If you have an internship this summer, you may be struggling to get the hang of the working life. Being in an office from 9 to 5 can be really tough, especially since it gives you less time to see your friends. Or maybe you’ve moved to a new city for your internship and your friends aren’t even nearby. This transition can be tough, so it’s no surprise you’d want to seek out friends in your new office.

But when you’re navigating an office culture, you need to be careful about crossing lines. Maybe your coworkers are totally cool and invite you out after work – awesome! But can you really be yourself around these people? Can you get to know one another on a personal level without messing with your work relationships? We’ve pulled together the dos and don’ts of socializing with your coworkers.

DON’T avoid it

It can be scary getting to know people in a professional setting. While you don’t need to be besties with your colleagues, you shouldn’t avoid office relationships completely, either.

The number one thing to remember about your relationships with people at work is that it’s all networking. Marta Steele, partner at human resources consulting firm People Results, says, “Our career success very much depends on the relationships we develop. The people we work with and work for become a part of our network, our community.”

Every person you work with is a member of your network. Establishing, at the very least, a friendly office relationship with each of them can only help your career in the long run. Turning those relationships into true friendships can benefit you, too, if you play your cards right.

“My closest, most important professional relationships typically have an ‘outside of work’ component,” Steele says. “I consider them more than just colleagues. They are friends.” Turning your professional connections into friends can significantly strengthen your professional network.

DO be inclusive

Since every relationship you make at work is a form of networking, you need to be sure not to damage any professional relationships. When establishing out-of-the-office relationships, you need to be inclusive of everyone. You’re going to have a hard time working with someone now or in the future if he or she feels excluded or thinks you don’t like him or her.

If you want to hang out with non-superiors just to become friends, you should probably be inviting the whole group. For example, don’t hang out exclusively with one or two other interns; invite the whole intern team out with you. Otherwise, you could end up with quite a few enemies.

The exception to this rule is meeting with your boss. It’s fine to meet for one-on-ones with your superiors as long as they’re work-related. In those relationships, it’s important for your superiors to get to know you on a more personal level, but only so they can become mentors and provide recommendations for you in the future. Going out for drinks and talking about your boy problems with your boss probably isn’t the best idea; keep it to coffee or in-office meetings during the workday to talk about your performance and your goals.

DON’T force it

You may want to be friends with your colleagues, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be friends with you. Some people prefer to keep their work lives and personal lives completely separate and aren’t as keen on befriending their coworkers. When trying to build these relationships, it’s important to remember this. You don’t want your efforts to become friends to ruin your professional connections; that needs to remain the priority.

When approaching your coworkers about hanging out, try not to corner them in front of the whole office where they can’t say no. Send them an email inviting them to lunch or an after-work drink. But pay close attention to how they receive the invitation. If you do ask them in person and they avoid eye contact or don’t really give you an answer, they probably aren’t interested. If you ask twice and they always seem to have plans, you should back off. You’ve made it clear that you want to be friends; if your coworkers reciprocate, they will seek you out. Otherwise, they would probably prefer to keep their professional relationships just that.

“If hanging [out] outside the office doesn’t come naturally, don’t force it,” Steele says. You don’t want to be that unfortunate intern who is always asking everyone to hang out—and getting nothing in response. Keep it casual and don’t be overeager.

DO keep it classy

You may feel like a true adult when you head to your after-work happy hours, but part of being an adult is keeping it classy. Steele warns that drinking with coworkers is one area where you need to be especially careful. “Grabbing a glass of wine at happy hour is very different than a sloppy, drunken night of gossiping about coworkers behind their backs,” she says.

So when you head out for your summer sangria at 5 p.m., keep it to one or two. Drinking may make you feel like your colleagues are your closest friends whom you can share all your thoughts and feelings with. But trust us, none of your coworkers will want to be your friend if they have to bring you home after a few too many cocktails.

Keeping it classy extends beyond happy hours, too. When you go out for lunch with your fellow interns, remember that they don’t know you that well. You can’t just pick fries off a coworker’s plate like you do with your best friend; you need to be on your best behavior. Be polite; always say please and thank you, and avoid awkward conversation topics like religion and politics. Don’t talk about your other coworkers when they’re not around; even just a little workplace gossip can blow up and make you look bad in front of your coworkers, or, even worse, your boss.

DON’T be too friendly online

Before connecting with your work buddies online, filter through your previous posts and photos first. You wouldn’t want your professional reputation to be tainted by those questionable formal photos, would you? Try an app like Social Sweepster to make cleaning up your social media profiles easier and avoid uncomfortable conversations about your personal life at work.

But before you reach out to your coworkers online, think about the consequences. Connecting with them online now means being super careful with the content you share forever. The only alternative is unfriending people down the road, which can be really awkward if they notice. Do you really want to make that commitment? If you’re not positive you can maintain a work-friendly profile, you should probably keep your online presence to yourself.

If you do decide to send requests to your coworkers on Facebook, you might want to change your privacy settings. If you can’t trust your friends with what they tag you in, set up tag approvals so you have a say in what becomes public on your profile.

Twitter is one social platform (besides the obvious, LinkedIn) that can be excellent for your career if you use it right. It’s definitely a great way to stay connected with coworkers. When it comes to the content you’re putting out, be “intentional about what you share,” Steele says. Tweet about industry-relevant news, not how hungover you are from last night. Use it as a tool to demonstrate your professionalism and interest in your job.

DO find a mentor

Getting close to your boss or managers is an excellent way to provide yourself with recommendations for the future. If they see you’re putting in an effort to get to know them, they may like you better.

However, keep your questions reasonable to avoid being nosy. You don’t need to know every detail of their personal lives. If your boss doesn’t seem to want to answer your questions, then you should cool it and keep your conversations professional. Seeking mentorship from a higher-level employee is flattering to him or her and a great resource for you, but not everyone will want to be your mentor.

“Ask a boss to go to lunch to learn about their hobbies, interest, family [and] career. Find what you have in common,” Steele says. Show your boss that you want to get to know him or her. But keep these relationships more professional than you would with your fellow interns; your boss is still your superior, even if you feel like long-lost BFFs.

Focus your relationship on learning professionally from your boss. Talk to him or her about your goals for your career and what you plan to do to get yourself where you want to be. Ask for advice on the kinds of jobs and internships you should have to end up where he or she is, if you would be interested in his or her job someday. If you develop this relationship well, you can have it as a resource throughout your career!

There are infinite possibilities, both professional and personal, that can come from being friends with your coworkers. Just remember these dos and don’ts and you’ll be able to navigate your work relationships like the pro you are!

June 13 marks our favorite twins' 29th birthday, and while we still can't get over the fact that Michelle Tanner is all grown up, we're totally obsessed with Mary-Kate and Ashley's adulthood career—fashion. Looking flawless all day, everyday, the girls have become our ultimate style crushes, and who can blame us? The twins are some of the most successful women in the business, taking the industry by storm with their incredible looks and killer designs. The founders of famous fashion lines, including their highly acclaimed label, The Row, the girls have pioneered some of the best styles in the industry (where would we be without boho-chic?). Mary-Kate and Ashley are our number one fashion icons, and these looks explain why.

1. Baby blues

These outfits look just as good alone as they do together. We are swooning over Mary-Kate's baby blue blazer, and Ashley's colorful gown is simply perfect. The colors beautifully compliment the girls' skin tones and gorgeous blonde locks, and the matching crocodile handbags bring these two looks to the next level of stunning.

2. Emerald and eyewear

We didn't know green fur shrugs could look good. In fact, we didn't even know they existed! But this look goes to show that the Olsen girls can wear absolutely anything and look like they've walked straight off the runway. Ashley's emerald accessory is the definition of elegant (not to mention cozy!) and Mary-Kate's sparkly coat is unbelievably original. Let's not forget that incredible eyewear!

3. Cropped

At one of the earliest debuts of The Row, Ashley rocks a preppy plaid cropped jacket in darling shades of navy and green. Mary-Kate's own jacket is just as divine—a toasty, cropped fur piece that screams fashion-savvy.

4. Women in black 

If these matching styles don't define strength and sophistication, we don't know what does. A modern take on a business classic (check out those shades, which frame their faces perfectly!), both girls are absolutely glowing in their all-black ensembles.

5. Rocker chic

The Olsens are well known for perfecting spooky-chic fashion. The black gown—complete with a sheer, flowy shawl—is deeply alluring, while the velvet dress—paired with a stunning leather jacket—has a hint of grunge and fits like a glove. We wish we could pull off something so completely badass!

6. Sleek style

The girls claim a well-deserved fashion award at the 2012 CFDAs in a drapey, purple gown and sleek black ensemble. 

7. Pretty in pastel

Looking warm and lovely in winter pastels, the Olsens sport looks we could totally copy! Ashley's white coat is adorable, and Mary-Kate's icey blue sweater is simple yet chic, especially paired with leather leggings. We are craving that embellished headband, and we're convinced the girls should trademark this killer sunglasses look.

8. Beautiful babydolls

These babydolls are shockingly flattering, which goes to show that fashion rules are basically myths for the style savvy. While we adore Ashley's summery white, Mary-Kate's gold dress, complete with slit sleeves and black tights, brings the look fall-inspired beauty.

