Earning a negative performance review at work is, without a doubt, embarrassing. It can immediately spark feelings of rage and anger, which can lead to impulsive responses that you don’t always mean. Especially in those moments where you were confident, bad performance reviews can be a hard hit to the ego. Sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and reflect before you act.

Take a minute

When we hear news especially about ourselves, that we don’t particularly like, we tend to get defensive and act on impulse. Your first reaction after getting the performance review will most likely be embarrassment followed by some degree of anger and even deflecting the blame onto someone else. “I didn’t do anything wrong, they must just be having a bad day and need to take it out on me,” you might think.

You might feel resentment towards your co-workers, or become angry with your company. In these moments, the thoughts about fighting with co-workers, quitting the job, or storming out could all very well cross your mind.

“It was my first job and I was scared as it was,” Allie Rudd from Florida State University shared, “I didn’t know how a performance review worked so I obviously didn’t know what to expect. When I heard that it didn’t go like they expected of me, I kind of freaked out. I quit that night and just never went back. I regret it now, of course, but at the time it was very embarrassing, I didn’t want to see them again.”

It’s important to remove yourself from situations that are causing anger in order to give ourselves time to chill out and analyze the situation from a rational point of view. Anger is a form of emotional distress that clouds your judgement and rational thinking, so the best thing to do is wait it out.

Reflect

After you’ve chilled out, reflect on your performance review from the point of view of someone else. Were you really doing everything correctly? Is there anything you could have done better?

It can be hard hits to our egos to admit we’re not doing everything as perfectly as we think we are. Losing our superiority complex is key in self-growth, so analyzing your performance truthfully to yourself and admitting your wrong-doings will help you become better in the long run, which means you’ll never have to endure the pain of getting a bad review again.

Ask for genuine tips and feedback

If you can’t figure out where you went wrong or what you could have done better, ask. Request further feedback and ask questions like “What could I have done better?” “Where was I lacking the most?” “What can I do from here on that will ensure the best performance and success?”

“When I got my first bad performance review at work,” says Catherine Schroder, a senior at UCLA. “I immediately became shamed with embarrassment. I thought I’d let everyone down. Then, my next mission was to change what I was doing wrong. I contacted the man who gave me the review and asked for genuine tips on what I should have done or what I didn’t do that he wanted me to. He was happy that I showed interest in bettering my work, I was happy that I knew what I could fix, we were all happy.”

Put in the effort

After you have reflected and gathered feedback on why your review went down the way it did, put the information you’ve received to good use and put in the effort to change. The feedback is nothing if it doesn’t get taken into consideration and used.

Make the conscious effort to start fixing your weaknesses and try to be conscious of them so can catch yourself in time to stop mistakes from happening again.

“If I could go back and do my review again, I would have just tried harder than slacking off and saying it was because it was my first job. That shouldn’t have mattered. I should’ve still treated it like a life or death situation and took it seriously, I think that would have changed everything.” Allie agrees.

Change your outlook

You can’t control situations, but you can control how you react to them. Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. The negative review can stunt your growth and confidence only if you let it.

“You can look at [performance] reviews as a bad thing or you can see them as a fundamental opportunity for growth,” Catherine says. “If you’re shut out because you think you’re the best and nobody can tell you that you’re wrong, then a bad review is going to upset you and be a huge wake up call. But if you decide to do something about it, that’s when you’re going to see positive results.”

Start looking at negative feedback as positive opportunities to do better next time. Take negative feedback with confidence and genuinely take the review into consideration. This outlook will help you feel less embarrassed and overall more confident that you are working on your weaknesses.

Getting a bad performance review is embarrassing and irritating, but they serve as crucial steps in success. Without someone pointing out your mistakes and helping you work to fix your weaknesses, you wouldn’t have the opportunity to grow and become as successful as you could be!  

Congratulations! You landed your dream job or internship, you figured out how to #adult and find a place to live, and you revamped your wardrobe with pencil skirts and power blazers. You’re ready to take on the working world, either for the summer or for the next few years. As exciting as it is, it’s also terrifying to walk into the office on day one and know no one. It’s nerve wracking once you realize you don’t have the support system of your college friends by your side or even your go-to class buddies from your major. But this is different - it’s work. You can’t exactly become best friends with your co-workers, can you?

While there may be more established professional distinctions between you and your peers in the workplace than in the classroom, that doesn’t mean you should be complete strangers.

“Getting to know your coworkers in not only how they work, but who they are as people, is extremely important,” says Crystal McFerran, Vice President of Marketing for Velo IT Group. “When employees establish friendly relationships, they feel more committed to the team and accountable to shared goals.”

Co-Founder and CEO of Betches Media Aleen Kuperman also believes in the importance of creating relationships among co-workers, and the positive impact they can have on the overall work environment and quality of work produced.

“It's important to get to know your coworkers because you spend all day with them and it can become very alienating to spend the entirety of your day staring into your computer,” Kuperman explains. “At Betches, we find that when our employees work together on projects they're more creative, and the better they know each other the less afraid they are of judgment from one another when brainstorming.”  

Breaking the ice

Don’t be afraid to make the first move, instead take initiative.

“Be confident in yourself, people are naturally attracted to people who feel secure in whatever they're doing,” advises Kuperman.

Waiting around to be acknowledged can be ineffective, and before you know it, you’re halfway through a summer internship where you aren’t 100% sure of your co-worker’s name.

“If you are the one wanting to make new friends and get to know people outside of work, you usually need to initiate it first,” says Heidi McBain, a licensed therapist. “People are often surprised to see how open people usually are to getting to know them outside of work.”

For all you know, your coworkers are too shy to step outside their comfort zones. By taking initiative and making an effort to start a rapport, they will automatically feel more comfortable since you are showing genuine interest in getting to know them.

You can start out by asking open-ended, light questions to figure out their interests. This gives people the opportunity to share a bit about themselves and allows you to discern how comfortable they are in conversations.

“Once you have a better idea of what their boundaries are, then it's safe to ask them some personal questions to find things in common and to break the ice,” advises Anna Nguyenova, a vice president of operations at an LA-based startup

Make sure that you are engaged during these initial conversation. Put your phone away so they know you actually care about what they are saying.

Building friendships

Once you’ve established a conversational relationship, you can build a friendship off of things you have in common. Maybe you both discovered that you loved studying abroad in Italy, so try out a new Italian restaurant during your lunch break and commiserate over missing authentic pasta. Or try out the new cycling studio after work - no pressure to carry on a conversation + endorphins?

Extending invitations goes a long way, so next time you’re getting up from your desk to do something, ask your peers to come with you. Grabbing lunch or coffee with your coworkers is a great way to establish a friendship - because let’s face it, a girl’s gotta eat, so why not bring a few new friends along?

“The easiest way [to get to know your co-workers] is to ask someone to go get lunch with you,” says Kuperman. “Even if you're just picking up food, you can get to know someone on the way there. Getting drinks or going to a workout class usually works, too!”

And inevitably, your fellow interns or colleagues will need caffeine to function too, so you may as well check out the indie coffee shop around the corner together.

Go outside your comfort zone

Getting involved in the office equivalent of extracurriculars - whether it be a sports team, volunteering, or a “Finer Things Club” a la The Office - allows you to further facilitate friendships with your coworkers and more opportunities to network with your superiors.

If the gym isn’t your scene, you may not win any promotions scoring points at your company’s sports tournament, but it’s a great way to hang out with your coworkers outside of the office.

Many offices also have happy hours after work, which is another great way to hang out with your peers in a more casual setting (plus, a glass of wine or a beer never hurt after a long day of work). Just make sure you bear in mind it’s still a work-like function - now is not the time to try and top your Spring Break tequila shot record.

In the end, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to making friends with your coworkers, and the effort can pay off tremendously both personally and professionally.

“The most important part of internships is the people you meet,” says Lauren Weetman, a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. “Most people know the importance of networking with current employees, but it is possibly even more important to keep in touch with fellow interns as you begin your career with them.”

Initiating conversations and extending invitations are easy ways to include people and get to know each other. Just make sure to keep it professional and appropriate.

“It’s important to remember that the workplace is a professional environment, before anything else,” says Alyssa Cremeans, an account executive at Baker Public Relations. “When first starting your job, try to sit back and observe the culture of the company. Always be one to offer help when needed, and respect your colleagues’ work.”

Having fun and engaging people around you can make or break your work experience, and you have a degree of control over the situation if you take initiative.

Every collegiette looks forward to one thing on freshman move-in day: finally arriving at her long-awaited dorm room and making it a place of her own. Move-in day is when you are finally free to make your own decisions and start your new independent life on campus. But besides the obvious comforter, towels and school supplies, what do you really need in your dorm room? In order to make the most of your (most likely) tiny and shared space, check out HC’s list of the 12 things you absolutely need in your new home and the seven things to definitely leave behind (sorry, stuffed animals!).

Pick It

1. Breakfast food

Every experienced collegiette knows that you will not want to go to the dining hall every morning to eat before your 8 a.m. lecture, no matter how good those omelets are. You’ll more likely just want a quick bite to eat to get you through an early morning class. So stock up on cheap and nutritious options like Nutri-Grain and Luna bars to keep you awake and full during those pesky early-morning lectures. You could also pick up some oatmeal, cereal or bread and peanut butter at the grocery store before you head to school if breakfast bars aren’t your thing.

2. Black pumps

Your freshman year of college will include a lot of memories from your weekends out on the town. Whether at a house party, a bar or a club, you’ll want a basic pair of black heels that go with every outfit and add a little touch of chic to your look.  But don’t buy heels that are more than four inches tall—remember that you’ll want to be able to walk in them! And make sure they’re not too expensive, either. Some of the places you'll party might not be the cleanest!

3. Nail polish

When some collegiettes first move in, they think they’ll be in class and the library 24/7. But sometimes, you’ll need to give yourself some “me time” and pamper yourself. And now that you’ve officially achieved “broke college student” status (congrats!), costly manicures are probably out of the question. So bring your favorite Essie colors and manicure tools with you and dedicate yourself to some primping time.

5. Desk lamp

When you first walk into your dorm room, don’t be alarmed; we swear it’s not a dungeon! Most colleges have pretty dingy lighting. But with fun lighting, you can spruce up your room and make it 10 times brighter! A lot of desk lamps, especially at go-to college prep store Bed Bath & Beyond, also have organizational features, such as slots for your pens and pencils, space for note pads and even places to charge your phone. Plus, a desk lamp will make those late-night study sessions much easier on your eyes.

6. Tote bag

Every collegiette wants to look cute as they head out to class. So skip the high school backpack and pick up a tote bag that doubles as both adorable and practical. A large tote is a must-have to hold all your class essentials and still make a stylish statement. Make sure the tote you bring has enough space to hold your laptop, charger, notebook, folder, writing utensils, keys and ID, and that it has a strong enough strap to hold all of your supplies securely.

7. Cleaning products

If you are anywhere near the Monica Geller level of neat freak, you will need to buy some basic cleaning products for your dorm room. Mom isn’t around to pick up your messes for you at college (bummer), so it’s up to you to make sure your room doesn’t look like an episode of Hoarders. Buy Lysol to spray down your desk and dresser and keep the germs away, a small vacuum to pick up all the crumbs from snack time that wind up on the floor and Febreze to keep your small space smelling fresh.

8. Medication

Obviously you need to bring any prescription medication you need with you, but don’t forget the basics, like painkillers and cold medicine. These simple meds are often left behind and you don’t realize you need them until a headache leaves you sidelined from class. So be smart and bring everything you think you’ll need to stay healthy at school!

Also, pick up a first aid kit, which you can buy at drugstores, that will carry other essentials for minor injuries, like Band-Aids, gauze and antibiotic ointment. And one more thing: talk to your doctor about birth control. Lots of people start taking birth control during college, and you should start thinking about if this decision is right for you.

9. A full-length mirror

This one goes without saying. You need to check yourself out before you hit the town or head to class, and you need to know how you’re looking as you flip your hair singing to Beyoncé while your roommate is out. Not only are full-length mirrors the best way to check out your outfit, but they can also be a decorative way to fill up empty space on your wall.

