So there’s this guy friend that you sorta, kinda maybe have a crush on.

You feel like you couldn’t make your feelings any more obvious to him…

…but he is still totally clueless.

So you're super surprised when he asks you to come over on Valentine’s Day…

…but then it all makes sense when you go over to his place and he greets you like one of his buddies.

You're bummed out that he apparently still thinks of you as a friend, because it feels like you've been waiting a century for him to make a move.

He invites you in for a beer and turns on the game (it's almost frustrating how comfortable you two are around each other!)…

…and the two of you hang out like you have a million times before, because you're "like brother and sister," as he so devastatingly put it.

In an attempt to escape the friend zone, you scoot closer to him on the couch and try to be sexy.

But you end up looking more like this:

You haven’t quite nailed the flirting thing yet, so you settle with high-fiving him every time your team scores.

As he continues watching the game, you reminisce on any memory with him that could have been mistaken as the beginning of a relationship (like two minutes ago, when you guys shared a high five).

And whenever he gives you a genuine compliment, you overanalyze it and think there may be a spark.

But then you compare it with how he actually flirts with other girls…

…and you realize you're holding on to a hopeless dream.

And the most annoying thing is that you know how good of a couple you two would be!

He asks you if you want another beer, but you decline and instead say:

To which he responds with the worst reply ever:

Second attempt to escape from the friend zone: FAILED.

He tells you that you're the funniest friend he has, and you sit in his living room like:

You decide that this Valentine's Day is not a lucky one for you. But it's whatever, because you really value his friendship and will deal with being just friends…

…but it doesn't hurt to keep trying. Third time's the charm?

We all remember feeling awful second hand embarrassment when Steve Harvey initially announced the wrong name when crowning the winner during the 2015 Miss Universe show. He, at first, gave Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia, the crown, when Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Philippines, was the true winner. It goes without saying that a mistake like that can have a lasting effect on a lot of people. 

Harvey revealed in a new interview that he is actually receiving death threats after the incident that happened a month ago. Gutierrez joined Harvey on his daytime talk show, and later in an interview with the Today show's Natalie Morales, to discuss the event and how the two of them are handling it.

"It was the happiest four minutes and a half that I ever had. I have been able to make an entire country happy. But after that, I felt horrible. I was crying a lot," Gutierrez told Morales. She went on to say that, looking back on it, it was both the worst, and best, night of her life. She has been mature and classy about the entire unfortunate event, which is admirable.

Reasonably, Harvey felt terrible about what had occurred, and said to Morales, "I blew it in a big moment. And the person that was hurt the most was [Gutierrez]." Thankfully, Harvey and Gutierrez have no hard feelings, and they made it clear on Harvey's show, during his two-part special titled, Miss Universe: The Truth. The two of them were able to joke about the situation, and Harvey was able to talk about the threats he has been receiving via social media. 

If you haven't seen the cringe-worthy footage yet, watch it below. Let us know what you think of it, collegiettes. Do you think Steve Harvey's mistake is serious enough to warrant death threats?

Whether it’s through featuring people of all genders, ages, races or sizes, we’re all for it when the fashion industry makes an effort to become more inclusive—and AG Jeans’s new gender-inclusive spring campaign is definitely a step in the right direction.

The denim brand’s latest ad campaign features Daria Werbowy (you may recognize her as a favorite face for Céline and Isabel Marant!), who models both men’s and women’s clothing. The photos, which were shot by Cass Bird, feature Daria posing around Los Angeles in effortless, casual-cool androgynous looks. The supermodel’s minimal makeup and perfectly tousled hair only add to the campaign’s understated-chic effect.

Jonathan Crocker, AG’s Director of Global Communications, explained to Refinery29 that the new campaign was largely inspired by fashion’s recent movement towards androgyny.

“We saw the recent trend of some designer brands shooting men in womenswear and thought doing just the opposite could/would be interesting and noteworthy,” Crocker told Refinery29. “We didn’t see any other brands doing it, so we thought the timing was right.”

AG is certainly in good company when it comes to trying to break gender boundaries in fashion—Louis Vuitton’s spring 2016 campaign features Jaden Smith as the face of its womenswear line, and many brands have experimented with genderless clothing on the runway in recent seasons.

