Bruce Jenner's gradual change in appearance has been quite the topic of discussion these past few months. Now, a source close to the Kardashian-Jenner clan is confirming that he is transitioning into a woman and will likely document his experience in the months to come. 

"He is finally happy and his family is accepting of what he's doing," the source told PEOPLE Magazine. "He's in such a great space. That's why it's the perfect time to do something like this."

The former Olympian's physical appearance has been discussed widely for several years now, but since his separation from Kris Jenner, Bruce has been the target of multiple rumors on the subject of his alleged desire to become a woman. Just last month In Touch Weekly published an issue with a Photoshopped image of Jenner wearing makeup and women's clothing on the cover with the headline, "Bruce's Story: My Life As a Woman." Not surprisingly, the magazine received a large amount of criticism, with some social media users and LGBTQ+ advocates claiming that In Touch's decision to publish the cover was distasteful. 

While there is no official confirmation, there is still speculation that a docu-series featuring Bruce's transition is in the works, and Us Magazine is reporting that he'll be sitting down with Diane Sawyer to discuss the transformation. To add to the rumors, when asked about Bruce during her appearance on Entertainment Tonight, Kim Kardashian reportedly hinted at his transition by claiming this is the happiest she's ever seen him. 

"I think everyone goes through things in life, and I think that story and what Bruce is going through, I think he'll share whenever the time is right," she said. 

Whether Bruce is actually transitioning or whether he's simply making changes to his appearance based on what his personal preferences are (regardless of gender!), we support him 100 percent and are glad to hear he's in a good place!

Let’s just take a second to appreciate all the less-than-perfect Valentine’s Days we’ve experienced (cue montage of pints of ice cream, cuddling with cats and anxiety over V-Day gifts) and then make a promise to ourselves that this year will be better. All it takes is a little planning, some creativity and a lot of heart to have a Valentine’s Day you’ll both remember – and deserve! Use some of these 13 ideas or get inspired by them to make Valentine’s Day 2015 seem straight out of a romantic comedy for you and your partner.

1. Have breakfast in bed

If you’re a foodie, make your partner breakfast!Waffles with fruit and whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberries and blueberry pancakes are all great picks, and you can also make a gourmet cup of coffee with whipped cream and peppermint shavings. Making them food = guaranteed partner points.

2. Attend a romantic poetry reading or acoustic show

Bre, a collegiette from Mount Holyoke College, recommends that you “take them to see their favorite queer-lady spoken-word poet and/or acoustic singer.” Check out the local coffee shop scene and see if there are any spoken-word or acoustic shows around. Having intense conversations with your partner is always sexy, so a thought-provoking show will totally ramp up the romance.

3. Personalize mugs and get your chocolate fix

Decorate mugs with Sharpies, make cocoa and curl up with your favorite movie! You could even write down some of your favorite romantic memories from the past year on your mugs and make it a tradition, so that in a couple of years you’ll have a full-blown mug collection. You could also write down all the things that you love about your partner on the mug and trade so that they’ll get a nice self-confidence boost throughout the year. Go all out on the Valentine’s Day theme for the mugs, and you’ll have a tangible way to remember how adorable you were on V-Day!

4. Explore your city

Make a scavenger hunt for them in your city and tag along. Don’t be afraid of going to places you haven’t before – sometimes the museums, parks or flea markets that you just see as part of your city’s landscape make the best date ideas. Make sure to keep a notepad full of the places that you think you would both like. It’ll make you see your city in another light and give you date ideas for the rest of the year, too!

5. Visit an animal shelter

Who doesn’t like puppy or kitten cuddles? Plus, it’s beyond fun to see your cutie hanging out with an adorable fuzzy friend! Just be careful you don’t get too attached to the fuzzy friends, or you could end up bringing back a very long-term Valentine’s Day gift (or, if you’re in a position to take care of the pet, why not have a new member of the family?).

6. Learn how to massage

 Take a massage class together and use your newfound skills later that night. You could either find a studio that offers couple’s massage classes in your area, or, if you’re not near a city, you could take an online class. The start of spring semester is stressful enough, what with internship searching and acclimating to your new classes, so this will give you a chance to really relax around each other!

7. See a sunset or sunrise

If you’re on the East Coast, make it an early morning and have a Valentine’s Day breakfast while watching the sunrise. If you’re on the West Coast, have a picnic dinner while you watch the sunset. It’s a classic for a reason – it’ll be beautiful, and you’ll have lots of time to talk!

8. Put it in writing

Get a deck of cards and write something you love about your partner, potential date ideas or IOUs on each one. There will be a card for every week of the year, which they can put up around their dorm room. Extra points if you play a heated game of war with the cards!

9. Take a weekend away

Explore your region for the weekend! Book a train ticket to your nearest city and see the sights. Getting a change of scenery will definitely heighten the romance.

10. Leave little love notes

If you’re unable to spend the day with your partner, hide a bunch of conversation hearts, Polaroids or love notes where you know they’ll find them! You can write memories from throughout the year, date ideas for when you’re not apart or your favorite things about your relationship. You can also even write letters in envelopes for your partner to open in certain situations (like when they need to know you love them or when they’re having a bad day). Love notes remind your partner how much you care about them in a simple yet meaningful way.

11. Choose some nighttime wear

Go to a lingerie store and pick out something for the other to wear the night of Valentine’s Day. This can be funny, sexy or, ideally, a little of both. Remember to keep your partner’s body type in mind when you’re picking stuff out, though – you want to make them feel as sexy as possible!

Lingerie doesn’t have to just be for women, though. If your partner identifies as non-binary, make sure to pick out lingerie options that aren’t strictly feminine.

12. Frolic in the snow

Have a snowball fight! Running around the snow is an easy way to get some exercise in, and you know what they say: Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy and happy people just don’t have bad Valentine’s Days! Loser plans the next date.

13. Build a fort

Make a blanket fort with fuzzy blankets and your laptop inside and watch a movie! The lighting will be cozy, you’ll be cuddling and romance will be in the air.

As fun as Valentine’s Day is, though, you don’t need an excuse to be romantic. Surprise your partner with some of these ideas throughout 2015 (not just on Valentine’s Day!), and love will be in the air all year long!

Between the permanent closures of C.Wonder and Kate Spade Saturday, it's been a sad few weeks for the world of fashion, and unfortunately, the bad news doesn't end there: Piperlime will also be closing its doors for good too. The closure includes both its online boutique and its Manhattan brick-and-mortar, which just opened in 2012.

The online retailer, owned by Gap Inc., is best known for it's chic boutique vibe, thanks to its large selection of trendy clothing, shoes and accessories. In the nine years Piperlime has been open, it has featured brands ranging from Levi's to Marc by Marc Jacobs. Fashion mavens like Olivia Palermo and Rachel Zoe have even graced the online shop as guest fashion editors.

E! reports that Piperlime's profits account for less than one percent of Gap Inc's total revenue, so it shouldn't be a total shock that the retailer wasn't able to stay afloat in such a competitive online shopping market. But just because Piperlime is going belly under doesn't mean the rest of Gap Inc. is headed in a downward spiral. The S&P 500 company still holds ownership of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, which leaves it in a pretty strong position, at least in terms of retail fashion for the masses.

Though the news is disappointing, don't get all that sad yet because the NY Daily News reports that retailer isn't shutting down fully until April, so get those cute spring pieces now before it's too late! (We're sensing a few last minute sales.)

