"I keep my twisted grill, just to show them kids it's real. We ain't picture perfect but we worth the picture still." - "Crooked Smile" x J. Cole
Some may think that gaps between your teeth is a flaw, but over here, we believe it's a unique trait that should be celebrated. This quirky aesthetic makes for a smile full of charisma and persona. The French are actually ahead of the game because they dubbed beauties with gapped teeth les dents du bonheur, meaning "lucky teeth."
We had the chance to kiki with some women who embrace their gorgeous grins no matter who's looking and we can't stop smiling from ear to ear. Check out their journey to embracing the smiles they were born with by clicking through the gallery below.
1.Pamela Holmes
The definition of "embrace" is having a knowledge of the good, bad, and the ugly, then accepting every aspect that comes with it. That's what it took for me to embrace my smile.
I had to be faced with the ugly and the bad to humbly embrace the good. It's no secret that I have a gap and overbite. I mean it's not like I haven't tried to fix my teeth. I had to wear braces throughout my entire high school career. So being called "brace-face," "track-mouth," and even "mush-mouth" and still no perfect teeth, it was a sign that I should maybe keep it. So instead of trying to get rid of it, I embraced it.
I started showing my gap more during a photo shoot and sooner than later it became a trademark. Now it's one of the reasons I get booked as a model. So if it's any advice I could give to anyone who's struggling with a feature that may not fit "society's norm," remember society's norm does not have to be a norm for you.
Do not be shaped by society and its perception of beauty. Set your own beauty marks in this world, and let the world be forced to embrace it.
2.Woodeleine Beaujour
For years, I hated my smile, I even wanted to get braces.
Now that I am older, I realized I am actually grateful for my teeth, I am grateful for my smile, I wouldn't change it for anything.
My smile is very unique and it is part of who I am as a person.
I have come to the point in my life where I am able to accept each and every part of my body. Nonetheless, I have also come to understand that people are always going to share their opinions about my looks. People say things without realizing the effect that it may cause for others.
I embrace my smile by smiling more and staying positive because that is who I am.
3.Alexis Maria
I used to have an issue with my smile. I hated my gap. No one necessarily made fun of me because of it, but I wanted my teeth to be straight like everyone else's. But that was the problem, I wanted to look like other people.
I never noticed that my gap is what sets me apart from the collective.
I would see celebrities come into the industry with their unique smiles, then change them as soon as they've made it big. Just made me think I had a flaw that wasn't acceptable. Me embracing my smile was a long journey because we are all made the way the Universe intended. Everyone, everything is beautiful.
When you actually come to terms with that, something silly like gapped teeth won't bother you. I love my gap because it's a part of me and I love myself, so that's how it should be.
4.Special Reynolds
It took me a while to love my smile.
As a child, I was teased about having a gap and I remembered I had two yellow stains on my front teeth. Then, when I got older, I took charge of my dental care and realized that I had an amazing smile. People say gapped teeth are ugly but I think they are beautiful and even sexy. Also, gapped teeth are hereditary, so it connects me to my Mom's side of the family where I get it from.
So I embrace my smile by smiling super big, taking close-up selfies, and denying dental offers for braces and veneers. My teeth are perfect just the way they are.
5.Thokozile Tshabalala
Honestly, I never used to smile.
I was never confident about my smile because I hated how my teeth looked.
I remember entering a modeling contest and I didn't make it to the finals because I never smiled. One day, someone told me that I had a beautiful gap and in my head, I thought they were teasing me until someone said the same thing and I started believing it a little. I started Googling girls with gaps and they looked pretty. Long story short, I got confidence from them and I started embracing the front gap and I'm starting to smile more.
6.Natalie Blake
When I was younger, I never really understood how my smile was unique.
I just remember that I was one of the few people with the space between my teeth. I got made fun of a little bit but somehow I embraced the attention. As I got a little older, I started getting a different kind of attention from people in a positive way and it made me realize that I don't need braces or need to be like everyone else. I just learned to rock my gap tooth with my style.
When you have the confidence about something and you don't need verification from anyone else, people accept what you already accepted.
That's how I feel about my smile it's unique because I embrace it.
7.Jessica Johnson
I'm a gap-toothed, deep-dimpled, loud-mouthed, silly woman.
Smiling is contagious. Plus, if I don't smile, I look like Ice Cube. So, I smile because life's too short to be unhappy.
8.LoriElle Anderson
The light that is within me illuminates through my smile. My smile is ignited when I think of the love I have for myself that allows me to share love with others.
I embrace my smile by recognizing that it was uniquely formed, just as my being.
I am able to embrace my smile because it is nonconforming and untraditional, just like the life I lead. My smile embodies versatility and holds value. It is a beautiful thing to be able to embrace such a standout smile in such a traditional and stereotypical society. I embrace my smile to encourage other young women to be proud of their natural features and shine bright like their pearly whites!
What's one thing that you love about your smile?
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
There have been other times when I'm writing, and suddenly, I get overwhelmed with emotion. I'm talking, tears streaming down my face, and having to pause to get myself together. Those moments are especially important to me because I began asking myself questions like, "Why did I get so emotional?" Which further allows me to keep journaling until I get to the root. But sometimes, it's just a purging of old feelings that I kept inside and was finally letting out.
Why I Decided To Have A Journaling Meet-Up
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Because journaling has been such a transformative practice for me, I wanted to share it with others and build community on similar ideas. That is one of the reasons why I created my brand, The Self-Care Writer. Not only did I want to provide self-care products like my Journaling & Self-Care Essentials Kit, but I also wanted to have events that were rooted in self-care and wellness.
So this year, I decided to have my first event. The new year often brings optimism as people are looking to make positive changes in their lives, and that's why I decided to have my event the weekend following New Year's Day. Thus, my event Release & Renew Journaling Meet-Up was created.
The Process
It was my first event, and while I wanted it to be nice, I also wanted something low-maintenance and free for the girlies. That's why I decided to make it a meet-up. It takes the pressure off of attendees and myself. I had it at a local Atlanta cafe so we wouldn't be forced to meet a food and beverage minimum.
Also, I was unsure of how many people were actually going to show up. I shared the meet-up with friends, posted on social media, and created an Eventbrite page. While I had a lot of tickets purchased through Evenbrite, you know how it is when something's free.
I capped the tickets at 25, and I had a total of eight girls show up. Most were friends, which I'm so grateful for. I was also proud that I got out of my comfort zone and took a chance at something I've wanted to do for a long time.
I had journal prompts for those who needed a little push and cute rose-gold pens with my website on them. After introductions and instructions, we mingled, ate, drank our coffees and teas, and journaled together.
What I Learned
Because it was my first event, I had low expectations, and I think that's best when planning something like this. The atmosphere seemed very encouraging, and everyone seemed to enjoy the space. However, I think we all could agree it was a little noisy at times, so it was hard to hear each other.
I hope to make this a monthly event, so having it in a quieter space or a restaurant with a private room would be ideal. I also would like to include more activities in the meet-ups to help build more community with each other. (I'm still collecting surveys, so more feedback is pending.)
The older I get, the more I believe in timing. I realized I had to go through certain transformations to become the person I am today to even create a brand like The Self-Care Writer. By showing up for myself through tools like journaling, I, in turn, can better show up for others.
While this is just the beginning, I am excited for what's to come. Who knows? I may even write a follow-up story about what else I've conquered since my first meet-up.
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