Dear College Guys,

If your girlfriend has told you how lame and cheesy and commercialized Valentine’s Day is, we promise you she is doing exactly what she did that time you ran into each other in the dining hall after hooking up for the first time: playing it cool. This is the one time we will go on the record for saying this: do not listen to her. Because if you don’t do anything special for her on February 14th, she will take it as a measure of how much you care about the relationship and, by extension, her… (Read: You will be in Taylor Swift We-Are-Never-Ever-Getting-Back-Together kind of trouble.)

Maybe some of you are already cringing, since you equate Valentine’s Day with having someone read Twilight to you, cover to cover. I have three words for you: get over it. I mean, my gosh, we sat through three games of Black Ops with you screaming “Press A!” at us the whole time. Chill out: no one’s asking you to pull a Sweet Home Alabama and rent out Tiffany’s. And only 30 percent of us want you to belt Adele’s “I Won’t Go” in the middle of our dorm courtyard.

What do we want? We want John-Tucker-Must-Die players turned Romeos outside our balconies. We want Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You, serenading us in the stadium bleachers in front of our entire team. We want Ryan Gosling outside our door (shirtless) saying, “Hey girl, I’ve got a hot air balloon and a bottle of champagne waiting for us outside.” Take notes from Madonna, boys, and express yourselves. Write a letter, sing a song, send a blimp. You don’t have to be Prince Charming. You just have to be yourself… but more charming.

Those of you who are thinking about how there’s no balcony outside your girlfriend’s window, how Heath Ledger was way more bad*** as the Joker, or how you can’t afford a hot air balloon, you really needed to read this letter. Use your heads. What does your girlfriend like? What does she always talk about? How and where did you two meet? What kinds of things does she never, ever throw away? You want to know what all this brainstorming adds up to? Romance. Not mass-produced teddy bears with little white “I <3 you” t-shirts romance, but Beyoncé-Drunk-in-Love romance.

So, gentlemen, show up outside of her least favorite class with a bouquet of flowers, make her a soundtrack of all the songs you associate with her, tag her in your Facebook statuses. Suck it up for one day because you’re crazy about her. We promise you can go back to Black Ops tomorrow.

Love,
Her Campus

When you've got naturally curly hair, your life seems to be an epic battle between a frizzy lioness mane and envious cascading waves. You live each day by that #curlyhairstruggle. You cringe when it's humid, you stay far away from brushes, and going to bed with wet hair feels like setting yourself for failure. Never fear curly collegiettes, we've got some gorgeous hairspiration that will help you tame your curls.

1. Triple threat

It looks super complicated, but it's actually not that hard to achieve! Just separate your hair into three sections and braid each loosely. Once you reach the end, start crisscrossing the braids over each other. Be creative. Pin the braids so they overlap, then use elastic to tie them off into one section. Just like that, you've got a super cool, salon-worthy hairstyle. 

2. Retro glam
So it's not a natural look, but it's still cute for a formal occasion. Divide hair at your normal part. Wrap hair around a curling iron, and pin the curls to your scalp. Be sure to wrap the curl around your finger before pinning it so it won't lose its shape. When hair has cooled, give it a spritz with Got2b Kinkier Double Curling Power Amplify Curling Spray Gel ($5.99) to get lasting curls with a bit of shine. 

3. Effortless cool

Short on the sides, fluffly on top! Beachy, wind-blown texture is the perfect compliment to any cropped style. Prep hair with a heat protectant. Wrap small sections of hair around a curling iron. Run your fingers through your waves and give it a little tousle for added texture. Use light hairspray to keep your style in tact all day long. 

4. Braided crown

Let your curls roam free, but keep the strands out of your face with this 'do. A braided crown is a style trick any girl should have in her hairstyle arsenal. You can do two smaller braids and crisscross them to create a hairband effect. Or gather your front section into a large braid for a cool and functional style. Section off as much hair as you want out of your face and braid. Tie off hair with an elastic or pin it off to the side. The choice is yours!

5. Sock bun

This tried and true bun method looks great with curly hair, too! Run a texturing product, like Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream ($4.74), through your hair. Gather hair into sock or bun scrunchie, fold over the sides, and roll it down slowly. You can position your bun on the top of your head for a chic, ballerina bun or try it lower and off to the side.

6. Hairband pile-up

Versatile and easy, this hairstyle lends itself to early a.m. classes and to the office! You can get this look one of two ways. One option is to gather your hair in a ponytail, letting the curls flow. The second option is to gather hair into a messy bun and pin into place. Choose a pretty hairband like H&M 3-Pack of Hairbands ($7.95), and slide them on. Use the end of a rattail comb to pull up hair in between the hairbands. 

7. Romantic up-do

Gorgeous doesn't have to mean a complicated updo! Get this simple style without a lot of hassle. Curl your hair with your preferred method: curling wand, overnight curlers or pin curls. Gather your front section of hair, twist and push it forward. You want just a little volume; think a small scale pompadeur. Pin into place with either bobby pins or a pretty barrette. Give your curls some nourishment with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine ($27.20) and you're all done. 

8. Pumped-up pony

A cool way to rethink your ponytail game! Gather the top section of your hair into a half-ponytail and tie it off. Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail. Arrange your hair so it covers the bottom section—and that's it. Use Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme ($29) to help sculpt your curls. 

9. Waterfall braid

A unique alternative to the french braid, a waterfall braid will spruce up your half-up half-down look. 

Time to embrace those curls—let us know which style is your go-to!

You finally got the courage to talk to that cute guy from your class, and one night at the bar, he made a move. You’re both having fun, but you decide to keep it casual without any real commitment. When your friends ask about him, you respond that you’re “hanging out” and nothing more, and you feel confident in this answer… until February rolls around. That’s when you realize that fun and flirty has the potential to get really awkward.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and friendship, but it’s more commonly known as the Hallmark holiday to get romantic with your SO or drink wine with your best friends. It can be fun whether you’re single or taken, but can be tricky for those of us whose relationship statuses aren’t so clearly defined. If you’re casually seeing someone, Valentine’s Day can get awkward. Here’s HC’s guide for how to handle your casual hook-up on February 14.

You’re not official, so you don’t have to do anything special

The biggest source of your anxiety probably comes from wondering if you have to do something special with your casual hook-up on Valentine’s Day. There’s definitely pressure to be romantic on February 14, but if you’re not official, the experts say celebrating Valentine’s Day together isn’t required.

“A gift would be nice, but definitely not necessary if you’re not in a defined relationship,” says Dr. Ish Major, psychiatrist and dating expert. “You’re not obligated to see each other, get together, go out or even hook up on that day. It’s not a ‘relationship,’ so it’s likely not exclusive.”

If you want to keep things strictly casual with your hook-up, consider doing something else on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s a chick-flick marathon with your girls or pampering yourself with a pedicure. You might be involved with someone, but you’re technically single, so show yourself some love instead!

Small gifts are okay to give

On some level you probably care about your casual hook-up, so if you want to get him or her something small, make sure it’s more funny than romantic.