10. Command strips and hooks

Ahh, Command strips: the one product no collegiette can live without. Are you wondering how you’re going to keep all of your mirrors, framed photos, decorative lights, and more on your walls? The answer: Command strips and hooks. These awesome little storage helpers can hold up almost anything you’ve got. Other more permanent items like thumb tacks and push pins are banned by some colleges because they damage the walls. Command strips and hooks come in different colors and can hold a range of weights. The best part? If you buy the ones that say “comes off cleanly” on the package, when you take them down, they cause absolutely no damage to your walls. (In other words, your RA won’t fine you for room damage! Yay!)

11. Day-to-night tops

As a new collegiette, you probably won’t be hitting the mall or shopping online as much as you did in high school, and your bank account will definitely be dwindling. That’s why you need some cute tops that will easily make the transition from appropriate for class to fun for a night out. “I would recommend bringing some jewelry and adding that to the outfit to transition into night: statement necklaces, bangles, dangly earrings,” says Anna, a senior at Marist College. 

12. Wonder Hangers

One of the great joys of freshman year is figuring out what to do with a space the size of your closet at home. But what do you do when your college closet is even tinier? Like, really tiny. You buy versatile hangers that will conserve space and make organization easy! Try Wonder Hangers that will make your gigantic wardrobe fit in your closet and stay wrinkle-free. Wonder Hangers triple your small closet space by allowing for more slots to hang your clothes on. Instead of cramming your outfits into the closet, they’ll fit in easily and be more pleasing to the eye.

Skip It

1. Clothes that aren’t in season

We were just talking about how itty-bitty your new closet will be, so don’t overstuff it with your winter coat and cozy sweaters when you move in during August or September. Keep your closet filled with the essentials for the current season and then swap them out for cold-weather clothes when you go home on break. The same goes for shoes; no knee-high boots in August! Only keep a few cold-weather items for the next season in case of extreme weather early on; you can trade your sandals for your boots during fall break.

2. Stuffed animals

Sure, one stuffed animal is fine and can be a nice reminder of home. But your entire '90s Beanie Baby collection is excessive. Not only will your roommate think it’s weird, but you can bet people will be turned off by a litter of stuffed animal puppies on your bed. So keep the majority of the stuffed animals at home and bring one (if any) for sentimentality.

3. Your whole novel collection

Sadly, there will be little to no time for reading for pleasure in college. You will be so inundated with textbooks and mandatory reading that the idea of reading a book simply because you want to will seem foreign. Make sure to keep a list of all the books you want to read during the semester, because you will definitely have the time to catch up over winter break and during the summer (rereading the entire Harry Potter series for the 10th time can wait until break). Until then, stick to what your professors tell you to read.

4. Stationery

Although it’s such a sweet idea to think that you’ll send long letters to your besties from home, this often isn’t the case. You’ll find it’s so much easier and quicker to shoot a text to your friend or Skype him or her. Skip the stationery and instead make sure you have a webcam, because at the end of a long, hard day, what you’ll really want is to see your best friend’s familiar face.

5. Old high school textbooks

You know all those textbooks your teachers gave you? And those Barron’s books you bought to prepare for AP exams? Save some space in your dorm and make sure you leave those at home. Your college textbooks will be much more in-depth and cover more information than anything you had in high school. Props to you for hoping the extra books would come in handy, but most collegiettes will find that they’re just not helpful when it comes to their college workload.

6. High school apparel

Most likely, your new “school uniform” will consist of your new college sweatshirt and some comfy sweats or yoga pants. Don’t regress by bringing every high school sports and drama club T-shirt and hoodie you own. Of course, you can still bring one or two high school shirts to throw back and be proud of your past (after all, it’s your amazing high school experiences that helped you get admitted to college!), but don’t bring every item in your drawer. College is about moving forward and embracing the future, not holding onto your high school glory.

7. Old-school stereo systems

Besides the fact that it’s 2018 and huge stereo systems are completely unnecessary, blasting tunes in your room is a clear signal to your RA that something’s probably up in your dorm (noise complaints can get you into trouble). Avoid people thinking there’s suspicious activity going on (and remain friends with your neighbors by turning down the noise level) by opting to bring a small portable speaker that’ll also do you the favor of charging your iPhone or iPod. That’s something everyone in your hall can get on board with.

Now that you’ve taken all this in, you pre-collegiettes should have a better idea of what you need (and don’t need) to bring to college. But maybe even more important than all of the material items—be sure to bring confidence and an open mind in order to start the best four years of your life on the right foot. Have fun!

President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, is set to have a confirmation hearing on September 4, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley announced on Friday.

According to a notice sent to Senate Republicans on Friday, the hearing to replace retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy will likely take place over a series of three or four days.

The first day of the hearing will consist of opening statements, and Kavanaugh will face questioning starting September 5, The Washington Post reports. Following Kavanaugh’s questioning, outside witnesses, legal experts and the American Bar Association will also take part in the hearing.

“As I said after his nomination, Judge Kavanaugh is one of the most respected jurists in the country and one of the most qualified nominees ever to be considered by the Senate for a seat on our highest court,” Grassley said in a statement Friday. “He’s a mainstream judge. He has a record of judicial independence and applying the law as it is written. He’s met with dozens of senators who have nothing but positive things to say.”

via MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Grassley said the committee has reviewed more than 184,000 pages of Kavanaugh’s work as a White House lawyer under President George W. Bush, as well as his work with  Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, ABC News reports. Grassley’s team has also reviewed 8,400 pages of Kavanaugh’s legal opinions and more than 17,000 pages pertaining to his committee questionnaire.

“With the Senate already reviewing more documents than for any other Supreme Court nominee in history, Chairman Grassley has lived up to his promise to lead an open, transparent and fair process,” White House spokesman Raj Shah said Friday following the announcement of the hearing. “Judge Kavanaugh looks forward to addressing the Judiciary Committee in public hearings for the American people to view.”

“He’ll get confirmed. It won’t be a landslide, but he’ll get confirmed,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in an interview with WKDZ radio in Kentucky Friday morning, adding that the Senate was “moving right along” to confirm Kavanaugh by Oct. 1, when the Supreme Court will reconvenes.

But there has been contention between the Democrats and Republicans regarding Kavanaugh’s hearing.

On Friday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted Grassley’s announcement of a confirmation hearing as a “mad rush” amid the ongoing dispute over Kavanaugh’s records. Democratic senators have been enraged with Grassley and Senate Republicans for slowly releasing the Kavanaugh documents since they arrived at the Senate last week, The Washington Post reports.

“Republicans’ mad rush to hold this hearing after unilaterally deciding to block nearly all of Judge Kavanaugh’s records from public release is further evidence that they are hiding important information from the American people, and continues to raise the question, ‘What are they hiding?’" Schumer said in a statement.

“Republican efforts to make this the least transparent, most secretive Supreme Court nomination in history continue,” Schumer added. “They seem to be more frightened of this nominee’s record and history than any we’ve ever considered.”

Whether you’re completely for them or against them, you most likely know a handful of people donning tattoos. From a tiny zodiac sign on your wrist to an intricately designed sleeve, tattoos are a way of expression for many. They seem to have become more common and accepted over the years, as shown by successful artists like Kat Von D and tattoo-loving celebrities like Ruby Rose, and their popularity is undeniable amongst the millennial generation.

No matter your opinion, one thing is for sure: tattoos are a lifelong commitment. We’ve all seen pictures of regrettable tattoos and felt pity for the person who got them. They can be beautiful pieces of art, but they can also be messy mistakes. To avoid making your own poor decisions about tattoos in the future, here are our tips for the best tattoo experience.

Related: 7 Women Who Are Defying Beauty Norms with Confidence

1. The post-tat care might be more work than you expected

When getting a tattoo, especially if it’s your first one, your main focus is typically on the design and placement. It’s important to realize you will have to take care of your tattoo, even months after it is finished, to ensure it heals properly.

Alicia Thomas, a known tattoo artist at The Boston Tattoo Company, shares the basics of tattoo care. “General rules are; stay out of the sun for two weeks, don't soak your tattoo—of course, showers are fine [and] we certainly encourage keeping your tattoo clean, but you want to avoid submerging it so baths are off the table. You also want to avoid open bodies of water such as pools, beaches, hot tubs, etc.”

These tips may even alter your decision to get a tattoo in the summer as opposed to the winter—it’s not easy to willingly give up your beach days! As far as cleaning and tending to your tattoo when it peels and itches, Thomas recommends using a plain unscented lotion to moisturize the area and an antibacterial soap to keep it clean.

2. It helps to come prepared with some sort of distraction

Whether this means listening to your favorite playlist or squeezing your friend’s hand, you’ll want a way to give your mind a mini-escape. The repetitive buzzing noise from the tattoo machine definitely isn’t pleasant so it’s helpful to bring some headphones along. As far as friends go, it’s always great to have support during memorable moments in your life. And if they’re your best friends, they’ll be sure to keep the atmosphere upbeat for a more positive experience. Some tattoos can take hours to complete depending on their size, so these are both great ways to help the time pass, too!

3. Tattoos can make you feel different, in a good way

We can all relate to learning to love our bodies and embracing our unique qualities. Many collegiettes believe tattoos are one way to make women feel empowered. Meggie Cliff, a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, shares how her 40 tattoos have given her confidence to be herself, “Having tattoos has helped me feel more beautiful for the stories they tell, my story. All of us have a story to tell. For me, choosing artwork to display mine has helped me become proud of the person I always have been and the person I am constantly growing into. It can take a lifetime for a woman to feel sexy in her body, and we all feel sexy for different reasons. Tattoos are just my way of feeling that.”

Who doesn’t love to feel sexy and confident? Maybe tattoos will be your way to feel fierce about who you are.

4. Some tattoos will hurt more than others

Depending on placement, pain tolerance, and your past experiences, some tattoo sessions will feel more painful than others. Olivia Gagnon, a 23-year-old with 12 tattoos, says about her more painful experience, “I would say the most painful tattoo I've ever gotten was my tree trunk armband because it runs around the inside of my arm near my armpit. It's very sensitive in the axillary region of the body. You'll notice that a lot of people who are covered in tattoos skip that area.”

Of course, everyone has different opinions about which tattoos hurt the most. Thomas explains, “It shouldn't really matter if it's a more painful area or not. The pain is temporary and then once it is over you have this beautiful piece on your body forever. The location of it is much more important than the temporary pain," she expresses. "Places that are considered a little bit more sensitive are ribs, top of feet, inner bicep, lower back, etc.”

Placement seems to be the crucial decision when getting a tattoo. Pain aside, this should be your focus when deciding on what you want to get.

5. A good tattoo isn’t cheap

Which means a cheap tattoo won’t be good. This is a permanent marking on your body; why wouldn’t you want to pay for a job well done? Mariah Hebert, a senior at St. Joseph’s College, explained her tattoo experiences in regards to pricing, “A good tattoo definitely isn't cheap. You could get a tattoo done anywhere but you want to get someone just as invested in your tattoo as you are. Good tattoo artists usually cost more because they know what they’re doing; they went to school for it and are considered true 'artists' in my eyes. Thinking about it in that aspect, you could pay $30 for an ordinary design or you could pay $150 to $200 for a better, more detailed one that you're most likely going to genuinely enjoy.”

Don’t be afraid to search for the best artist. Your body is worth a beautifully executed tattoo!

6. You should always tip your tattoo artist

Going along with pricing is the tip, which is not included. Tipping is very important and not everyone realizes this. Most tattoo artists will work closely with you to design your tattoo. They will listen, adjust and give suggestions depending on your desires. You are in this process together so it’s common courtesy to tip them out after your final session is done.

How much do you tip? Thomas shares, “As a tattoo artist, talking about tips is a difficult subject matter. I can't say that we expect a tip, however, we certainly appreciate them. There is not a defined percentage that you can go off. When we receive a tip, we take it as [meaning that] we did an exceptional job and our client truly appreciates the work and effort we put into the tattoo, not only during the actual tattoo time but during the prep time, and the behind-the-scenes time, where you can find us spending hours drawing up a tattoo.”