Blurring the lines between clothes that are specifically “male” or “female” only makes sense when it comes to accommodating individuals that don’t exactly identify neatly into one category or the other. Not to mention that we’re not exactly ashamed to admit that we have no problem hitting up the men’s section when shopping for a perfectly oversized white T-shirt or sharp blazer. This is definitely a fashion trend we can get on board with.

2015 was the year of Amy Schumer. She rocked it all from TV to movies to pulling one of the biggest pranks of 2015 on none other than Kimye. So naturally, the Critics’ Choice Awards was happy to give Schumer the floor last night when she took home both the MVP award and Best Actress in a Comedy for Trainwreck.

In her MVP award acceptance speech, Schumer tackled a little bit of everything, including a very important topic—gun violence.

Schumer started her speech by introducing herself as “plus, plus-sized actress Amy Schumer.” Already seven seconds into her speech and she is making an important statement about body image.

She then goes into the story of being a struggling comedian and how, upon meeting Judd Apatow, he bought her an omelet and the two discussed working together, which is how Trainwreck came into being.

After thanking the people she needed to thank, Schumer says the thing no one in Hollywood ever says.

“If you’re an actress and you have (a stomach), you have to write your own stuff if you wanna get it made,” she says.

As if that wasn’t crowning moment enough, she launches into how everyone called her brave after her nude Annie Leibovitz photo came out.

“That’s what you want everyone to say when a naked photo of you goes viral… you want them to say like… ‘What a brave photo.’ You’re like thanks. Wow, thank you,” she says.

She continues to thank everyone else who was involved with the movie, when at the very end of her speech, she drops a very poignant bombshell in reference to the shooting that took place at a showing of Trainwreck back in July.  

“And I want to thank Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson who died in Lafayette because a mentally ill person got their hands on a gun. But we can end gun violence together.”

Amy Schumer is kicking ass on a whole new level.

The 14-year-old Girl Meets World star took to Twitter over the weekend to open up about her sexuality. The Disney Channel starlet wrote, “In my life—only ever liked boys. However I personally don’t wanna label myself as straight, gay or whateva so I am not gonna give myself labels to stick with—just existing.”

What does queer mean exactly? Well, according to the Unitarian Universalist Association, the word queer can hold many definitions, including, “attracted to people of many genders,” “not fitting cultural norms around sexuality and/or gender identity/expression” and simply “non-heterosexual.”

When one of her followers asked if she would be open to dating different genders in the future, Blanchard responded, “Yes open to liking any gender in the future is why I identify as queer.”

She was surprised, though, by the amount of hate she received in the wake of coming out.

“I thought I was being brave and was proud of myself and then everyone attacks me… Cool,” she wrote in a Tweet.

Luckily, the majority of Tweets she’s received have been encouraging and supportive of her choice to truly and unapologetically be herself.

This brave revelation comes just shortly after Time magazine named her one of the Most Influential Teens of 2015.

And just to prove she's doing the absolute most, she has also been writing some really powerful essays lately, the most recent being an empowering essay titled “Sorry Not Sorry: How I Quit Apologizing for Existing.” To put it lightly, the girl is on fire. 

Want to upgrade your dorm or apartment without having to break the bank? If you answered "yes," we have you covered! These inexpensive and super easy DIY projects will fool anyone into thinking you spent quite the chunk of cash.

1. Faux agate coasters

These adorable coasters will make for the perfect dorm décor, not to mention, a great gift for your roomie. Thanks to DIY Joy you’ll have this project done in no time!

2. Gold-dipped jewelry tray

Add the perfect accent to your room or bathroom with these gold-dipped jewelry trays. With a few materials, A Fabulous Fete gets this done in just three simple steps. Customize them to your taste and display your jewelry in style.

3. Laptop tray

Make studying in bed easy with this DIY tutorial from Craftsman Drive!

4. Stamped pillow

Whether you want to add some pizzazz to your bed or to your couch, stamped pillows are the way to go! If you follow the instructions by Brit + Co, you’ll be saving big bucks on a brilliant project.