“If you are not in an official relationship, but see something that reminds you of the person, it is a lovely gesture to give it to him or her,” says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “However, if you want to keep it casual, keep the gift on the light and funny side and under $20. When in doubt, a card is a great way to do something without it being too much.”

Dr. Ish encourages erring on the side of caution so you don’t send the wrong message. “Be careful [with gifts],” he says. “You don’t want to send the wrong message that could change the dynamics of what you have. It’s a balancing act.”

For example, instead of getting your casual hook-up a teddy bear holding a heart that says, “I love you,” give your hook-up some of his or her favorite candy or a funny card. You want to send the message that says, “I care about you” versus, “I’m madly in love with you.” A good rule of thumb: If you would feel uncomfortable getting the gift from your casual hook-up, don’t give it to him or her.

Giving gifts can get potentially awkward, especially if one person doesn’t reciprocate. If you decide to get your casual hook-up a small gift and you don’t receive one in return, don’t take it personally. “Remember the phrase: ‘Nice but not necessary,’” Dr. Ish says. “[The person] you’re hooking up with might be shy about giving gifts for Valentine’s Day because they don’t want to send a too strong of a message. It doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care about you or think less of you; it just means they’re unsure of what, if anything, to do.”

On the flip side, if your casual hook-up gets you something for Valentine’s Day and you’re caught empty-handed, don’t freak out. Instead, stay calm and thank him or her sincerely. “Look him or her in the eye and say, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me!’” Smith says. “Remember: A gift is not given with the expectation of getting.”

Don’t be afraid to talk about Valentine’s Day plans

The best way to avoid awkwardness on Valentine’s Day is to just have a conversation about it. You might feel uncomfortable bringing it up depending on how long you’ve been hooking up or how casual the relationship is, but if you don’t want to keep guessing, bring it up casually without adding any pressure.

“You can say, ‘Hey, I wasn’t planning or expecting anything but I just wanted to double-check. Are we doing anything for Valentine’s Day?’” Dr. Ish suggests. “Keep it casual; keep it light. But do ask. [There are always] expectations or lack thereof, so it’s better to talk about them early than letting the day come and having it turn into something awkward.”

Want something a little subtler? Instead of flat-out asking, make a joke about how over-the-top convenience stores get with the holiday or ask what he or she’s doing that weekend in general (Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, so it won’t be super obvious what you’re getting at). It would get the conversation started so you can gauge how your hook-up feels about the holiday, and then you can decide to make plans or not!

Whether you want to do something for Valentine’s Day or not, talking to your casual hook-up can be a lot easier than trying to guess what will happen on February 14. As long as you’re clear about how you feel and your expectations for Valentine’s Day, you can avoid the awkwardness!

If you find yourself somewhere between “just friends” and “in a relationship” with someone, Valentine’s Day can be a tricky situation. Before you rush to define your casual relationship or end it, keep these tips in mind so you can successfully avoid any awkward encounters on February 14! 

There's always one friend who you know will stand by you through it all. The person who sees you cry, eats pizza with you in the middle of the night and watches reruns of Friends with you. And that is whom we like to call a best friend. It turns out having a nice glass of wine at the end of the day can be a lot like spending the evening with your best friend - here's why!

1. Wine will always understand your money problems. 

We're all broke college students, after all.  

2. You can sit around in your sweatpants with unwashed hair, and wine won’t judge you. 

Drake didn’t realize how bad the “sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on” look can be.

3. Wine will listen to the reasons why you hate someone and agree with you 100 percent. 

Because what kind of best friend wouldn’t?

4. When everyone else is busy, wine will sit in your room and channel surf with you for hours. 

Best friends would rather be alone together. 

5. Wine will never question why you’re still single, because it understands the struggle of finding someone who's relationship material these days. 

“Yes, Grandma, I will have a boyfriend some day.”

6. Wine will never tell you your jokes aren’t funny. 

What do you call a seagull that flies by the bay? A bay-gull! (Get it? Bagel? Totally the next Rebel Wilson, I know). 

7. Wine won’t judge you for drunkenly hooking up with that guy from your class you normally despise.

Because everyone looks better after 2 a.m.

8. When you’re having a mid-life crisis in your twenties, wine will sit and listen to your problems. 

Rule #1 of girl code in any language or culture. 

9. Wine doesn’t care about how you looked in middle school.

Times were tough in 2006. It's not your fault that bejeweled jeans were a thing. 

10. Wine will accept you for who you are.

The good and the bad. 

11. Wine will be there for you when you try a new diet after New Year's. 

A diet with your best friend is supposed to work better, after all!

12. Who else is going to listen to your new favorite song over and over (and over) again with you?

"Shake it off! Shake it off!!"

13. Last but not least, your problems are their problems. 

Things could get a little hairy when you break your favorite corkscrew.

Even if you haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird, you've at least heard of the 1960 bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning classic (which also inspired a 1962 Oscar-winning film). Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, it tells the childhood tale of one Jean Louis ("Scout") Finch, her brother Jem, her friend (and crush) Dill Harris, and most importantly the courageous story of her father Atticus and how he stood up to an entire town for what he believed in, defending a black man despite the high level of racism the town displayed. It is one of the most timeless novels of all time, due mostly in part to its universal themes and lessons (love, family, acceptance/tolerance, and kindness towards humanity).

Whether you were required to read it in school, or just chose to because it's an amazing novel, you'll be thrilled to know that Scout's story is about to be continued. That's right, Harper Lee just announced that she is planning to release a sequel to her bestseller that will detail an adult Scout's return to Maycomb to visit family and old friends. We'll get to see Atticus, Jem and the whole cast of characters one more time, thanks to the recent discovery of an old manuscript entitled Go Set a Watchman.

Written even prior to To Kill A Mockingbird in the mid 1950s, it was the basis for what was to become To Kill A Mockingbird, and was promptly forgotten after the book was published. But it was unearthed, found fit to publish by Harper Lee's friends, and is now in the works for publishing.

Lee, now 88 years old and deaf, blind, and in poor health, nevertheless released a statement detailing her excitement and feeling of gratification for the novel's upcoming release in July. We, too, can't begin to express how excited we are for this one to come out.

"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird," Atticus said to Scout and Jem. Well, we think it would be a sin to miss out on this book!

Rather than brave the Valentine’s Day rush at a fancy-schmancy (read: overpriced) restaurant out on the town, you and your sweetheart have decided to stay at home for a much more personal V-Day dining experience.

While your SO is thrilled that you’ll be cooking up a tasty, home-cooked meal, you’re frantically scrolling through your boards on Pinterest trying to find a recipe quick and easy enough for you not to mess up, but delicious enough that your sweetie will believe that you’re a master in the kitchen.

Have no fear! Here’s an incredibly simple recipe for a perfectly scrumptious Valentine’s Day dinner for two that will make your SO want to kiss the chef.