Be sure to tip your artist—it’s clearly the respectful thing to do.

7. You’ll get asked “what it means” a lot

You know that saying, “Diamonds are forever?” Well, tattoos are forever too, and you should only get one if you’re fully invested in it. Sure, you may be tempted to get a random one with your friends, but ask yourself first if you truly want it. People will definitely ask you about your tattoos and more often than not it’s a proud moment when you get to share the stories behind them.

Justine Bouthot, a senior at the University of Maine Orono, opens up about what having tattoos means to her: “Personally, both my tattoos have a special place in my heart,” she says.
“Tattoos give you the opportunity to take a piece of your soul and put it outside of your body, on your skin. Tattoos let people inside your heart if it represents something that means a lot to you. When my grandmother died, I got a bible verse tattooed on my back that carried me through the horrible time of her passing. Now I can wear that as armor. I have a part of her with me forever, and that's why I put the words in the shape of a heart.”

Whether your tattoo is a remembrance of someone you love, a symbol for a turning point in your life or a beautiful piece of art you can carry with you, be sure to get tattoos that you’re proud to have.

One thing is for sure: when deciding to get a tattoo, there are plenty of factors to think about. But if you go into your appointment prepared and aware of the inking process, you'll be sure to love the result.

An airline employee stole a passenger plane from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday, performing dangerous maneuvers in the sky before crashing on an island about an hour later, officials said.

The 29-year-old Horizon Air ground service agent died in the crash, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.

According to CNN, the FBI’s Seattle office did not consider this to be a terrorist action, but said it did raise questions about airport security. The sheriff’s department considered the airline employee to be “suicidal” who “acted alone.”

“Most terrorists don't do loops over the water,” Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor said. “This might have been a joyride gone terribly wrong.”

The ground service agent took off with the empty passenger plane at around 8 p.m. local time Friday, officials said.

The airplane could be seen doing dangerous stunts and loops during its hour-long flight, ABC News reports.

North American Aerospace Defense Command quickly launched two F-15s to pursue the rogue plane, a federal senior aviation source told ABC News.

The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a “groundstop” for the Seattle airport as soon as the plane was stolen, and air traffic controllers “communicated with the individual who was flying the aircraft to try to help him land safely.”

In audio recordings of the incident posted on Broadcastify, the airline worker can be heard talking to the air traffic controllers as they attempt to help him land the plane.

“I've got a lot of people that care about me, and it's going to disappoint them to hear that I did this,” the man can be heard apologizing at one point. “I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. Never really knew it until now.”

“This is probably, like, jail time for life, huh? I mean, I would hope it is, for a guy like me,” the airline worker says at one point.

“Well,” a controller responds, “we're not going to worry or think about that. But could you start a left-hand turn, please?”

A air traffic controller later mentions getting a pilot to assist the man in landing the plane, but the man said he did not need the assistance since he had “played some video games before.”

When the air traffic controller tells the man that they need to land the “airplane safely and not hurt anybody on the ground,” the man replies: “I don't know man! I don't know! I don't want to. I was kinda hoping that was gonna be it. Ya know?”

The plane ultimately crashed on Ketron Island, a small island approximately 40 miles from the Seattle airport, CNN reports. Footage showed the plane erupt in a fiery blaze after it crashed.

via KOMO

Horizon Air CEO Gary Beck confirmed that the Q400 turboprop plane stolen by the airline worker “was not scheduled to fly at the time of the incident.”

“While we have not yet confirmed the identity of the employee, we have confirmed that all crew and passengers are accounted for. Air Traffic Control was in contact with the individual during the brief flight before it crashed on Ketron Island about an hour after it left Sea-Tac. No ground structures were involved in the crash,” Beck said in a statement Saturday. “We are working closely with the authorities and our own safety teams to thoroughly understand this incident.”

Alaska Airlines, the parent company of Horizon Air, confirmed there was a crash involving one of its aircraft.

“I want to share how incredibly sad all of us at Alaska are about this incident. Our heart is heavy for the family and friends of the person involved,” Alaska Air Group CEO Brad Tilden said in a statement early Saturday. “We’re working to find out everything we possibly can about what happened, working with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board.”

According to CNN, the FBI will lead the investigation, and investigators will attempt to retrieve the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder on Saturday.

“Although response efforts to tonight's aircraft incident and the investigation are still ongoing, information gathered thus far does NOT suggest a terrorist threat or additional, pending criminal activity,” the agency said in a statement via Twitter on Friday night. “The FBI continues to work with our state, local, and federal partners to gather a complete picture of what transpired with tonight's unauthorized Horizon aircraft takeoff and crash.”

President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation, according to White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

“The president has been briefed on the incident involving a stolen plane from Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle and is monitoring the situation as information becomes available,” Sanders said in a statement Saturday morning. “Federal authorities are assisting with the ongoing investigation which is being led by local authorities. We commend the interagency response effort for their swift action and protection of public safety.”

On our list of least favorite things, breakups fall somewhere between guac being extra and sold out Beyoncé tickets—basically, they suck. Whether you had your heart broken or you were the one to end the relationship, the post-breakup etiquette rules are always a bit hazy. We’re really sorry that he or she wasn’t the one, but we’ve got a silver lining for you: Her Campus had the opportunity to speak with Jodi R.R. Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting—and she’s breaking down what to do right after a breakup.

1. Take the high road

In all cases, but especially in the event that you broke up with your significant other, you need to take the high road. “If they put up a nasty post about you on Facebook, don’t respond,” says Smith. “If they scream at you and say they never want to talk to you again, tell them, ‘I validate your feelings,’ and walk away. Don’t get pulled into any emotional backlash that is happening.” People are going to ask why you broke up, but you shouldn’t be telling them. Obviously you’ll want to talk about the breakup with your closest friends, but you don’t want to make your ex look bad to your circle of friends. If a mutual acquaintance or classmate is really pushing you for details, Smith suggests a number of phrases you can use:

• “We were young and we were in love and now we’re not in love.”
• “The relationship ran its course.”
• “Sometimes things just don’t work out.”
• “S/he is a great person, just not a great person for me right now.”

“You don’t owe anyone a giant explanation of your breakup,” says Smith. If people ask what happened, don’t feel pressured to rope them into the drama.

Smith also suggests giving your ex a little bit of space. “When you’re the one doing the breaking up, give the person the space to be in the places that are familiar to them,” she says. “Go to the Starbucks on the other side of campus or study in a different library so that you’re not causing more pain.” While breakups are never simple, you can help make things a little less complicated by being the bigger person.

2. Process appropriately

It’s important to resist the urge to process the breakup on social media. Instead of sub-tweeting or posting a tearful emoji to your Snap story, call or text your bestie(s) and meet for coffee, drinks or just a walk around the park. Rather than text-ranting to your big, just talk it out. “Process it face-to-face in a place where it’s not going to be documented for posterity,” says Smith. Attempting to understand what just happened is key to accepting it, but you don’t want your emotions coming back to bite you later on.

3. Protect your emotional wellbeing

Smith recommends at least temporarily blocking your ex’s feeds so that he or she is not popping up in your social media while you’re trying to move on. “You’re the only one that can protect yourself,” she says. “And you need to protect your emotional wellbeing. Even the most emotionally healthy person will be tempted to cyberstalk their ex, and that’s not healthy.” Smith suggests blocking them for at least the first month or so, after which you can decide whether or not you want to see what’s going on in their lives. You may also want to unfriend them so that they’re not cyberstalking you. “Make sure that all your privacy settings are what they need to be,” says Smith.

After her relationship ended, Caitlin Duncan, a senior at University of New Haven, deleted all photos and conversations from her phone. “It was torture to sit there and read our old conversations and look back on old photos,” says Caitlin. “I also hid his Facebook posts and muted him on Twitter because I really couldn't bear to see his posts. I didn't want to unfriend/unfollow him, so using the mute feature was helpful.” While you may not want to erase all of your digital memories, if it helps you move on, it may be the right thing to do.

You don’t necessarily have to block your ex’s cell phone number, but Smith does recommend not answering it when you see their name or number pop up on your screen. “Just because they’ve called you or are in the process of calling you, does not mean that you should answer it,” she says. “Let them leave a message. Listen to the message, and then decide whether or not you want to respond. And sometimes you just have to delete. You don’t owe them an explanation.” You know yourself better than anyone, so do what you need to do to make the best of a bad situation.

Related:6 Things You Should Never Do After a Breakup

4. Wallow (a little)

Believe it or not, it’s okay to wallow! “I think that when you’ve had your heart broken, to shake it off and pretend like nothing is wrong doesn’t do anybody any good,” says Smith. “What you’re not allowed to do is to become consumed by the wallowing. If after about the two-week mark you still suddenly burst into tears for no reason, then it’s time to get professional help. But for the first fourteen days, eat a lot of ice cream, cry a lot, watch really sappy Ryan Gosling movies. Really feel what’s going on.” You heard her—break out the Ben & Jerry’s, add a bunch of chick flicks to your Netflix queue and grab some tissues—you’ll need them.

5. Celebrate you

Once you’re done wallowing, it’s time to celebrate you. Smith explains that this means different things for different people. “For somebody that might mean going out and buying a whole new wardrobe or going out and cutting off their hair and having a totally new style; for other people it’s an opportunity to refocus on the things they really love,” she says. “Oftentimes when you’re in a partnership, what happens is you can’t always do everything you like to do, because you have to compromise … that’s part of being in a relationship. Now you’re not in a relationship, so if they didn’t like watching foreign films, go to a foreign film festival. Find the things that you really like to do and do them.”

This means you need to get out of the house (or apartment or dorm room) and connect with people. While you may want to continue moping around in your pajamas, trust us, this will be better for you. Smith suggests helping out at a homeless shelter or volunteering for a breast cancer walk—just do something to get yourself busy again that will help keep your mind off of feeling sorry for yourself. It may sound harsh, but it’s worth it in the long run.

6. Find your own closure

Smith explains that for twentysomethings, the amount of closure we’re going to be able to get after a breakup is pretty minimal. There’s nothing that the other person can really say to make us feel any better. So, don’t look to your ex for closure. Instead, focus on you and your feelings. Get a journal and write about it. “I’m a big fan of journals,” says Smith. “I find that people process when [they] actually have to sit down and write something out. Write the person a letter or write your future self a letter. Write a short story about the different ways that this relationship could have gone. Find the way that works for you. If you need to, it’s perfectly fine to go and see a counselor and talk about why you’re having a hard time moving on.”

Some people like to get rid of every single thing that reminds them of the other person. “If you want to do that you certainly can,” says Smith. However, she recommends taking the stuff and boxing it up, putting it under your bed, in the back of a closet or in storage. When it comes time to move, open up the box and see if there’s anything that you’d like to keep, because it’s nostalgic or meaningful for you. If not, then donate it, give it away or send it back to the person. Again, it’s all about what works for you and your process.

7. Start to move on

While Smith cautions against jumping right back into a serious relationship, she acknowledges that there are many ways to get over a relationship—whether that means having a one-night stand or remaining celibate. “You need to decide what works for you,” she says. “But what I caution people against is going out, having a one-night stand with somebody and then feeling worse about themselves in the morning. So think about what’s going to make you feel better and do that.” It’s going to take time to accept the breakup and begin to move on. Don’t feel like there is a right or wrong way to deal with your emotions—just do what works for you. You may not know what that is right now, but through trial and error, you’ll figure it out.

Breakups definitely aren’t fun, but they’re a perfectly normal part of your college years—and beyond. You have to kiss (and date!) many frogs before you find your prince or princess, so don’t give up. Like Smith says, “This too shall pass. No matter how hard it is … it goes away, you get over it and you’ll go on to live a complete and happy life.” It gets better, collegiettes!

‘Twas the night before bid day and all through the house, all the rushees were stirring and fretting about. After all, they were about to know which sorority would become their home for the next four years on campus.

Picking which sorority to join is one of the most stressful decisions of the first week of college; you’re choosing your family for life. When you “pref” houses during each round, you want to make sure that you’re picking sororities with women that fit who you are. College sorority women share their 11 tips on how to know if a house is right for you. 