As you make your summer plans, you’re faced with a decision: Do you fulfill your wanderlust dreams, traveling and taking it easy? Or do you get serious and score some professional experience for your resume? We ask: Why choose? We want to have our cake and eat it too, obviously. The solution: Intern abroad this summer!

Interning abroad can seem super daunting; it’s hard enough to figure out where to live and how to find housing, and harder still to find the perfect internship for you – where do you even start, and how do you convince a foreign company to take you on? That’s where The Intern Group comes in; it’s the fast track to the best internship (and the best summer) any ambitious collegiette could ask for! Find out why you should intern abroad (and how to make those dreams a reality):

1. You’ll gain unparalleled professional experience

The easiest way to stand out from the crowd when you’re hunting for a job after college: have something amazing, unique and unforgettable on your resume! Internships abroad are one-of-a-kind, and they show you went the extra mile with your professional development – not only did you hone your skills in a world-class company, but you also sought out and succeeded in an all-new, challenging environment (something employers will swoon over).

With the Intern Group, you can apply directly and then be placed at a top company in the industry of your dreams in London, Hong Kong, Madrid, Australia or Latin America. Check out their offerings – with over 1,000 partner company relationships that regularly host their participants, they can find the best internships for every person in all these fields:

• Architecture
• Art & Design – example company: Proud Galleries in London 
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship
• Fashion – example company: Paolita in London 
• Finance: – example company: Franklin Templeton in Hong Kong 
• Government & Politics – example organization: The Colombian Government in Colombia 
• Hospitality, Events & Tourism – example organization: The Pan International Events Management Company in Melbourne 
• HR & Talent Management
• International Business
• Information Technology
• Journalism & Media – example company: Guidepost Magazine in Madrid
• Law
• Medical Electives & Public Health
• NGOs/Nonprofits – example company: TECHO in Colombia 
• PR & Marketing – example company: Quintessentially in London
• Real Estate
• Theater & Music

No matter which field you intern in, you can score professional development through leadership workshops, specialized training and other perks!

2. You’ll experience a new culture

Whether you’ve already studied abroad or have yet to, you know that one of the biggest benefits of the experience (and one of the reasons why it also looks awesome on a resume), is that allows you to see the world, your work and yourself from completely different perspectives.

Capitalize on cultural experiences

Take advantage of cultural offerings in the area set up by your program! The Intern Group experience in London, for instance, includes excursions to the theater, traditional afternoon tea, trips to iconic tourist destinations, a guided cruise of the River Thames and more, meaning you’ll soak up all the local flavor and learn about the people and places around you. Plus, you’ll get to spend your free time exploring your city, chilling out in the sunshine and eating all the national treats you can get your hands on.

Opt to live in a homestay

There’s no better way to get to know a new culture than to live right in the midst of it! You have the option of living in a shared apartment with other interns or student housing, but you can also live with a local family in Colombia or London. Opportunities like these make the difference between traveling abroad and living abroad; you’ll never experience anything like it anywhere else.

3. You’ll make friends and networking connections

A friend a day keeps homesickness away! The best way to make the most of interning abroad (and traveling abroad in general) is to get to know the people around you so you feel at home wherever you are. Programs that organize internships, housing, group activities and the like let you make friends you otherwise would never have met in a foreign city, so you’ll have brand-new besties to make all those memories with.

Bonus: Some of the most valuable connections you’ll make while you’re abroad are networking connections, so take advantage of your time surrounded by ambitious people! Whether they’re your peers in the program or your superiors in the office, these new acquaintances could give your career the jump-start it needs to land you the perfect position down the road. Stay in touch!

4. You could learn a new language

Internships are all about gaining professional experience, networking and learning more about what you love (and what you don’t), but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up some life skills on the side while you’re at it. By interning abroad, you’ll be able to learn a brand-new language or advance in one you already know. Language study opens up new doors and makes you stand out even more in the professional world, so why not brush up on some business Chinese or conversational Spanish for the summer?

5. You’ll have the travel experience of a lifetime

The most obvious reason to intern abroad? Obviously it’s the opportunity our wanderlust was waiting for – exploring a brand-new place and gaining world-class experience you could never find so close to home. Think of the pastries, the Insta opportunities and, best of all, #lifegoals you’ll be checking off in one single summer! Having our cake and eating it too never tasted so sweet.

Ready to take the plunge and intern overseas? Apply now to The Intern Group to score your spot in the program and find the internship you’ve been waiting for!

You rise and don't shine at an unreasonable hour because, as a single girl, there's not much to look forward to on Valentine's Day.

On the bright side, you don't have to slave away in the kitchen cooking breakfast in bed for anyone.

But that also means you don't have anyone to cook you a fancy breakfast. Packaged food it is.

Things could be worse. Pop-Tarts still taste pretty darn good at 11 a.m., so you tell yourself that you don’t need a man to enjoy the day.

You walk to your afternoon class seeing people with heart-shaped balloons and bouquets of roses, but you act completely unfazed.

Sure, it’s sad that you aren’t receiving any gifts, but it also means you're not spending a bunch of money on a significant other.

Even when you seclude yourself in your room, you can't seem to escape the onslaught of public displays of affection. Facebook is the worst culprit, with its never-ending feed of lovey-dovey relationship statuses.

But as much as you try to play the "happily single" role, there is a part of you that's like:

And your loneliness hits you like a ton of bricks.

But your bitterness toward the couple-centric holiday eases up when one of your best friends surprises you with a Valentine's gift.

Because as much as you wanted to hate today, her kind gesture gives you a tornado of mixed emotions.

The twisted look on your face makes her say,

To which you reply,

The two of you decide to make the best of things by planning a girls' night later with your other single friends.

But really, the occasion is just an excuse to consume an unhealthy amount of chocolate...

...as well as gossip and vent about your respective boy problems...

...and drink wine from a box, like the classy ladies you are.

It sounds like a winning game plan to everyone in attendance.

After an evening with great company and indulgent food, you decide that spending Valentine's Day as a single woman isn't all that bad.

But you warn your friends that your opinion may change when the chocolate runs out.

Dartmouth University, an Ivy League in New Hampshire, announced on January 29, 2015, that it would be banning hard liquor on campus and overhauling its famed Greek system.

The social scene at Dartmouth has long been led by the Greek system, a monopoly that was immortalized in the 1978 cult film Animal House. Recently, though, the university has pushed for stricter policies on the Greek system: “pledging” is no longer allowed and houses are required to have faculty advisers of both sexes.

Dartmouth’s ban came in the wake of the conviction of former Vanderbilt football players of gang rape and the statistics that link heavy consumption of alcohol with high-risk behaviors, as well as a greater incidence of violence on college campuses. Many other institutions have set limitations on alcohol: Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby have all established rules about hard alcohol in general and Stanford, Colgate, and Swarthmore no longer allow liquor in certain areas of campus or at specific events.

The university's ban on any liquor that holds 15 percent or more alcohol will begin on March 30. Dr. Philip Hanlon, Dartmouth’s president, has also said that there will be more severe penalties for those who provide alcohol to minors, though they haven’t yet been quantified.

Though the ban will cover campus territory, there are concerns that the school's party culture won’t be significantly changed by the new rules. For example, as the New York Times explains, “Pennsylvania State University has a fairly strict alcohol policy…yet it is routinely rated as one of the most raucous party schools in the country.” However, Penn State is in an extremely urban area as opposed to Dartmouth’s quiet neighboring town of Hanover.