The Appetizer:Bruschetta

This appetizer is almost universally loved, it's incredibly easy to make and you can eat it with your hands—how sensual!

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette cut into 3/4-inch slices
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the bread with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
2. Combine the drained tomatoes, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper into a small bowl.
3. Take the baguette slices out of the oven. Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the toasted bread. Serve immediately so your SO has something to munch on while you finish the rest of the meal!

The Main Course: Penne alla Vodka

There’s nearly no way to mess this up, and pasta is the perfect romantic dinner for two. It will look gourmet, but it won’t take all day to make. Plus, the luscious pink hue of the sauce is so holiday appropriate.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 quart marinara sauce (San Marzano or Rao’s are both great)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 8 basil leaves, julienned
• 1 pound penne pasta

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chili flakes and cook until it starts to sizzle, about two minutes.
2. Carefully pour in the tomatoes and the vodka. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring consistently, for 10-15 minutes, until reduced.
3. Stir in the cream, Parmesan and half the basil. Cook until the cheese has melted and the whole sauce is a creamy rose color.  
4. In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
5. Toss pasta with sauce until combined. Cook for another minute. Garnish with a few shreds of Parmesan and the remaining basil.

The Dessert: No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

You don’t even have to pull open the oven door for this one! The tart flavor of the cherries along with the sweet, creamy taste of the cheesecake is the perfect (and ridiculously easy) end to your Valentine’s Day feast.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tub of thawed Cool Whip topping
• 1 graham cracker crust (6 ounces)
• 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping.
2. Spoon mixture into crust. Refrigerate 3 hours.
3. Top with cherry pie filling just before serving.

The Grand Finale: Chocolate Kisses

Instead of the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates, whip up a batch of these dangerously delicious drinks to enjoy after your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 shots chocolate liqueur (Godiva’s the best)
• 2 shots crème de cacao
• 1 shot vodka
• 3 ½ shots half and half

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Serve and enjoy!

With the upcoming release of The DUFF quickly approaching, we got an exclusive chance to chat with the some of the stars from the highly anticipated film. In case you've been out of the loop, The DUFF tells the story of Bianca Piper (played by Mae Whitman), a high school student who realizes she's the "designated ugly fat friend" of her group. On the surface, the film is a hilarious high school flick, but on a deeper level it delves into an issue that our society has been plagued by for decades: bullying.

The DUFF's underlying message to viewers was so positively received by anti-bullying advocates that the Mean Stinks! campaign decided to team up with the film's stars. We got to talk with Whitman and her on-screen best friends, played by Bianca Santos and Skyler Samuels, so check out what they had to say!

HC: When it comes to raising awareness about bullying, what do you think is the best message to send to kids?

Bianca: I think it’s super important overall to shift the focus in the conversation about bullying. So for girls and guys who go online, if they see something negative instead of getting involved, focus on the positive thing, write something positive to a friend like, “This is so great, I’m so proud of you.” Or if you see somebody encouraging someone else, that should be celebrated.

HC: As far as a solution to the bullying, should we approach the issue by speaking out against the negativity or building students' self-esteem so they don't need feel the need to bring others down?

Skyler: It's about driving down the negativity, but it's also just as important to empower people to react in a certain way. There's always going to be bullying at a lot of ages. It doesn't end after high school, it can continue into college, so learning how to react is important. Learning to not let comments get to you will, in effect, reduce the amount of bullying. If you're choosing not to react, the person carrying out the bullying will be less inclined to keep going.

Bianca: Yeah, I think that if we celebrate and focus on positivity, the power of negativity will go away.

HC: Some of you said you had experiences in school being bullied. How different do you think bullying is today, considering social media and all of our modes of technology?

Mae: We’re such a society of comparison right now that’s mixed with the idea of technology, which we don’t fully have a grasp on yet. And especially with the Internet, it's easy to sort of feel that your opinion holds water, that’s it's an enticing idea that needs to be heard. Sometimes negativity attracts attention, and makes you feel that putting others down makes you feel better. It’s just a tendency we have to compare and contrast and try to make subjective parameters a reality. None of the stuff matters, especially the need to compartmentalize things so that they can be contained or understood. There’s no guideline or box that can fit anything ever, it’s always up in the air and you’re creating every moment as it’s coming.

HC:The DUFF is a lot about labels, are labels a big part of the issue?

Skyler: I think that labels are only as arbitrary as the word itself. To be a DUFF isn't so much a term or label as it is an idea. Like nerd, dork or jock isn't a term, but an idea that you exist and you're this, you're not that, you should be this. It's not about the label that you carry but more about being able to deflect them and embracing yourself as you are. 

The DUFF will be out in theaters February 20—be sure to check out the film... and take the movie's message to heart!

For someone with a killer resume and on-point interview skills, you probably think you’ve got this job or internship in the bag. There can’t be much more to it than that, right? Wrong. You’ve still got to thank the interviewer!

A lot of us remember writing thank you notes to all of our friends after our birthday parties when we were little, and we still might send one Grandma’s way after she sends us a birthday check. An interview thank you note isn’t much different! Interview thank you notes are quick notes, most often sent by email, that you send to follow up after interviews.

While many of us have heard about sending thank you notes following an interview, they can still be an enigma. How long should you wait to send them? Whom should you send them to? And what do you even write in them?

We talked with Shannon Curtis, the assistant director of Assumption College’s Career Development and Internship Center, as well as Barry Drexler, expert interview coach, to answer any questions you may have about writing the perfect thank you note.

Why are thank you notes important?

You might not think that a simple note could be important, but believe us, it is. According to Curtis, thank you notes are crucial, and for a bunch of different reasons.

“Following up with a well-written thank you note reaffirms your interest in the role and your excitement to be considered for the opportunity,” she says. “It also makes the interviewer think of you after you leave the office.”

Have you ever worried about making a strong impression on an interviewer? What about the number of other candidates for the job? Writing an awesome thank you note is a great way to tell an interviewer why you want this job more than anyone else and why you’ll do it better than anyone else. Thank you notes also show that you respect and value other people’s time, which is always an attractive quality in a prospective employee. By thanking the interviewer for their time, you’re making yourself stand out for understanding the importance of someone’s time.

How long should you wait to send it out?

We know what you’re thinking: Thank you notes do seem important, so after acing your interview, when should you send your thank you note out?

Curtis suggests doing so within a 48-hour period and being conscious of the hiring timeline. You want to make sure your thank you note reminds the interviewer of who you are and how awesome you are, so sending it a day after the interview, when you may have slipped a bit from the interviewer’s mind, is a good idea. Remember that some companies want quick turnaround on the hiring process—you don’t want to send your thank you note after they’ve hired someone else for the position!

If you specifically heard something about the hiring timeline, go off that. For instance, if the company is looking to hire someone within 24 hours, you should definitely get your thank you note out ASAP, according to Curtis.

