Archive - XO, MU by Melissa Urban

The 2025 No Gift Guide: Bonus scripts

"I don't want to exchange any gifts this year, but how do I say it?" Scripts for every part of the "no gift" conversation—even the hard ones.

Nov 25 •

I eat like a teenage boy when I'm home alone

A reader writes, "When my husband's out of town, my healthy eating goes out the window—and I don't like how it makes me feel."

Nov 24 •

Protein's BFF: Does creatine belong in your routine?

You thought it was just for gym bros. Here's why you should pay attention (especially if you're in some phase of menopause).

Nov 19 •

One simple trick to shift a negative mindset

Your brain needs evidence to make a shift. This simple cue gives it plenty.

Nov 17 •

5 of my favorite little luxuries

Small gifts perfect for anyone on your "thank you" list (and you!)

Nov 3 •

October 2025

This question is MAGICAL

Say this when you're dying to offer advice, but they didn't ask (and you respect boundaries)

Oct 27 •

Three recipes that barely count as cooking

These meals are so delicious, and so incredibly simple

Oct 20 •

These sleepbuds saved my marriage

Fine, that's dramatic, but my honest Ozlo Sleepbuds review will prove YES, THEY ARE WORTH IT

Oct 6 •

September 2025

My concussion story, part 2

In December 2018, I sustained a concussion and developed persistent post-concussion symptoms. They took me years to resolve. Here is part 2 of my story.

Sep 29 •

Kiss, Marry or Kill: 47

A fun-as-hell book about absurdly horrible moms (it's okay to judge). Also: Can your undies prevent UTIs? You've never seen THIS in a sauna. And hard…

Sep 25 •

The divorce mindset that changed everything

It was wildly stressful. I was also unshakably happy.

Sep 22 •

Using fewer, um, filler words

"Um," "like," and "you know" have their place in casual conversation, but if you want to up your professional game and ditch the fillers, here's how

Sep 16 •

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