Today’s NYT Strands hints are easy if you’re affectionate.

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.

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: XOXOXO

The words are related to love.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to show affection.

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 Visual Aids.

NYT Strands word list for February 14

• Snuggle

• Embrace

• Cuddle

• Hugs and kisses

• Smack

• Peck

• Smooch

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 love springtime

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.

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.

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

To blossom.

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 B.

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…

BLOOM

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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early with the latest trailer for Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2.

The trailer above explores what happened after Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) royally stuck his foot in his mouth by asking maid Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) to be his mistress. On the one hand, he certainly thought it was romantic, as it’s the only socially acceptable way for people of their differing social standings. Plus, he didn’t know that Sophie’s mother was her father’s mistress, adding extra emotional baggage to his request.

On the other hand… Benedict. Buddy. Read the room.

The trailer also explores the fallout of Benedict’s faux pas: Benedict pines after Sophie, while Sophie wrestles with her complicated feelings over the proposal. The yearning is simply off the charts.

Apparently the lovebirds aren’t apart for too long, though, because the trailer is full of passionate Benophie kisses — as well as a teaser for a steamy bath scene.

That’s not all, though. In addition to all the Benedict and Sophie drama, these next episodes will see the much-welcome return of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley). Anthony even gives Benedict a pep talk about following his heart and going after Sophie.

Here’s hoping Benedict will actually follow through (and maybe choose his words better next time he tries for a big romantic gesture).

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.