9. Bright and lacey

Check out that color combo! The gorgeous orange bubble dress works so well with the cobalt blue scarf, and the lacey black look is equally impressive!

10. Shimmery and sultry

Ashley is the definition of sexy in this black cut-out form-fitting dress. Mary-Kate somehow pulls off the "goddess with a bedhead" look, shimmering beautifully on the red carpet.

11. American girls

A major throwback, we wish we were this fashionable as kids! Just look at those adorable bandana-adorned updos. Clearly, the Olsens inspired the overall trend.

12. Whimsy wedding

Possibly our favorite two dresses of all time, the  angelic floral and sheer, beaded black gowns will frequent our daydreams. The muted colors—soft lavender, teal, bubblegum, and lemon—are absolutely breathtaking together.

13. Checkered and cheery

We're obsessed with those sweet faces! Looking absolutely adorable in matching checkered tops and braided pigtails, we're totally embarrassed by our childhood clothes in comparison. 

14. Walk of fame

Here, the girls receive their very own Hollywood star in gorgeous gowns. Mary-Kate's lilac halter has a daringly low back that we adore, and Ashley's white dress is a classic. The twins are also sporting some seriously stylish shoes.

15. High and low

Mary-Kate looks like the beachy goddess we all dream of being, and with that pop of pink, the look is to-die-for. Ashley aims for elegance, putting prom queens to shame.

16. Elle-gance

Featured in Elle Russia, there is nothing we don't love about these looks. Those shoes? Stunning. The dresses? Outstanding. The Olsen twins? Perfection.

17. Gorgeous and glamorous

Mary-Kate masters a shimmery red chiffon with gorgeous emerald accents. Ashley opts for a classy black gown with strong stand-out sleeves.

18. Effortless and easy

These looks steal our hearts because of how effortless they appear. In leather and loafers and boyfriend jeans with pointed-toe heels, the girls are anything but every-day, yet still come off as easy-breezy.

19. Black and white

A classic color combination for the twins, these black and white looks are nonetheless incredible. Whether it's the intricate jackets, patterned clutches, or those show stopping red platforms, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have obviously mastered outfit-making. 

Three words, eight letters. It took Chuck and Blair two whole seasons of Gossip Girl to say them.

Why is it so hard to say “I love you?” What do those three little words mean, and when should you say them? To find the answers, we interviewed fellow collegiettes and Paul Dobransky, director of Women’s Happiness and author of The Secret Psychology of How We Fall in Love.

How to know if you’re in love

What love means

It’s no secret that there’s a lot of pressure when it comes to saying “I love you.” Besides the fear of rejection, we often think that love is some mysterious, sacred feeling we’ve been saving for “the one.”

However, Dobransky says the feeling of love itself isn’t so different from friendship. “Love is just positive emotion shared between two people, a mutual boost of self-esteem,” he says. In fact, we say “I love you” all the time to family members. With romantic relationships, there’s just added desire and attraction, but at the core, it’s still the same feeling of care and concern that you’d have for other people in your life whom you love.

Love also isn’t a statement about who your partner is and if he or she is attractive, intelligent or kind; it’s about the time and energy you’ve chosen to spend on this person. Saying “I love you” is like giving a hug or a kiss – it’s a way to reinforce the bond that you’ve created together.

What love shouldn’t mean

Saying “I love you” doesn’t automatically define the status of your relationship, Dobransky says. Those three words can’t replace having a long discussion about your future together, so don’t think of them as a sign that you’re moving on to the next level. If you’re trying to figure out his or her level of commitment, it’s better to just ask him or her point-blank.

Before you say it

Overcoming the fear of rejection

If there’s one thing scarier than saying “I love you,” it’s not hearing those words back! Be honest about your expectations. How disappointed would you be if your partner was hesitant to make the same commitment?

Jamie*, a sophomore at Rutgers University, says she’s hesitant to tell her SO she loves him. “Rejection is really scary,” she says. Jamie says she also fears getting judged by her peers because she hasn’t been dating her boyfriend for very long.

It’s completely natural to want security, and there are plenty of nonverbal ways to find out whether or not your SO loves you so you’re not completely in the dark. If he or she is not giving off obvious signals, bring up the subject and ask your SO if he or she has ever said those words to anyone. Your partner might just be more hesitant to show his or her affection verbally.  

Finding the right time

Once you’ve thought about your expectations and decided that your feelings are genuine, wait for the right time to tell your SO. It could come at any moment, such as after you’ve kissed him or her goodnight, while you’re cuddling together on the couch or even after a big fight. Don’t try to plan too far ahead – the most important part is that it feels natural and comfortable for both of you.

Justin, a student at Rutgers University, says “I love you” should be a spontaneous, unplanned moment. “I just remember [my girlfriend and I] were making up after a huge fight, and we were on the couch and we looked at each other,” he says. “And I just couldn’t stop laughing for some reason; I was just so happy.”

How to react if your SO says it first, but you’re not ready

Dobransky says you’ll know if you’re ready to drop the L-word based on how long it takes for you to say it back. “If you have to think about it, then you probably aren’t there yet,” he says.

Even if they are just words, “I love you” should make you feel empowered and confident—never controlled or pressured. If you’re not ready to say it back to your SO, say that you feel flattered and explain that you’re not sure of your own feelings or you don’t want the same thing in a relationship. If your SO really loves you, then he or she will appreciate your honesty.

It may seem overwhelming, but there’s an upside to love being so complex! Your definition of love will change based on your experiences, so there’s no one right answer to vocalize your happiness. At the end of the day, actions speak louder than three little words. If you trust the time and effort you’ve invested in your relationship, then you can find the courage to be honest about how you feel.

*Name has been changed.

Any girl who grew up in the '90s went through some kind of Mary-Kate & Ashley obsession, which of course included copying their signature looks. Now our favorite stylish twins are all grown up, running a successful fashion brand and looking better than ever. To celebrate their birthday, we’ve made a list of the 10 best Olsen beauty looks of all time!

1. Chokers & butterfly clips  

Ah, the '90s. If you didn’t own these two fashion staples, you know you were begging your mom to take you to Claire’s to get them. And this look wouldn’t be complete without Lip Smacker’s lip gloss, of course!

2. Straight & sleek hair

As Mary-Kate and Ashley moved into their early teens, they ditched the butterfly clips for a straightener. The smoky eye makeup gave them a more mature look as they continued their acting careers. 

3. Boho-chic

What girl didn’t own a babydoll top at one point? Embracing their natural hair, the Olsen twins rocked the beachy waves, which of course made us all wanted to curl our hair too.

4. Redhead ready

While Ashley opted to stay blonde, Mary-Kate drastically changed her look when she dyed her hair in the early 2000s. Still rocking the dramatic eyes, both twins started to define their individual looks as up and coming fashion icons.

5. Natural & bold

The Olsen twins showed us that natural and bold makeup can both be fashion forward! No matter what look we wanted to try, we knew we could look to Mary-Kate and Ashley.

6. Blonde & modern

With both twins back to blonde, their style turned more modern and sleek, which is how we know them today. Their understated makeup made their fashionable outfits stand out that much more. We never considered buying a coat THIS dramatic until this picture was taken.

7. Simply stylish

In the midst of their fashion careers, the Olsen twins simplified their style. The classic makeup and hair above is perfect for an everyday look. If only we could make a plain white button down look so trendy.

8. Red carpet ready

If there's one thing the Olsen twins are good at, it's making an entrance. In these fabulous gowns, both Mary-Kate and Ashley exude confidence as successful fashion designers.

9. No makeup, no problem

Even sans makeup, the Olsen twins are stunning, proving that you don’t need to be dolled up to be beautiful. Plus, we had an excuse to throw our hair up in a messy bun, thanks to Mary-Kate.

10. Forever fasionable

The Olsen twins didn’t disappoint this year at the Met Gala with their dramatic makeup and all black ensembles. Their ever-changing looks continue to inspire us to try new beauty trends, no matter what they are!

What’s your favorite Olsen look, collegiettes? 

Leaving college and returning home can be quite the transition for collegiettes. College and home are two entirely different worlds, and it can be hard to adjust. Every collegiette goes through stages of withdrawal over their summer vacation, ultimately counting down the days until they return to their college home.

Reuniting with family. You missed your parents and siblings a ton, and it’s amazing to be able to catch up with them and feel surrounded by undying love.

Salivating over freshly cooked meals. You honestly can’t get enough of anything your mom makes you, and every meal is a gift sent from above.

Catching up with high school friends. You haven’t seen them forever, and sharing crazy stories from the past year with your BFF is the best feeling ever.

Returning to your summer job. It’s exciting to finally watch money go into your bank account, instead of nervously noticing it draining away during the school year.

But then the boredom settles in. You can only do the few things your town has to offer so many times.

Your bed and Netflix become your two best friends. Binge watching is now your life. Netflix has consumed you.

Watching all of your college friends’ snap stories makes you want to cry. Why on earth do they live all over the country?

You feel anchored to your house. Now that your parents are watching, you can’t come home at 4 a.m. anymore without a heated argument and pointed questions.

Every Instagram post is a #tbt displaying the crazy shenanigans that happened over the school year. Reliving memories is the best way to make time pass…right?