5. Marquee light

Because Christmas lights just aren’t good enough when it comes to your very first apartment. Instead, make your own marquee light with the help of East Coast Creative.

6. Jewelry organizer

The only way to keep your necklaces from knotting up is by making a Free People-inspired jewelry display branch like this one by Mojo Made. Your roomies will be dying to get their hands on one!

7. Mirror tray

What better way to display those fancy perfumes? For a full tutorial, check out DIY Ready.

8. Gold leather Moroccan pouf

Thanks to You Are My Happy, this will be the best seat in the house! It's perfect for those days when you just want to lounge around with your feet up and do some light reading.

9. Watercolor plates and mugs

Add a little color to your day with watercolor plates and mugs! For supplies and a full tutorial, check out Sugar and Charm.

10. Hexagon dining table

If you got lucky and have an apartment with enough space for a dining room, this one is for you! Hello Lidy is saying "goodbye" to traditional tables and "hello" to this new, cooler hexagon table.

11. Ladder shoe shelf

Upgrade your old bookshelves into shoe shelves with this tutorial from A Pair and a Spare. Organization never looked so good.

12. Photo wall hanging

Who wants plain walls? No one! Add some pop to solid white walls with this idea from Homey Oh My!. What a great way to display your favorite photos!

13. Solid gold letters

Add a personal touch to your dorm room with these gold letters from Fall for DIY.

14. Gold leaf ceramics

DIY these gold leaf ceramic bowls with a little help from Vitamini Handmade. Use them to hold jewelry or as your everyday cereal bowl. Who says you can't add a little sparkle to your breakfast routine?

15. Acrylic calendar

A Beautiful Mess will help you stay organized this semester with this super cool acrylic calendar.

16. Gold foil lettering pots

Greenery has always been one of our favorite ways to decorate. And now, thanks to Nest of Posies, you can up your greenery game with glitter and gold foil lettering pots.

17. Neon letter light

How adorable is this neon letter light from I Spy DIY? It's great for both dorm rooms and apartments. Its simplicity adds the perfect accent to any room.

18. Nailhead metallic linen headboard

How divine is this headboard by Sarah M. Dorsey Designs? Now imagine how good it would look in your room!

19. Wooden dowel coatrack

Thanks to Style by Emily Henderson, we've never wanted a coatrack more. It's simple yet modern.

20. Acrylic side table

You can use this as a nightstand or a side table—repurposing at its best! Check out In My Own Style for a full tutorial.

21. Kate Spade-inspired stools

Preciously Me gives the perfect tutorial for these adorable pink and gold stools.

22. Sequined monogram wall art

Feeling like marquee lights are so 2015? Switch them out for a sequined monogram! Find the full tutorial at LuLu*s.

When your best friend lands her dream internship, it’s your job be there with a smile, a high five and celebratory night on the town. But sharing your BFF’s happiness can feel almost impossible when her dream internship was your dream internship, too.

If you and a close friend are trying to get into the same career field, it’s likely at some point one of you will seem more successful (or even just luckier) than the other. When this happens, that green-eyed monster, envy, can drain the life from an otherwise amazing friendship.

Feel like this scenario describes your friendship a little too well? Here are some steps you can take to deal with career competition before it gets out of control.

If you’re jealous…

Fake it till you make it

It totally sucks to be the one feeling envious. It’s a completely normal but nasty emotion to have, and it can be hard to shake off. In this case, the advice “fake it till you make it” might sound cynical, but it works. Whether you’re trying to boost your confidence or feel sincerely happy for your friend, pretending can be the first step toward the real thing.

Emily Miethner is the founder and CEO of FindSpark, a networking and career development group for students and recent graduates. According to Miethner, faking congratulations can be a great way to become a better friend and deal with competition.

“I think one of the greatest things you can do for yourself is being in the mindset of being happy for other people,” Miethner says. “It’s like playing a sport—practice makes perfect. Start with just complimenting people.” Then you can work your way up to the real, heartfelt dance-party celebrations.

Stop comparing yourself to your friends

Easier said than done, right? Still, this is an important part of getting some peace of mind as you vie for internships and jobs that thousands of other qualified students are trying to get.