Because you are being mindful of the hiring timeline, it’s usually safer to stick with email thank you notes. This ensures that the hiring manager will receive your thank you note before the hiring decision is made and that it’s not lost in transit on the way to their office. It’s usually best to send the email out during work hours (between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Not only does this ensure that the hiring manager will see the email as soon as it arrives in his or her inbox, but it will show that you respect the boundary between the interviewer’s work and personal lives.

For a lot of cases, that 48-hour time period provides the perfect time frame to make sure you’re accomplishing both things: reminding the interviewer of your credentials and still getting it to him or her before it might be too late.

Whom should you send it to?

It might seem pretty basic that you’d send your thank you note to the hiring manager who interviewed you, but don’t forget to thank the people who helped you on the way to that interview.

“You should always send a thank you note directly to anyone who has helped you in the interview process,” Curtis says. “If you obtained the interview as a result of networking, thank the person who gave you the connection.”

That’s to say, you should be sending out an email to each individual person who interviewed you. It shouldn’t be a mass email—instead, personalize it. Remember, these people work in the same office and for the same company, and if you send them all an identical thank you note, they’ll know, and it will look completely impersonal and detached. Be sure to make your thank you emails unique to each individual!

Curtis suggests grabbing a business card from each person you talk to on the day of your interview to keep everyone you’ll be writing to straight. This is also a great way to obtain their contact information and to double-check that you have the spellings of their names correct.

Curtis also says that many interviewers ask for feedback from other people within the company, including secretaries, recruiters and anyone else who may have interacted with you throughout the application process. While you probably don’t need to send a thank you email to the secretary who signed you into the building, genuinely thanking him or her in person after he or she helps you is definitely a good idea. You never know who will be talking to the hiring manager, so it’s best to leave the most professional and gracious impression on everyone you encounter.

How much should you talk about yourself and your credentials?

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again—your thank you note is one more chance to remind your interviewer of how great you are! Take this chance and run with it.

This isn’t to say you should regurgitate your resume on your thank you note; the interviewer already has your resume. Instead, touch upon a few of your skills that are really specific to the job you’re applying for.

Drexler suggests you say something like this: “As we discussed, I believe my [specific background] will enable me to contribute to your efforts to [cite key job responsibility]. I’m certain that I will add value quickly and have a significant impact at [company].”

Where he puts “specific background” in brackets, pick out what you think are the best traits you have for this specific job. You could mention your leadership skills from your time in student government or your experience with accounting from your internship last summer. This is your chance to highlight the skills that you have that some of the other candidates may not!

Where he puts “cite key job responsibility” in brackets, choose two or three of the many responsibilities the job listing probably provides you with. Following the interview, choose what you believe is both the most important responsibility of the job and that you feel you can accomplish the best.

How much should you talk about the interview?

Chances are, you’re not the only person applying for this job. You could be one of 10 or one of 100 applicants. Because of this, you need to remind the interviewer of the time you spent with him or her.

“The interviewer might not immediately remember who each candidate is,” Curtis says. “Reminding them about a conversation or something specific that you discussed can be helpful to the interviewer to make the connection.”

If you really hit it off with the interviewer about your passion for the company’s message, mention that conversation. If he or she gave you a really great answer to one of your questions, make sure to mention that you learned a lot about the job and the industry from him or her.

When writing this, you could say something like, “I loved discussing [this common interest] with you. I learned a lot about it, and feel I could learn even more and contribute [skills X,Y and Z] if given this opportunity.” Reiterate to the interviewer that an aspect of the job that came up in your interview is something that excites you and that you want to explore deeper.

What should you avoid writing?

Just like there are tons of things you should do in the thank you note, there are also plenty of things you shouldn’t do. There are the easy things to check for, like checking for proper grammar and spelling, as well as the use of informal language, but Curtis says there are many other practices to be wary of.

“Do not assume that you are moving forward in the interview process or receiving an offer,” she says. “Never discuss salary, benefits or any other compensation.”

Talking about salary and benefits before being offered the job is like asking someone you just met how much she makes at her job; it’s just a distasteful thing to do. It also shows that you’re assuming you’ll be getting the job, which might make the hiring manager think that you’re conceited. Nobody likes the overly presumptuous job candidate, so avoid saying things like, “I’d like to discuss the benefits package that goes along with this job,” or, “I’m open to salary negotiation.”

You don’t need to be sheepish or shy in your thank you note, either! Even if you’re avoiding subjects of compensation and assuming a job offer, you should still express an interest in continuing the application process.

Curtis suggests that you tell the interviewer that you’ll stay in touch with him or her, and that you look forward to hearing back from him or her.

Saying things like, “it was great speaking with you, and I look forward to talking again,” or, “I plan on keeping in touch, and am excited for further correspondence,” to conclude your note is not rude; it actually shows how excited you are for the opportunity and that you are confident that you can contribute something to the company. Close your note by being confident in your own abilities, and you’ll make the interviewer confident in your abilities.

How it should read

With all of this said, what should your thank you note say? It should appear something like this:

“Dear Mr./Ms. [interviewer’s name],

Thank you so much for meeting with me on [indicate date here]. You provided a lot of great information regarding [insert company name here] and [the job position], which makes me even more eager to join your team.

I really enjoyed discussing [insert common interest here]; it was really interesting when you said [insert anecdote here] and it made me think [insert thought here] about the job. [Use this space to connect your common interests to the job for which you’re applying]

As we discussed, I believe I offer [skills A, B and C] to your team. My experiences with [specific background experience] will truly shine in [insert specific job responsibilities here], and I would prove an asset to the company.

Once again, thank you so much for your time and your consideration. I plan on keeping in touch and am excited for further correspondence. As always, you can reach me by the below email and cell phone number.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

When it comes to post-interview thank you notes, the key is to be sincere and enthusiastic. Remind the interviewer of why you’re a great fit for the job, why the company is a good fit for you and why you’re so enthusiastic. If you remember all of that, you’re good to go!

For most collegiettes, the best part of the day is when you get to go home after a long day of classes and… yes, take that bra off. But it doesn’t have to be that way! If underwires, snaps and never-quite-right straps make you squirm, you just haven’t found the right bra.

Well, the search is over! We’ve teamed up with innovative lingerie brand ThirdLove to give away a $500 shopping spree so you can revamp your entire collection of underpinnings with bras that actually fit you right. And how do we know this? ThirdLove’s bras not only come in sizes ranging from AAA to G (seriously, where else can you find that?)—but they also come in half cup sizes, so they practically feel custom made for you. Don’t know your size? They’ve got you covered there, too, thanks to some pretty incredible technology: Their app uses patented computer vision technology to measure you for a bra from the comfort of your own dorm room. Once you’ve got your measurements, you can choose from tons of different styles (many of which you can customize with your favorite colors!) like lacy balconets perfect for Valentine’s Day, wireless bras made for comfort, and our favorite, the ever-versatile 24/7 T-Shirt Bra, made with lightweight memory foam cups and super-soft jersey fabric so you can seriously wear it all day, every day. Believe us, we tried it—and we just might never wear anything else again.

This $500 gift card will get you enough to upgrade your entire lingerie wardrobe—so enter now below for your chance to win!