Anything and everything related to school starts to excite you. Registration? Perfect. Supply shopping? Nothing better! Even planning your meals for next year makes you happy.

Final Countdown. After the long summer months, it’s time to watch your numerous countdowns dwindle as you wait anxiously to finally go back to college.

Summer internship season is in full swing, and you’ve probably already settled into your rhythms at work and are feeling pretty comfortable about your performance, but that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from embarrassing office mishaps (although we wish you were!).  

Whether you’re the star intern (of course you are, you career-minded collegiette!) or you’re still trying to get on your feet, office disasters happen to everyone at one time or another. While there’s no doubt that an unexpected catastrophe can seriously throw off your workplace game, HC is here to make sure you know exactly how to handle that cringe-worthy moment and keep your office reputation intact.

1. Computer failure

There is nothing, nothing more terrifying than thinking you just lost the last three year’s worth of data on your computer. We’ve been there, collegiettes, we really have, and we feel for you. Unfortunately, the computer gods don’t always understand the critical importance of our Excel spreadsheets, and crashes do happen, so it’s important to know how to deal when they do.

First and foremost, back up your computer. Seriously, do not ignore this tip. You can use an internal backup service, like Time Machine for Macs, or an external hard drive. An external hard drive is a device that you plug into your computer to back up your data. Once you back it up, you should have all of your data stored on the physical device (slightly larger in size than an iPhone), and you can plug the hard drive into your computer to restore all your data if it crashes. Regardless of how you back your data up, make sure you’re backing up your computer at least once a week, if not more often.

Collegiettes, computers are fragile things. If you drop them, spill water on them or simply don’t take care of them, they’ll have a high chance of breaking. If one of these things happens to you while at work, don’t panic. Stay calm and do what you can to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

Aja, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, handled a terrifying tech-related situation perfectly when she spilled coffee all over her brand new laptop at her internship.

“Internally, I was panicking, but I didn’t want my first impression to be a bad one!” Aja says. “I grabbed some rice from a nearby grocery store, put my computer in a bag with the rice, then calmly asked my supervisor if I could take my laptop to a repair store. She was super nice about the situation and told me to take as long as I needed.”

If you don’t have access to rice or you can’t leave work to take your laptop to a repair shop, stay calm. Immediately remove any chargers or plugs from your computer and turn it off completely to avoid an electric charge interacting with the liquid. Clean up whatever you can, making sure to get in between keys on the keyboard (Q-tips are good for this) and underneath the computer so it’s not sitting in liquid. Use baby wipes to get rid of sticky residue from coffee.

Once the excess liquid has been removed, go to the bathroom or step outside and breathe in and out, call your mom if you need to and try to pull yourself together. As dramatic as it sounds, remind yourself that your life is not centered around your computer, and think of all the amazing, technology-inclined people out there who are going to help you recover your data.

Once you’ve calmed down, head back into the office, inform your supervisor of the incident and prop your computer open and turn it over to try and allow gravity to remove some of the liquid. Experts say it’s normal for a computer to take up to 48 hours to dry out completely after liquid damage, so don’t be panicked if it doesn’t turn on that night. Grab a notebook and pen (or use a computer at a local library) and do your best to keep up with your workload until it starts working again or you can take it to a repair shop.

If you can stay calm in the office, you’ll impress your office and keep your computer crash in perspective.

2. A nasty coworker

Are mean girls the worst or are mean girls the worst? We wish we could say that catty girls don’t exist outside of high school, but, unfortunately, they do. Maybe she’s ultracompetitive and determined to outshine you at every opportunity, or she’s eyeing the same office cutie and intentionally flirting in front of you, or maybe she’s just a good old-fashioned Regina George, the leader of the office clique. No matter who she is, it’s important to be able to stand up for yourself and not let her catty ways affect your performance on the job.

If she’s a gossiper, it’s best to steer clear of her. The whole idea of “kill her with kindness” is all well and good, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to be overly nice to someone who isn’t nice to you. Don’t retaliate by gossiping about her, but don’t be afraid to call her out if you overhear her talking about you—it’s your right to defend yourself in the workplace, especially if her attacks are genuinely offending you, becoming detrimental to your performance or making it difficult to concentrate at work.

“If you sense negativity or experience outright attacks and defensive behavior, try your best to approach the person directly about it—alone,” says Joan Snyder Kuhl, founder of Why Millennials Matter, a Gen-Y speaking and consulting company. Just make sure you’re being calm, composed and professional in your delivery. Say something along the lines of, “Is there something that I did to upset you? I would hate for there to be animosity between us. I know we’re both dedicated to this job and I want us to both be able to perform at our best.”

If that doesn’t work, talk to your supervisor about being relocated within your department or switching to a different project. Try something like, “I really love the project I’m working on, but I’ve always wanted to learn more about marketing and I think I could offer some valuable contributions to the department project.” No need to slam your coworker (you’re better than that!), but putting some distance between you and the office mean girl will allow you to focus and excel at work.

3. A wardrobe malfunction

It’s the morning of your big presentation, and you’re minding your own business, sipping your Starbucks venti iced caramel macchiato, when a woman on the street runs into you head-on. Before you know it, you’re left with an empty coffee cup and a massive stain. What’s a fashion-forward collegiette to do?

Well, for starters, break out those paper towels and get to work on damage control. Once you’ve cleaned up, assess the situation. Do you have time to run home and change before work? If so, run like the wind. If you don’t and your office requires a more professional look, consider borrowing a colleague’s sweater to disguise a stain or ducking into the nearest Ann Taylor to purchase a replacement dress or skirt. If you’re pressed for time and can’t, walk into the office with your head held high—it happens to everyone!

If clumsy mishaps are an unfortunately common occurrence for you, Kuhl recommends putting together an “emergency kit” for just such an occasion.

“I have an extra pair of black heels, lightweight walking shoes, Spanx, an umbrella, clear tape used for closing a blouse (if a button pops), hairspray, static guard, mouthwash/mints, etc.,” Kuhl says. “If you have room to fold a non-wrinkle blouse/sweater, then you are prepared for the inevitable coffee spill!”

If your wardrobe malfunction is more along the lines of see-through pants with patterned underwear or your skirt blowing up around an air vent and flashing the office, the best thing you can do is laugh it off. Stressing about your malfunction will only make it into a bigger deal, whereas if you act like it’s nothing, people will forget all about it by lunch—we promise!

4. Hooking up with a coworker … and regretting it

We know; there’s something super sexy about a man with ambition who’s interested in the same things you are (and the professional wardrobe doesn’t hurt, either). Most people will tell you to stay away, far away from an office romance, but sometimes a coworker hook-up just happens, completely unplanned.

Maybe you were all out at the bar last weekend, you had one too many Long Island Iced Teas and things got a little handsy at the end of the night. Now it’s Monday, and you have no idea who in the office knows about your hook-up or if people in the break room will gossip about you.

The first tip is an obvious one: Don’t tell anyone! The more people you tell, the more likely your gossip is to get back to your supervisor or your colleagues. If you’re worried he’ll be the one to blab, talk to him about it beforehand and make it clear in a friendly tone that you don’t want your hook-up to distract you from your work performance: “Hey, John, I know we had a little too much fun the other night—let’s keep this one on the DL so we can focus on the tasks at hand without worrying about petty office gossip!”

The alternative is completely ignoring your hook-up out of sheer awkwardness, which is definitely not the way to go (although it’s tempting!). Let him know that you’re mature and not embarrassed by what happened (even if you are) by acting as normally as possible. Being friendly but professional will let him know that things aren’t going to be awkward but will make it clear that your job comes first.

If word does get out, do your best to play it cool. Take responsibility for your actions and don’t deny it or be immature by talking about how bad he is at kissing to try to deflect some of the heat. Acknowledge that it was a mistake and a one-time deal, and stress how important your job is and that you’d never want to jeopardize it. Everyone slips up now and then; just make sure you’re clear about your priorities. 

5. Running (really) late

Sometimes that custom Beyoncé alarm tone just fails you … or you fail to set it. Either way, even the most organized and punctual collegiette will find herself running late from time to time.

While knowing you’re going to be late can strike panic into the heart of even the most pulled-together girl, it’s important to recognize that this happens to everyone, and your supervisor will most likely be understanding … at least, the first time. Your boss was once an intern or an entry-level employee, and he or she has most likely been in your shoes. Just don’t make a habit of showing up late!

Kuhl stresses office etiquette if you find yourself running late to work. “Own up to this mistake immediately. No excuses,” she says. “Text or email them to let them know your estimated time of arrival.”

When you finally plop your stuff down at your desk, it’s important to make up for lost time by really buckling down. Show your supervisor that you’re serious about your job and you regret being late by going the extra mile or staying later. Kuhl also suggests coming in “at least 15 minutes early the following day.” Ending the incident on a good note will make it much easier for the higher-ups to forgive your lateness!

6. Accidentally sending a personal email to the whole office

We’re not gonna lie—this one is rough. How you handle this sticky situation completely depends on the content of said email. Was it a quick note to your office BFF about what time you’re meeting up for drinks on Friday night? If so, chances are it will be easy to brush off. Fire off another brief email to the whole office apologizing for the mix-up by saying something like, “Whoops, sorry about that! I’ll definitely be sure to check (and re-check!) my email addresses next time!”