1. You feel comfortable

This is the number one tip from college women: feel comfortable with the sorority.

“I would advise incoming freshmen to pick a house that they feel comfortable in. One that they know they can be themselves in,” says Hannah Wren, a senior at UCLA who is in the sorority Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. Hannah was previously a member of two Panhellenic sororities, and she knows that feeling like you belong is really important in choosing your new family.

Her sorority sister agrees. “No matter what type of sorority you are rushing, the most important thing to consider when picking a chapter is to get a feel for where you feel most comfortable and where you have a genuine connection with the women of that chapter,” says Anasazi Levy, President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi at UCLA. “That connection is what makes the sisterhood of a sorority so life-changing.”

If you’ll be spending multiple nights a week bonding with these girls, make sure you can picture yourself chilling with no makeup on or celebrating at a club when finals are over. 

2. The women are your role models

Pick a sorority with girls you look up to as role models and want to surround yourself with. "That's why I picked Sigma. I felt really comfortable, they enjoyed the same things I did and I looked up to them,” Hannah says.

Jillian James, a junior at the University of Central Florida, chose to accept a bid from her sorority because it seemed like a natural fit. “You want to join a sorority whose values align with your own and whose members are girls that you look up to as role models,” she says. “The girls in my chapter held important leadership positions on campus and seemed like a group of intelligent and driven women.”

Surrounding yourself with smart, empowered women will not only inspire you to be your best self, but also provide you with a support system of sisters. They can advise you about internships, career moves, classes and relationship problems, so it’s good to join an organization full of people you can look up to. 

3. The sisters remind you of your friends from home

A good sign that you’re in the right place is when the sisters act like your BFFs from high school.

“Think about what people you've talked to, and if they remind you of your friends from home or other best friends,” says Ashleigh Lalla, a senior in a sorority at Illinois State University. Picture yourself walking around in sweats and no makeup—would you feel at home around all the girls? You should!

4. You can visualize yourself in the house

Is this where you want to spend the next four years? If you’re torn between houses, try to picture yourself living there.

“Every conversation that I had during recruitment was substantial and also felt very natural and easy,” Jillian says. “I could see myself fitting right in with the girls in my chapter, whereas I couldn’t see that so much with other houses. My best tip is to visualize yourself in every house you visit. If you can easily see yourself assimilating into the chapter and easily making new friends, then it’s probably a good fit.”

Get a feel for how well you fit in and think about where you feel most at home.

5. You have the best conversations with them

You won't necessarily know which house is "the one" right away, but throughout recruitment, one sorority will most likely stand out to you because of the interactions you have with the sisters.

"During recruitment, I felt at home at my sorority chapter because the conversations I had with sisters felt the most genuine and memorable out of all the houses I visited,” says Darcy Schild, a junior at the University of Florida. “I felt comfortable enough to ask sisters deeper questions about the chapter (questions about diversity of sisters, what the climate is actually like, etc.).”

Darcy knew that the best choice for her was a chapter full of diverse girls who were down-to-earth and easy to talk to. “I'm lucky that I found that during recruitment,” she says. 

6. You’re not doing it because of prestige

You may want to avoid joining a sorority simply because it's cool or prestigious. The house with the best parties isn't going to be a good fit for everyone. Know your priorities from the start; it's better to choose a home with amazing people over an amazing Instagram account. 

“If you feel like you're acting like someone you're not when talking to the girls, then it probably isn't the house for you,” says Gabby Mahamood, a senior in a sorority at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She advises you not to choose a house based solely off reputation or ranking.

Everyone has something to say about every house—good and bad—but don't let that influence your experience with each one. “Use your own judgment, and you'll see where you fit in. Every house has something special to offer,” Gabby says. 

7. The sorority fits your personality and values

Though it's not required to find a perfect home, having the same taste in clothing or music is a great way to be sure you’ll have a connection with your sisters outside of the sorority. You can go to concerts together or get advice on outfits. Some Greek organizations are based on interests, which can be great for finding like-minded individuals with the same passions. For example, UCLA has Greek organizations for band members, students interested in Judaism, business majors and students passionate about making films.  

Ashleigh says, "Do you share the same values?" Having things in common, like sharing a hometown, will pave the way for more intimate conversations and a deeper understanding of one another. It’s just another factor to consider if you’ll fit in and make lifelong friends.

8. It’s not based solely on rush week activities

Remember that rush week activities are just a sliver of what a sorority is really about. Chapters want to look extra impressive during rush week. That doesn't mean recruitment activities don’t give you any insight into the chapter, but joining a sorority is about the other 50 weeks of the year, too. 

Anasazi knew her sorority was right for her because she felt that the women were people she could truly become best friends with—not simply because of activities during rush week, their social media presence or their "rank." 

If a sorority recruitment event dazzles you, that’s great—enjoy it, but take it with a grain of salt. The same can be said if one event is more low-key, but you still feel like you bonded well with the girls. Don't let the type of activity influence your decision too much. 

9. The sisters treat each other with respect

If you see any subtle digs or sass between members of a sorority, that's your cue to think twice about joining.

For Anasazi, she felt the connection to her chapter was cemented during one of the rush week activities, which was a hike to the Hollywood sign. "When some of the girls were feeling really hot and tired, instead of splitting up or pushing the tired girls to keep going, the whole group decided to go get fro-yo instead,” she says. “We had so much fun laughing and talking, and the sisters made a huge effort to really get to know us."

It's important that you watch how the sisters respect one another, like not pushing each other beyond physical limits. That will be you soon enough, and you want sisters who lift you up. 

Related: What to Wear to Every Event During Sorority Rush

10. You've considered the price

If money is an issue, then make sure you ask the chapter about dues and other fees. You don’t want to commit and then realize later that it’s too expensive.

“It’s very important to consider factors such as cost and chapter size when going through recruitment. Don’t choose the house on campus with dues that are $1,000 higher than the other chapters if you can’t afford it,” Jillian says.

Though it’s not a fun topic to think about, money matters. Joining a sorority costs a lot, and the price tag should be one factor of your decision. 

11. You don’t talk to your friends about their decision

You’ll meet a lot of new friends during sorority recruitment and it’s tempting to all want to join the same house to stay together. “Try not to talk to your other friends about their decision,” Ashleigh says. “It’s easy to get persuaded and it’s important to make this decision by yourself!” You might not all be invited to the same houses, either.

So, what about your rush friends? “Either way, you'll still remain friends if you end up in different houses, and each of you will make your own friends, too,” Ashleigh says. Remember that this is a personal decision, so go with your heart. It has to come from you.

“My best advice for anyone going through recruitment is to follow your instincts and tune out negativity from other girls. Do what's best for you!” Darcy says.

And remember, even if you get dropped from a house that you loved, don’t fret! Jillian says there are bound to be women in every chapter on campus that you can form friendships with that you may not have even met during recruitment. Every house has something special, so weigh these factors and join the sorority you fall in love with. 

Kanye West discussed everything from his bipolar disorder to porn on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. But it was a video of what he said — or, more accurately, didn't say — about President Trump that made the rounds on the internet the following day. 

Just as West ended a lengthy description of how he came to support Trump, host Jimmy Kimmel zeroed in on the administration's zero-tolerance immigration policy, which has separated thousands of families at the US-Mexico border in the past few months. 

"But just in literal terms there are families being torn apart at the border of this country," Kimmel said. "There are literally families being torn apart as a result of what this president is doing and I think we can’t forget that, whether we like his personality or not. His actions are really what matter."

He continued, noting West's famous line that he delivered during a benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005: "You so famously and so powerfully said, ‘George [W.] Bush doesn’t care about black people.’ It makes me wonder what makes you think that Donald Trump does or any people at all."

For the first time in the interview, West was silent. As he seemingly thought about how to respond, Kimmel ushered in a commercial break. Afterwards, the two didn't return to the subject. 

A clip of the interaction went viral on Friday, and at one point, West was trending on Twitter. Trump himself even commented on it, thanking West for being "willing to tell the truth."

On Saturday, West tweeted to clarify what happened. 

"On Jimmy Kimmel we had a great time having a dialogue," West wrote. "I'm reading that I was stumped by a question. Let me clarify the click bait. I wasn't stumped. I wasn't given a chance to answer the question." 

He followed up with another tweet, "The question was so important I took time to think. And then I was hit with the 'let's go to commercial break.' That interview showed strong personalities with different opinions having a civil conversation." 

West didn't appear to be upset with Kimmel, though. "I was so happy when I saw Jimmy walk out in the Yeezys," his third tweet read. "That was an olive branch. He lead with love. I appreciate Jimmy and his team. You guys are Jedi's. much love." 

Regardless of what happened with that particular question, the rest of West's interview with Kimmel seemed to go well. He talked candidly about his feelings toward Trump, and how he was able to publicly reveal them. 

"Just as a musician, African-American guy out in Hollywood — all these different things — everyone around me tried to pick my candidate for me and then told me every time I said I liked Trump that I couldn’t say it out loud or my career would be over, I’d get kicked out [of] the black community, because blacks, we’re supposed to have a monolithic thought. We can only be Democrats," West said, adding that it took him a year and a half to "have the confidence" to wear a "Make America Great Again" hat. 

He continued, "It’s not about policies ’cause I’m not a politician like that, but it represented overcoming fear and doing what you felt no matter what anyone said and saying you can’t bully me, liberals can’t bully me, news can’t bully me, the hip-hop community, they can’t bully me. Because at that point, if I’m afraid to be me, I’m no longer Ye. That’s what makes Ye. And I actually quite enjoy when people actually are mad at me about certain things."

Watch the entire interview here. 

Reinventing yourself can be a lot of fun and can bring a sense of a fresh start to your life. One way to do that is simply transforming your style and wardrobe, and what better way to do that than update your closet from college to career chic? Now that college life is over and you’ve entered or are about to take your first steps in the real world, it’s time to take it up a notch on how you look. Here are a few tips on how you can transform your college wardrobe to a working girl collection.

1. Determine how you want your wardrobe to look

Let’s start with a plan of how you want your new work wardrobe to look. You can start by gaining inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram and even your friends. Make a list of styles that you can work with that are appropriate for the industry you're in. You want your pieces to be appropriate for the workplace, but still something that you’re comfortable wearing and that fits your personality. “The best way to transition into the working world with your style is to avoid 'fast fashion' as much as you're able, and invest in quality pieces that will be timeless—a blazer, blouses, a classic tote bag,” says Mara Hyman, a graduate of the University of Southern California.

2. Start with the basics

Having the basic essentials is important and can help create a variety of outfits. Basic colors you need for the workplace are white, grey, black, tan and navy blue. These are subtle enough to build on and still look good in the office. Your working girl wardrobe could also consist of a business professional suit, a blazer, dress pants and/or skirt, cardigans, a trench coat, blouses and camisoles and business professional shoes. However, your working girl wardrobe may differ depending on what industry you’re in. For instance, in the medical field your wardrobe would include scrubs and comfortable shoes. Make it into your own by accessorizing with appropriate jewelry that wouldn’t get in the way of your work. For teachers and professors, your attire will vary a lot more and you’ll be able to dress down however you want. Your wardrobe will still have to stay professional of course, but you can play around with different styles and with whatever makes you comfortable.

Related: How to Nail Business Casual Beyond the Skirt Suit

3. Accessorize

Your working girl wardrobe may seem to get a little repetitive, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. All it takes is a little color and your favorite pieces to accessorize your outfits. Soft colors, scarves, subtle jewelry and a fabulous bag can spice up your outfit and still be professional. For example, a little black dress for work can be accessorized with a statement piece necklace and a nice bag with a pop of color, or even a cute pair of shoes can turn a dull outfit into a winner. Having the right accessories will take your wardrobe even further. “I would recommend keeping basic button up shirts and dressy jeans, or black pants in your wardrobe and punching them up with jewelry,” says Madeline Frisk, a recent graduate of Oregon State University. “They are great for interviews for any industry.” Accessorizing clothes you already have is easiest when transitioning into your work attire. You know what you’re working with—all you need to do is to make it professional.