For years, Beyoncé has dominated the entertainment world with her catchy songs and messages of female empowerment. She’s also known for her fierce figure, which she’s worked hard to maintain. At 33 years old, her post-baby bod is just as flawless as before. If you've ever wondered how in the world she's able to achieve that, you're in luck: Beyoncé has teamed up with her personal trainer, Marco Borges, to create a unique meal plan service called 22 Days Nutrition. 

Why 22 days? Well, the idea behind this program is quite simple. This plan comes from the widespread belief that a person can completely change their dietary habits (for better or for worse) over the course of 3 weeks. By the 22nd day, the person’s eating habits should be transformed entirely. 

After becoming a vegan in 2013 and successfully completing her own 22 day plan with husband Jay Z, Beyoncé is proof that this dietary plan is actually doable. The goal of 22 Days Nutrition is to promote a plant-based diet, while still providing customers with necessary daily nourishment. The vegan service provides an option of 3 different meals delivered to your doorstep, all consisting of foods that are non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and organic. Sounds pretty healthy, right?  So what are you waiting for? Start your “clean eating” detox today! By the 22nd day, you’ll feel like this:

For more information on 22 Days Nutrition (and if you're ready to start your Queen Bey transformation), check out their website!

Learning about your sexual orientation and gender identity can be incredibly empowering, but sometimes the decision to publicize your identity is taken away from you. If you’re outed, your identity was shared without your consent with others. You may feel isolated and betrayed—which are both completely valid responses—but at some point, you’ll have to try to move forward from the betrayal. Here are five ways to process, move forward from being outed and come out even stronger!

1. Know your feelings are valid

Your first reaction when you realize someone has been telling others about your sexual orientation or gender identity could be shock, anger, sadness or anything in between.

Cam, a student at Mount Holyoke College who identifies as nonbinary, explains that being outed by a professor announcing their birth name was absolutely humiliating.

“Having such a vestigial and non-important part of my past identity leave me so exposed was one of the worst experiences I have ever had at college regarding my gender identity,” they say.

Shelby Chestnut, co-director of community organizing and public advocacy at the Anti-Violence Project in New York City, an organization committed to empowering LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals and communities, says, “First and foremost... recognize that being outed is a form of violence.” As such, it’s only natural to feel angry and vulnerable – you were victimized by someone who (intentionally or unintentionally) shared your personal information!

“This is never your fault, and you are not to blame for this,” she says.

2. Talk to the person who outed you

Once you find out who’s been spreading your identity, confront them if you feel safe enough. The damage of being outed could range from your hurt feelings to more serious situations, so it’s vital to find out how public your identity has become. Get in contact with the person who shared your identity without your consent and find out who they told so you’re not completely in the dark about what people know about you. However, if it doesn’t go well or if you feel endangered, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation. Not everyone is going to listen to you, and your safety is always the number one priority.

“For a trans person who might not be out as trans and is passing at school or work, for them being outed can have… greater impact as there is very little [legal] protection,” Chestnut says.

On the other side of the coin, sometimes the outing could have happened in a less aggressive or intentionally negative way — it could even be that the “outer” thought everyone knew about your identity already or that they wanted to make sure your pronouns were being respected.

But even if the outing could have been coming from a very positive place (e.g., letting people know what pronouns to use for someone who identifies as trans), it’s still important to make clear your boundaries about who knows of your identity. Having a frank conversation about expectations of privacy will only strengthen your relationship with this person. It could end up really helping your friend become more sensitive and mindful of others’ boundaries and personal lives!

3. Take this opportunity to educate the person who outed you

You don’t have to educate everyone, but if you feel like investing time, you could stop someone else from being put in this situation. Chestnut advises that allies understand it is never appropriate to out people and that it “is the individual’s choice 100 percent of the time, as only the individual truly knows the impact that outing will have on their life, friends, family, education and employment.”

This could simply be miscommunication about what is and isn’t private, so refer the person who outed you to some resources for how to be a better ally. Be sure to let them know that outing someone could have serious consequences. LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to be physically assaulted, kicked or shoved at school than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Cam has found that people ask follow-up questions so they can learn more about Cam’s identity and how they may respect Cam as a person. People could end up being very receptive and more inclusive of different sexual orientations and gender identities if you took on the responsibility of educating them, but again, you don’t need to shoulder that burden of responsibility. You don’t have to be the spokesperson for everyone who’s LGBTQ+, but you could make a real, fundamental difference if you were in the right headspace to educate!

4. Look on the bright side

Though being outed means that you need to process a lot of emotions, there are parts of it that could end up being positive in your life.

“Things aren’t great family-wise, but I can say that I felt an immense relief once they knew because there were no more secrets,” says Taylor, an alum of Wellesley College who was outed. “Having people find out and be okay with it is liberating. Being outed to people who don’t support you is incredibly rough, but it is also a learning experience.”

Being outed can help you distinguish who your true friends are as well. You don’t want to be around people who won’t support you because of one aspect of your identity, so although the situation wasn’t ideal, at least you can see who are and aren’t the best people with whom to surround yourself.

5. Tap into support networks

If you’re outed, the people who will know best how to help you will be at your campus’s LGBTQ+ resource center. There could be people there who have been outed in the past, who are willing to help your family and friends support you better or who are trained to make sure you’re doing okay after you’ve been put in such a vulnerable position.

There are also tons of communities online you can tap into in order to feel included and embraced in the LGBTQ+ community if you’re having a hard time! Check out some of these wonderful LGBTQ+ vloggers, most of whom host Q&A sessions where they help their viewers through tough times – you could get some really great tips about how to handle being outed!

Nobody has the right to take your voice away from you, and nobody except you has the right to decide who should know your sexual orientation or gender identity. With these five tips in mind, you’ll get through it and possibly end up growing so much from such a hard experience! It feels rough right now, but give it some time, and you will be okay. You’ll come out with a better perspective on yourself and those around you.

The camo trend doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. With designers continuing to come out with new camouflage pieces and incorporating the rugged print into their collections, there are literally thousands of different ways to add a little camo to your wardrobe. If you’re under the misconception that camouflage doesn’t fit your personal style or you aren’t sure how to wear the print with anything you already own, we're here to prove you wrong. 

1. Luxe

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors brown faux fur jacket
$190 - flannels.com
 

 

Dsquared2 torn jeans
tessabit.com
 

 

BCBGMAXAZRIA black leather bootie
lastcall.com
 

 

GiGi New York snakeskin purse
giginewyork.com
 

This outfit is for the girls who love a designer label here and there and don’t mind the occasional spurge on a trendy item. The camo fur jacket featured in this outfit is truly an investment piece that will last a lifetime. Pair it with some distressed jeans, but keep the outfit looking luxe with the black leather booties and clutch.