If the content of your email was a bit more, shall we say, personal, like you complaining about that super annoying girl from the marketing department, you need to do a bit more damage control. You really shouldn’t ever be sending emails through cyberspace regarding your issues with your workplace—it’s not professional and, frankly, it’s just not nice! Start by talking to your boss or supervisor in person and apologizing for the email, acknowledging that it was a mistake to send it.

At this point it might be a good idea to send another email to the office apologizing and, if it was a legitimate criticism of the company, asking to clarify your thoughts, as they were misrepresented but ultimately genuine. For instance, if you slammed your company for mishandling a big project, make amends by emphasizing that you really care about the success of your company and making suggestions about how to handle a similar project going forward.

There’s really no easy way to handle an email mistake, but handling an immature situation with professionalism and maturity can make things go a whole lot more smoothly.

7. Being reprimanded by your boss

No matter how stellar you are at your job, there will be the occasional assignment that you just don’t fully understand, and sometimes that means botching a project and letting your supervisor down. As terrifying as it can be, being reprimanded by a boss happens to everyone at some point during a career, and it can actually be constructive if you take the time to listen to what your supervisor is saying.

If you do end up getting the dreaded email from your boss asking to meet with you, stay calm. Acknowledging where you made a mistake will show your boss that you’ve been listening to his or her critiques and are taking responsibility for your actions. “Show your ability to take feedback—the good and the bad,” Kuhl says.

Once your boss knows that you’re receptive to criticism, it’s time to offer up solutions. This is something you should think about before meeting with your boss so you can demonstrate your commitment to the company and desire to make it right. “Show how strong and open you are to getting things right to succeed at the job,” Kuhl says. “If your boss is not clear in explaining what needs to be done on the assignment, then ask a couple of clarifying questions.”

The more quickly you can offer up solutions and follow through with them, the more likely your boss will see you as good under pressure. Everyone slips up, but not everyone can recover gracefully.

Knowing how to handle an office misstep is a must-have skill for any career-minded collegiette. Remember, everyone makes mistakes at work; it’s how you handle those mistakes that makes a difference!

The best and worst alcohol to drink on a diet. [YourTango]

What helped you feel better after a breakup? [Thought Catalog]

23 underrated vacation spots around the world. [BuzzFeed]

Taco Bell is now working with Cap'n Crunch. [Newser]

How to care for your shoes this summer. [Racked]

1 in 5 college women say they've been sexually assaulted. [The Washington Post]

It's hard to rank adorable animals—but somebody did it. [New York Magazine]

Taylor Swift's tour outfits have been amazing. [Bustle]

How to survive the first wedding in your friend group. [Betches Love This]

Why do we hate the sound of our own voice? [Elite Daily]

Makeovers remind us of classic episodes of America’s Next Top Model where Tyra unveils the transformation she has in store for the models. The models cry out of happiness, fear, and sometimes horror, and we love every drama-filled moment. Unfortunately, life is not ANTM, and Tyra is not free to weigh in on all of our hairstyles. Instead, we talked to collegiettes who have changed up their hairstyles in major ways and they are here to help us make the decision: to chop or not to chop?

1. The Blonde Pixie

Twiggy made this style fashionable decades ago, and it’s still super trendy!

During her freshman year of college, Chloe Lustig, a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles, went from shoulder-length hair to a short pixie cut. “I had been wanting to make a drastic change to my hair for a while,” Chloe says. “I had a Pinterest board of cute short cuts and everything! My mom has a very short haircut, and we look similar, so I knew that if I chopped my hair off, it wouldn’t look crazy.”

Chloe also says she felt like it was the right time to go for the pixie because she’d seen Jennifer Lawrence do it and it was becoming a trendy look. But she also says to give this kind of drastic chop-off some thought: “For a lot of girls, hair is like a safety net—if you cut a lot of it off at once, you may freak out! If you’re interested in going shorter, I’d say go for it, but in steps.” So make a Pinterest board, or even an old school collage of magazine cutouts, and make sure the pixie is right for you.

2. The Lob

Some of our favorite fashionable celebs are rocking long bobs these days, like Olivia Palermo, Emma Stone, Elizabeth Olsen, and Rose Byrne. Lee Martin, a sophomore at Christopher Newport University, decided to go with something different from the long hair she’s had since elementary school, so she cut her hair off to her shoulder.

“After I cut it off, I never looked back,” Lee says. “I got so many compliments, and people now can't even imagine me with long hair because it would just look wrong. I haven't had a single regret. I'm so much more confident, happy, and just overall more comfortable in my own skin.” Plus, she adds that her new look is so much easier to style and dry!

3. Daringly Dark

Sometimes, we feel like the color of our hair just isn’t doing enough for us. Going for a dramatically deep color can help you express your personality through your hair.

Bridget Higgins, a freshman at St. Johns University, found that her mousey brown hair needed a change. She went for the DIY option, with boxed hair dye. Initially, she was shocked because her hair went full-on black instead of a deeper brown, but she ended up embracing it. “I liked that the dark color brought out my eyes and it was such a huge change that everyone complimented it or at least commented on it,” Bridget says. You never know what you might get if you don’t take a chance!

4. The Shave

We’ve admired stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, and Natalie Portman who have sported shaved heads and buzz cuts. This look highlights the natural beauty of your face, focusing attention on your eyes and bone structure.

Antonia Giles, a junior at Davidson College, had sister locks for years. When she recently went abroad to Germany, this hairstyle was unfamiliar to hairstylists. So she shaved her head. “Coming back to America with a shaved head has been hard, especially in the South, where people are less accepting of black women in general,” she admits. Antonia feels that this change is perceived as an “alternative” look.

Ultimately, making the decision to go with a dramatic change can be scary; but remember, hair grows!

5. The Pixie With Highlights

A pixie cut can seem like a drastic change if you’re used to long hair, but going for this short cut can be a freeing change if you’re looking for a low maintenance, easy hairstyle.

Abigail Zeitler, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, recently opted for a brown pixie cut with a few highlights to make her life easier on the 70-mile bike ride she has planned for the summer. She wanted a low-maintenance look.

What Abigail didn’t anticipate was the way it would make her stand out and give her a boost in self-esteem. “Confidence-wise, it's more noticeable having short hair and being a girl because of the gender stereotypes there are today,” she says. Why not boost your confidence with a standout look like a pixie cut?

6. Locks of Love

Ever feel weighed down by your long locks? Chelle Ivancic, a freshman at DePaul University, did. That’s why she just cut 14 inches off of her hair for Locks of Love. And get this: This is her seventh time doing it! Pretty inspiring, if you ask us.

“I have extremely curly hair,” Chelle explains, “So my texture became much more present once the hair was no longer weighed down.” She even got headaches from her heavy hair! So if you’re ready to let that length go, opt for a shorter look that helps others! There are plenty of hair donation options out there.

7. The Ombré

There are so many ways to do the ombré that it can feel overwhelming to find one that works for you! Taylor Evans, a junior at Occidental College, originally went for a lighter brown shade to complement her midnight black locks, but the color turned out to be orangey-red. “I ombréd the ends of my hair before going abroad to Prague for a semester,” Taylor says. “New city, new look… As the months went on, it lightened and I loved it.”

Since then, she has gotten a haircut to keep her hair healthy, but she really misses her trendy ombré look. “It was a way of expressing my personality with a simple hairstyle, which was something I had never really done before,” Taylor says. So whether you’re looking to take on a new locale by storm this summer, or want to show the real you through some hair flair, go for this fresh and exciting style!

Is a drastic hairstyle change in your future, collegiettes? Consider all your options: You’ve got so much to work with!

How many times have we gone out with our friends when we'd rather stay home and watch Netflix? Or pretended we liked the newest hit on the radio when it really wasn’t our favorite? We all know that we should to be true to ourselves rather than to pretend to be someone else, but now there’s scientific proof that “faking it” actually makes you feel terrible.

According to NY Mag, a recent study shows that when we’re not true to ourselves or behave in an inauthentic way, we feel like we’re acting immorally. Consequently, we feel bad about ourselves and our fake behavior. 

In the study, researchers lead by Francesca Gino asked participants to recall a time that they felt like they were being fake. They then rated how “dirty” or “impure” they felt about that incident on 7-point scale. Then participants recounted a time that they felt like they acted authentically. Results showed that participants felt significantly “less dirty” when recalling those times… aka, you feel ten times better when you’re true to yourself. We could have told you that!  

These results go alongside those found by Gino in a previous study about networking. In that experiment, she found that “so many people despise professional networking [because] it makes us feel inauthentic, and, therefore, literally gross.”

It might sound cliché, but Gino and her research partners concluded that it’s always better to be true to yourself, no matter what the situation. Since science says so, we should just stick to being ourselves. 

It’s a mantra you’ve probably been hearing since you were old enough to understand that boys don’t actually have cooties: “Opposites attract.” But does this myth truly have merit? Or is it simply a floundering, far-reaching allegation asserted by the masses in an attempt to simplify something as complicated as love?

We talked to the experts, and we found that, in short, the answer is both yes and no. In some aspects, opposites are great together… but in others, they aren’t.  Check out what the experts had to say!

Yes, opposites do attract…

1. …In personality.  