Jake Rascoff, a senior at Dartmouth, says that the ban“will increase the incidence of surreptitious binge drinking and increase the risk of binge drinking off campus, which will lead to drunk driving.” Catherine Donahoe, the social chairwoman of Kappa Delta Epsilon says that if she “were to design the policy, it’d be pushing alcohol into the open so that it’s as visible as possible.”

While current students appear to have mixed feelings about the abolishment of hard liquor, Dr. Hanlon has stated that "organizations that choose not to fulfill these higher standards will not be a part of our community...and if the Greek system as a whole does not engage in meaningful, lasting reform, we will revisit its continuation on our campus." The very existence of Dartmouth's iconic Greek life could be at stake with these new rules, and according to a recent survey of alumnae and members of the community, perhaps this change of Greek and community culture would be well received.

In addition to banning hard liquor, Dr. Hanlon announced a new social system that will be implemented in the fall. Incoming students will be placed in dorms that have been sorted into communities. The communities will hold large social events and have faculty advisors; the idea is to have these communities serve as an alternative to those who don’t want to be part of the Greek system at Dartmouth.

If your purse looks anything like ours, there's not a whole lot of room for a massive makeup bag filled with everything from eyeliner to multiple makeup brushes to help with reapplication throughout the day. And yet, there's nothing worse than realizing you've smudged your makeup and are in need of an emergency midday makeup re-do! We're telling you now to leave your products at home, collegiettes—these setters and primers guarantee long-lasting, always-fresh makeup looks. 

1. Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray ($30)

As collegiettes we always want to shine, but maybe not on our foreheads. This mist goes on after makeup application to control oil and keep your face from shining in the least desirable sense of the word. 

2. Clinique Lash Building Primer ($15)

This moisturizing primer is triple threat: it extends the wear of your favorite mascara while conditioning and mending dry lashes.

3. e.l.f. Studio Eye Primer & Liner Sealer ($3)

Sometimes being two-faced is a good thing! Okay… maybe only in the case of this double-duty primer and sealer. One side primes your liner and shadow while the other turns any eye shadow into liquid liner.

4. Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder ($34)

Brush this baby on over your makeup to set your foundation and mattify the surface of your skin.

5. NYX Lip Primer ($7)

Choose from two sheer shades to enhance the texture and color of your lipstick, stain, or gloss. 

6. Benefit the POREfessional ($31)

Apply this anywhere you see pores or lines to smooth the surface of your skin under or over your makeup. With Vitamin E in the formula, the POREfessional helps protect your skin from free radicals.

7. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($25)

To avoid having to reapply your eyeshadow, use this deep-sea extract and mineral-infused base; it keep the color vibrant and in place all day.

With these smart tools at your disposal, you'll never have to worry about your makeup wearing down or smudging again!

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

My boyfriend and I have been dating for over four years now, and he won't go any further with me. He always talks about how he wants to stay with me for a long time and settle down, but if he does, why won't he step it up? We've hit third base (I only ever gave, never received), and it’s just come to a standstill. He's afraid of our relationship changing, but I don't think it will. Can you try explaining his reasoning, or is there any way I can change his mind? –Sick of Being Patient in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania,

Take a seat and get comfortable, because I currently find myself in the awkward position of having to deliver some not-so-awesome news.

If you find yourself at a standstill after four years of being together, I think maybe you need to take a break… or just break up completely.

Talk is cheap. It’s nice to hear someone say they want to be with you forever, but that only goes so far when you’ve been together for so long. And four years? That’s a good chunk of time. When it comes to stepping it up and settling down with someone, you’re usually looking for actual, tangible progress. You’re looking for proof that this person wants to be with you, and words don’t really constitute as proof these days.

Your sex life — or apparent lack thereof — isn’t and shouldn’t be your main concern. A fair amount of couples wait until marriage to round the bases. That said, while it isn’t a main concern, the fact that he hasn’t done much of anything to, err, “return the favor” tells me that he doesn’t care about your satisfaction as much as he does his own, and that’s selfish. If he’s so reluctant to do things like that for you in bed, I think it’s safe to assume that he’ll be just as reluctant when you go all the way.

I’m not sure I understand his viewpoint on your relationship changing. Relationships change all the time. People mature and develop new interests constantly, and if a relationship stays the same over a long period of time, it becomes stagnant. Stagnancy isn’t healthy. In order for a couple to grow together, there needs to be development.

But, for whatever reason, things are at a standstill. Maybe it’s a lack of passion, maybe it’s a lack of communication, maybe you two are growing apart or maybe it’s a mixture of all these things. That’s totally normal, especially in college. People and their interests change over time, so I can’t guarantee that he feels the same way about you now as he did when you two first started dating.

I can explain different possibilities behind his thought process until sunrise, but as far as telling you how to actually change his mind? You need to communicate your concerns with him. Otherwise the two of you are going to continue living in a relatively passionless relationship until the pressure reaches a boiling point. By then, someone’s heart is going to get broken. Right now, it sounds like both of you are bored with the relationship, and it sounds like only one of you is willing to make the effort to fix it. You have to talk it out with him.

That’s the only way to find out what he’s thinking and why he’s thinking that way. Tell him you need to see more action on his part. Tell him that you feel unappreciated or unsatisfied. Tell him that there’s a clear lack of passion in your relationship, and see if you two can come up with a way to fire things up again.

Here’s the thing, though: If he feeds you the same lines as he’s done in the past, you need to decide if that’s something you can settle with. Since you’re asking me? I wouldn’t. If you hear the same story, drop him. People can talk the talk all day long, but this guy needs to walk the walk. He needs to prove his worth. You need to decide how much BS you can put up with, and after four years, I really wouldn’t blame you if you decided to move on from a passionless relationship.

We're all guilty of the occasionally shameless selfie. And while we try to create a spontaneous glimpse into our everyday life, in reality we spend way too long adjusting ourselves to make sure we get the perfect shot. The “effortless” selfie takes a lot more effort than we like to admit. Here are every girl’s thoughts while taking a selfie.

1. Ew, did I really walk around looking like this today?

2. Since when is my nose so huge?

3. Lighting on my face or from the side or from behind? The possibilities are endless.

4. Okay, the lighting is perfect here, but will people notice the cat poster in the background?

5. Well, if I put my hair up I’m showing off my neck, but having my hair down makes me look somewhat mysterious…

6. Is it overkill to do my hair just for this picture?

7. No. Never. Do it for the selfie.

8. Do I smile? Smirk? Wink? Stay straight-faced?

9. Okay, definitely not straight-faced. I look like I want to kill someone. Struggles of chronic resting bitch face.

10. Hair is the perfect volume, teeth look super white... *takes picture*

11. Ugh, why does it look like I'm about to sneeze? Maybe I should tilt my head a bit... *takes picture*

12. Dear God, it looks like I'm some kind of freak-show contortionist. Natural is probably best. *takes picture*

13. I. Am. A. Creature. Please tell me it's something wrong with my camera, not me.

14. How much of a close-up should this be? Like, cleavage or nah?

15. What filter should I use? Should I even use a filter? Is that trying too hard?

16. *One hour later* Yes, this is perfect!

Caption: "I woke up like this."

For most users, the pathologically addictive flirting-dating-hookup app is merely a game, a guilty pleasure that allows you to flirt or hook up with little effort whatsoever. Yet, after Tinder’s initial buzz and intrigue of simply and sexy flirtation wears off, you inevitably engage in the oh-so loathsome redundancy of swiping away practically every potential suitor that comes up on your radar.

