Tinx is the internet big sister I never had. She is all of the wonderful things in this world: honest, relatable, caring, and downright hilarious. In the warped sphere of social media, it can often be difficult to tell what’s real and fake, but if there were one word I’d use to describe the Tinx brand, it is authenticity.
For those of you who don’t know, Tinx is a writer-turned-comedian-turned-TikTok star who grew in popularity over quarantine last March. Her full name is Christina Najjar. She grew up in London, attended Stanford, wrote for numerous esteemed lifestyle, pop culture, and fashion publications like Vogue and Elle, and currently serves as a media mogul living in L.A. Her appeal has landed her multiple partnerships with big-name brands, like a self-titled bowl at Chipotle and deals with Spotify. While her product recommendations, trademarked rich mom sketches, and daily vlogs have a lot to offer, Tinx’s greatest asset is her sisterly advice. As a girl who only has one brother, I’ve always wanted someone to give me the best advice in any realm — career, relationships, health, you name it. In this article, I’m breaking down Tinx’s best theories and mantras to help us all live our most confident lives.
Box Theory
Perhaps her most famous hypothesis, the Box Theory by Tinx discusses relationships. She claims that in heterosexual relationships, when a man meets a woman, they immediately put you in a box, whether it’s subconscious or intentional. The boxes include dating you, going home with you for a night or two, or wanting nothing to do with you. The theory states that shifting boxes is nearly impossible, and anything you do or say won’t really change his initial gut feeling about you. So, if he meets you and immediately sees you as girlfriend material, even if you puke on his shoes the first night you hang out, he’s still going to be interested. And vice versa: even if you put on your best show, doing everything you can to “make him like you,” he still may see you as that random girl who won’t leave him alone.
While this may sound blunt or oversimplified, the point of Box Theory is to give Tinx’s female audience a sense of empowerment in the dating scene. It admits you have little control over how your first-date-guy initially feels about you, giving you the space to decide if you even like him. Hence, you become less obsessed with appearing perfect and more focused on exploring a connection. While explaining her theory, Tinx always circles back to the fact that your time is valuable; if he’s not giving you what you deserve, move on.
Having Fun is So Fun // You’re Not Too Old, and It’s Not Too Late // Your Twenties are a Mis-Marketed Decade
A little more light-hearted, these mantra focuses on throwing away arbitrary timelines and finding the joy in life’s every stage. As a woman in her early thirties, Tinx frequently reflects on the dos and don’ts of her twenties, sharing what she wished she would’ve known with her younger audience. Tinx is an advocate for throwing away the timeline: it’s okay if you don’t have your dream job by 24, meet the love of your life by 26, and buy your first home at 29. She also advocates for balance in life, including doing all the fun stuff with no remorse. As we get older and responsibilities pile up, some women feel “too old” for this event or that dress. Tinx rejects these rules, simply stating that Having Fun is So Fun — so don’t let a societal schedule stop you.
Fatal Flaw Rule
According to Tinx, every single one of your close friends has a fatal flaw. Once you identify it, you accept it — if they mean enough to you. Your friend may constantly be seeking attention or might feel the need to lie a lot. You then have two options: if they only bring negative energy into your life or your friendship serves neither of you, you demote. If it’s just an annoying trait, but they are a fantastic friend, you accept their fatal flaw. Most importantly, after you accept it, you never talk about it again. Talking in circles behind your friends’ backs about the fatal flaws no one will ever really change only brings your friendship down.
Your Body is the Least Interesting Thing About You
Tinx frequently speaks on body image and health and wellness trends as she influences young women everywhere. While she’s a proponent of treating your body well with balanced foods and lots of “rich mom energy” walks (AKA confidence walks), she also has a branded Tinx Ice Cream Sundae, pronounces her love for margaritas, and will never turn down french fries. The mantra she uses to keep her mind in check amidst the unrealistic body standards that society spurs is that your body is the least interesting thing about you. People will always remember how you made them feel, not how your legs looked in that dress. So, Tinx suggests making healthy decisions to fuel your body but keeps us grounded knowing we are so much more than that.
You Will Never Regret Going to a Concert
Last but not least, go to more concerts. The eclectic energy of the crowd is unbeatable. There’s something about screaming your favorite song with thousands of strangers that makes the world feel a little less big and a little more connected.