Possessing the exact same personality traits as a potential partner is bound to cause serious conflict somewhere down the road (which, in this case, would be rocky).

“There are some people that love the limelight and attention, so they could never be in a relationship with someone who is exactly the same,” says Suzanne Oshima, matchmaker at Dream Bachelor & Bachelorette. “Otherwise, they would be competing with each other for attention.”

Think about it: You’re the life of the party, and so is he. You may be envisioning yourself as one half of a future beloved power couple, but in actuality, your dreams would be short-lived — it would never work out. It works equally amongst the introverted as well, Oshima says.

“Two passive, shy people may not work together, because then no one would ever talk or take the lead,” she explains. “So in this case, she or he would need someone who is more proactive and outgoing because they're going to complement each other.”

All of you stubborn ladies, listen up: If you meet a potential suitor with the same type of vigorous resolution, red flags should raise. Imagine the power struggles that could (and most likely would) ensue. Therefore, take note: Finding someone different is awesome! As Oshima says, it’ll work out if you’re with someone who complements your personality — someone who inspires you and brings out the best in you.

2. …In looks.

This one may come as a bit of a surprise — not all blondes go for blondes, brunettes for brunettes and redheads for redheads. In fact, people tend to gravitate toward the opposite.

“In my experience of over a decade as a matchmaker, I have found that people seek opposites in looks,” says matchmaker, author and speaker Marla Martenson. “I have had countless black, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin men that are wild about blond-haired, blue-eyed ladies, and blonde women seeking a smoldering, dark-haired man. Humans seem to be attracted to the opposite of what we look like.”

Have you ever seen a couple and remarked what a strange pair they made? It’s not uncommon to go for someone who’s your opposite in looks — and it can work out fabulously! According to a study by Columbia University, couples that are too alike in both personality and appearance have a decreased chance of a long-lasting relationship. So going for that cutie who’s totally not your doppelganger? Great idea.

3. …In interests.

While having common ground is always essential, having all matching interests is not actually a good thing.

“[Singles] look for people with similar values, similar backgrounds, similar goals and passions for the same activities, such as golf, skiing, travel and more,” says Julie Spira, dating/relationship expert and founder of Cyber-Dating Expert. “They find someone that fits what they’re looking for, [and] often they find that there’s absolutely no chemistry.”

So, what should you look for? It’s not so much focusing on specific attributes in a potential partner as allowing yourself to go beyond your comfort zone, which Spira recommends. Don’t be afraid to go for someone who isn’t your type! Think about it: If you go for someone with different interests than you, chances are you’ll both always have a lot to share with each other.

However, EXACT opposites don’t attract.  

Some opposites can be good, but if both parties are totally opposite in every aspect, it means imminent destruction.

“Where it gets tricky is when their lifetime goals, such as work priorities or how you save and spend money, come into play,” Spira says. “It’s these areas that I believe couples need to be on the same page. If one is a workaholic, the other might get resentful of being left alone too often. If both couples are career-oriented, they can share their work challenges and goals with each other to have a support system in place.”

Oshima also believes that being on the same page in some regards is necessary.

“There still needs to be some common ground, such as common values,” Oshima says. “Otherwise, it will never work.”

If you’re a girl who’s into lengthy relationships and you plan on engaging in something serious with your college’s biggest player, you might want to rethink the idea. Keep in mind religious values, too. If you’re extremely spiritual and you’re falling for somebody who isn’t, or vice versa, there could be some serious issues.

The final verdict is this, collegiettes: Attempting a romantic endeavor with someone who’s your opposite in every regard is just a bad idea. However, we are attracted to people who have somewhat differing personalities, interests and physical appearances. So don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone!

On June 20, 2013, the first pain specialist I had ever seen told me, “You are entering the beginning stages of the world of chronic pain.” And I bawled my eyes out.

Backtrack to eight months prior: I had just graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City with a degree in International Fashion Merchandising with honors. I was styling for major magazines and celebrities, and I landed my dream job for a major designer doing sourcing, product development and production. I was one of the rare few that genuinely enjoyed my job. I loved what I did and wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

A few months after I began working, I became obsessed with the position. I was a total workaholic, and at some point, I completely stopped taking care of myself. I was no longer eating well, exercising or even sleeping. I got to the point where all I was doing was working, showering and ordering take-out every night. I stopped seeing my friends and tried to nap in my limited spare time. When February 2013 rolled around, it all came to an abrupt halt.

I woke up one Sunday morning in February that I will never forget: I couldn’t move my neck without an excruciating pain radiating down through my shoulders. I was transferred to the Emergency Care Unit of Hospital of Joint Diseases at NYU.

Little happened at the ER, aside from being pumped up with hard painkillers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. I was still vomiting by the time I was discharged. I was then sent to a myriad of doctors who tried to figure out what was wrong with me. Some had ideas (that were wrong), treated me for their diagnoses and ended up discharging me, telling me I was crazy or that the symptoms were all in my head. This happened several times.  

It got worse. The pain continued to travel down my back, the sides of my spine, through my neck—it was excruciating. To add even more devastation to the pain I was experiencing, I was forced to leave my beloved life in Manhattan. My paid disability leave ran out at my job and the lease on my perfect East Village apartment ended. I had to leave my dream job, pack up my apartment, and say goodbye to all my friends, then move home to Pennsylvania with my parents indefinitely. I was a mess. I was 23 years old and felt like my life was spiraling out of control.

At that point, I couldn’t even sit down for 10 minutes without crying from the pain. If I took a car ride for more than 30 minutes, I had to make a bed in the backseat to lie down. I couldn’t drive. I didn’t have friends at home. I was insanely depressed and was alone most of the time, essentially on house arrest because of the pain for months at a time. Brain fog from pain was so bad that I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I was rapidly gaining weight. I couldn’t cook for myself. I was so poked and prodded from so many blood tests from all of the different doctors that I looked like a drug addict. As I recently learned, I have metabolic issues with most drugs, so trying all of the new meds I was being prescribed by these doctors constantly made me break out in then-unexplainable rashes, vomit, and I’d get dizzy to the point of being unable to stand.

After seeing rheumatologists, GPs, physiatrists, PTs, sports medicine doctors, geneticists, neurologists, pain specialists, endocrinologists, and orthopedic surgeons, I was still not getting anything useful from anyone. I had a posse of residents following me around the hospital and calling me 24/7 to ask me questions. Nurses would make little cracks about “Erica and her entourage.” 

I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything, including hypnotists and private meditation counselors. But it was finally decided that I had tried enough, and the only step left was to go to Johns Hopkins Hospital. I managed to get an appointment with the top pain specialist in the country, and in July of 2013, he diagnosed me with Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Hypermobility-Type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and hypothyroidism. With these diagnoses he told me, as gently as he could, that there was a good chance it would never get better, and that there was a serious possibility I might never work again.

This ignited in me some serious determination. I told myself that I would get better no matter what and that some day, no matter what it took, I would work again. After rounds of new (more effective) drugs, physical therapy and weekly trigger point injections, I started to (finally! miraculously!) make some improvements. It wasn’t an easy feat. This strategy was absurdly taxing, both emotionally and physically. Everything was painful, but I very slowly improved.

I now get trigger point injections every month, and I work with a personal trainer that specializes in chronic pain, massage, reiki, therapy, chiropractic work and acupuncture on a regular basis.

I decided the best way to get my career back on track would be to attend a short masters program to show potential employers that I am still both relevant and capable. I also knew that a masters program would be an easier transition back to work after being mostly immobile for three years. I have always been an all-or-nothing kind of gal, so I decided to apply to a competitive one-year masters program at London College of Fashion to study Fashion Design Management with my focus on sustainability and ethical design practice. I knew it was unlikely, but I also knew I would kick myself for not at least trying to follow my dreams after such a painful and depressing time-out from my beloved career in Manhattan, which felt like a lifetime ago.

To my delight, I was accepted! With the most accessible and generous disability accommodations available, I will be moving to London and attending LCF in the fall and I have to admit, I am pretty damn proud of myself.

Not many people can relate to all of this. The fear, the immaculate planning, the general anxiety, the stuff you have to put up with from doctors and the judgment from people in general. I lost many good friends in this process—even people I thought I was really close to. The last two years have been gruesome, not just physically but psychologically. Watching all of your friends grow in their professions and their relationships—their lives overall, really—is hard to watch from your bed.

The coming year will undoubtedly be full of challenges and obstacles. Sometimes I feel like that’s what my life has become—a constant battle between what my mind wants and the more limited capabilities of my body. Prioritizing the things you want to do with the things you can do can be hard. But I can’t give this up. I will find a way to make it work.

For more details about what it’s like dealing with chronic pain, you can visit Erica’s blog

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story

It’s the summer before your freshman year, and we know that you’re more than excited about all the things college will bring. But of all the things that excite you most about college, your future roommate (or roommates, if you’re assigned more than one) is probably near the top of that list!

At the same time, rooming with a stranger can put many people on edge, especially since you’ll be rooming with her for a whole year. But getting to know your roommate before you move to campus can help with a lot of worries you might have. Read on to find out how you and your future roommate can reach out to each other and start on the right foot!

How should I contact my roommate?

Many colleges assign roommates randomly, and when they do, they usually give out some contact info for you to get in touch with whomever you’re living with. If the college you’ll be attending does that, how should you start talking to your roommate?