Being able to stop comparing yourself to others is largely about changing the way you think about your success as well as others’. Miethner says that it’s best to think of your success in its own world. No one else’s success is taking away from the success you’ve had or the success you’re bound to have in the future. In fact, if you’re surrounded by successful people, you should actually feel good about yourself!

“I totally believe that you are the average of the people you spend your time with,” Miethner says. “If your friends are accomplishing great things, then you’re surrounding yourself with great people.”

Channel your envy into productivity

If you’re feeling inferior or envious, try working on yourself instead of focusing on your friends.

Hunter College junior Alexa Amato says that competition with one of her friends helped her get motivated to work on her own career goals.

“My friend got an internship at a really big news corporation, and I couldn't help but almost rage with jealousy,” Alexa says. “I actually feel like this caused a riff in our relationship because she tended to brag a lot, and it made it so difficult for me to congratulate her in her endeavors even though I really wanted to be supportive.”

Eventually, Alexa realized she shouldn’t spend her energy holding a grudge against a friend, and she landed an internship of her own. “I channeled that negative energy and turned it into motivation,” Alexa says. “And, dare I say, maybe some healthy competition is what I need!”

According to Miethner, taking small, productive steps like updating your resume, applying for positions and doing informational interviews can help alleviate those feelings of envy.

“I think action is the best way to get motivated and feel better about yourself,” Miethner says. “You can’t judge yourself by how many interviews you get. There are thousands of people applying for each job.”

Sometimes even the most qualified applicants get overlooked. What matters most is that you’re taking steps forward!

Network with your friends

Having friends interested in the same field as you might be stressing you out right now, but in the long run, it could help you with your career.

Collegiette Megan* says that although she experienced some career competition with a friend, she eventually realized that having a talented friend in her field could be a great thing for down the road.

“I really struggled with [envy] since she had a lot of connections [in public relations],” Megan says. “I felt that maybe I wasn't good enough to go into PR. Now, years later, I feel like she could be a great contact one day. If we both end up going into PR, I feel like we will work well together and might even manage similar clients.”

You and your friend can share tips, practice interviewing each other and keep each other posted on great opportunities. That means when your friend succeeds, so do you (and vice versa!).

If she’s jealous…

Keep your bragging to a minimum

So we’ve gone over what you can do if you’re feeling envious of your friend, but what if you have a friend who’s making things competitive?

Of course, it’s not your job to make sure your success isn’t bugging anyone else. But if competition is straining your friendship, you can make an effort not to rub your accomplishments in your BFF’s face.

That means that you should be honest if you truly love your new job. But if your friend admits to having difficulty finding a good internship, don’t immediately respond by talking about how excited you are for yours.

Once you’ve achieved your goal, try not to brag, gloat or give too much unasked-for advice. Be supportive, and your friend will likely support you in return!

Don’t get wrapped up in the drama of competition

Sometimes career competition can spin out of control without you realizing it. That’s what happened to Drexel University student Sara* when a peer found out that she had applied to the same internship.

“Once she got to know that I applied to the same position, she told the employers that I lied on my resume!” Sara says. “I found out because one of my previous employers called me and told me that my potential employer thought I never worked there.”

Sara called her potential employer, cleared up the mess and reported the event to her adviser. Sara recommends taking the higher ground in these kinds of situations.

“Be calm and involve the university if anything this serious happens,” Sara says. “Don't try to be confrontational.”

Sara’s experience is an extreme case, but it’s important to remember that not everyone plays fair. If you feel uncomfortable sharing your career plans and aspirations with anyone, just don’t share them.

It’s not a bad idea to save talk of your successes, failures and aspirations for the people closest to you. And if things do get dramatic, keep a level head and remove yourself from the situation, even if that means talking to a career adviser.

Surround yourself with uplifting people

Ultimately, when you get the news that you’ve just landed your dream job, no one can really blame you if you tell people about it. You’re excited and hopeful, and that’s totally okay. It’s not your responsibility to temper your excitement or keep others from playing dirty.

If you have a friend who doesn’t even make an effort to be happy for you or tries to belittle your accomplishments, you probably have a toxic friendship. When that’s the case, it’s probably best to put some space between you and your competitive friend.