Now that college life is over and the days of throwing on anything just to make it to class on time are behind you, the real world is going to expect a little more out of the way you look. However, you should never have to feel uncomfortable or pressured to change who you are because of your job. Have fun with mixing and matching, add new pieces to what you already have and put your personality into your working girl outfit. You’re going to look and feel amazing in your office!

When self-care turns into self sabotage. [Medium]

This Disneyland collection is insane. [Atlas Obscura]

Dress like Donna from "Mama Mia." [Racked]

You could be allergic to gel manicures. [refinery29]

I tried intermittent fasting for two weeks. [PureWow]

Exercise can't save us. [Forbes]

Are these chip flavors delicious or disgusting? [Business Insider]

Charlottesville revisited. [BuzzFeed]

Fruit Loops cereal straws are coming back. [Spoon University]

5 cheap-ish things for every dorm room. [The New York Times]

Omarosa Manigault Newman's tell-all memoir is already stirring up controversies and it hasn't even been released yet. A number of media outlets have reported some of the book's claims— one of which has haunted President Trump since he announced he was running for office: a tape of him using the N-word during filming for NBC's The Apprentice. Newman starred on the show before joining Trump's White House as an aide, only to be fired after a year. She discussed the tape, while also releasing one of her own, on Sunday's Meet the Press. 

In Unhinged: An Insider’s Account of the Trump White House, Newman merely describes hearing about the N-word tape. But she told NBC's Chuck Todd that after the book went to press, she was able to actually listen to it. "I have heard for two years that [the video] existed, and once I heard it for myself, it was confirmed, what I feared the most: That Donald Trump is a con and has been masquerading as someone who is actually open to engaging with diverse communities," Newman said. 

She continued, "But when he talks that way, the way he did on this tape, it confirmed that he is truly a racist."

According to Newman, the person with the tape is "so afraid because of the forces who are working" to keep it from coming out. Even as members of the Trump administration continue to deny the existence of the tape — White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Newman's entire book is "riddled with lies and false accusations"— Katrina Pierson, the spokesperson for Trump's campaign, has apparently known about it for awhile. "Oh, he said it. It's true," Pierson allegedly said when discussing the tape in front of Newman. 

Though Trump has "said inappropriate things," in Newman's presence, she said he never used the N-word in front of her. However, she doesn't doubt that he's used it to describe her. "Donald Trump talks about everyone behind their back," she said. "I am pretty certain that he's probably said some very derogatory things about me."

Newman cited Trump's recent remark about her as an example. "Yesterday, on this moment before the anniversary of Charlottesville, instead of talking about how it unified the nation, he actually insulted me by calling me a 'low-life,'" she said, referring to Trump's public comment about her on Saturday and the anniversary of the deadly Unite the Right rally in Virginia. "That is a man who is inclined to start racially charged engagement and use race to stir up his base." 

Todd pointed out that Trump has been subject to accusations of racism before, many of which occurred while Newman was campaigning or working for him. "You acknowledged that [Trump] used race to manipulate people. And then you wrote this in December of 2016: 'I am living the American dream because of Donald Trump. Look at my career, the wealth and exposure that I've had: It's very difficult to make the argument that Donald Trump doesn't like black people and black women,'" Todd said. 

Newman recognized her complicity, but also said that she was being used by Trump. "I was like the frog in the hot water. You don't know that you're in that situation until it just keeps bubbling and bubbling," she said. "But what I know now, I didn't have the benefit of in 2003, or 2004, or 2010. And so yes, it is hindsight. But I will say this to you, I was complicit with this White House deceiving this nation."

She continued, "[The White House] continues to deceive this nation by how mentally declined he is, how difficult it is for him to process complex information, how he is not engaged in some of the most important decisions that impacts our country. I was complicit and for that I regret."

Newman told Todd she specifically regrets defending Trump after he condemned "many sides" of Charlottesville. "In fact, I had a blind spot where it came to Donald Trump. I wanted to see the best in him," she said. "And obviously I, I felt miserably. Because after that he gets up and he says that there are good people on both sides, when he should have been denouncing what we saw as, clearly, racist Nazis going against the grain of this country. And it's just really difficult to see that I was so much a part of this. And I accept and I admit that I was."

As for how she departed the administration, Newman said it was "very clear" that she was let go. She then provided an audio recording of what she said is White House chief of staff John Kelly firing her in 2017. In it, the voice Newman claims is Kelly's cites "significant integrity issues" when explaining her dismissal. 

Newman defended her decision to record a conversation in the top-secret Situation Room, where Trump and top officials address major national security crises — and where personal cell phones are banned — by saying, "If I did not have this recording, people would still believe the false story ... that I tried to charge the residence of the White House. And it's a lie. If I didn't have this recording, people would still think I was trying to set off alarms."

She added that she wanted to protect herself "because this is a White House where everybody lies." 

"The president lies to the American people," Newman said. "Sarah Huckabee stands in front of the country and lies every single day. You have to have your own back because otherwise you'll look back and you'll see 17 knives in your back."

During her conversation with Kelly, Newman said the doors to the Situation Room were locked, she wasn't allowed to leave, and she was threatened. She also said that the Trump campaign offered her a job if she would sign a non-disclosure agreement that prevented her from speaking critically about her time with the campaign and the White House. She provided what she claimed were copies of those agreements to Meet the Press. 

Newman will continue her publicity tour for Unhinged this week. 

The 2018 Teen Choice Awards are here! Tonight, the fan-voted awards show will be broadcast live from California's The Forum at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Nick Cannon is set to host, with some help from co-host Lele Pons. 

A ton of celebrities are expected to attend, including Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pratt, Louis Tomlinson, Bryce Dallas Howard, and more. 

Chloë Grace Moretz, Nina Dobrev, Hudson Yang, Chloe Kim, Lauren Jauregui, Red Gerard, Noah Cyrus, Lucy Hale, and Auli’i Cravalho are among those presenting the night's awards. Khalid will reportedly sing a medley of his hits, and Bebe Rexha, Meghan Trainor, Foster the People, and Lauv will each perform a song of their own. Evvie McKinney, the winner of The Four season won, is also set to sing. 

Here's a complete list of the night's nominees, with awards celebrating the best in movies, TV, music, and more:

MOVIES

Choice Action Movie
Avengers: Infinity War
Justice League
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Pacific Rim: Uprising
Tomb Raider

Choice Action Movie Actor
Chris Evans, Avengers: Infinity War
Dylan O’Brien, Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Henry Cavill, Justice League
John Boyega, Pacific Rim: Uprising
Robert Downey Jr., Avengers: Infinity War
Tom Holland, Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Action Movie Actress
Alicia Vikander, Tomb Raider
Amy Adams, Justice League
Elizabeth Olsen, Avengers: Infinity War
Gal Gadot, Justice League
Scarlett Johansson, Avengers: Infinity War
Zoe Saldana, Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Sci-Fi Movie
Black Panther
Blade Runner 2049
Rampage
Ready Player One
Thor: Ragnarok

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actor
Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther
Chris Hemsworth, Thor: Ragnarok
Dwayne Johnson, Rampage
Mark Ruffalo, Thor: Ragnarok
Ryan Gosling, Blade Runner 2049
Tye Sheridan, Ready Player One

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actress
Danai Gurira, Black Panther
Letitia Wright, Black Panther
Lupita Nyong’o, Black Panther
Naomie Harris, Rampage
Olivia Cooke, Ready Player One
Tessa Thompson, Thor: Ragnarok

Choice Fantasy Movie
A Wrinkle in Time
Coco
Peter Rabbit
Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Choice Fantasy Movie Actor
Anthony Gonzalez, Coco
Gael García Bernal, Coco
James Corden, Peter Rabbit
John Boyega, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Mark Hamill, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Oscar Isaac, Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Choice Fantasy Movie Actress
Carrie Fisher, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Daisy Ridley, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Mindy Kaling, A Wrinkle in Time
Oprah Winfrey, A Wrinkle in Time
Reese Witherspoon, A Wrinkle in Time
Storm Reid, A Wrinkle in Time

Choice Drama Movie
A Quiet Place
Midnight Sun
Murder on the Orient Express
The Greatest Showman
Truth or Dare
Wonder

Choice Drama Movie Actor
Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman
Jacob Tremblay, Wonder
Leslie Odom Jr., Murder on the Orient Express
Patrick Schwarzenegger, Midnight Sun
Timothée Chalamet, Lady Bird
Zac Efron, The Greatest Showman

Choice Drama Movie Actress
Bella Thorne, Midnight Sun
Daisy Ridley, Murder on the Orient Express
Julia Roberts, Wonder
Lucy Hale, Truth or Dare
Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird
Zendaya, The Greatest Showman

Choice Comedy Movie
Daddy’s Home 2
I Feel Pretty
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Love, Simon
Overboard
Pitch Perfect 3

Choice Comedy Movie Actor
Dwayne Johnson, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Eugenio Derbez, Overboard
Jack Black, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Kevin Hart, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Mark Wahlberg, Daddy’s Home 2
Will Ferrell, Daddy’s Home 2

Choice Comedy Movie Actress
Amy Schumer, I Feel Pretty
Anna Faris, Overboard
Anna Kendrick, Pitch Perfect 3
Hailee Steinfeld, Pitch Perfect 3
Karen Gillan, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect 3

Choice Movie Villain
Adam Driver, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Aiden Gillen, Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Bill Skarsgård, It
Cate Blanchett, Thor: Ragnarok
Josh Brolin, Avengers: Infinity War
Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther

Choice Breakout Movie Star
Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman
Kelly Marie Tran, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Letitia Wright, Black Panther
Nick Robinson, Love, Simon
Olivia Cooke, Ready Player One
Sophia Lillis, It

Choice Movie Ship
Bella Thorne and Patrick Schwarzenegger, Midnight Sun
Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o, Black Panther
Dylan O’Brien and Kaya Scodelario, Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale, Love, Simon
Sophia Lillis and Jeremy Ray Taylor, It
Zac Efron and Zendaya, The Greatest Showman

Choice Summer Movie
Adrift
Incredibles 2
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Life of the Party
Ocean’s 8
Solo: A Star Wars Story

Choice Summer Movie Actor
Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story
Chris Pratt, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Donald Glover, Solo: A Star Wars Story
Julian Dennison, Deadpool 2
Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool 2
Sam Claflin, Adrift

Choice Summer Movie Actress
Bryce Dallas Howard, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Emilia Clarke, Solo: A Star Wars Story
Melissa McCarthy, Life of the Party
Sandra Bullock, Ocean’s 8
Shailene Woodley, Adrift
Zazie Beetz, Deadpool 2

MOVIES AND TELEVISION

Choice Liplock
Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o, Black Panther
Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana, Avengers: Infinity War
Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart, Riverdale
Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni, Jane the Virgin
Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, Stranger Things
Zac Efron and Zendaya, The Greatest Showman

Choice Hissy Fit
Adam Driver, Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Jack Black, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Joe Keery, Stranger Things
Kevin Hart, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Madelaine Petsch, Riverdale
Mark Ruffalo, Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Scene Stealer
Charlie Heaton, Stranger Things
Katie McGrath, Supergirl
Nick Jonas, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Taika Waititi, Thor: Ragnarok
Tom Hiddleston, Thor: Ragnarok
Vanessa Morgan, Riverdale

TELEVISION

Choice Drama TV Show
Empire
Famous in Love
Riverdale
Star
The Fosters
This is Us

Choice Drama TV Actor
Cole Sprouse, Riverdale
Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor
Jesse Williams, Grey’s Anatomy
Jussie Smollett, Empire
K.J. Apa, Riverdale
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Choice Drama TV Actress
Bella Thorne, Famous in Love
Camila Mendes, Riverdale
Chrissy Metz, This Is Us
Lili Reinhart, Riverdale
Maia Mitchell, The Fosters
Ryan Destiny, Star

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show
iZombie
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Stranger Things
Supernatural
The 100
The Originals

