’s $21.05 market price, but it also undercuts the dedicated trading card selling platform’s lowest $25.26 listing by over $5. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Beginner Box is made for two players, so this isn’t just a pile of loose Avatar cards with a rules insert thrown in. 

You start with a guided Aang versus Zuko match using two 20-card tutorial decks, with step-by-step guides walking you through your first game. Once you have the basics down, the box opens up into eight more 20-card Avatar-themed half-decks, including Firebending, Earthbending, Waterbending, Allies, Big Creatures, Counters, Spells, and Attacking. Combine any two, and you have a 40-card deck ready for a casual match.

Alongside the cards, you’ll also get two playboards, two Spindown life counters, five double-sided tokens, two learn-to-play guides, and a rules reference booklet.

You can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Spider-Man Scene Box for a new low price of $27.99. If you’re a Pokémon fan, the newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box available for $69.79, down from its $80.69 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box $69.79 at Amazon
$80.69 Save $10.90   Get Deal

Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Booster Packs are more expensive than ever, so now’s the perfect time to make the most of the money-saving collection boxes.

As of May 21, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box listed for $69.79, down from its typical $80.69 price. That works out to a 14% discount altogether, saving you $10.90 on the sealed collection — while the two third-party sellers at that price point (Collectors Expedition and Strawberri Entertainment) have stock left. 

At $69.79, you’re paying about $17.45 per Ascended Heroes booster pack (four in total) before factoring in the playable foil Mega Feraligatr ex promo or the oversize lenticular display card. That’s an extra saving of $1.64 per Ascended Heroes Booster Pack compared to buying them individually, with Amazon prices at $19.09 at the lowest.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

As a backup trading card retailer, Walmart is currently matching Amazon’s $69.79 price with free shipping, also sold and shipped by Collectors Expedition. Its delivery window is listed for May 26, but the listing is marked as not returnable. Amazon offers a 30-day refund or replacement window.

TCGplayer is still cheaper if you’re fine buying through marketplace sellers, with unopened listings starting at $53.88 with shipping included — only going slightly above its current market price of $52.60. 

To save even more on Ascended Heroes Booster Packs, you can also grab the Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Meganium ex Box for just under $70. Although not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

In a total 2026 plot twist, the Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is set to ship to customers (probably?), following a legion of delays. Originally announced in June 2025 by the U.S. president's sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., the $499 golden phone was supposed to launch in September last year, but has been pushed back multiple times.

On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert ripped into the Trump Mobile flagship phone, which has finally arrived after nine months.

"The only Trump item more disappointing after a nine-month wait was Eric," said Colbert.

"You know, I've said a lot of mean things about Eric over the years. As for the phone, let's be clear, this thing sucks. When they announced the phone last year, the Trumps promised it would be 'made in the USA' but now that it's here, brace yourself, it is no longer 'made in the USA.' The website now just says 'designed with American values in mind'. That's close enough, OK? It's just like Arby's' slogan, 'We have the meats...in mind.'"

Who's the creator you tell everyone to follow? Vote for them in Mashable's Fan Fav.

With The Late Show's last episode on the horizon, Jimmy Kimmel took a moment at the top of his show to offer a moving farewell to Stephen Colbert.

"We will be off tomorrow night out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert and the writers, producers, staff and crew at The Late Show, whose final show on CBS airs opposite ours," says Kimmel in the clip above. "I think you know how I feel about the fact that they are being pushed out. I hope the people who did the pushing feel ashamed of themselves tonight, although I know they probably won't. But that being said, I think it is most important to congratulate Stephen and the team at The Late Show for all the great work over the last 11 years, and all the great work you will continue to do in other venues, I have no doubt."

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart tells Stephen Colbert what he really thinks about 'The Late Show' ending

Kimmel goes on to say that everyone at the show has always been very gracious to them, and they never felt like they were in competition.

"On behalf of everyone at our show we want to say to everyone at your show, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you," the host says. "I will be watching tomorrow night, I hope those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS...for the last time. Don't ever watch it again, but watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen and our friends at The Late Show a fond farewell."

