These are the Well+Good stories readers loved most in 2018

Oh, dear reader, we laughed, learned, and loved a lot together in 2018. We found that if we had a question, you probably did, too. We discovered that if we dove into TMI territory, you’d jump in along us.

And the past year delivered no shortage of conversation fodder to get you clicking: Advice for self care (…down there and elsewhere), the importance of a good night’s sleep, and the key to finding compatibility with a romantic partner were all winners in your eyes this year.

Without further ado, these are the most popular stories published on Well+Good in 2018:

1. Sex experts answer all your burning questions about getting it on 

Discovering your own sexual preferences—and honoring them—is the best way to practice #selflove between the sheets. Sex and relationships educator Logan Levkoff, PhD, gives advice on everything from achieving an orgasm during penetrative sex to the best way to talk to your significant other about consent and sexual fantasies.

2. 6 Instagrams that prove Britney Spears is a bona fide fitness influencer

Sometimes she runs, sometimes she works out her thighs, but these days, Britney Spears is *never* scared of a super-tough workout. Not only is she stronger than yesterday (sorry, had to), but with her rigid workout schedule, she’s stronger every day.

3. Here’s what’s going to happen to you if you accidentally eat a bite of moldy bread

If you’re choosing a bread with fewer preservatives, you might be dealing with mold before you’ve had time to finish the loaf. But swallowing some fuzzy green stuff isn’t likely to do your body harm. The most awful part about eating mold is probably realizing you ate mold.

4. The unspoken ways to tell if someone’s flirting with you (or not)

Have you ever wondered if the person you like likes you back? Of course you have. “Over the course of a 30-minute coffee date, you typically send over 800 non-verbal signals,” says body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards. Put any uncertainty to rest with these helpful tips on decoding some of the most common signals, from self-touch to body position.

5. Traits you should look for in a partner, according to matchmakers

Height, sports team affiliation, and workout preferences seem important, but a love for the Yankees or CrossFit (you prefer spin) might not, in fact, be dealbreakers. Instead, people who are literally in the love business suggest you look for passion, passion for travel, and good old-fashioned kindness in a mate.

6. Spring-clean your bod with these 6 liver- and gut-cleansing foods

“Detox” doesn’t have to be a dirty word—if you’re going about it intelligently. Instead of stocking up on juices or committing to a rigid fasting schedule, focus on prioritizing foods that benefit the liver and gut, the body’s detoxification dream team. “When the liver is working optimally, it can take toxins stored throughout your body, convert them into their water soluble form, and efficiently excrete them from your body,” explains Charles Passler, DC, a New York-based nutritionist.

7. These are the golden rules of good metabolism, according to J.Lo’s nutritionist

If there’s one thing that celebrity nutritionist Haylie Pomroy wants you to know, it’s that “good” metabolism isn’t about winning some kind of genetic lottery. Her philosophy—one that she’s imparted to clients such as Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon—is that everyone can optimize the way their body uses food for fuel. Check out these nutritionist-approved tips for boosting your metabolism the healthy way.

8. Learn to fall asleep in 2 minutes or less using this genius technique from the U.S. Army

Even if your bedtime routine feels flawless, you still might find yourself among the 35 percent of adults who don’t get enough sleep. When every minute counts, sometimes counting sheep just doesn’t cut it.

9. How others see you, based on your Myers-Briggs personality type

It’s good to be cognizant of your perceived self. And your Myers-Briggs personality type holds clues to your external persona. (Don’t know what your type is? Read this first!)

10. There’s never been a better time to have a full bush

If 2018 confirmed anything, it’s that the bush is back. Women the world over are tossing their razors and canceling their waxing appointments. Look no further if you’re curious about how to groom yours or grow it out.

Greet 2019 with confidence by discovering your wellness adventure. And here’s what we saw when we looked into our crystal ball at what will be popular next year.