But what if you are a user who simply cannot avoid being swiped away? Max, the anonymous (and mononymous) love guru and self-proclaimed "Tinder expert," seeks to save his fellow male users from this constant viral rejection in his new eBook, Tinder for Experts: How to stop losing hot matches, wasting time, & getting nowhere. The guidebook, Max tells Business Insider, is based on “accredited seduction psychology” and is sponsored and supported by and is sponsored by Tinder Advisor. And now might just be the perfect time to release the book—next month, Tinder is releasing "Tinder Plus," a paid version of the app that will offer extra features like an undo button and the ability to widen your search beyond your geographical location.

The very idea of a Tinder advice book brings to mind lists of pick-up lines and selfie tips. “From the very beginning of my ebook, I state that I have internalised literature written by pick-up artists,” Max stated in an interview. “Their advice helped me get over my fear of talking to women and to develop a charming personality in my early adult life… Naturally, when explaining how to properly use Tinder, I build upon concepts often first defined by pick-up artists.” Max adamantly denies all claims that his book can be read as such. Rather, he hopes to be a wingman guardian angel for fellow male users, to save other men time and embarrassment while trying to find a date or hookup. Tinder, he explained, provides the Average Joe user with an opportunity to "attract quality women they might not have dared approach in real life."

Though the manual, if you will, is catered towards men, Max’s advice could prove to be enlightening and informative for female users, or entertaining— at the very least. After all, we are the ultimate targets of Max’s Tinder strategies. The book offers over 100 pages of tips and tricks to find love or a good night on the app, including (sometimes misogynistic) gems such as The Sweetheart Principle:

“Be the ‘absolute biggest sweetheart.’ I am talking about Ryan Gosling in The Notebook. The guy who can do no wrong and was brought up to do anything for a woman…This is the guy that all women dream about, but would never actually be attracted to in reality…Don’t forget, once you finally do meet her, Ryan Gosling needs to turn into James Bond if you want to avoid a wedding and, instead, guide her seamlessly into your bed.”

Max also fully supports sending dirty photos to prospects via Tinder Moments and cites various incidents in which such tactics have been highly successful. 

While Max’s understanding of how to seduce women might be a little (or very) misled here, it does generally condemn the inappropriate objectification of women online. He said, “Tinder is a superficial game…I adamantly discourage such behavior.” He suggests, “To outwit other men, you need to be open to getting to know the woman and having her discover your attractive personality. Women are very sought after on Tinder, they will usually not waste a minute on a guy that treats them disrespectfully.”

Here's some more on what Max has to say, in case you need to be schooled on Tinder (or are just for your viewing pleasure):

Make the best profile. Your Tinder ID is not like your Facebook profile pic. Avoid photos that that are unclear, are taken with a group of people, or that make you look like you take yourself too seriously. Instead, choose a photo that’s genuine. Bonus points if it reflects your interests or personal style (of course, without falling into what Max refers to as the “d**chebag trap”). Similarly, have fun and be honest with your overall profile; don’t try to be someone you aren’t. Max also recommends that you have your friends objectively rate your profile in order to ensure that you present yourself most successfully—would they date you?

Don't be too open-minded or too picky. If you’re serious about finding a date on Tinder, Max suggests that you “[increase] the range incrementally”: that is, don’t swipe “yes” to every attractive or interesting person you meet, but on the other hand, don’t be too picky, either. “This will make you prioritize your energy on the ones closest with the highest chance of success.” Max advises his readers to “be honest” with themselves and says “it's not realistic to only right-swipe models.”

And on that note…You can’t judge a user by his/her profile. You get someone’s name and number. What’s the first thing you do? Facebook stalk them, of course. We’ve all been there. While Max may put a bit too much emphasis on background research (like using Facebook or LinkedIn to double and triple check prospects), his overall message that a silly Tinder profile is not enough to actually know if someone is a catch or not.

Once you have a match—to chat or not to chat? In this section, Max details when it is appropriate or advantageous to check in: the Tinder “prime-times.” Specifically, Max divides these periods into the increments of Monday to Thursday, 7-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 3-9 p.m., and Sunday 4-11 p.m. Yet, each time zone has a different connotation; in other words, if you’re on the prowl, Sunday morning is probably not the best time for you.

Don't be too aggressive. While Tinder is often stigmatized as a platform for finding booty calls, you should not approach every person you match with as a sexual conquest.  Take the time to actually talk to the person and learn about their personality and interests before you, well, proposition them. Ease into the mega flirtation.

What do you think, collegiettes? Will this guide suddenly make Tinder the ultimate destination for eligible bachelors you'd actually want to date?

The college applications are in, transcripts are sent and now it’s time to wait. Or, you could go the extra mile and do an interview with an admissions counselor or alumnus!

College interviews are a chance for admissions officers to get to know you on a more personal level; after all, they can only learn so much from your GPA! In order to shine during your interview, avoid these eight common college interview mistakes.

1. Don’t memorize your responses

If you’re nervous, it can be tempting to try to prepare your answers before an important interview. And while it’s always good to prepare, you want to make sure your responses don’t sound memorized and robotic. You may think of the interview as an intimidating Q&A in which an admissions counselor is peppering you with scary questions, but it’s meant to be more of a conversation.

“I never approach an interview with a laundry list of questions, but [I] try to tailor each discussion to be just that, a conversation that focuses on the student,” says Emily Anding, the assistant director of admission at Colorado College. Instead of memorizing answers to questions you think the interviewer will ask, do some light preparation and be ready to have a discussion about yourself and your goals.

Do a little research and some brainstorming for what might come up in the interview. Take a look at the college’s website and refresh your memory on the school and why you’re interested in it. Come prepared with some topics or questions you have, but there’s no need to prepare your answers in full!

2. Don’t underdress

We know this isn’t a job interview, but dressing nicely is just as important in a professional college interview! Just because this interview may not seem as “real” as a job interview doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be dressing up for it. Switch out those jeans and sneakers for a pencil skirt and flats.

Make sure you’re dressing appropriately. If your favorite blouse shows a little skin, you may want to skip it and go with a more conservative sweater. You want to impress the interviewer with your knowledge and achievements, so don’t distract them with your casual or inappropriate clothing choices!

As pre-collegiettes, it’s understandable that your closet may not be fully equipped with professional work wear, but have no fear! It’s most important to look clean, crisp and appropriate – even if that means skipping a blazer and pumps. Pair some dress pants with a nice, ironed blouse or a pencil skirt with a fancier cardigan. As long as you make the effort to look appropriate and professional, you’ll fit right in!

3. Don’t bring your parents in

Again, interviews can be a pretty intimidating experience, but we promise that sitting down with an admissions counselor isn’t scary enough to warrant bringing your parents in. College is the time to be completely independent, and dragging your mom into the room with you shows that you’re anything but ready for the freedom that comes with a college experience.

“Leave your parents in the waiting room, and make sure your parents know they will not be joining you in the interview,” says Mike Perron, dean of admissions at Becker College. “There will be plenty of time for the counselor to meet with the family after the interview, but the interview is a time for the prospective student and counselor to meet privately.”

4. Don't leave your cell on

We’re all using technology these days, but there’s a time and place for everything. Teenagers are notorious for being glued to their devices, so don’t give yourself a bad rap by leaving your cell on during the interview.

Switch your cell off and stick it in your bag for the interview so that it doesn’t interrupt you. Or, even better, hand it off to your parents.