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require winter sports knowledge.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Collegiate sports staples

• Green: Where the baseball pitches happen

• Blue: Downhill variations

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Seen at a college sporting event

• Green: Pitching mound

• Blue: Alpine skiing disciplines

• Purple: Charlotte ___

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 #605 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Seen at a college sporting event: BAND, CHEERLEADERS, DANCE TEAM, STUDENT SECTION

• Pitching mound: BUMP, HILL, MOUND, RUBBER

• Alpine skiing disciplines: COMBINED, DOWNHILL, SLALOM, SUPER-G

• Charlotte ____: 49ERS, FC, HORNETS, NORTH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 yesterday's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 21, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 21, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 21 Pips

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 21 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 21 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this purple space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-5 placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

SAVE $30: As of May 21, the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is on sale for $69 at Amazon. This is $30 off its list price of $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro $69 at Amazon
$99 Save $30   Get Deal

Smartwatches often come with intimidating price tags, but there are plenty of excellent budget-friendly picks to consider. The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is our top budget pick, and its even more affordable in Amazon's Memorial Day sale.

As of May 21, the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro has had $30 slashed off its price tag at Amazon, dropping its price from $99 to $69. To make this deal even better, it applies to every available color.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This smartwatch truly blew us away when it was released. Writer Lauren Allain reviewed the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro and said it, "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." Allain continued on to say, "The fitness tracking metrics are detailed, the sleep tracking dives deep, and the battery keeps it powered up for weeks. For under $100, the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro feels like a pricing mistake. Just don’t buy this wearable if you prefer a dainty watch."

The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro also offers heart rate tracking, stress tracking, SpO₂ levels, and over 130 exercise modes, to name a few features. It's a smartwatch that earned a Mashable Choice Award as part of that review and sits on our list of the best smartwatches.

The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro is one of our top Memorial Day tech deals right now. Don't miss out on this chance to save at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Score the latest iPhone lineup for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Google has been dominating the headlines this week, for good reason. Google I/O delivered loads of exciting news for anyone interested in AI, smart glasses, and all thing Android.

We recognize that this is a tough time for Apple devotees, so we've scoured the market for something to keep this dedicated bunch going whilst the attention is on Google. We know that Apple users don't like to be out of the spotlight for long, so we've tracked down a selection of standout mobile deals that deserve some attention.

T-Mobile has just dropped new iPhone deals that are live for a limited time:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on most plans.

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The value of these iPhones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill. That means you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time.

It's important to note that you do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee with these "free deals," but that's always the case with this type of offer from leading mobile carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Anyway, that's a small price to pay for the latest iPhone tech.

Score the latest iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot is down to $74.45 at Amazon. That’s a 7% discount from its $79.99 list price, saving you $5.54 on eight sealed booster packs with 80 cards in total.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot $74.45 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $5.54   Get Deal

The original Mega Evolution set’s price has been steadily going up in the Pokémon TCG market since other expansions have come out, as there’s less supply to meet demand. However, Amazon sellers are dropping occasional trading card deals to help you save on individual packs. 

As of May 21, Amazon has the eight-pack Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Booster Pack Lot available for $74.45, down from its $79.99 list price. With that 7% discount, you’ll save an extra $5.54 on a batch of eight Mega Evolution Booster Packs (each with 10 cards for a total of 80).

Although that initial 7% discount seems small, the major savings kick in when you weigh up the prices of buying packs individually. At the lowest, you can buy individual Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution booster packs for $12.84 on Amazon. To buy eight, that would set you back $102.72 altogether. 

By purchasing the eight-pack lot at this new low price, you’ll now save $28.27 in total — compared to $22.73 before the new 7% discount. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

As for what you’ll be getting in these packs, Mega Evolution is the titular first expansion that marked the Pokémon TCG’s return to focusing on Mega Evolutions — including valuable chase cards like Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex. 

Among other reasonable prices in the Pokémon TCG, you can still grab a Perfect Order Booster Bundle for just under $50. If it’s Ascended Heroes Booster Packs you’re trying to buy, you can pick up the Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box on sale for under $70. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 21, 2026:

AcrossNot such a wild place to see an elephant

• The answer is Zoo.

Mark who wrote "Man was made at the end of the week's work, when God was tired"

• The answer is Twain.

Symbol on the U.S. quarter

• The answer is Eagle.

Parts of a dental exam

• The answer is X rays.

What Wile E. Coyote is always exploding himself with

• The answer is TNT.

DownBig name in restaurant ratings

• The answer is Zagat.

Like your hands after eating potato chips, perhaps

• The answer is Oily.