2. Girly

 

Military fashion
etsy.com
 

 

VIPARO black skirt
$100 - thegrandsocial.com.au
 

 

Forever 21 shoes
forever21.com
 

 

Impulse gemstone necklace
$11 - thehut.com
 

If you love to look super feminine but want to experiment with the camo look, pair the edgy print with super girly pieces. Start with a slightly oversized camo shirt and add a quilted leather skirt, pointed-toe black flats and a glitzy necklace. The two different looks in this one outfit play off each other to accentuate your girly style and the camouflage trend.

3. Sporty

 

Topshop clothing
nordstrom.com
 

 

Mover jersey legging
$130 - net-a-porter.com
 

 

NIKE black flat shoes
barneys.com
 

 

Acrylic beanie
karmaloop.com
 

 

Versace glasses
therealreal.com
 

For all you girls who would rather wear shorts and sneakers than a skirt and heels, this outfit is perfect. The dark green bomber jacket paired with leggings and Nike sneakers makes for a comfortable look using pieces you probably already own. To add a dash of camo to your look, opt for a small accessory like this beanie that. If you want to style the outfit a little more, try a dark red lip and some big shades for some extra sass.

4. Simple

French Connection sleeveless shirt
$12 - frenchconnection.com.au
 

 

7 For All Mankind blue jeans
piperlime.gap.com
 

 

Abercrombie & Fitch camo shoes
abercrombie.com
 

 

H M drawstring bag
$17 - hm.com
 

 

Valentino drop earrings
lanecrawford.com
 

Your style is no fuss, but you want to try a new trend. How do you do it when your go-to look is super minimalistic? Easy! A pair of camo sneakers like these will go with your closet full of basics. Wear them with your everyday skinny jeans, a simple white tank and a small pair of earrings. Finally, add your favorite black bag and you’re good to go.

5. Boho

 

Black shirt
$190 - wolfandbadger.com
 

 

Long skirt
$27 - newlook.com
 

 

Tory Burch flat sandals
couture.zappos.com
 

 

Michael Kors satchel handbag
michaelkors.com
 

 

Fedora hat
amazon.com
 

 

Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses
stylebop.com
 

When you think of camouflage, you probably don’t automatically think of it meshing well with the boho/beachy vibe that East Coasters rock in the summer and West Coasters rock year round. A black maxi skirt and crop top allow all the attention to be on your fabulous camo purse. Since this is a warm weather outfit, accessories like sandals, sunglasses and a floppy hat are essential.

6. Formal

 

Abercrombie Fitch slim shirt
abercrombie.com
 

 

Whistles knee length a line skirt
$91 - whistles.com
 

 

Black heel shoes
$54 - novoshoes.com.au
 

 

Kendra Scott black drop earrings
neimanmarcus.com
 

 

Cateye glasses
mymummadeit.net
 

If you have a nicer luncheon or event to go to, you can still rock camo as long as you have the right pieces. Start off with a camo skirt in a high quality material as the focal point of your look. A high-neck crop top is a nod to the two-piece trend happening right now and is conservative enough to wear to a formal event. Dramatic black earrings and strappy black heels are great additions, as are the cat eye sunglasses.

7. Classic

 

Lucky Brand cable knit sweater
luckybrand.com
 

 

Rag & bone pants
marissacollections.com
 

 

Giuseppe Zanotti loafer
neimanmarcus.com
 

 

Kate Spade satchel handbag
saksfifthavenue.com
 

 

L Erickson bow headband
nordstrom.com
 

For all the preppy girls out there who live for monograms and bows, these camo loafers are the piece you’ve been waiting to add to your wardrobe. Wear them with some of the timeless pieces you own like a classic pair of khakis and a green cable knit sweater. To keep the look true to your style, add a structured black bag and a headband, complete with a cute little bow.

8. Edgy

 

Crop top
karmaloop.com
 

 

Joseph black pants
stylebop.com
 

 

Godiva lace up boots
nordstromrack.com
 

 

Alexander Wang drawstring backpack
bergdorfgoodman.com
 

 

Stud earrings
etsy.com
 

This look is for all you Tumblr-addicted girls who love purple hair and the '90s. If you want to add to your Doc Martens collection, consider this camouflage pair of boots that look just like the name brand, but are a fraction of the cost. Throw on a pair of high-waisted leather pants and a graphic sweatshirt, and add a studded leather backpack and alien earrings for an eccentric touch.

Camo is definitely here to stay. How do you rock the camo trend?

Starbucks lovers, rejoice! The coffee mega-chain announced that it will be offering a coconut milk option starting on February 17th. The coconut milk will cost the same as soy milk, which is 60 cents more than dairy options.

This move comes after a huge customer push for a dairy-free alternative other than soy milk that got more than 84,000 supporters on Starbucks’s customer idea site. Offering coconut milk could differentiate Starbucks from competitors like Dunkin’ Donuts, Peet's Coffee & Tea and smaller, local competitors. The additional vegan and lactose-free option will also help maintain Starbucks' status as the go-to modern coffeeshop.

Before the announcement about the new offering, Starbucks’s menu had about 170,000 possible beverage options. Now that coconut milk has been added to the brew, though, Christine Barone, VP of brewed espresso, says, “we are excited to hear back what further customer and partner customization coconut milk inspires.”

Bringing in coconut milk validates Starbucks’ reputation as a business that’s extremely receptive to its customers’ input. If you think you have the next great idea for the coffee chain, go to MyStarbucksIdea.com and weigh in on the company's next move!  

Out of all 365 days in a year, Valentine’s Day is the one where you really don’t want to screw up. Your girlfriend has anxiously been waiting to nail down a Prince Charming (or at least a guy, in general) to wine and dine her on that special Hallmark day since basically forever. She wants that ah-mazing date planned that she can go back and brag about to her single friends. But just how do you make all that magic possible? Well, you can start by totally, definitely avoiding everything on oureight things not do for your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. After that, the ball’s in your court—good luck, boys!

Plan a boys’ night and invite her to tag along

We get it; you like to bro out—eat wings, watch the big game, and scratch yourself, the usual. But, it’s Valentine’s Day, and you could have literally picked any other day to plan a guys’ night. Rearrange your schedule so that your girlfriend is your number one choice for the day. Once the clock strikes midnight, then you can go off and frolic with your boys. But for 24 hours, you’re all hers. Because let’s be honest, nothing says love and romance quite like an evening spent in front of the big screen with a couple of beers, some poker chips, and an endless trays of nachos. Joke.

Pass out

Whatever you do, please (seriously, we’re begging you) don’t fall asleep. Whether she makes you watch The Notebook for the hundredth time or you’ve had one too many champagne flutes (if you’re 21, of course), make it your ultimate V-Day goal to stay wide awake. Not only will your girlfriend be totally pissed that you couldn’t manage to remain conscious for the entirety of your date, but she may also take a lesson from the books and seek her revenge—a.k.a, looks like the 15th may be filled with a movie marathon of the world’s sappiest love stories and a full body wax… for you.