5. Don’t ask obvious questions

The college application process can be a learning experience of sorts, but a college interview isn’t exactly the time to be asking what majors the school offers. It’s important to have a back-and-forth conversation with the interviewer, so don’t be afraid to ask questions – just make sure they aren’t the ones you should already know the answer to.

“Do your research,” Perron says. “You should not come to an interview asking basic questions, [like the] size of college, what majors do you have, [etc.]. This research should have done beforehand.”

Do your basic research before the interview and think of some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer that you wouldn’t be able to find out online or in a brochure. Ask about the experiences of students that are in the field you’re looking to go into or what sort of opportunities the college offers outside of academics. Try to tailor the questions to your interests and goals – it shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re truly interested in the school.

6. Don’t be shy

If the interviewer just wanted a yes or no answer, he or she could’ve sent you the questions over email! While you shouldn’t blab on to the point at which your answers become irrelevant, it’s important not to refrain from sharing. The interviewer doesn’t just want one-word answers to his or her questions; he or she is trying to get to know you.

Keep the conversation going by elaborating on your answer. For example, if the interviewer asks you about a position you held in an extracurricular group, talk about why you liked your role, what you did and what you learned from it. The interviewer can only know so much about you from your application, so this is your time to elaborate and impress him or her.

Janine, a collegiette who interviewed with a representative from Cornell, says that it’s important to participate in the conversation. “Just be yourself, and don’t be afraid to brag a little bit!” she says. If you start feeling shy, remember that this meeting exists so the interviewer can get to know you, so you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about talking about yourself!

7. Don’t be apathetic

Even if the school you’re interviewing at isn’t your top choice, you should be enthusiastic about speaking with your interviewer. Just because the college may not be your favorite doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it your all. If you show your interviewer that you’re excited about the school, he or she will be more inclined to keep the discussion going. You never know – you might learn something that changes your impression of the college entirely and realize it’s a great fit for you!

Be enthusiastic about your answers and show that you’re interested in the prospect of attending the school you’re interviewing for. Answer the questions with authority and a smile, and prepare some questions for your interviewer that will show your interest. Consider bringing up tidbits about the school that really impress you, and ask your interviewer to elaborate on them. It shows that you’re interested in the qualities that are unique to this school!

8. Don’t forget to follow up

As with any interview, it’s extremely important to follow up after a meeting with a college admissions rep. Interviewers probably visit with multiple students per day, so stand out as one of the good ones by following up with a thoughtful thank-you letter.

Within the next week after the interview (the sooner the better!) either handwrite a note or send an email thanking your interviewer for their time. Say that you appreciate him or her taking time out of his or her day to talk with you and educate you about the school. Be sure to show your interest in the college and your gratitude for their consideration. The more tailored and genuine your letter, the better!

The college interview is another step in the application process that lets admissions counselors get to know you better. And since it’s just you and your interviewer, it’s your time to shine! Make sure to avoid these common college interview mistakes and make the best of your one-on-one time!

Single ladies, this one's for you! Instead of stressing about your relationship status or watching The Notebook with a box of tissues, make a date with your couch and one (or all) of these feel-good chick flicks this Valentine's Day. 

1. Pretty Woman (1990)

This film has all of the ingredients of a modern-day fairy tale, and we never get tired of watching Julia Roberts get the princess treatment from Richard Gere.  

Memorable quote:  “I want the fairy tale.”

2. Easy A (2010)

As the ever-sassy and hilarious Olive Penderghast, Emma Stone reminds us why we love her so much. It's The Scarlet Letter for the 21st century (but, unlike in your English class, you'll actually pay attention this time around!).

Memorable quote: “I want John Cusack holding a boom box outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawn mower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an '80s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason.”

3. Clueless (1995)

Clueless isn't just a '90s chick flick; it's the'90s chick flick. Fabulous outfits? Check. Witty dialogue? Check. Adorable, young Paul Rudd? Check. 

Memorable quote: “Searching for a boy in high school is as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie."

4. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

When all else fails, we can always turn to this classic Audrey Hepburn film that makes us want to be a glamorous New York City socialite.  

Memorable quote: “People do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.”

5. The Princess Diaries (2001)

If only we could all find out that we’re secretly the princess of a foreign country! Plus, this film has one of the greatest makeovers of all time.

Memorable quote: “Because you saw me when I was invisible." 

6. 27 Dresses (2008) 

If you’ve been in love with someone who doesn’t know you exist or had to listen to a friend gush about a guy while you’re feeling like you’re going to be #foreveralone, you can definitely sympathize with Katherine Heigl’s character!

Memorable quote: "Get over here."

7. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Everything about the movie is an ultimate mood-booster! It’s the perfect blend of funny and heartwarming.

Memorable quote: "Even though some of you are pretty thin, I think that you all have fat hearts."

8. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) 

Ryan Gosling. SHIRTLESS Ryan Gosling. Need we say anything else?

Memorable quote: "I will never stop trying, because when you find the one, you never give up."

9. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

It’s hard to not want to get up and dance along with Jennifer Garner to “Thriller,” and the '80s flashbacks are priceless.

Memorable quote: “Love is a battlefield.”

10. She's the Man (2006)

Amanda Bynes kills it as a dude in this hilarious movie, which features a hot, soccer-playing Channing Tatum. Yes, please!

Memorable quote: “Heels are a male invention designed to make a woman's butt look smaller. And to make it harder for them to run away."

11. Bridesmaids (2011) 

With Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Maya Rudolph, this movie is guaranteed to have you cracking up from beginning to end.

Memorable quote: “I don't associate with people that blame the world for their problems. Because you're your problem, and you're also your solution."

12. John Tucker Must Die (2006) 

You have to love a movie about three scheming girls getting sweet revenge on the guy who cheated on all of them. And props to Penn Badgley for somehow still looking good while rocking that hairdo!

Memorable quote: “I wish it could be simple, like a retro pop song: 'I want you to want me.' Boom, end of story, we all live happily ever after.”

13. Mean Girls (2004) 

No chick flick list would be complete without Mean Girls, our generation's favorite movie to quote. How many times have we watched pre-rehab LiLo take on the Plastics? THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST.

Memorable quote: “Calling somebody else fat won't make you any skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn't make you any smarter."

You do a simple search for "contouring" and you get more information than your brain can possibly process. If you're like me, you're searching through post after endless post just trying to find one article that fits your face shape, and more importantly, your skin tone. But have no fear, because I am going to walk you through this process. This how-to guide will brighten and slim your face in just a few quick minutes. 

Before we start off, here's a before picture; no makeup or moisturizer. My face is freshly washed:

1. Start off with foundation

Putting on foundation is an important step; it gives you a base for everything to blend flawlessly on. 

Products used:

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Truffle, $37
• MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance, $41
• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, $9

2. Conceal

Depending on your problem areas, this step can be skipped, but I do recommend applying concealer to the corners of your mouth to make them more defined. And don't forget under your eyes whether you have dark circles or not because it never hurts to brighten up your face!

Products used:

• Simply Vera Vera Wang Illuminating Concealer in 204, $19.50 (You can only buy this product at Kohls, in store!)
• Ecotools Full Eye Shadow Brush for the concealer, $4 (I like using fluffy eyeshadow brushes to get a more airbrushed look to my concealer.)

3. Highlight

The key trick here is to hit the places that light would naturally highlight. There are 7 important places to get:

• Nose bridge
• Side of nose/under your eyes
• Top of cheek bones
• Temple
• Chin
• Cupid's bow

And to define, make sure to hit above your brows and under where you will be contouring.