Lowest numbers in sudoku

• The answer is Ones.

Reach out with your fingers?

• The answer is Text.

Give an alert

• The answer is Warn.

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

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $400: As of May 21, the Sunseeker S4 robot lawn mower has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $1,399 at Amazon. This is $400.99 off its full price of $1,799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sunseeker Sunseeker S4 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower $1,399 at Amazon
$1,799.99 Save $400.99   Get Deal

Memorial Day is a great opportunity to save on helpful items for your home, including those for your outdoor space. For those looking to have extra help with yard work this year, the Sunseeker S4 is a robot lawn mower that can assist with keeping the grass under control. And it's on sale right now in Amazon's Memorial Day sale.

As of May 21, the Sunseeker S4 robot lawn mower has dropped to $1,399 at Amazon, which is just over $400 off its full price of $1,799.99. To make this deal even better, it also marks a brand new all-time low price. No better time to add it to your cart.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If manually mowing the lawn is one of your least favorite chores to do, the Sunseeker S4 is the answer to keeping your lawn managed without having to push around a mower yourself. Featuring Vision AI and 360° 3D LiDAR technology, it can create a 3D map of your lawn and build out a mowing path to efficiently trim it. The 3D LiDAR technology also helps it move around any obstacles in its way, so it won't be slowed down as it gets the job done.

This particular model features a maximum cutting area of 0.25 acres. If it sounds like the perfect fit for you and your yard, don't miss out on this great deal on the Sunseeker S4 robot lawn mower at Amazon.

Looking for more great Memorial Day deals right now? Check out our roundup of the best Memorial Day deals to see some of our favorites.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Actor and filmmaker Joy Ofodu, host of the Dating Unsettled podcast and comedy creator, was seriously and strategically looking for a boyfriend who'd become her husband someday. A lot of her friends mentioned Bumble, so it was the first dating app she joined when she became single in 2021.

She was on a slew of other apps, too: Hinge, BLK, Raya, Tinder, The League — at different points over a year and a half. "It was so exciting and fascinating, almost the entire time," she told Mashable. "It really opened me up to a lot of wonderful Black men from different walks of life who made me feel seen and valued."

SEE ALSO: Dating apps feel broken. But these couples found love anyway.

There were horror stories of disgusting interactions and bad treatment, too. But the process was so meaningful to her that she started Dating Unsettled to document and remember it. 

"Right before I met Ivan, I had almost given up on finding that more serious connection that aligned with all of my prayers and criteria for partnership," she said. 

But then she and Ivan, an estimation engineer and head soccer coach, met, and while they spoke as friends for the first few months, they're now preparing to get married.

They're just one of many couples who fell in love after swiping right Mashable interviewed four such couples about their experiences, and each of them has advice for today's singles — like not setting expectations and remaining open.

Believing in love (on the apps)

Joy does believe that, from what she can see from afar, dating apps have changed since she and Ivan got into a relationship. 

"I'm in conversation with single women who have been on the apps for years and are still looking for their partner," she said in an email to Mashable. "I think this widespread fatigue is contributing to the ghosting phenomenon that everyone's experiencing, so now the apps are trying to prompt people to do or say or voice note ANYTHING that will continue the conversation."

Joy’s advice for today’s dating app users? Don't let the horror stories determine your private dating experience, she said. "Your outcome is not dictated by others' experiences or surveys or statistics, or even by your worst experience."

Don't waste time educating or convincing skeptics or naysayers, Joy continued. Instead, "focus on spending time with daters and community members who actually believe that healthy love and partnership from the apps is possible."

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Adobe Stock

"Surround yourself with romantics and artists and believers. Someone in this gigantic world is looking for the exact person that you are and will be. If you give up, they will not be able to find you."

"Surround yourself with romantics and artists and believers. Someone in this gigantic world is looking for the exact person that you are and will be. If you give up, they will not be able to find you." - Joy Ofodu

Elizabeth, a 31-year-old social media manager has also seen how dating apps have changed since she met her husband, Joe, on Hinge in 2020. She compared what's going on on dating apps — like screenshotting weird messages — to how everyone's attention span has eroded in recent years.

"TikTok is so popular, and…you're watching every video on 2x speed," she said, "I feel like that kind of goes hand in hand with dating apps, too."

SEE ALSO: App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.