Dump her or cheat on her

Can’t it wait another day? You’ll literally scar her for life, and forever be known as the guy who stomped on her heart on Hallmark’s most romantic day, ever. Either get it done beforehand, or wait it out until after V-Day to call it quits. It’s just common courtesy.

Surprise her with… nothing!

Girls are complicated, to say the least. They’ll tell you they’re fine when in actuality they want to scream at you for hours on end. But what makes them even trickier? They’ll tell you no gifts, no presents, no surprises: “There’s nothing I really want. Don’t waste your time finding me the perfect present!” Although you may think you’re all clear, news flash, she’s lying. Show your girlfriend that even though she “begged” and “pleaded” for nothing on V-Day, you still made the effort to get her something.

Buy her lingerie without consulting her

Don’t do it because it lands you in an awkward situation. If you get a piece too big, she’ll take it the wrong way—does she look fatter than she thought? And if you get it too small? Well, talk about an uncomfortable situation while she tries to struggle and squeeze her way into it. If you want to spice things up, mention it to her, and hopefully, she’ll come sauntering into the bedroom wearing something hot that also totally fits—or give you pointers on what to get her.

Complain

All the lovey-dovey couples, romantic roses, and heart-warming acts of kindness are bound to get a little old come the end of the night. But, despite all the sappiness surrounding you, don’t complain about it. Don’t gag at the grand gestures, or roll your eyes at the sentimental gifts. You’re not the only one to be annoyed and overwhelmed by it, but don’t let your girlfriend see you sweat. She’s most likely jealous of all those other girls.

Don’t bring her to your usual restaurant

Plan something special, hello! Make your date something out of the ordinary and sweep her off her feet—she won’t know what’s coming and she’ll absolutely love it. But just a little hint: don’t bring her to a place where you have to eat with your hands. We’re all a fan of Medieval Times, crab joints and barbecue restaurants, but save those for a post V-Day celebration. A date that includes licking your hands or having to use a wet-nap? Yeah, no…

Bring along a third wheel

Just because your BFF may be flying solo for the night, doesn’t mean you should invite him to tag along. Not only will it totally crush the evening, but everyone will feel awkward, especially your girlfriend while you obsess over your best friend and his singleness.

Can it be feminist to wear makeup? While many of us never really give a second thought to our concealer-mascara morning routine, we never really question why exactly we feel the need to apply makeup either. The three-minute video from Buzzfeed (below) features two opposite ends of the spectrum: a blonde Barbie waitress who buys $200 eyeliner and her mousy sister, hiding behind oversize spectacles, who picks her pimples and lets them “naturally scab.”

While it seems as though Barbie wins the makeup argument in the video, concluding that she paints her face for herself and not for men, her sister does have a point about the no-makeup thing. Why is it an anomaly when a celebrity posts a no-makeup selfie? We’ve all seen them and the reaction is usually resoundingly positive.

So why don’t we look at ourselves that way? Why do we, for the most part, celebrate seeing celebrities without makeup while criticizing our own flaws?

Personally, I think that I wear makeup for a combination of reasons. For everyday wear, I usually can’t help but to apply concealer below my eyes to create an illusion of a full night’s beauty rest and to make my unsightly red pimples magically disappear. After that, I’ll apply a powder to even out my skin tone, some mascara (because my eyelashes are practically nonexistent) and sometimes I’ll finish with blush.

Now, when I have an event or a party to attend, the routine gets much longer. I add in eyeshadow, eyeliner, bronzer, highlighter, two different mascaras and lipgloss. In this situation, I agree with Barbie. I apply that much makeup because I actually enjoy it. I like matching my eyeshadow to my outfit and playing with different lip colors. In this situation, the same is lame. I like to mix it up!

As for my everyday routine, I think I try to hide my flaws to boost my confidence. I certainly feel much more self-conscious talking to someone when I have a huge, swollen zit in the middle of my face. In this respect, I want people to look at me and listen to what I have to say, rather than be distracted by an ugly sore on my face.

In response to this video, I don't think wearing or not wearing makeup is feminist either way. I think that as long as women are happy and doing what they want and feel comfortable with their bodies, then no one should label them. But inspired by AnnaLynne, Beyoncé and Bar, I've decided to post a no-makeup selfie myself. I encourage you to shed your makeup and do the same!

Imagine you’re grabbing lunch with some friends in the cafeteria. The food actually tastes good for a change, and the conversation is going great. And then one of your guy friends cracks a joke about you making him a sandwich. Not only is the joke totally unoriginal, it’s offensive. You’ve got a choice — you can call him out on his sexist comment or say nothing.

Unfortunately, this is a situation that way too many of us have experienced. It can be difficult to stand up to your friends, and it doesn’t help that feminists have a (usually unjust) reputation of being uptight buzzkills. At the same time, it’s important to stand up for yourself and, in effect, other women.

The good news: Standing up for yourself doesn’t mean you have to alienate your friends! Here are some tips for dealing with everyday sexist comments that’ll turn that awkward moment into a win-win situation.

Speak up

First things first: Resist the temptation to keep quiet. It definitely makes things easier in the short term to resist calling your friends out, especially if you’re shy or like to avoid conflict. However, in these situations, it’s important to rally your confidence and speak up. Julie Zeilinger, author of College 101: A Girl's Guide to Freshman Year, says that you should call out any comment that offends you.

Zeilinger, founder of feminist blog theFbomb.org, says that many sexist comments, such as ones perpetuating double standards, often go under the radar.  

“For example,” Zeilinger says, “the double standard that men should be allowed to (and even congratulated for) being promiscuous, whereas girls are labeled ‘sluts’ and looked down upon for the same behavior, is so ingrained in men and women in our culture that many people don’t even register how problematic comments about it are.”

That’s why when you recognize someone making a comment that reflects this double standard and you call it out, you’re interrupting a harmful, sexist cycle. And that’s a really, really cool thing to do.

Be an educator

Okay, so once you decide to call someone out on an everyday sexist comment, it’s not the best tactic to call him a pig and walk away, especially if he’s one of your good friends. If you do that (or something similarly dismissive), you’re probably not going to get many people on your side. More importantly, though, you’re missing a huge opportunity to teach your friend about the implications of his comment. 

“I think it’s important to note that ‘calling out’ a sexist comment doesn’t have to be hostile or initiate a fight,” Zeilinger says. “It’s possible to push back on people’s comments in a thoughtful way and as an attempt to start a conversation rather than initiate a hostile, accusatory argument. Especially if the person is a good guy and your friend, you can approach the situation as an opportunity to educate him.”

For example, you may be walking near campus on a Friday night with a guy friend when a girl in a short skirt passes you. Imagine he says something like: “She’s practically naked. She must really be asking for it!”

In this situation, your friend is expressing a common sentiment, so it’s possible he never stopped to think about what he’s really implying. You could use this moment to explain that only literally asking for sex is “asking for it” and that even if a woman was walking down the street naked, it wouldn’t be okay to sexually assault her.