After your foundation, use a liquid highlighter and apply short dashes on the areas you're highlighting. Make sure to do one part at a time, and pat the highlighter in with your brush, so that it blends in seamlessly.

Products used:

• Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Ben in Honey Glow, $38
• Ecotools Full Eye Shadow Brush, $4 (Just as with the concealer, I love the airbrushed effect with the brush.) 

4. Shimmer

We all love a bit of shimmer. The trick, though, is finding the perfect shimmer that doesn't overpower our faces in terms of how pigmented and glimmery it is. The perfect product to use? Bronzer. You can use any brush, but I prefer contouring brushes. Apply product to your cheek bones, down your nose bridge, and on the center of your forehead; but make sure to pat away any excess powder when applying to your forehead so that you don't end up looking like you put glitter on your face. You'll achieve a "barely there" glow that will have you coming back for more.

Products used:

• Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzer in Maldives, $28
• Real Techniques Setting Brush, $8

5. Contour

Those important places to highlight that I talked about earlier? We are going to contour around them. You can use whatever medium you prefer, but I like using an eyeshadow powder to give me the definition I need while still looking pretty natural. 

Apply the powder under your cheeks (here is where I like to suck in my cheeks so that I get the hollows of my face): 

Your chin line (not including your chin):

And above your temples (making sure to blend into your hairline):

Using a small concealer brush, apply the powder to the sides of your nose and blend. Make sure to contour all down the side of the nose, almost like you're tracing it. This will make your nose bridge look more prominent:

For added definition, use your highlighter and apply a line underneath the contour and blend downwards:

Products used:

• Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in No. 85 Coffee Break, $13
• Real Techniques Detailer Brush (found in the Core Collection Set for $18)
• Real Techniques Contour Brush (also found in the Core Collection Set for $18)
• Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Ben in Honey Glow, $38
• Ecotools Full Eye Shadow Brush, $4

6. Brighten

The finishing step is to use a blush that mimics a natural flush. The trick here is to get your cheeks and blend outwards to your temple to give your face a mini lift.

Products used:

• NARS Blush in Exhibit A, $30
• Real Techniques Cheek Brush (part of Nic's Picks Makeup Brush Set for $29)

And voilá! Simple and effortless contouring for maximal impact. 

You probably know about the pill, but did you know there are options available that last much longer? To fill you in on these options and their effectiveness, side effects, benefits, risks and more, Her Campus brings you the ultimate guide to long-term birth control!

Why use long-term birth control?

Long-term birth control can be preferable for a variety of reasons. Dr. Sara Rizk, an assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Emory University, says, “The reason these methods work better than the pill is because they, in effect, eliminate user error.” However, due to the fact that none of the long-term forms of birth control (or even the pill) prevent STIs, other precautions, like using condoms, must be taken.

IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)

An IUD is small, T-shaped and made out of a flexible plastic. A doctor inserts the IUD into a woman’s uterus, and, depending on the type of IUD, it can stay in from anywhere to three to 10 years at a time. According to Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, a gynecologist at Coastal Obstetrics & Gynecology, there are two varieties of IUDs in the United States:

Copper IUD - ParaGard

• Over 99 percent effective
• Non-hormonal
• Effective for 10 years

While still made of plastic, this IUD is coated with copper, Dr. Ghofrany says. Most often referred to by its brand name, ParaGard, it can stay in the body and remain effective for 10 years. Dr. Ghofrany says that a specific downside of this type is that there is no effect on hormones, which may make your period heavier and give you more cramps. However, since this IUD is the only non-hormonal birth control, you won’t have to experience the side effects that often come with hormones, such as moodiness and changes in sex drive.

Becca*, a sophomore from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, started using ParaGard two years ago. “Before I got my IUD, I was on the pill,” Becca says. “I never remembered to take it, so I was always scared I was going to get pregnant if I had sex. Part of the reason I got ParaGard was to get rid of that fear. I’m free to do what I want now without worrying.”

Hormonal IUD – Mirena/Skyla

• Over 99 percent effective
• Hormonal
• Effective for three to five years depending on brand

These IUDs are made of plastic and are injected with progestin, a hormone that prevents pregnancy. “This is meant to ‘thin out’ the uterine lining to make very little, if no period,” Dr. Ghofrany says.

Mirena can remain in the body and stay effective for five years, while Skyla lasts for three years. According to Dr. Ghofrany, some patients will report systemic side effects like mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding.

Both types of IUDs

With both of these types, there are shared advantages and disadvantages. “In general, [IUDs] are harder to put in if you haven’t had children because the cervix is less dilated,” Dr. Ghofrany says. Additionally, she says that IUDs don’t prevent STIs, and sometimes, bacteria can lead to a bad pelvic infection by sticking to the IUD, putting you more at risk for these STIs.

On the other hand, the chances of getting pregnant with an IUD are extremely low, with ParaGard, Mirena and Skyla being over 99 percent effective. Dr. Warren Kennedy, an OB/GYN at Hobart Women’s Specialists, says, “Mirena is almost as effective as getting your ‘tubes tied,’ but completely reversible.”

Birth Control Implant

• Ninety-nine percent effective
• Hormonal
• Effective for three years

A birth control implant is a small, flexible plastic implant that is inserted under the skin of the upper part of the arm by a doctor. The implant continually releases progestin, and Dr. Kennedy says it remains effective for three years. Fewer than one out of 100 women a year will become pregnant while using the implant.

Disadvantages vary among women, but according to Dr. Kennedy, you can feel the implant under your skin, which freaks some women out. However, over time, you won’t even notice it. Additionally, “irregular bleeding is relatively common and is the reason most [implants] are removed,” he says.

Although there are two different brands, Nexplanon and Implanon, there aren’t many differences between the two. Unlike Implanon, Nexplanon is radiopaque, meaning the implant itself can be tracked and show up in an X-ray, an ultrasound, on an MRI and a CT scan. The only other difference is that Nexplanon is quicker and easier to insert due to a development with the applicator.

Birth Control Shot

• Ninety-nine percent effective
• Hormonal
• Effective for 12 weeks

The shot goes by its brand name, Depo-Provera, or by the name of the medicine in the shot, DMPA. “The Depo-Provera shot is a progesterone-only shot in a high dose that slowly releases over time,” Dr. Ghofrany says. It’s given to you by your doctor every 12 weeks. She also says that the shot attracts many women because sometimes it causes them to miss their period altogether. This form is highly effective, with fewer than one out of 100 women getting pregnant each year.

One of the biggest problems with this contraceptive is that if side effects do occur, the only choice is to wait it out until the shot wears off in the coming months, according to Dr. Ghofrany. “I have seen women with side effects for over 12 months after an injection,” Dr. Kennedy says. The most common side effects are irregular bleeding and increased hunger, due to the high dose of progesterone. Additionally, out of all the different long-term forms of birth control, the shot is the one most associated with weight gain.

No matter what birth control method you choose, it’s important to know the facts. “The bottom line is, there’s no ‘best’ birth control; just pros and cons to each,” Dr. Ghofrany says.

Talking with your doctor and deciding for yourself what you’re comfortable with is very important. So if you’re looking for something other than the pill, start looking into some of these contraceptives!

*Name has been changed.

Only in the 21st century: February 4 is International Online Friendship Day! This means that now is the time to send all those kissy face, dancing girls and hand holding emojis to your BFFs. We're not going to settle there though—we have an even better way for you to show your bestie your appreciation.