She advised daters to put their best foot forward and show as much of their personality as they can. 

When Joe re-signed up for Hinge, he didn't set expectations, which is his advice for others. 

"A lot of people, in general, are very idealistic about what they're looking for," he said. "I just feel like that's a surefire way to be disappointed."

Sexologist, sociologist, and relationship expert Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus suggests balancing hope, discernment, and emotional honestly. She also believes that if you do set expectations, do so based on your values and needs.

"When reading through profiles and looking at photos (and when you start DMing), consider what values the other person is conveying," she told Mashable over email. "But it's also valuable to directly share your values and needs and ask about theirs!"

Acknowledging harmful messages

Ashley, who met her husband Matt on OkCupid, remembers receiving "heinous messages" from other dating app users, another common complaint. Major dating apps have attempted to remedy this, such as Tinder's "Are You Sure?" feature, which detects potentially harmful messages before they're sent, and "Does This Bother You?", a prompt that lets users report inappropriate messages. 

"It's still so easy to feel in the moment like, 'OK, like, I really want to do this. I really want to meet people,' and go through profiles and swipe, and then close the app and kind of forget to open it again for several weeks," Ashley said. "It hasn't really changed in that aspect, and it feels like it's the same for other people."

When Portia, a Black sex educator and content creator, was on the apps, some people said horrible, racist things that made her really uncomfortable. She said she can't even imagine what that's like now, "because I feel like people are so used to hiding behind a screen, even more so than they were nine or 10 years ago."

Professor and Mozilla Foundation fellow Apryl Williams argued in her 2024 book, Not My Type, that dating apps are not neutral platforms and that they perpetuate sexual racism. 

In an interview with The Harvard Gazette at the time, Williams stated, "Dating apps allow sexual racism to flourish because they rely on the white heteronormative standards of attraction, desirability, and gender aesthetics to perform the sorting and matching algorithms that we are so comfortable with these days."

A 2025 article in the journal Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology came to a similar conclusion, finding that dating app algorithms "reinforce patterns of exclusion and discrimination by filtering and prioritizing certain profiles over others." 

Portia has also heard horror stories from women in her life who feel dehumanized and disposable. Some of her single friends are a little afraid to be clear and direct — to plainly state that they're dating just to date, or hookup, or looking for a long-term partner. And in some cases, those single women have given up because dating apps have made them feel that way. 

Because of her work, Portia sees how dating apps have devolved over time. "There is perhaps too much of a good thing, and too much access to too many people can lead to devaluing of connections," she said. "It can make it really hard to navigate."

Licensed psychologist and relationship expert, Dr. Nikki Coleman, told Mashable it's not surprising that racist encounters happen online. "If someone experiences racism on dating apps, first, they should know that it has everything to do with the senders’ bigotry and nothing to do with their worth," she said over email. 

Coleman advises taking action that gives a sense of safety and care. "That can include simply leaving the conversation, reporting the user’s profile as a violation of community standards, blocking the user, or even responding directly to let them know how the comment has impacted them." 

"Most importantly, those experiences should not discourage someone from finding the right person for them," Coleman continued. "My best advice: Keep swiping and let the next match be what you look forward to!"

Be willing to grow together

Matt, a 42-year-old mover who married Ashley in 2020, would strongly encourage daters to accept that the person you're looking for "might need some work."

"They might not be fully cooked and ready when you meet them," he said. "Maybe they just need a year or two of like, being in a relationship with you to get more to that level of what you're going to want to be with in the long term." 

It's good to be open to dating somebody that might not be the "final product" of what you're looking for, relationship experts say. Kinsey Institute executive director Justin Garcia said much of the same when he spoke with Mashable in Feb. about Gen Z and love. 

"[A] relationship is the container for making mistakes and finding yourself and having a trusted co-pilot to pick you up and to support each other," Garcia said at the time.

"[A] relationship is the container for making mistakes and finding yourself and having a trusted co-pilot to pick you up and to support each other." - Justin Garcia

Ashley said she doesn't think people should necessarily put their all into trying to make it work with someone who's just not ready to be in a relationship, but in the transactional and quick nature of online dating, "maybe you are passing over people that you can have a connection with, just because it's so easy to do that."

Alternatively, you can explore spending time with someone who is a "big investment," Matt said.