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor
Bob Morley, The 100
Dominic Sherwood, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Finn Wolfhard, Stranger Things
Gaten Matarazzo, Stranger Things
Joseph Morgan, The Originals
Matthew Daddario, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress
Eliza Taylor, The 100
Emeraude Toubia, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Katherine McNamara, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Lana Parrilla, Once Upon a Time
Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Rose McIver, iZombie

Choice Action TV Show
Arrow
Gotham
Lethal Weapon
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Supergirl
The Flash

Choice Action TV Actor
Chris Wood, Supergirl
Damon Wayans, Lethal Weapon
David Mazouz, Gotham
Grant Gustin, The Flash
Lucas Till, MacGyver
Stephen Amell, Arrow

Choice Action TV Actress
Caity Lotz, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
Candice Patton, The Flash
Chloe Bennet, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Danielle Panabaker, The Flash
Emily Bett Rickards, Arrow
Melissa Benoist, Supergirl

Choice Comedy TV Show
Black-ish
Fuller House
Jane the Virgin
Modern Family
The Big Bang Theory
The Good Place

Choice Comedy TV Actor
Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Elias Harger, Fuller House
Hudson Yang, Fresh Off the Boat
Jaime Camil, Jane the Virgin
Rico Rodriguez, Modern Family

Choice Comedy TV Actress
America Ferrera, Superstore
Candace Cameron Bure, Fuller House
Gina Rodriguez, Jane the Virgin
Kristen Bell, The Good Place
Sarah Hyland, Modern Family
Yara Shahidi, Black-ish, Grown-ish

Choice Animated TV Show
Bob’s Burgers
Family Guy
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Rick and Morty
Steven Universe
The Simpsons

Choice Reality TV Show
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Lip Sync Battle
MasterChef Junior
The Four: Battle for Stardom
The Voice
Total Divas

Choice Throwback TV Show
Dawson’s Creek
Friends
Gossip Girl
One Tree Hill
That ’70s Show
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Choice TV Personality
Chrissy Teigen, Lip Sync Battle
Derek Hough, World of Dance
DJ Khaled, The Four: Battle for Stardom
Hailey Baldwin, Drop the Mic
Kelly Clarkson, The Voice
Meghan Trainor, The Four: Battle for Stardom

Choice TV Villain
Anna Hopkins, Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Cameron Monaghan, Gotham
Gabrielle Anwar, Once Upon a Time
Mark Consuelos, Riverdale
Mind Flayer, Stranger Things
Odette Annable, Supergirl

Choice Breakout TV Show
9-1-1
Anne With an E
Black Lightning
On My Block
Siren
The Resident

Choice Breakout TV Star
Iain Armitage, Young Sheldon
Luka Sabbat, Grown–ish
Lyric Ross, This Is Us
Nafessa Williams, Black Lightning
Oliver Stark, 9-1-1
Vanessa Morgan, Riverdale

Choice TV Ship
Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart, Riverdale
Grant Gustin and Candice Patton, The Flash
K.J. Apa and Camila Mendes, Riverdale
Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr., Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments
Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, Stranger Things
Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards, Arrow

Choice Summer TV Show
Beat Shazam
Cobra Kai
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger
So You Think You Can Dance
The Bold Type
Total Bellas

Choice Summer TV Star
Aisha Dee, The Bold Type
Aubrey Joseph, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger
Katie Stevens, The Bold Type
Meghann Fahy, The Bold Type
Olivia Holt, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger
Xolo Maridueña, Cobra Kai

MUSIC

Choice Male Artist
Bruno Mars
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Louis Tomlinson
Niall Horan
Shawn Mendes

Choice Female Artist
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Demi Lovato
Dua Lipa
Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group
5 Seconds of Summer
Fifth Harmony
Florida Georgia Line
Maroon 5
Migos
Why Don’t We

Choice Country Artist
Blake Shelton
Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett

Choice Electronic/Dance Artist
Calvin Harris
Marshmello
Martin Garrix
Steve Aoki
The Chainsmokers
Zedd

Choice Latin Artist
Becky G
CNCO
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
Luis Fonsi
Maluma

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Childish Gambino
Drake
Khalid
Nicki Minaj
Post Malone

Choice Rock Artist
Imagine Dragons
Panic! At the Disco
Paramore
Portugal. The Man
twenty one pilots
X Ambassadors

Choice Song: Female Artist
Ariana Grande, “No Tears Left to Cry”
Camila Cabello, “Havana (feat. Young Thug)”
Demi Lovato, “Sorry Not Sorry”
Dua Lipa, “New Rules”
Halsey, “Bad at Love”
Taylor Swift, “Look What You Made Me Do”

Choice Song: Male Artist
Charlie Puth, “Attention”
Childish Gambino, “This Is America”
Drake, “God’s Plan”
Ed Sheeran, “Perfect”
Justin Timberlake, “Say Something (feat. Chris Stapleton)”
Kendrick Lamar, “Love. (feat. Zacari)”

Choice Song: Group
5 Seconds of Summer, “Youngblood”
Imagine Dragons, “Whatever It Takes”
Maroon 5, “Wait”
Panic! At the Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”
Portugal. The Man, “Feel It Still”
Why Don’t We, “Trust Fund Baby”

Choice Collaboration
Bebe Rexha, “Meant to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line)”
Bruno Mars, Finesse (Remix) [feat. Cardi B]”
Taylor Swift, ” End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran and Future)”
The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar, “Pray for Me”
Zac Efron and Zendaya, “Rewrite the Stars”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, “The Middle”

Choice Pop Song
Ariana Grande, “No Tears Left to Cry”
Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble, “This Is Me”
Meghan Trainor, “No Excuses”
Shawn Mendes, “In My Blood”
Taylor Swift, “Delicate”
Backstreet Boys, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

Choice Country Song
Bebe Rexha, “Meant to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line)”
Brett Young, “Mercy”
Carrie Underwood, “Cry Pretty”
Kane Brown, “Heaven”
Luke Bryan, “Most People Are Good”
Thomas Rhett, “Life Changes”

Choice Electronic/Dance Song
Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, “One Kiss”
Clean Bandit, “Solo (feat. Demi Lovato)”
Marshmello and Anne–Marie, “Friends”
Steve Aoki and Lauren Jauregui, “All Night”
Topic and Ally Brooke, “Perfect”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, “The Middle”

Choice Latin Song
CNCO and Yandel, “Hey DJ”
J Balvin and Willy William, “Mi Gente”
Jennifer Lopez, “Dinero (feat. DJ Khaled and Cardi B)”
Liam Payne and J Balvin, “Familiar”
Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato, “Échame La Culpa”
RedOne, Daddy Yankee, French Montana and Dinah Jane, “Boom Boom”

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song
Bruno Mars, ” Finesse (Remix) [feat. Cardi B]”
Childish Gambino, “This Is America”
Drake, “God’s Plan”
Kendrick Lamar and SZA, “All the Stars”
Khalid and Normani, “Love Lies”
NF, “Let You Down”

Choice Rock/Alternative Song
Alice Merton, “No Roots”
Foster the People, “Sit Next to Me”
Halsey, “Alone (feat. Big Sean and Stefflon Don)”
Imagine Dragons, “Whatever It Takes”
Panic! At the Disco, “High Hopes”
Paramore, “Hard Times”

Choice Breakout Artist
Bazzi
Khalid
Lauv
Logic
Marshmello
SZA

Choice Next Big Thing
Black Pink
Jackson Wang
Jacob Sartorius
MattyBRaps
NCT
Stray

Choice International Artist
Black Pink
BTS
CNCO
EXO
Got7
Super Junior

Choice Summer Song
5 Seconds of Summer, “Youngblood”
Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, “One Kiss”
Drake, “Nice for What”
Liam Payne and J Balvin, “Familiar”
Maroon 5, “Girls Like You (feat. Cardi B)”
Selena Gomez, “Back to You”

Choice Summer Female Artist
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Halsey
Meghan Trainor
Selena Gomez

Choice Summer Male Artist
Charlie Puth
Kane Brown
Liam Payne
Niall Horan
Shawn Mendes
Zayn Malik

Choice Summer Group
5 Seconds of Summer
Dan + Shay
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At the Disco
The Chainsmokers

Choice Summer Tour
Charlie Puth, The Voicenotes Tour
Harry Styles, Live on Tour
Jay–Z and Beyoncé, On the Run II Tour
Kendrick Lamar, SZA and More, The Championship Tour
Niall Horan, Flicker World Tour
Taylor Swift, Reputation Stadium Tour

SPORTS

Choice Male Athlete
Adam Rippon
J.J. Watt
LeBron James
Red Gerard
Shaun White
Stephen Curry

Choice Female Athlete
Chloe Kim
Lindsey Vonn
Mikaela Shiffrin
Mirai Nagasu
Serena Williams
U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team

DIGITAL

Choice Female Web Star
Bethany Mota
Eva Gutowski
Lele Pons
Lilly Singh
Liza Koshy
The Merrell Twins

Choice Male Web Star
Cameron Dallas
Collins Key
Joey Graceffa
Ryan Higa
The Dolan Twins
Tyler Oakley

Choice Comedy Web Star
Collins Key
Lele Pons
Lilly Singh
Liza Koshy
Miranda Sings
The Dolan Twins

Choice Music Web Star
Anitta
Chloe x Halle
Erika Costell
Jack & Jack
Johnny Orlando
Noah Schnacky

Choice Fashion/Beauty Web Star
Dulce Candy
James Charles
Kandee Johnson
Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials)
Shay Mitchell
Zoella

Choice Twit
Anna Kendrick
Chrissy Teigen
Kumail Nanjiani
Mark Hamill
Mindy Kaling
Ryan Reynolds

Choice Instagrammer
Dwayne Johnson
John Mayer
Justin Timberlake
Lucy Hale
Selena Gomez
Will Smith

Choice Snapchatter
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Ethan Dolan
Grayson Dolan
Kendall Jenner
Meghan Trainor

Choice YouTuber
DanTDM
Lele Pons
Lilly Singh
Liza Koshy
The Dolan Twins
The Merrell Twins

Choice Muser
Baby Ariel
Holly H (Holly Horne)
Loren Gray
Mackenzie Ziegler
Sofia Santino
Valentina Schulz

MISCELLANEOUS

Choice Comedian
Ellen DeGeneres
James Corden
Jimmy Fallon
Kevin Hart
Lilly Singh
The Dolan Twins

Choice Style Icon
Blake Lively
Chadwick Boseman
Harry Styles
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
Migos
Zendaya

Choice Female Hottie
Hailey Baldwin
Kendall Jenner
Lauren Jauregui
Olivia Holt
Selena Gomez
Yara Shahidi

Choice Male Hottie
Chadwick Boseman
Chris Hemsworth
Cole Sprouse
Grant Gustin
Shawn Mendes
Zac Efron

Choice Video Game
Fire Emblem Heroes
Fortnite
Overwatch
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Choice Fandom
#BLINKS
#BTSArmy
#CNCOwners
#Directioners
#Harmonizers
#Swifties

Choice Dancer
Cheryl Burke
Derek Hough
Jenna Dewan
Les Twins
Maddie Ziegler
tWitch

Choice Model
Adwoa Aboah
Bella Hadid
Gigi Hadid
Jaden Smith
Kaia Gerber
Romeo Beckham

If you flip through any fashion magazine or scroll through your Instagram feed, you’re bound to come across some sort of makeup advertisement within minutes. Whether it’s Gigi Hadid’s smiling face in her Maybelline campaign, or one of Kylie Jenner’s numerous posts promoting her line of cosmetics, there are so many brands out there to choose from. The problem isn’t finding a brand, it’s finding a brand that works for you – especially when it comes to women of color. Although brands boast about their ability to make your lips pop or give you flawless coverage, often times it doesn’t feel like they offer a broad enough range of products for all skin tones. For women of color, even attempting to buy makeup in the drugstore can become a major ordeal. Luckily, there are some makeup brands that realize makeup isn’t one-size fits all, so here are seven brands that have women of color in mind.