We've partnered up with Skout, the next biggest thing in social media, to give away not one, but two iPad Minis—one for you and one for your best friend! Download the Skout app in iTunes or on Google Play so you can stay in touch with your friends anywhere, anytime—and even grow your social circle no matter where you are in the world. Going to a concert in your college town? Studying abroad in Paris? Skout will help you find new friends in the area. All you have to do to start connecting? Give your device a shake! 

Celebrate Online Friendship Day with Her Campus and Skout—enter below for your chance to win an iPad Mini for you and a friend!

Valentine’s Day can be all about romance, but it can also be about appreciating the love in your life, regardless of where it comes from. For many of us twentysomethings (even if we aren’t single), it’s the roommates, BFFs, parents and childhood friends who mean the most to us, and that’s a fantastic thing.

If your relationship status is single this Valentine’s Day, here are some ideas for spending time  (and sharing the love!) with the people who mean the most in your life.

1. Plan a group outing

Valentine’s Day is a classic date night, so why not plan a fun date night, but with friends instead?

Megan Lawler, a 2014 Illinois State University grad, is spending this February 14 on a stereotypical date to dinner and the movies… with all of her single girlfriends. “We're going to get dinner at a sushi restaurant first, then going to see Fifty Shades of Grey together,” she says. “It’s super stereotypical, but we're all really excited!”

Stereotypical or not, surrounding yourself with your closest girlfriends for a fun evening out is a perfect way to ensure you don’t feel lonely without a boyfriend.

Planning one-on-one time with a close friend can be a great option as well. “My best friend and I went out to dinner together and then went to go see a cheesy rom-com in theatres together,” says Leta Stevens, a 2012 Purdue University graduate. “We went to one of the theatres that serves alcohol and had popcorn, candy and wine, and it was so much fun!”

2. Stay in

Not so stoked about being out in public, surrounded by couples? We get it. If you’re up for playing host, there are a slew of different parties you can plan. Send an email out to all of your single girl friends and encourage them to invite anyone they know who’s also single and without plans. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Girls’ night in: Invite all your friends over and encourage them to show up in yoga pants. Order in and consider letting your friends spend the night so everyone can drink that extra glass of wine. We’d vote for a Gilmore Girls marathon (the love between Rory and Lorelai is truly something to admire), but chick flicks and rom-coms starring your favorite celebrity crush do the trick as well!

Game night: Everyone loves an excuse to play their favorite board games! How will you choose between Taboo, Cards Against Humanity and Trivial Pursuit? Don’t forget about the classics either: Monopoly, Sorry!, Uno and Scrabble are great for smaller groups.

Beer or wine tasting: Ask all your friends to bring a few bottles of their favorite adult beverage, and then have everyone participate in blind taste tests. Guests can vote on their favorite in each category, and the winners get a fun a prize. Did someone say, “10-pound Hershey bar”?

Potluck: Suggest a potluck dinner to your friends, or even just a potluck dessert. Everyone loves an excuse to try new, homemade foods, and you can even encourage everyone to bring their recipes so they can exchange them with your other guests!

Single and ready to mingle: If you have more of a mix of male and female friends, consider hosting a singles’ mixer for all of your friends who are unattached. All you really need are some appetizers, drinks and a good playlist. Everyone will be happy to socialize, but there won’t be a ton of pressure. Who knows—maybe you’ll be playing Cupid without even realizing it!

The anti-love party: If you’re feeling cynical this February, put on your anti-love playlist and warn all your guests they may not mention the names of their exes, the V-word or even the L-word. Set up a Bloody Mary bar, serve skewered appetizers, put out a bowl of black jelly beans and let your friends decorate their own cookies with black icing.

Gift exchange: Secret admirers aren’t just for the holidays! Pick names out of a hat a week or two beforehand, and then exchange as a group so each person goes home with a slew of goodies. Or, plan a white elephant gift exchange—it’s the perfect way to get rid of odd holiday presents!

3. Shower your friends with love

There’s no better way to spread love than by treating and giving gifts to the people in your life who mean the most to you. It harkens back to the days when we had to hand write our names on pre-written Disney princess valentines and put them in everyone’s cubbies—and we kind of love it. Take Megan’s lead: “My friends and I don't necessarily exchange presents, but last year I made them little ‘Single Girls’ Valentine’s Day bags with chocolate and wine in them, and I'm planning on doing something similar this year,” she says. “It’s just a fun way to show you care!”

4. Pamper yourself

Love can also be about splurging on the number-one person in your life: yourself. What better way to pamper yourself than with a spa day? Solo or with a friend, set up an appointment for a massage or a facial.

Not feeling like you can spend the dough? “My roommate and I wanted to pamper ourselves for Valentine’s Day this year, but we didn’t want to splurge on expensive massages. Instead, we’re going to turn our apartment into a mini spa!” says Rebecca Silverman, a University of Arizona grad. “We’re going to light candles, put on relaxing music, do yoga and have a veg-out girls’ day in. We can’t wait!”

Like Rebecca, plan an at-home spa day with a friend! Do your nails and try different face masks, and start watching that show you’ve been meaning to binge-watch.

5. Get in some family time

If you’re in the same city as your family this year, consider spending the evening with them: the truly constant (and unconditional!) loves of your life. Cook dinner for your parents and siblings, then have a game night. Or, if you’re feeling really generous, offer to babysit.  

“My aunt and uncle work so hard and they rarely get a night off or a chance to go out without their kids,” says Andrea Grobman, a University of California, Davis grad. “Since Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean a lot to me, I offered to babysit for them this year. They appreciated the gesture so much, and it’s a chance to bond with my cousins!”

6. Spend the day volunteering

Homeless puppies and kittens need love, too! Volunteer with a local shelter or find other ways to donate your time, such as spending the evening at a senior home. You won’t be alone or wallowing, and you’ll be giving back to the community—it’s a win-win!

Need ideas, or ways to find volunteer gigs? Check out VolunteerMatch.org, a site that lets you pick your interests and causes and helps match you with in-need organizations in your area.

Whether you choose to spend Valentine’s Day pampering yourself, going out with a group of girlfriends or giving back to the community, there are plenty of alternatives to staying cooped up inside your apartment feeling sorry for yourself on February 14. Just because you’re dateless doesn’t mean you’re any less fabulous—just let this Valentine’s Day be an excuse to celebrate all of the incredible love in your life!

As we continue shamelessly watching Chris Soules’ journey to find love on The Bachelor, his habits are starting to become more and more apparent—especially when it comes to conversation. Take, for instance, his resolute silence and emotionless expressions while the ladies gab away about all their issues and hopes for the future. With that in mind, we got to thinking about what is really going on in our Prince Farming’s head as he solidifies his status as a man of very few words and a whole lot of hugs and kisses.

Sexual healing

In the most hushed of tones, Chris made clear to Carly that she didn’t have to undress him during their one-on-one date with a sex guru once she admitted it made her uncomfortable.

What he said: “So am I. So don’t do this.”

What he was thinking: You already have my pants slightly tugged down and now is when you choose to tell me it’s weird. Why is having this sex guru woman watching us any more awkward than the eyes of all of America—including our friends and family?

Marriage material 

Later in the evening, Chris had no problem showing his admiration for Carly. But he definitely left out a pivotal part of this compliment.

What he said: “I think Carly would make the best wife.”

What he was thinking: Just maybe not for me. I mean, can we ever really get past that chocolate covered strawberry moment? It would just be weird every time we encountered fruit, right?