Be clear about what you want

34-year-old sales representative Brian's advice is to be genuine, clear, and honest about who you are and what you're looking for. In a world of pickup artists and looksmaxxers, you may not find a real match if you're not being authentic.

Portia, Brian's partner, had a fun, fruitful, and exploratory dating life, and even though there were highs and lows, she believes she had a lot of highs "because, number one, I was always clear about what I wanted," whether it was a partner or not.

Gunsaullus mentioned something similar. "Instead of trying to attract and appeal to as many people as possible, switch to being clear enough, honest enough, and grounded enough to find someone who is actually a good fit for the real you," she said.

And if you are looking for a partner, you can't approach every scenario and interaction like it's life or death, Portia said. 

"I treated dating primarily as a mirror for myself and an opportunity for me to learn about me," she said, "to see how I respond to certain situations and certain types of people." 

For example, if she was on a date with someone she deemed "out of her league," or if she was on a date with someone who made her feel uncomfortable, she'd explore how that made her feel and how she reacted.

"Particularly if you're under 35 and you're not actively looking for a partner, dating is primarily an opportunity for you to learn about yourself and grow," she said. "And if you get to have great sex, if you get taken on awesome dates, if you have these beautiful connections, all of that is a bonus."

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love a sweet treat.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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 Pips hints, answers for May 21, 2026 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: Dessert

• Green: Backend

• Blue: Sports words

• Purple: Condiment

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Kinds of pies

• Green: Things associated with butts

• Blue: Tennis scoring terms

• Purple: ___ Mustard

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 #1075 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Kinds of pies: CHESS, PECAN, PUMPKIN, SHOOFLY

• Things associated with butts: CABOOSE, CAN, MOON, PEACH

• Tennis scoring terms: ADVANTAGE, DEUCE, FORTY, LOVE

• ___ Mustard: COLONEL, HONEY, HOT, YELLOW

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 May 21, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you know how to sew.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 May 21, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: In a material world

The words are related to cloths.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe textiles.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Fabrics.

NYT Strands word list for May 21

• Denim

• Silk

• Cotton

• Velvet

• Fabrics

• Fleece

• Linen

• Satin

• Wool

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 yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're cooperative.

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: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 21, 2026 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 Pips hints, answers for May 21, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To go along with.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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...

AGREE

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.

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 yesterday's Wordle.

SAVE $1,700: As of May 21, the 100-inch Toshiba Z670 Series is on sale for $2,299.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 100-inch Z670 Series TV $2,299.99 at Amazon
$3,999.99 Save $1,700   Get Deal

If you're shopping around for a "go big or go home" TV, you'll be pleased to know the 100-inch Toshiba Z670 Series TV is on sale at Amazon for its best-ever price.

As of May 21, the 100-inch Toshiba Z670 Series TV has dropped from $3,999.99 to $2,299.99, saving you $1,700 on list price. This price is for the 100-inch model, but if that's too big for your space, you can also find discounts on smaller options, from 85-inch down to 55-inch.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This TV combines Mini LED with Full Array Local Dimming to give you an incredible viewing experience. It’s powered by the REGZA Engine ZRi Gen3, which uses advanced AI processing to adjust the picture and sound scene by scene for a more natural viewing experience. For audio, REGZA Power Audio Pro with a built-in bass woofer adds deep tones, and the dual speakers keep it clear and balanced.

It runs on Amazon's Fire TV, so you'll get access to live channels, apps, and streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix. And they're all easily accessed on the home screen. It also has Alexa built in which you can use to search queries online or navigate through different platforms to find what you want to watch.

This TV deal is available at Amazon now.

If you're on the single side of TikTok right now, you know how brutal the dating landscape is — so much so that people use war-like euphemisms for it. 

"Being in the trenches" is code for being uncoupled and swiping. Meanwhile, "catching the last chopper out of 'nam" means that, like New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, you did find love on The Apps™. It's hard out here, if the date recap videos have anything to say about it.

And yet, like Mamdani and NYC's first lady Rama Duwaji, there are those who made it out of the apps both alive, coupled up, and with their faith in love still intact.

Nearly a third of couples who were married in 2025 met on an app, according to an informal study by wedding planning website The Knot. It’s a stark difference from 1995, when just two percent of couples married after meeting online, according to a Stanford University report. 

SEE ALSO: Dating apps feel broken. But these couples found love anyway.