Email

Colleges that do give out roommate contact info usually give you your roommate’s email address, and email can be a great way to introduce yourself! Because you’ve never met or spoken before, it’s fine if your first interactions with each other are more formal since you’re just trying to establish some sort of contact with your roommate.

While some roommates don’t talk to each other all that much before college starts, others want to talk way more. If you and whomever you’re living with fall into the second category, there’s going to be a point where you might want to move away from email and get the conversation going elsewhere. Email is great if you want to keep up a steady dialogue, but you may want something more conversational and lively as time goes on.

Chat her up

If you and your roommate are more eager to get to know each other, start chatting each other! This is where Facebook, Gchat and any other chat service comes in. Chat conversations are more informal, but they also give both of you enough distance since you’re not super close yet. In cases where you and your roommate talk constantly, you’re likely going to want something more personal than email, which means chatting online is a great way to stay in touch.

By phone

Many colleges don’t actually give out roommates’ phone numbers, but if they do, you’re going to want to save it for way later, once you’re actually comfortable with your roommate. Calling your roommate as a first point of contact could be a little too much since you don’t know each other yet, so definitely avoid phoning her up until you’ve gotten to know each other better!

You’ve initiated contact—now what?

Share some basic facts about yourself

What sports do you play? What’s your favorite food? Does either one of you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Just as you would do with any new friend you met, share some basic facts about yourself. But don’t make it all about you; ask your roommate questions and get to know all about her, too. That way, you can keep the conversation going!

• Some very basic icebreaker questions to try:
• What’s your major, and why did you choose it?
• Where are you from? What’s your hometown like?
• What extracurriculars were you involved in in high school?
• Where’s the best place you’ve ever traveled to? What was your favorite part about it?
• What do you think college is going to be like? What are you most looking forward to?

Since you and your roommate both just met and likely met online, don’t feel like you need to have deep, extremely personal conversations that you’re meant to have once you know someone better. As move-in day approaches, keep sharing more and more facts about yourself.

If you need to, start setting some boundaries

Like we mentioned before, it’s completely okay to let your roommates know what you are and aren’t comfortable with. Many collegiettes do it, and it lets them and their roommates start off conflict-free!

“We definitely talked about if we would be having boys stay over in the room ever or even just small things like if we liked to sleep with the room warm or cold,” Gonzaga University sophomore Sarah Wainschel says of her pre-move-in conversations with her roommate. “It wasn't too awkward to bring up sensitive subjects, like if we both drank or not.”

But at the same time, don’t try to set up too many limits from the get-go, or you may end up sending the wrong message about yourself. If you’re going to lay down some boundaries, bring them up after you and your roommate get to know each other a little more, since you might come off as too uptight otherwise.

“We didn't try to establish any rules or boundaries online,” says Alice*, a junior at Skidmore College. “I feel like it would have sent the wrong message, like we were overly controlling or demanding. I think it's best to talk those things over in person.”

Again, letting your roommate know your limits will make sure she has an idea of how she can live comfortably with you. But at the same time, don’t try to be too demanding from the start. If you feel like the conversation is better left for when you meet in person, that’s completely alright as well!

Some extra tips

Talk as much as you need to

Some collegiettes talk to their future roommates every day or a few times a week, but others only talk occasionally. If you aren’t super comfortable with constantly chatting up your roommate-to-be, know that it’s totally appropriate to reach out to each other only every now and then as well. Do whatever is natural to you, because that will keep your conversations from seeming too forced or being awkward.

“I just texted her and asked whenever [things] came up naturally in conversation,” Sarah says. “Besides that, we would text each other just every once in a while if we wanted input on what bedspread to get or to let each other know we loved the other’s dress at prom.”

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Let’s say that you have nothing in common with your roommate, or you feel like she’s just not someone you’ll get along with. Even if that’s the case, don’t give up and assume that you’re going to have a terrible time living together! There are tons of collegiettes out there who thought they wouldn’t get along with their freshman roommates but ended up becoming great friends instead.

“Actually, what's interesting is that my roommates and I couldn't have been more different from one another,” recalls Iris Goldzstajn, a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles. “The one who found me first was a shy art major from San Francisco, and the one who was a second year was a very engaged and opinionated poli sci major from Washington. I'm a really peppy girls’ girl, so we basically had very little in common! We bonded mostly over being able to learn from what we all had to offer and wanting to get along.”

This lesson is especially important if you’re browsing your roommate’s Facebook. Social media accounts only scratch the surface of what a person is really like, so don’t take everything you see at face value!

“I guessed from Facebook that I was totally different from both of my roommates, and I was right, but we ended up having a much more easygoing living space than most of my friends who were paired with girls more similar to them,” Alice says. “We never argued once, we were one of the few rooms that remained a triple the entire year and we still keep in touch!”

In the end, your freshman college roommate will likely be your first friend, and therefore the first person you get close to once you move away from home. While you won’t really get to know each other until you both actually move in, reaching out to each other will let both of you transition into college life way more smoothly!

*Name has been changed.

It's the age-old dilemma: You're curled up on the couch with some friends for a fun girls night in. With popcorn in hand and blankets galore, there's only one issue- What movie do you watch? We guarantee you that you won't face this problem again once you check out this list of the 30 best chick flicks. Enjoy!

1. The Notebook (2004)

How can you not love this heartwarming, sappy tearjerker? The Notebook is a classic love story that's bound to make you laugh, cry, and wish you had a Noah of your own.

2. Clueless (1995)

Clueless is a classic 90s chick flick. As if we didn't love the 90s enough, Alicia Silverstone is hilarious in this movie. Clueless is a perfect go-to movie for your next girls night in.

3. Mean Girls (2004)

This movie put an entirely new meaning to what it means to be from Africa. Girls quote this movie on the daily. How could you not? The plot is irresistible to make fun of and laugh about.

4. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)

As if Lisa Kudrow isn't funny enough as Pheobe in Friends, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion is a hilarious tale of the shenanigans that go on when two high school best friends attend their reunion. It's definitely a must-see and a great way to laugh about your future and what your high school reunion might be like!

5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This movie puts a whole new spin on Shakespeare. Set in a modern day high school, this twisted love story is too irresistible to ignore.

6. Miss Congeniality (2000)

Miss Congeniality brought a whole new meaning to kicking butt. How many women do you know who can go undercover as an FBI agent at a pageant? Exactly.

7. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

As a southerner, this writer can't help but adore the charm in this movie. Plus, it's fun hearing Reese Witherspoon with a thick accent. What's not to love?

8. The Lucky One (2012)

Zac Efron is all grown up in this romantic chick flick and fate brings him to the woman who kept him going during his time in the war. This movie is romantic and absolutely irresistible. The plot is an interesting twist on a love story, making it different than most romantic movies.

9. The Holiday (2006)

With an awesome cast, The Holiday never fails to disappoint. Two women on opposite sides of the world switch lives (houses and all!) for a few weeks and the swap results in awesome adventures and even better love interests.

10. Valentine's Day (2010)

Talk about good timing! With Valentine's Day coming up in a few months, this is the perfect chick flick for you to convince your man to watch. Valentine's Day follows several awesomely adorable love stories. It's a great movie that's guaranteed to make you swoon.

11. No Strings Attached (2011)

No Strings Attached is a classic tale about what happens when friends with benefits turn into something more. Plus, how can you resist Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman? Talk about a dynamic duo!

12. Friends with Benefits (2011)

Like No Strings Attached, Friends With Benefits is a pretty self-explanatory title. That said, the plot is anything but average. Several adorable scenes make Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake an hilarious romantic comedy team!

13. The Parent Trap (1998)

This might be a twist, but how many guys do you know who love The Parent Trap? Before Lindsay Lohan went a bit downhill, she was an adorable redhead. This movie is a classic and fun for any night in.

14. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

A magazine lover, I have always loved this movie.  Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are rock stars in this movie. I can quote it from beginning to end, and I’m still not sick of it.

15. Sex and the City (2008)

Sex and the City is a classic chick flick, especially for Big Apple lovers and city-goers like myself. Carrie Bradshaw has been my role model for as long as I can remember and this movie is way too fun to not see.

16. 27 Dresses (2008)

First of all, we all wish we had 27 dresses in our closet. That said, this movie gives the word “bridesmaid” a whole new hilariously horrendous meaning.

17. Gone With the Wind (1939)

"You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how."Swoon.

18. A Walk to Remember (2002)

I bawled like a baby the first time I saw this... and the second time. A Walk to Remember is one of the most romantic movies I have ever seen. This is a must-see.

19. Crazy, Stupid Love (2011)

Crazy, Stupid Love is crazy awesome. First of all, Ryan Gossling is irresistible. With Ryan’s looks and Steve Carell’s humor, this movie is a perfect chick flick for a night in with the girls.

20. He’s Just Not that Into You (2009)

Most of us have either heard this line or have had to say it to a friend. Either way, this movie is a classic and it’s so fun to follow all of the stories from the beginning of relationships to a marriage.

21. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When Harry Met Sally is a classic friendship-turned-relationship story. It is a must-see flick for everyone.

22. The Ugly Truth (2009)

Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl are hilarious together in this movie about the realities of men’s thoughts on relationships.

23. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Audrey Hepburn is a goddess. If you haven't seen it, this classic chick flick must be on your bucket list.

24. Sixteen Candles (1984)

This movie has all of the flair of a classic love story with a great sense of humor. It’s a perfect chick flick and a great rendition of those awkward teenage years.

25. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

How could you go wrong with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? This romantic comedy has everything you could possibly ask for.

26. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Patrick Swayze is incredible... and so is the music. Dirty Dancing always guarantees a fun night.

27. Bridesmaids (2011) 

This modern comedy will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Every scene is hilarious and this movie is a definite go-to movie for a girls night in.

28. Pretty Woman (1990)

Julie Roberts’ interesting career makes this movie hilarious and romantic. It’s a must see for every girl. Plus, who doesn’t love a good 90s movie?

29. Titanic (1997)

Titanic is possibly one of the saddest and most romantic movies of all time. Crawl up with a blanket and a snack to this one, but don’t forget your Kleenex. It’s bound to make you cry.

30. Legally Blonde (2001)

The epitome of a wonderful chick flick. From Elle Woods' sorority house scene to the video that got her into Harvard, Legally Blonde definitely deserves its spot on this list.

It’s hard to believe that The Lion King was released over 20 years ago considering it’s still one of the most well known—and still loved—Disney classic. Beyond catchy songs ("Hakuna Matata" is still in our iTunes, let’s be real) and memorable characters (Pumbaa will always be the best), The Lion King taught us some valuable life lessons. Here are the 13 biggest take aways from this classic film.

1. Strut your stuff

If ya got it, flaunt it.

2. Best friends are forever

Despite Timon and Pumbaa’s differences, you know they’ll always be besties. 

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff

It’s a problem-free philosophy.

4. Take some risks…

5. …But be smart about it

It’s always good to have a plan.

6. Our parents know what they’re talking about

(Even if we don’t want to admit it)

7. Learn from your past

Rafiki wasn’t so crazy after all.

8. Be nice to your siblings

Regardless if you get along with them all the time or not.

9. You can fall in love when you least expect it

And “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” will automatically start playing.

10. Try new things

You might like them!

11. Don’t take yourself too seriously

Zazu, we're looking at you. 

12. What goes around comes around

It is the circle of life after all.

12. Be true to yourself

Basically the main theme of the entire movie.  

We’ve all heard about “beauty sleep,” but unfortunately, we don’t always wake up like that (despite what Beyoncé says). With our crazy schedules, we’re usually lucky to get a full six hours. So it’s time to give our definition of “beauty sleep” a little boost. Fortunately, there are tons of products out there that are overnight miracle workers, so you’ll still wake up looking refreshed and ready for the day—even if your body’s time to repair itself is cut short. Here are five things you can do right now to help you wake up tomorrow even prettier than you already are.

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

No matter your skin type, applying moisturizer is essential for helping your skin repair itself while you sleep. Your body will create more oil overnight if you don’t give it enough moisture before bed. Stock up on lotions, body butters and face creams, and don’t forget the parts of your body that aren’t as obvious, like your hands, feet, lips and under your eyes. Try a body butter from The Body Shop, ($21 at the Body Shop) that will really absorb into the skin, not just moisturize the top layer. Plus, it comes in tons of different yummy scents.

2. Try an Overnight Treatment

For your face

If you browse the aisles of any Sephora or ULTA, you’ll find tons of products marketed as overnight miracle products. Overnight treatments are great, because the skin does most of its repair work during this time anyway. These treatments just give your body a little help. They all target tons of different issues, like breakouts, dry skin, dark circles and split ends. So, if you want to wake up with glowing skin, try this overnight mask from Clinique ($33 at Sephora). But don’t let the thought of leaving a mask on overnight freak you out! Most overnight masks like this are lightweight and absorb into the skin, so you won’t even feel it while you’re sleeping. You simply apply it before you go to bed, and you’ll wake up looking like you had a facial overnight.

For your hair

Try a treatment that’s designed to work as you sleep. Slathering on a traditional hair mask before bed can get messy, and the thick formulas could cause breakouts when they transfer to your pillow… and then to your face. A treatment like Living Proof’s Night Cap Overnight Perfector ($28 at Sephora) is great, because it absorbs into your hair so you can still sleep comfortably. All you have to do is apply it before you go to bed and either rinse it out or style as normal in the morning.

3. Protect Your Hair

It’s time to banish bed head for good. If you take the proper steps before bed, you’ll wake up with hair that’s practically ready to walk out the door in the morning. When you go to bed with wet hair, try braiding it in a loose French braid (or simple pigtail braids). This will keep your hair smooth while you sleep, and you’ll wake up with frizz-free waves. If you prefer to style your hair at night, preserve your blowout by tying your hair up in a loose bun before you sleep. Ditch your old hair elastics for a hair tie that’s a lot less damaging, like these ribbon hair ties ($9 at Sephora). These won’t leave annoying dents in your hair and will cause less breakage over time.

4. Change Your Pillowcase

If you’re suffering from stubborn breakouts or even split ends, your pillowcase could be the culprit. Sleeping on the same pillow every night collects oil and bad bacteria that could clog your pores. Try to change out your pillowcase at least once a week, or every other night for even better results. If you really want to make an investment in your beauty sleep, try a satin pillowcase. Traditional cotton pillows create a lot of friction with your hair while you toss and turn in your sleep. This friction leads to frizz and even breakage, but the smoother silk fabric can help prevent that.

5. Get Your Tan On

Want to wake up looking like you just got back from a tropical vacation? Try putting on a self-tanner (along with your moisturizer, of course) that develops overnight. All you have to do is apply a product like St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse ($44 at Sephora), go to sleep, then rinse off any excess product in the morning. Warning: make sure you let your tan dry before hopping into bed, to avoid the product rubbing off on your bedding. You want your skin to wake up glowing, not your sheets.

And that’s it! Whether you choose to do just one of these, or really commit to the full routine, we promise you’ll wake up feeling a little more confident, and ready to take on the day.

Festival season is upon us! We're all on board for beating the crowds and showing up with an original outfit at a venue near you, but what's the newest trend? We’ve been doing our research, and this year's festival season is all about spicing up your style with something that'll help you shine from day to night.

Achieve trendsetter status this summer with our #ArmCandy giveaway! Five lucky winners will receive the ultimate festival season prize pack, composed of a RumbaTime Gramercy Gem Watch and a pack of Dash of Flash temporary tattoos!

Valued at $70, the RumbaTime Gramercy Gem Watch is just what your wrist has always wanted—an impossibly chic and incredibly unique braided band that is casual enough for a day of dancing but fun and flirty enough to make your fellow festival-goers totally jealous. With a choice of four colors, you can select a style that's made perfectly for you.

The best arm-piece to pair with your new watch? A four-pack of Dash of Flash temporary tattoos, which come in glistening metallic shades and last up to 7 days after application—what could be better for a festival weekend? Snag your chance at winning this incredible #ArmCandy package by entering now!

#ArmCandy Accessories Giveaway

You finally did it! You made it past four years of studying, finals, dealing with financial aid, and all of the other crazy ups and downs of college life. Now it’s finally here… the real world! Whether you’re already working at your new full-time job, or you’re still the market for your dream position, you’ve probably come to realize that you may have taken some things for granted in college.

As temperatures begin to topple just five degrees past sweltering, and beach selfies begin popping up in your Instagram feed, something may have crossed your mind: it’s time for summer break, but you no longer get one. We have tears too, but before we say RIP to those magical three months where everything is right in the world and you feel as free as a seabird, let’s all take a moment of silence, as we reminisce on that magical time we once called “summer break.”

1. Sleep, sleep, sleep

Sleeping in until noon, midday naps on the beach, passing out in the middle of a Netflix marathon and waking up and doing it all over again; does life get any better? The best part of summer break was gaining the ability to finally catch up on the sleep that you missed out on for the past few months!

2. Spontaneous adventures

Who could forget the days where you could simply grab a group of girlfriends, hop in the car, and just drive? Before the days of “holiday hours,” “PTO,” and “sick days,” it was easy to round up the gang at a moment’s notice for a little trip to the beach or a drive up the coast for the weekend. Now withstudent loan payments, car payments, rent, and more, it seems that the only trip you’ll be taking is to the bank.

3. Friends for days

We were once able to send out a quick group text to plan a last minute meet-up at happy hour, but now with everyone’s different lives, schedules and locations, it’s nearly impossible to get together. “After college, in order to get friends together, you need to have more of a set occasion or event to bring everyone together. Although it’s difficult to have spur of the moment meet ups, it makes big get-togethers that much more special because they happen less often,” says Tamika Sloan, a 2005 graduate from University of Hawai’i.

4. Free as a bird

After months of being told what to do by professors and feeling like a slave to your laptop and textbooks, it was great to finally be able to break out of your chains during summer break. No one to report to, no one to tell you what to do… nothing but sweet freedom!

5. Unlimited time to do anything you want

One of the most wonderful things about summer break was the fact that, for once, the essence of time was on our side. No more midnight deadlines, and racing against the clock for class, exams, and the like. Our hobbies could finally be taken off the backburner and we had time to do the things we loved like painting, running, reading… or just a ton of Netflix.