Second time's the charm

After Jordan—who you may or may not remember as one of two very drunk, very blond females this season—returned for a second chance with Chris, he had to let her down gently again, but not without placing partial blame on his remaining gals.

What he said: “I just can’t do this to them. You know? I think the right decision, as a man, is to not let this go any further.”

What he was thinking: I was told by producers to let you stick around to at least stir up some trouble this evening, but I’m no more interested in you now than when I sent you home the first time.

Up, up, and away

Though Chris was fooled by Britt’s effortless—she’s anti-showering for some reason—attempts to look beautiful even at 4:30 a.m., it was Britt who ended up falling for Chris’s deceptions. Hot air balloons aren’t just a typical means of transportation for The Wizard of Oz; they're for rich farmers, too!

What he said: “This is, for me, probably a once in a lifetime experience.”

What he was thinking: Emphasis on “probably” since, if you’ve forgotten, the producers will set me up with one of these any time I want.

Silence is golden

When Chris first responded to the ladies’ endless amount of tragic stories with silence, a hug, and an uncalled for and slightly inappropriate kiss, we didn’t realize it would become a routine. We get it; it’s extremely difficult to hear these tales and maybe we wouldn’t know how to react either, but will he be a reliable shoulder to cry on or a voice of reason and support if he becomes one of these women’s husband? We’re starting to think not.

What he said: Nothing.

What he was thinking: Sanderson Poe has to be the best names I’ve ever heard in my life. And that’s including Kale. 

Even Kelsey's skeptical, and we know she's not the most trustworthy person! 

Do you think Chris needs to work on his conversational skills or should he just stick to kissing? 

The Grammy Awards are the highlight of the year for the music industry, where the best and brightest newcomers and legends alike gather to celebrate, congratulate and appreciate. The event has brought about famous moments, like Lady Gaga hatching out of an egg and Elton John performing with Eminem—the Grammy’s are no stranger to a spectacle. A prime venue for bold ensembles, many iconic looks have debuted at the awards show over the years. Here are the ones we're still talking about.

1. Christina Aguilera, 2001

Wearing Trish Summerville 2 years post-"Genie in a Bottle," Christina has come a long way from those cornrows.

2. Rihanna, 2011

Known for her oft-revealing gowns, Rihanna sports sheer Jean Paul Gaultier in 2011.

3. Alicia Keys, 2002

Alicia Keys goes for a casual hippie vibe by donning scarves and jeans on the red carpet.

4. Cee Lo Green, 2011

Looking like a cross between Big Bird and a parrot, Cee Lo takes home the award for most out-there Grammy's attire. 

5. Madonna, 1999

The legend herself dons a bold red kimono. But it wouldn't be Madonna if there wasn't some patent leather in there.

6. MIA, 2009

A very pregnant MIA won't let that stop her from performing. Black and white polka dots play up her baby bump.

7. Michael Jackson, 1984

Setting the record for most sequins on a suit, the King of Pop never fails to impress. He set another record winning 8 Grammy's that year.

8. Taylor Swift, 2010

Dressing the part of someone about to become the youngest person ever to take home the trophy for Album of the Year (along with 3 other awards), this gown cemented Taylor's transition from country teen idol to global pop star.

9. Toni Braxton, 2001

More than a few jaws dropped when Toni Braxton showed up to accept her award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist in what can hardly even be called a dress.

10. Lady Gaga, 2010

Practically everything Lady Gaga has ever worn becomes iconic, but this particular Armani creation is out of this world.

11. Britney Spears, 2000

The one and only Britney Spears dons a classic all-white dress and shawl, a shift from her normal pop star get-ups.

12. Adele, 2012

The powerhouse vocalist looks sleek and sophisticated in Armani Prive before taking home 6 golden statues that night.

13. Celine Dion, 1993

Celine makes a statement in this provacative black number long before sheer was the norm.

14. Nicki Minaj, 2012

Minaj's red riding hood get-up and controversial religious references became the talk of the town.

15. Beyoncé, 2004

Resembling a golden trophy herself, Queen B was statuesque decked out metallics.

16. Cyndi Lauper, 1984

This outfit may seem crazy, but it's actually quite normal by Cyndi Lauper's standards.

17. Jennifer Lopez, 2000

One of the most iconic looks at maybe any awards show ever. With a down-to-there neckline, this Versace dress is what made J. Lo a household name. She even repeated an updated version of this look at her recent concert in her home town of the Bronx.

Be sure to tune in to this year’s Grammy’s on February 8 for even more stunning outfits!

Every day when you walk out of the house, you’re advertising clothes from your favorite brands. Every time you post an #OOTD on Instagram, you’re showing off more than just a look; you’re showing off that to-die-for chunky sweater from Topshop and that gorgeous ring from Nordstrom – but no one’s paying you to do it. Enter every style influencer and fashion blogger’s dream: a free app called COSIGN lets you earn cash whenever someone buys an item you’ve shown off on social media, and we’re obsessed! Somebody, pinch us!

Your style cred has always been off the charts – now’s your chance to turn that style savvy into serious money! Check out how the app works, and download it for your iPhone or Android – dare you to do it without fainting with happiness!

1. You take a picture of yourself in your favorite outfit (or any other outfit – we’re sure they’re all fabulous!), and then you use the COSIGN app to tag the items you’re repping in the pic – for instance, that beautiful kate spade bag or a flirty KENZO dress.
2. Share it to social media and the “Where can I buy it?” and product information travels with the picture allowing others to immediately purchase.
3. Earn up to 35 percent commission whenever a friend, family or follower clicks through and buys the item!
4. Even views, likes and clicks earn you points on the app that can earn you gift cards, prizes and other rewards!

The best part? You can also use the app to show off (and make money on) beauty products, apartment décor, tech and more – so no matter what it is you want to rep that day, you can make bank on it just by endorsing things you already use and love! Basically, you’re making money just by being you: a talented trendsetter.

Want to learn more about COSIGN, and brush elbows with fellow fashionistas? You’re invited to the app’s launch party at 6 p.m. on February 11^th at Studio Arte (265 West 37^th St, 17^th Floor) in NYC! RSVP by February 10^th to RSVP@COSIGN.CO. Download the app for iPhone or Android now to start earning commission ASAP – wield that style influence!

This year's Super Bowl commercials really delivered—they had us laughing, shedding tears, hugging our dads, and yes, engaging in heated debate. One of the T-Mobile commercials that's causing a huge stir (and no, we're not talking about Kim's selfie PSA) featured comedians Chelsea Handler and Sarah Silverman. In the commercial, the two funny ladies are trying to one-up each another by bragging about how great their cell service is throughout their massive mansions—featuring kale gardens, petting zoos and trophy rooms.

In one of the scenarios shown in the ad, Silverman is delivering a baby in her “underground delivery room,” and as she hands the newborn to its mother, she says, “Sorry, it’s a boy.” Twitter blew up with angry claims that the joke was sexist. Some argue otherwise, saying that it's fine to poke fun at men while we're living in a male-dominated society.

As we're pushing for a society where gender isn't the deciding factor in everything from familial roles to the workplace, we understand the importance of equality on all sides; but we're not totally convinced that this jab can be called out as a sexist one. On the surface, we thought it was pretty funny; but it also brings to light the fact that still, babies in countries across the world are often disposed of because families are seeking to have sons, only proving that society has a long, long way to go. Watch the whole commercial below—and let us know your take!