By 2035, more couples will meet online than in person, and by 2037, half the babies born will likely have parents who met online, according to reports. Those who’ve made the leap to marriage after meeting online say the key to finding their match is moving at your own pace, freeing yourself from stigmas, and bringing your authentic self to your profile.

Credit: Mashable

For those who found love in what so many believe is a (dare I say it) hopeless place, I'm curious: What's their secret? I myself was on dating apps for seven years, but ended up meeting my fiancée on then-Twitter of all places. I interviewed four couples who met on the apps to find out how they met amid ghosters, pen pals, and potential scammers we hear about on DatingTok, and eventually found their way down the aisle together. 

While their advice isn't limited to online dating, I did learn that every couple's story is unique, regardless of how they met.

Ashley and Matt Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Adobe Stock

Movers Ashley and Matt, 37 and 42, met on OkCupid in 2011 and, "in true dating app fashion, we did not actually meet for another year," Ashley joked in an interview with Mashable. 

But before then, when they matched, Ashley thought Matt was attractive in his pictures and was drawn to his sense of humor. Matt, meanwhile, recalls being attracted to how she was dressed in one photo (but it was actually a costume for a friend's student film). He also liked that she was a native New Yorker and, at the time, writing every day. 

They messaged each other for a year, though, primarily on Google Chat. In 2012, Ashley spontaneously asked to meet up in Brooklyn, as she was going there for a show. 

SEE ALSO: App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.

"I was living in Manhattan at the time, and Matt was in Brooklyn," she explained. "So it was basically an ocean apart." 

While Ashley and Matt have been married since 2020, that first date didn't lead to fireworks. "I distinctly remember Matt 'raising the roof' at one point. I was, I don't know, 23, and something wasn't connecting." She figured that Matt was cute and fun, but they may not have been on the same page at that time.

"I was living in Manhattan at the time, and Matt was in Brooklyn...so it was basically an ocean apart."  - Ashley

While they didn't meet up in person again until much later, they kept messaging — on Google Chat, over email, sometimes even over the phone for hours. 

"It was never the right timing," said Matt (who didn’t quite remember the roof-raising). "Either we were in another relationship or it just wasn't right. But somehow the distance between us made our communication more intimate and honest, because we didn't have any mutual friends, we weren't in each other's lives."

Slow burn: From OKCupid to GChat 

Their chemistry built over time, usually over GChat and email, in sharp contrast to the "love at first sight" many dating app users seek. 

"We just had this chemistry and this unique relationship that developed in GChat," Matt said. While he was in his late 20s and early 30s, and in and out of different relationships, Ashley was always at the back of his mind.

As psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel noted in a blog about the myth of instant chemistry, "Attraction doesn't just happen — it grows in the space where curiosity and anticipation meet."

We tend to prefer people we’re more familiar with, according to decades-old behavioral science research. Singles looking for immediate sparks may be disappointed when they don’t find them, and may prematurely move on to try to find chemistry with someone else, instead of letting attraction grow over time. 

In 2018, Ashley and Matt started dating — for real, this time. Matt sent Ashley a Facebook message while she was in a relationship that she said was "past its expiration date." She decided she should catch up with Matt over the phone, and they ended up chatting for four hours. 

The two met for a drink shortly after that, moved in a year later, and married in 2020. Their original wedding was canceled due to COVID, but they wed in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, with a few friends officiating and witnessing. Their puppy, Suitcase, was there too, of course.

Ashley's thoughts for online daters? She said she doesn't think people should necessarily put their all into trying to make it work with someone who's just not ready to be in a relationship, but in the transactional and quick nature of online dating, "maybe you are passing over people that you can have a connection with, just because it's so easy to do that."

Some other advice, which she admits she needs to take herself, is, "if you really want to find a connection, whatever kind of connection that is, it takes a certain level of commitment and vulnerability." 

Elizabeth and Joe Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Adobe Stock

Social media manager Elizabeth and digital product designer Joe, 31 and 34 respectively, lived blocks from each other in Brooklyn when they met in 2020 — but they never crossed paths in person, at least not that they remember. They met each other on Hinge. 

"I set my radius to one mile," Elizabeth said. "I was not trying to get on the train or go anywhere." 

Joe was actually the first person that Elizabeth met on Hinge after a friend recommended she try it. She had been on dating apps casually since moving to New York in 2018. She thought his profile was funny and he seemed like her type in terms of fashion and music taste. Joe, meanwhile, liked Elizabeth's photos and a prompt that said, "We'll get along if you never grew out of your emo phase."