1. Iman Cosmetics

If you can’t trust the makeup products of a world-renowned supermodel, who also happened to break down color barriers in the fashion industry, then who can you trust? Iman has been praised for pioneering cosmetics for women of color. During her career, she was told that black women don’t buy foundation, motivating her to create the perfect foundation for POC. She was among the first cosmetic producers to come out with a BB cream for women with darker skin tones, and her brand, which launched in 1994, is still going strong and provides makeup for Latina, Asian and African-American women. The line includes eye and lip makeup, foundation and skincare products.

2. Milani

Not only does Milani present cosmetics for a variety of skin tones, it’s also super affordable! For any collegiette looking for better lipstick and blush options, this brand has got you covered. Both the lipstick and blush ranges come in shades that work with every skin tone. Milani will be your new drugstore go-to, so you no longer have to wander the aisles looking for the perfect hue.

3. Fashion Fair

The creator of the Ebony Fashion Fair, Eunice W. Johnson, launched this brand, and she got her inspiration from the skin tones at the fashion show itself. That means that this line was created specifically to meet the needs of women of color–a feat that some major brands won’t even attempt to take on. Their foundation is the thing of dreams because not only does it account for ladies with darker skin, but it also does a great job of matching with undertones as well!

Related: 11 Online Makeup Tutorials Actually Good for Women of Color

4. Fenty Beauty

Even those of you who aren't makeup-obsessed should recognize this brand—the introduction of Rihanna's now-beloved cosmetics company was a total gamechanger for makeup that caters to darker skin tones. With a whopping 40 foundation shades, RiRi set the bar for how much effort makeup brands should be putting toward their inclusivity, and ensured that everyone can find their shade.

5. Cover FX

Cover FX has a rep for delivering a natural look for all skin tones, and many POC beauty vloggers like Vicky Logan and Alissa Ashley rave about this brand because it’s so customizable. Its product, Custom Drops, allows women to mix together tinted moisturizer, moisturizer and sunscreen to create a unique blend that perfectly matches their skin tone. This is a brand that is definitely ahead of its time, but we aren’t complaining!

6. Sleek

Now, you might not have heard of this brand, but that’s because it’s based in the UK. Not to worry though – their online store is on point, and once you see the fabulous products you will understand why it’s worth the wait! Sleek’s big sellers are their eyeshadow palette and face contouring kits. The best part about the kit is that it isn’t just offered in one shade. There are light, medium and dark options to encompass as many different skin tones as possible. Anyone and everyone can have a strong contour game with Sleek Cosmetics.

7. Flesh Beauty

Flesh may be the new kid on the block, but don't count it out—also available in 40 shades, the Firm Flesh Stick Foundation is bound to have everyone's perfect shade. The brand was created with inclusivity in mind, with the name signifying that every color of flesh or skin would be accounted for. Plus, it can be more difficult to find stick foundation in diverse ranges, so for you darker-skinned ladies who want fuller, thicker coverage, Flesh is the brand for you.

Although it might not seem like it when you walk into Sephora or the drugstore, there really are so many amazing makeup brands out there that make products that cater to all skin tones. Whether you’re searching the shelves or browsing online, keep these options in mind for products that will give you the makeup selections you deserve.

Tattoos are an exceptional way to make your body into an even more beautiful work of art (because, girl, you’re already fine art). They are an easy way for you to show off what you know and love, whether that’s a corgi or a taco; however, every intellectual girl can find a way to make even the simplest tattoos meaningful. Every intellectual girl is different which is why you deserve a variety of brilliant tattoo designs to choose from before you decide to head down to your local tattoo shop.

While tattoos like dreamcatchers and anchors might be perfect for some girls, others also want to pay homage to their knowledge. Thankfully, we’ve cultivated some unique tattoo ideas for every type of intellectual girl, so you don’t have to worry about getting a generic DNA strand imprinted across your ankle (unless you want one, of course).

Related: Armpit Tattoos Are Officially The New Coolest Tattoo Trend 

1. An awesome tribute to your favorite composer

Like this Tumblr user who got the notes from Fur Elise by Beethoven tattooed on her thigh, any musically-inclined collegiettes should consider getting their favorite stanza somewhere on their body. After all, reading music takes years of patience, practice and skill, and you probably already have a chord in mind from your favorite song. You know, the one that made you realize that music is just more than pretty noise—it’s powerful.

The only con to getting a musical tattoo is that you might end up with that symphony stuck in your head, so you might want to take some time and really think about what song you wouldn't mind getting permanently stuck in your head.

2. A portrait of your role model

There’s nothing more flattering than getting a portrait of someone you admire on your shoulder, even if that person is an archaeologist who died in 1875. Plus it’s an awesome conversation starter. While most people might get annoyed after the eighth time someone asks them, “Is that your grandma on your arm?” you welcome their curiosity. After all, if you’re passionate about their revolutionary mind, you’ll probably love talking about your role model.

3. Get some ink with a double meaning

After all, clever girls are all about getting the most out of their ink. While most tattoos have more than one meaning (beyond "it’s pretty and cool"), it’s time to use your noodle to combine your love for chemistry and cats.

If cats aren't your thing, you could always get a lit AF tattoo of a white wine molecule. How else will anyone know that you aced organic chemistry and you’re the world’s best, albeit unofficial, wine aficionado? We’re sure you’ll be able to come up with your own “corky” idea to combine a few of your interests into one classy tattoo.

4. A quote from your role model

While a portrait of your favorite artist or ecologist might be a bit lavish for your particular taste, you can opt to get a meaningful quote from a person that you look up to. Zoe Strickland, a senior at Western Oregon University, says, “I have a tattoo that says, ‘Remember at any given moment there are a thousand things you can love,’ which is from The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan. I think it's an important sentiment to remember and David Levithan is one of my favorite writers, and for a long time I viewed him as a career idol.”

Quotes from the person who is essential to your career goals is a remarkable way to remind yourself to push yourself and be the boss chick you deserve to be.

5. Your favorite specimen

Whether you’re a medical student, or simply have a healthy (some might say unhealthy, but whatever) obsession with anything related to nature, you should show it off with a tattoo. Personally, I have a couple of my favorite beetles tattooed across my back. No, not The Beatles. Although you might not have a passion for entomology, getting a tattoo that represents your passion is a reminder that will never go out of style.

6. Quotes from your favorite production

While quotes from a specific role model might not be your ideal tattoo, you can easily find a quote that has meaning and pays tribute to an outstanding production or person.

Kayleen Parra-Padron, a senior at Florida International University, explains that while she doesn't brag about her knowledge, she still loves a tattoo that represents herself. “I’m the observant type, and I'm DYING to get ‘Talk less, smile more’ from the musical Hamilton tattooed somewhere on my wrist or behind my neck,” she says. While you could get a quote from your favorite musical that also speaks miles to you, it's important that you pick a quote that you'd be proud to showcase on your skin.

7 . Add some comedy to your skin

We get it, humor and intellect aren't typically synonymous; however, every intellectual girl should be able to poke fun at something (even if that something is themselves). Being a tattoo addict, I also have a tattoo on my knee that says, "bad to the bone joint," to declare to world that I have arthritis find some humor in my disability. Although many people try to cover up their scars with tattoos, any intellectual girl knows that she should celebrate every inch of her body—scars and all. 

It’s up to you whether you want to get a funny paleontology joke tattoo on your hip or you want to make art out of what others might consider a “flaw.”

8. Show your allies some support

Even if you’re heterosexual, any clever gal understands that every type of love and individual needs to be celebrated and supported. Even if you don't want to ink your body with the infamous LGBTQ+ rainbow, there are hundreds of clever designs that will allow you to ink a reminder than love wins.

9. Pay homage to your roots

If you’re passionate about a part of the world you were born in, why not show some pride by getting a tattoo that represents the country or state you grew up in? Although you could get a state bird or flower on your ankle, you could also be an archaeology buff who wants to pay tribute to some of your more distant ancestors, like in the form of the infamous evolution diagram. 

10. A feminist tattoo

Who wouldn't want to represent feminism literally on their sleeve? We get it, not everyone is a feminist, but getting a tattoo that supports a movement or cause that you adamantly believe in says a lot more than a pink pussy hat or any t-shirt.

Zoe explains that she wants to continue getting inked: “I also really want to get a feminist tattoo; to me there's nothing more strong and intelligent than physically proclaiming your stance on something. I'm not sure what I want to get though.”

Regardless of which tattoo design—no matter how tiny—you think is perfect for you, it’s vital that you weigh all of the pros and cons of getting a tattoo. Even if you’re absolutely certain that you want some sort of tattoo, it’s always smart to experiment with custom temporary tattoos to make sure that tattoo is really right for you.

After all, what intellectual girl doesn't plan ahead?

Name: Jordyn Palos
Job Title and Description: CEO, Persona Public Relations, Inc.
College Name: California State University Northridge
Major: Cinema and Television Arts, BA with an emphasis in Electronic Media Management
Website:www.persona-pr.com
Twitter Handle: @personapr
Instagram Handle: @personapr
Facebook Handle: @personapr

When you're in college, you're always perpetually contemplating in an internship is worth it, especially when you could be using that time for your studies (or sleep). However, CEO of Personal Public Relations Jordyn Palos talks about how her first college internship helped her realized public relationship was the person career for her—and how she transformed that initial internship into an empowering career. Beyond her own career experience, Palos has some insightful advice on how college students can get into the industry and how they can hon their passion in a professional application. 

Her Campus: What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Jordyn Palos: Working in publicity there is never a typical day! Every day there is something new happening, from press junkets to photo shoots, pitching and securing press, red carpet events, signing meetings and media training (just to name a few items), and that’s not including the day to day operations of running a bi-coastal company. Luckily, I have a great team of people who help make the business-aspect of my firm come together on a daily basis, so I can spend the bulk of my time being a publicist and working closely with our clientele. 

HC: What is the best part of your job?

JP: I love having a role in building careers — what I have come to realize is that idea applies to my clients and my incredible staff. For my clients, the exhilaration of securing meaningful press that will actually move the needle for them never gets old, it is so rewarding to see them continue to grow.  The beauty of being a business owner is providing jobs to some of the most brilliant and talented people in the PR business, so that is certainly one of the best parts about my job as well.  

HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

JP: My first entry-level job was an internship that I took my senior year of college. I needed an internship to graduate, so I looked on Craigslist for PR firms near me and found a small boutique company looking for an intern, applied, and got the job. I quickly realized that PR might be a long-term career for me, and dumped my heart and soul into everything I did at that company. The owner hired me when I graduated and I stayed there for about four years.

HC: What words of wisdom (well-known quotes, an anecdote from your boss) do you find most valuable?

JP: Wow, this is a tough one. Sometimes I feel like I am a walking fortune cookie, I always have quotes running through my mind!  My mom always told me “work like you are replaceable because you are.” Tough love, right? I always have that in the back of my mind which has definitely helped create an unwavering work ethic throughout my career. Another one I live by is “when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” The entertainment industry is full of all different kinds of people, some you can trust, some you can’t, but no matter what when someone shows me who they are (whether that is through actions, words, or emails) I believe them!  In my office I have a few quotes framed, one of them being “good vibes only” so that’s one I should point out, and of course “work hard & be nice to people.” Can’t get much better than that. 

HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

JP: I have made so many mistakes over the last decade! The trick is to never quit- I think to be successful you have to fail sometimes and learn life lessons along the way. One small mistake I recently made (not ashamed to share this!) I sent out an email to a potential client and had spell-check on, so their name was auto-corrected throughout the entire thing. It was so embarrassing.  I, of course, apologized profusely when I realized what had happened (and still landed the client thank goodness) but I should have slowed down, triple checked everything and then sent the email. Lesson learned: spell check may not always be your friend.   

HC: What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

JP: You know, I have had so many moments where I sit back and think wow I can’t believe I am here.  It is such an honor and privilege to be representing a select list of talent in film and TV today, working award season campaigns, spearheading press nationally and internationally, it really blows my mind that I somehow fell into this crazy job.  Some of my recent favorite moments though have to be waiting backstage at the SAG Awards or Golden Globes watching to see if one of our clients won… I literally can’t sleep before a big show like that. I am probably on pins and needles more than the client, ha! I feel like I have so much more to achieve, many more surreal moments to come, my company is just getting started.

HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

JP: I rarely hire, we are a boutique firm so if I am bringing someone into the company the first thing I look at is experience (pending the job opening) and if they fit into the company culture. In the past I have notoriously hired interns that showed me their work ethic & why they want to be working in publicity; however, over the last few years, I have been more focused on growing the teams we have in NYC and LA & not aggressively hiring.  I usually have a gut feeling if the right person comes along. I also always ask potential hires if they want to do publicity long term, this job is not for the faint of heart.

HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

JP: Top item: network like crazy.  Get to know important people in the media, managers, agents, attorneys, other publicists at networks and studios, photographers, stylists, hair and make-up people, social media experts, basically everyone you can imagine. When people think “publicist” they believe you can make one phone call and make anything happen, so make sure you can deliver (even if the struggle is real… LOL fake it until you make it).  I always say to my staff we are magicians, ha!  If you are starting your own business and you aren’t working 12 to 15-hour days on the regular, then you aren’t putting in enough work. To this day I have been in PR for over a decade and have owned Persona PR for over eight years and I still put in that many hours, and then some.  Hustle, do good work, make connections, and everything else will fall into place. 

HC: What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

JP: I look at the overall design of a resume, if it is easy to navigate and highlights the candidate’s strongest elements I am more likely to put it in a “yes” pile and bring them for an interview.  I also love seeing a cover letter that explains why someone is applying for the job, their passion for PR- anything cookie cutter or not designed specifically for the job listed I will automatically delete. I typically will look at a candidate’s social media pages as well before bringing them in so if they have their LinkedIn account on the resume and some fun items about who they are, (Instagram link to show they love to travel, a food connoisseur, or are a Disney fanatic etc.) that’s always a plus too. I think some companies are a bit more traditional, where I like to see personality. 

Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Counterprotesters Outnumber White Nationalists At Second "Unite The Right" Rally

This weekend marked the one-year anniversary of the violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that left one woman dead and several others injured. The state's governor declared states of emergency throughout Virginia to prepare the National Guard, agencies, and law enforcement officials for any repeated events or another "Unite the Right" rally. The latter occurred on Sunday, but not in Charlottesville, and instead across the street from the White House. The event was organized by Jason Kessler, who helped plan last year's rally. Though his permit application stated that up to 400 people were expected to attend the "white civil rights rally,"CNN reported that a small number of white nationalists were "vastly outnumbered by throngs of counterprotesters." 

Around 3 p.m., Kessler and a few other white nationalists were escorted by police officers from a D.C. subway station to Lafayette Square Park. The group was greeted with shouts of "Nazis go home!" and "Shame! Shame! Shame!" According to CNN, more than 40 anti-racism groups organized their own rallies at the same location to counter the second Unite the Right. 

Anti-racist demonstrators also gathered in Charlottesville. Some marched to the site of Heather Heyer's death to pay their respects. Heyer was the person killed at last year's rally after a suspected neo-Nazi sympathizer drove a car through a crowd of anti-racism protesters. Her mother, Susan Bro, attended and addressed a crowd at the site. "We have a huge racial problem in our city and our country. We have got to fix this, or we'll be right back here in no time," Bro said. 

She continued, "The world went crazy when Heather lost her life, and that's not fair, because so many mothers lose their children every day, and we have to fix that. I don't want other mothers to be in my spot. I don't want other mothers to go through this."

Representative Chris Collins Will Not Seek Re-Election After Insider Trading Charges

Chris Collins, a Republican congressman from New York's 27th district, announced on Saturday that he was suspending his re-election campaign after he was charged in an insider trading case last week. "After extensive discussions with my family and my friends over the last few days, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican Party and President Trump's agenda for me to suspend my campaign for re-election to Congress," Collins said in a statement on Twitter. He added that he'll finish his term, which ends in November. 

According to The Buffalo News, Collins; his son, Cameron Collins; and Stephen Zarsky, the father of Cameron's fiancée, are facing felony charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud and making false statements to FBI agents. All three have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that Collins instructed his son and others to sell off shares of stock in an Australian drug company — that Collins was on the board of — before poor drug trial results went public and caused stocks to plummet. Those involved reportedly avoided losses of $768,600.

In Collins' Twitter statement, he addressed the ongoing investigation. "I will also continue to fight the meritless charges brought against me and I look forward to having my good name cleared of any wrongdoing," he wrote. 

Keith Ellison Denies Recent Claims Of Domestic Abuse

On Sunday, US Representative Keith Ellison, who's also deputy director of the Democratic National Committee and running for Minnesota attorney general, denied recently-surfaced allegations that he abused an ex-girlfriend. According to The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Austin Aslim Monahan made a Facebook post on Saturday night that he watched a video in 2017 of Ellison "dragging" his mom, Karen Monahan, off a bed "as he screamed profanities at her." She confirmed the post in numerous tweets, one of which tagged Ellison. "Every statement he made was true.@keithellison, you know you did that to me. I have given every opportunity to get help and heal. Even now, u r willing to say my son is lying and have me continue to leak more text and info just so others will believe him," Monahan tweeted on Sunday afternoon.

Though Ellison confirmed he dated Monahan, he denied both the abuse allegations and the existence of the video. "Karen and I were in a relationship which ended in 2016, and I still care deeply for her well-being," he said in a statement to The Star-Tribunethrough his campaign. "This video does not exist because I never behaved in this way, and any characterization otherwise is false."

A reporter from The Star Tribune tried to interview Monahan at her apartment on Sunday, but she said she wasn't ready to talk to the media. Austin Monahan told the paper on Saturday night that he "was not in possession of the video," but he stands by what he said in his Facebook post. The Star Tribune did not find any incidents between Monahan and Ellison while searching through court records. 

What to look for...

More backlash from Omarosa's new tell-all memoir about her time working with the Trump administration. Read about some of her claims — like the existence of a tape where Trump can be heard saying the N-word — here. 

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With so many contraceptive options these days, it can be hard to keep up with available choices. That’s why we’re here to make sure you’ve got the information on a weekly option, especially if you want to consider an effective method (when used as directed)* that doesn't need to be taken every day like the pill.

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You apply a new patch to your skin on the same day each week for three weeks, with week 4 being patch-free.  (Yes, it’s that easy!) Just make sure to check Xulane every day to make sure it’s sticking properly, like when you’re getting dressed in the morning.  FYI, the patch must stay on your skin to work properly. Click here to learn more on how to apply the Xulane patch.

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This is not all the information you should read prior to using Xulane. Click here for Full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNING.

Xulane is a registered trademark of Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. The Mylan logo is a registered trademark of Mylan Inc. © 2018 Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved.

XUL-2018-0048

Despite the two having reportedly been in an on-again off-again relationship for years, Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber’s engagement was a huge surprise to everyone. It seemed like the couple was together for a solid second before Bieber popped the question, and the announcement came in the blink of an eye. So I thought it was fair to assume that the actual wedding will come just as fast as the engagement. It won't, though.

It turns out the couple won’t be getting married anytime soon.

A source with “direct knowledge” told TMZ that the couple won’t be having their wedding until next year. The source says that Bieber and Baldwin believe the fact that they’ve committed to each other is the most important thing, not the wedding ceremony itself.

Even though it may seem like the duo rushed into their engagement, another source told TMZ that “Justin's been in love with [Hailey] for a long time, so this didn't just come from out of the blue."

For now, we’ll be happy to just watch their adorable relationship unfold on social media, and patiently wait for their big day.

Long-distance relationships are really difficult and definitely aren’t for everyone. However, when you do decide to embark on that journey with your SO, it’s important to know what you’re getting into and how to do it successfully. Having productive arguments is an essential part of having a healthy relationship because it deepens the level of trust between you and your SO. Obviously you don’t want to be arguing 24/7, but just because fights are unavoidable, they don’t necessarily have to be painful.

1. Be transparent and direct in communication

Couples in long distance relationships often let small details slip through the cracks to avoid arguments, but this can ultimately lead to more unnecessary arguing and misunderstanding. Jay Hurt, author of The 9 Tenets of a Successful Relationship, recommends being transparent instead. “Transparency encourages a deeper level of trust,” he says. “Communication adds clarity so go to the point of over communicating. Be crystal clear on both people’s expectations and intentions and how to move forward. Communicating in this way enhances trust in each other.”

In addition to being transparent, it is also extremely important to be direct. Dr. Ish Major, host of We TV's Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars, says being very clear and direct in communication is key to solving an issue.

“The direct approach is the best and most healthy way to handle an argument in a long-distance or any relationship," he says. "Communication is always the big issue in relationships; in a long-distance relationship the chances for misinformation and miscommunication is magnified times 10!”

His method for working through an argument has three steps. “So in this case, you have to do everything you can to cut down on the chances for any miscommunication. Do not wait, that only increases your chances for more false scenarios and hurt feelings that may or may not be warranted. Pick up the phone, dial the number, talk, don’t text, follow this protocol:

1. Tell them what he did wrong,
2. Tell them how it made you feel,
3. Tell them what to do to fix it.

The end. You brought the situation some much needed clarity and now you can make an informed decision about staying in this relationship and moving forward.”

2. Pause and figure out the underlying issue

Sometimes it can feel like the arguments that are happening in a long-distance relationship are petty and can even leave one person—or both­—feeling like they don’t know why exactly they’re fighting at all. Both Hurt and Dr. Ish say that constant petty arguments often signify a deeper issue.

Dr. Ish explains, “When couples constantly argue about little things, that tells me they have much bigger problems. If you’re taking every opportunity to find fault with the person you’re with, that means you’re not very happy with them. Don’t confuse the issue. Take a step back and ask yourself this one important question: ‘What else could this mean?’ This question will honestly save every relationship you’ll ever have! Ask yourself, ‘Am I really this upset about him being late or rude or insensitive or the way he dresses or his wandering eye or is there a much bigger elephant in the room?’”

Hurt agrees, saying, “Petty arguments are a symptom of a deeper issue. Be considerate of the other person’s feelings and what they’re going through. What’s going on with them? Try to see through the other person’s lens to better understand the situation.”

Molly Crum, a James Madison University graduate, says, “I was in a long-distance relationship for two summers with my boyfriend. I recommend getting to the root of the cause of the argument. For example, are you really mad that he took an hour to text you back, or is it that you’re feeling neglected, under appreciated, need more communication, etc.?”

It might be that neither of you even know why you’re actually fighting, so you might need to take a step back to examine your true feelings.

3. Don’t give up on each other

Sometimes arguments lead to ending a relationship, but they don’t always have to. You made the decision to be in a long distance relationship because you love your SO and made a commitment to them. Dr. Ish suggests the three rules of engagement when arguing.

“1. One team: Realize that you’re both on the same team and want the same thing…to make each other happy. Attack the issue, not each other.

2. One topic: Only fight about one thing at a time. Couples have a tendency to bring EVERY unresolved issue from their past into every argument and nothing ever gets resolved and it’s frankly a dirty way to fight. Stay focused on the one issue and you have a much better chance of actually resolving the issue.

3. Stay in the game: This is critical for a long-distance couple because it’s easy to either get off the phone or stop texting until things ‘cool off.' But when you come back, the issue is still there; unresolved. Stay in the game long enough to reach some sort of resolution where you both feel okay about moving past it or simply agreeing to disagree for the moment.”

Indiana University graduate Sarah McDaniel says, “From my experience, trying to resolve the problem as soon as it arises, and preferably not in texting form, is the best way to handle arguments. I spent a semester studying abroad and my then boyfriend (now fiancé) found that things went much smoother when we took the time to FaceTime or call to work it out, rather than having angry, passive-aggressive texting conversations all day!”

Always remember why you got into the relationship in the first place. You and your partner have so much love for each other and that’s not worth throwing it all away over an argument when you’re miles away. It’s okay to miss each other and be upset about it but try to think about the next time you’ll see each other and how great that will be. Stay positive and hopeful, and consistently remind each other how much you love each other. Arguments will become much easier and your relationship will thrive!