Here’s another example: Say you’re talking with a group of friends and someone implies that women who want birth control coverage just want to have tons of sex without having to spend money on contraceptives (a la Rush Limbaugh’s controversial statements on the matter).  Although you might be a little uncomfortable talking about it, this is a great opportunity to educate guys about howfemale contraceptives actually offer lots of benefits beyond preventing pregnancy!

When explaining your point of view calmly and considerately, you’re more likely to create a dialogue. If the guy is actually your friend, there’s a good chance he’ll listen and even start making changes to his behavior.

Ask questions

If you don’t have the energy to pull out your soapbox, one great way to address sexist comments is to ask the speaker questions about his comment.

“If somebody makes a sexist assumption, even just simply asking why they believe that can be really effective,” Zeilinger says. “Most people don’t stop and really think about why they parrot sexist ideas, and it might really change the way they think about things.”

You could simply ask, “Why do you say that?” Or, if your friend tells a sexist joke, you could try asking, “I don’t get it. Could you explain why that’s funny?”

Much like using everyday sexist comments to educate, asking questions can get people who normally don’t think much about these kinds of assumptions or jokes to analyze what they’ve said.

Hopefully, they’ll realize how they really sound once they’re forced to repeat their comments. If not, you can always go back to dusting off your mental chalkboard and educating.

Use humor

Humor is a really effective way to get to the heart of an issue without coming off as preachy. It’s also a great way to address a sexist comment if you’re worried about embarrassing your friend when you’re with a group.

“I think that humor is a great way to handle offensive comments in a group setting,” Zeilinger says. “Accusing somebody of sexism in front of their friends is not only awkward and embarrassing, but ineffective: They’ll only focus on the fact that you made them feel that way and not the real point you’re trying to make about their comments.”

Often people will get defensive when they’re embarrassed or feel singled out. Humor and sarcasm can disarm people and maybe even make them crack a smile. You’ll get your point across without sacrificing the lighthearted mood.

For example, the Everyday Sexism Project asks women on Twitter to share how they’ve responded to everyday sexist remarks. Though not always dealing with friends, these women had some hilarious comebacks to sexism.

Finding herself in a way-too-common situation, Twitter user @AlternateRowan responded to one coworker saying, “Don’t mind her, she’s on her period,” with, "If I had to bleed to find you annoying, I'd be anemic."

Although this comeback isn’t quite lighthearted, it does get to the point without totally derailing the conversation. It quickly counters the idea that a woman’s bad moods come from menstruation rather than legitimate annoyance. You and your friends can laugh about this burn later, and your guy friend will probably think twice about dismissing your feelings again.

However you decide to address your guy friends’ sexist comments, remember that you’ll always run the risk of being called a buzzkill, but that doesn’t matter.

“[Calling someone a buzzkill is] a really lazy way to demean and silence an opponent rather than critically engage with them,” Zeilinger says. “At the same time, being conscious of not attacking people and trying instead to educate and start conversations will not only help combat this perception, but is a more effective way to engage with people generally.”

As long as you’re working on educating people rather embarrassing them, you can just let the haters hate hate hate hate hate. 

Valentine’s Day approaches yet again, so out come the endless trail of roses and anything in the shape of a heart. We’re one stuffed animal away from cringing at the mere thought of it all, so here’s to nine things we can’t stand to see any longer on Valentine’s Day.

1. Heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates

As if the only way to celebrate V-day is with an expensive box of chocolates. That same $50 box that will be sold at 75 percent off the next day. So not worth it!   

2. Overpriced red roses

Red roses? For Valentine's Day? Groundbreaking.

3. Page-long, cheesy Facebook posts

Oh, how we just love seeing essays on social media about how your SO couldn’t be more perfect!

4. And the Facebook posts about how great the single life is

No need to justify your single status so overbearingly just to prove you're happy being valentine-less on V-Day...

5. Gigantic stuffed teddy bears

Seriously, how can you carry that around all day, and where is it going to fit in a cramped dorm room?

6. “Roses are red, violets are blue…” cards and poems

The most overdone rhyme in V-Day history.  

7. The Notebook (well, make that any gushy love story)

We don’t need a reminder of this sort of nonexistent perfection on the one day dedicated to couples.

8. Little candy hearts

Does anyone actually think these taste good?

9. The down-in-the-dumps single people

We're tired of seeing the singles loathing themselves and V-Day just because they're SO-less today of all days. Since when did awesome, loving friends become less important than having a date? 

It's funny how we used to dread naptime in our pre-school days, but now as collegiettes, we long for the freedom to take a mid-day snooze. Sleep deprivation is no stranger to any college student, so it's no surprise that we're almost always tired. Many of us probably know how many hours we need personally in order to survive the following day, but how many is optimal for young adults our age? 

After extensive research and studies, the National Sleep Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board adjusted its sleep parameter recommendations for each age group and has now put young adults aged 18 to 25 in a new category. It may not come as a surprise, but the suggested hours of sleep decreases with increasing age. Can you guess how many hours of sleep a young adult needs? 

If you said 7 to 9 hours, you guessed right. This is just the recommended amount, so of course there are exceptions and people who biologically need more or less hours. For those who are actually getting the suggested amount of sleep for their age group, but are still feeling extremely groggy throughout the day, you may want to see a health professional because that can be a sign of a sleep condition. 

To see if an hour or two of sleep within your age group's parameter makes any difference, NSF chair Dr. Max Hirshkowitz advises experimenting with different amounts of sleep and comparing how you feel the following day. Who knows, maybe realizing how energized you feel after an extra hour of sleep will make you want to get your homework done earlier... the key word being maybe.

Not sure how to wish a happy Valentine's Day to that special someone this year? Forget Hallmark—here are few celebrity Valentine's Day cards that will have your crush saying, "Be mine!"

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After watching/loving/fangirling over Jimmy Fallon's Saved by the Bell reunion earlier this week, we couldn't help but think back on the good old days of the Bayside High gang on the '90s hit TV show. Between the cute boys and memorable fashion moments, there sure was a lot to reminisce about! Here's a peek at some of our favorite looks from the sitcom.

1. Zack's amazing oversized boyfriend tee—which we'd totally wear to bed.

2. That time Jessie looked like Barbie. You rock that lace, girl!

3. The Mr. Rogers-esque sweater that Zack actually nailed when he layered it over a button-up shirt. Preppy perfection!

4. The moment when Kelly totally predicted the matching crop-top-and-bottoms trend. 

5. When Slater wore a flamingo-colored button down because only real men wear pink. Extra points for the mullet.

6. That time Zack wore a sweater that looked like a Mondrian painting.

7. Lisa's multicolored herringbone blazer and hat get-up. 

8. When Kelly, Lisa and Jessie dressed up in '50s cheerleader uniforms.

9. When Lisa wore a funky purple leotard... or really anytime anyone wore '90s workout clothing.

10. That time Zack wore a Native American-inspired shirt, tucked into his jeans. Oh the '90s...

11. Kelly's peachy tee and matching skirt. Totally screams American Apparel!

We spy more than a few outfits we'd still wear today... can you guess which ones?