"I set my radius to one mile...I was not trying to get on the train or go anywhere."  - Elizabeth

On the first date, Elizabeth liked Joe's tattoos and that he kept up the conversation. Joe thought Elizabeth was good-looking and had a good vibe. 

"Then we met and just hung out every day after that," Elizabeth joked. 

During their interview with Mashable, Elizabeth and Joe reminisced on grabbing "to-go drinks" together, a New York City phenomenon unique to COVID times.

Never would have met without Hinge

She thinks her relationship developed faster than it would've because of the pandemic and because they lived so close to each other. In 2020, that was a familiar story for new couples, many of whom were attached quickly. 

Elizabeth said her roots in the Midwest – where she said people are more inclined to look for a long-term partner as they hit their mid-20s – also played a role in the pairing. Hinge had (and still does have) a reputation for fostering serious relationships, whereas Tinder is often associated with more casual connections.

Joe tried Tinder before, and a previous iteration of Hinge years before he met Elizabeth (back when Hinge tried to connect "friends of friends"), but he didn't love the experience. 

Elizabeth is from Indiana, while Joe is from Massachusetts, and they believe they wouldn't have met if not for dating apps. Six years later, they’re married and have relocated to Los Angeles together. 

When Joe joined Hinge (a second time after not loving his first stint), he didn't set expectations, which is his advice for others. 

"A lot of people, in general, are very idealistic about what they're looking for," he said. "I just feel like that's a surefire way to be, like, disappointed."

Portia and Brian Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Adobe Stock

Sex educator and content creator Portia, 34, matched with sales representative Brian, 37, on Tinder within a week of her moving to New York City in 2017.

"I remember his bio was something like, 'coffee and music,' just those two words, probably," she said. "And I was like, 'Cool'…I like those things, too." 

They started talking, and he was one of the few people Portia met who didn't want to be a pen pal — aka a dating app match who is stuck in messaging mode, never wanting to meet IRL.

Not Brian, though. He said they should go to dinner. 

"I could tell from her bio that she was super sweet," he said.

He was living in a basement studio apartment at the time. It was summer, he was out and about, and he said they had a really good time at dinner. Portia was going back and forth to Michigan, where she's from, but when she got back to the city, they became inseparable. 

"I could tell from her bio that she was super sweet." - Brian

Now, nine years later, Portia and Brian are engaged.

Getting over the Tinder stigma

But back when she was on Tinder, Portia was having fun and not taking it too seriously. She was looking for connections and trying to get to know New York City through her dates. But there was a stigma attached to it.

"I remember telling my brother that Brian and I met on Tinder, and he was like, 'What?' And mind you, this is my older brother, and I think he had a different impression of what Tinder was and what it was for," she said, as her brother thought of it as a "hookup app."

It's true that Tinder has that reputation, so much so that its CEO, Spencer Rascoff, announced last year that he wants to move the app away from this notoriety. 

"I did feel some occasional need to clarify what I was doing and why, and what my intentions were, and so sometimes there was, like, a kind of stigma to it, more so than anything, that maybe colored the way that I felt about being on the apps." 

While some people use dating apps compulsively, constantly swiping, Portia didn't feel that way. She was having a good time.

For Brian, joining Tinder was like joining Instagram for the first time, back when people didn't try to "game" it or use it to gain followers or make a living; they were just posting photos of their lives. Whereas there are forums and content creators today who claim to be able to "game" Tinder, back then, it seemed like people just wanted to use it to meet people. He felt a certain kind of stigma, too, though: that everyone was "supposed" to meet their partner in-person.

"But I wasn't the type of person usually where, if I was at a bar, I was gonna go try to talk to strangers," he said. "It just wasn't my personality." Apps were a more comfortable way to connect, but in the back of his mind, he thought people might judge him, he added.

Clearly, however, it worked for both of them. Not only have they been together for nine years, but they're also getting married this month. Letting go of the stigma and judgments and enjoying the experience helped, Portia said. 

"Particularly if you're under 35 and you're not actively looking for a partner, dating is primarily an opportunity for you to learn about yourself and grow," she said. "And if you get to have great sex, if you get taken on awesome dates, if you have these beautiful connections, all of that is a bonus."