6. Spending time with family

Although it was nice to establish your independence in college, you’ve got to admit that nothing beats the feeling of finally coming home to your family in the summer. The smell of your house, your mom’s cooking, or big bear hugs from your dad; it doesn’t get much better than that. Sure, it’s nice to finally graduate and make your family proud with your newfound career, but one thing we’ll always miss about summer is that special time spent with family.

7. Sun-kissed skin

The tropical smell of sunscreen, the warm feeling of the sun against your skin… is there a better feeling? As college grads, we’ll definitely miss is the long days spent outside without a care in the world. Whether you’re out at the beach, playing sports, or at a music festival, nothing beats the feeling of fun in the sun!

From bonfires to picnics, late night parties to river rafting, there’s an endless amount of things we’ll miss this summer! But as college grads, we can still have so much to look forward to, even if it does have to be on the weekends. So get out there and enjoy the warm weather!
 

Name: Olivia Lane

Website: http://www.olivialane.com 

Twitter Handle: @olivialanemusic

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

Olivia Lane: The one thing that seems to stay constant about my job is that it’s dynamic, and every day, week and month is so different!

Just to back up a little bit, I graduated in 2013 from the [University of Southern California] and then moved to Nashville, and for the past two years, I’ve been writing with as many people as possible to get the buzz going in there. So I’ve been songwriting during the day and going out at night and meeting people and performing.

Once you feel like you have a significant product (in this case, my music), you get to go on a radio tour. Since I work for an independent label, I get to wear a lot of different hats. I get to work with the management and radio teams, run my social media, all of that. You have to have your music face and your business face.

So basically, right now I’m on my radio tour, and I’m getting my music in front of more people, and I’m spending a lot of time on the road!

What is the best part of your job?

OL: I’m a people person, and I’m in this career because I love people! I think the best part of this career is getting to talk to people I would not have met otherwise. I think the ability to relate to others is the coolest thing ever. And it’s amazing to know that people need this music.

People wouldn’t ordinarily make the connection that singers/songwriters are great networkers! Do you have any tips you’ve picked up in terms of best practices for connecting with others?

OL: Honestly, I hate the word networking! I think there’s no emotion behind that word, so I look at it as making new friends. Whether or not someone could help you or not, you should never enter a room and say, “Who can get me where I want to go?” You get to meet these people as human beings first.

When did you first become interested in being a singer-songwriter, and what’s your process like for creating a song?

OL: It actually really didn’t click for me that singing and songwriting and being a country singer was going to be a path for me until college! I’ve always been an artist; I was singing, dancing, playing [instruments] for a long time. I just didn’t really know what my options were.

I decided I needed to go somewhere where people were better than I was, so I decided to go to Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles for college. L.A. was perfect because USC had a bunch of different programs I could dabble in. I got to go through a soul-searching journey, and everything clicked starting right around sophomore year. After that point, I started interning in Nashville and figuring out if I wanted to live there. It all came together during my senior year of college.

In terms of my [songwriting process], it can be as random as laying in bed and coming up with a melody idea as I’m falling asleep (in which case I was, “Ugh, I need to get out of bed but I have to do this!”)! Other times I’ll really have an idea or word in mind but not know how to write about it, and I’ll bring it to my co-writers and say, “Yo, I’m really feeling this, so we need to figure it out.” The whole process is so dynamic, so there’s not one singular process or way of creating a song.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

OL: Oh goodness, there are so many things! I feel like I had an upper hand in a lot of ways since I spent time in L.A., but you have to remember that everyone has their own agenda, and you have to kill them with kindness! There are a lot of egos, and especially being female in male-dominated world, you have to remember that you have to do what’s right for you.

There are a lot of frustrations, and you just have to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Sometimes, at the end of the day, you have to block everything out and remember that you’re an artist and you’re just trying to get your message out there.

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

OL: I think one of my biggest mistakes when I got to Nashville was that I didn’t really know how to successfully “network” with people. Where is that line drawn between professional contact and friend? I was working with many people who were a lot older than I was (I had just turned 22 when I first headed out there), so I wasn’t sure what was right or what was weird!

You really have to read people and know who’s a friend and who’s just a professional relationship. I think I’ve had to learn the fine line between business and friendships. Nashville is also much more of a “friendly friend” town [than other places], so I’ve made a conscious decision to adjust and treat people more like friends. Everybody wants that personal connection.

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

OL: Know that a thick skin is required! You can’t let the little things get you down [in the music industry]. That’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned. It’s always about the bigger picture.

I’m also really happy I went to college because I got to try so many things. I got to try screenwriting, I got to try film, I got to try acting. I think you need to know for sure and your heart needs to be fully present to know what you want.

This business is really hard, and for me, there’s no other back-up plan. There will be a million no’s because you get a yes, and once you get little successes, that’s when it starts to really pay off. There’s a lot more work than there is payoff.

You just have to come into the whole process saying, “This is all I want to do as an artist.” If you know what your message is as an artist, we need that!

There's no doubt that food can very easily turn into one of our best friends on those days when we're feeling a little less than stellar. But that pint of Ben and Jerry's in your freezer that you crack open whenever you feel the need to eat your feelings might actually be creating a more negative effect on your emotions.

A new study released by the Journal of Health Psychology sought to figure out if the intake of foods that are high in fatty acids actually have an effect on human emotions. After surveying close to 5,000 people (1,699 men and 3,293 women) and asking them specific questions about their eating habits, researchers found that those individuals who ate more foods with trans fat ended up having less control over their emotions.

According to the study, people with higher trans fat intake were less aware of their emotions, less able to read emotions clearly and less able to regulate their emotions. The study also found that those who stick to healthier diets tended to be happier and were better able to regulate their emotions.

The study was authored by a San Diego State University research team. Megan Holt, a dietician at the university, claimed that she created the experiment because she was curious about the relationship between trans fatty acids and mental health. 

"We need to consider that poor nutrition also has implications in terms of psychological wellness," Holt told Yahoo Health. 

Though the study did prove that there is a correlation between negative emotions and eating foods that are high in trans fats, we should also go ahead and acknowledge the fact that there are some days when we're feeling pretty awful which results in us using greasy, fattening foods as a small pick-me-up. The study is telling us that our emotions are negatively affected by the food that we eat but we also eat those foods because of our negative emotions. It's a bit of a Catch-22. 

But, don't mind us. We're not trying to kill your vibe or anything. You don't necessarily have to turn a cookie away out of fear that you'll turn into a sea of complex emotions but you could consider cutting your trans fat intake just a little bit. 

Every year, I attend the Microsoft Champions Summit in Seattle to learn about all the new innovations brewing across the company. This year’s Summit struck me as particularly innovative, with a focus on tons of new products that are totally relevant and helpful to college students. We’re all familiar with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but I was surprised at how many other new amazing tools are now a part of the Microsoft suite. Read on for three techy college-focused life hacks brought to you by Microsoft that you need to try now. Get ready to rock college in a new way!

1. Wow your class with a non-traditional presentation

The traditional PowerPoint is so 2014. Spice up your next presentation, portfolio or website using Sway! Sway is a new app that helps you create gorgeous, polished, multimedia presentations including features like embedded social media posts, image galleries, interactive charts and more. Sway presentations are responsive and touch-enabled, so they render optimally across all desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone devices. A bit of AI technology is built into Sway, so when you drop in content like text and images, it automatically arranges everything in the most aesthetically pleasing configuration (though you can override anything to appeal to your preferences, of course). Sway gives you basically everything you need to make a beautiful presentation, plus a ton of features to take it to the next level in terms of interactivity and wow factor. Give it a try for free here! See an example Sway in action below:

2. Turn your professor’s slides or classmate’s notes into an editable online doc

Ever taken a class with a professor who speeds through his slides or one who never posts them afterwards? Have you found yourself furiously trying to take notes, giving you barely any time to digest the material itself? The Office Lens app is here to change all of that and make learning in lectures way easier. Just snap a picture of the screen, whiteboard, you name it – and Office Lens will de-skew the image for you (when you get stuck at the far corner seat and your picture of the screen is at a weird angle), then convert any typed text in the image into editable, searchable text. Now you can grab the content off every lecture slide with just one tap and compile the most comprehensive notes ever! Office Lens works perfectly on printed documents too, so you can snap a picture of a classmate’s notes and convert it into an editable document (so you won’t have to beg them to borrow their precious notebook the night before a big exam). Office Lens is free and available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices, so be sure to download it soon to make your lectures so much more enjoyable.

3. Sync your class notes to an audio or video file of the lecture

How’s this for another lecture hack: you can now sync your typed notes to an audio or video recording of lecture. Using Microsoft Office’s OneNote, just start a video or audio recording at the beginning of lecture and take notes as you normally would. OneNote matches up what you’re typing with the lecture in progress. Then later when you’re studying, just click on any line in your notes, and you’ll be taken to the exact spot in the recording when your professor was introducing that topic. No longer will you have to wonder what you were trying to explain to yourself in your notes – you’ll always know exactly what you were talking about with just the click of a button! This fantastically simple life hack is just one of many awesome features included in our favorite note-taking app. Check out our video review of OneNote here!

There you have it: three of the top techy college life hacks that will revolutionize the way you learn. Keep these tools in mind for your next semester and you’ll be acing your courses in no time!