“If it’s no longer bearable to spend time with them, sometimes that’s the way life is,” Miethner says. “Be polite and cordial, but don’t hang out with them as much. Spend time with people you enjoy spending time with.”

Surround yourself with people who uplift you and will cheer you along instead. You might lose one so-so friendship, but you’ll gain deeper relationships in return. That way, your career development (as well as your mental health) will be a lot better off!

Whether you’re struggling with envy or you have a friend who is, as long as you’re both moving forward and thinking positively, you’ll be okay. Your success is right around the corner, and you both should be thankful to have fantastic, ambitious friends to celebrate it with!

*Names have been changed.

This post shares results from our Complete College Life Survey Series where we collected over 10,000 responses from women at 300+ colleges.  Check out even more of the results here.

With the harmful body standards in our society, it sadly comes as no surprise that college women don’t have the most positive body image. A third of college women are unhappy with their current weight, and just under a fourth of college women report having never been happy with their weight.  61% of college women have been on a diet at some point, with most having gone on their first diet while still in high school at age 13-16.  11% have even resorted to trying questionable diet aids to help them lose weight. 

Concerningly, over 40% of college women feel they have exhibited behavior of an eating disorder at some point, with 8% having been officially diagnosed with one.

Infographic by Erica Maybaum

Don't miss the rest of our survey results - check them out here! 

Around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, gunmen opened fire at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan, killing 20. Using the cover of thick winter fog, they stormed the school, targeting male students and teachers. Four of the suspected attackers also died. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which shares many similarities with a 2014 massacre of 130 students in the Peshawar region.

The real question we ask in these tragic situations: Why?

According to the BBC, this attack comes as a sudden spike of militant violence after relative peace. Following the massacre last year, Pakistan cracked down—and the Taliban cited this crackdown as the reason behind this attack. This action-reaction cycle will only continue in the future. Khalifa Omar Mansour, leader of the military wing of the Taliban, said, “This is a reaction to extrajudicial killing of our people by the Pakistani security agencies,” according to NBC News. 

So, who are the Taliban? Emerging in the 1990s as a reaction against Soviet rule, their austere form of restoring order, peace and prosperity with an emphasis on religion was initially welcomed. As time went on, however, their increasingly autocratic policies, such as shutting down schools, banning all music and television, and requiring certain forms of dress made them more and more unpopular until 2001, when their regime collapsed. 

Their radical views on education—for men and for women—continue to make schools a target. You may have heard of the Taliban in connection to the 2012 shooting of Malala Youszafai, now winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. She was shot just for going to school. 

As war in the region continues to wage, the Taliban have steadily increased their influence and power. With this expansion, however, comes fracturing.  Other individuals from the Taliban, including their spokesman, have condemned this attack as “un-Islamic.” As Shawn Snow wrote in the Washington Post late last year, this fracturing will only lead to increased instability and violence in the region. Lack of clarity and continued infighting among leaders make it easier for stronger radicalism to take hold. 

Fueled by the cycle of military crackdowns, this won’t be the last attack we see from the Taliban this year. That doesn’t mean leaders aren’t fighting back.

In a statement following the attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister said: "We are determined and resolved in our commitment to wipe out the menace of terrorism from our homeland. The countless sacrifices made by our countrymen will not go in vain, Inshallah.”

Could 2016 be the year that Liam and Miley officially get back together? It sure seems possible! From photos of Miley wearing her engagement ring to rumors of the former couple moving in together, all signs point to yes. Since the rumblings began, Liam and Miley shippers have been reeling, hoping for more details on the possible reunion. In a recent interview, Liam's big bro Chris Hemsworth revealed his thoughts on the possibility of Liam and Miley's rekindled romance.

Unfortunately, Chris doesn't appear to have any juicy deets for us. When asked about whether or not Liam and Miley are back together, Chris responded, "Not that I know of, mate." He also pointed out that he's typically the last person to discover such details. "I would find out through the press. I find out last most of the time," he added.

Perhaps, Chris might actually be clued in to his brother's high-profile relationship with Miley and wants to stay tight-lipped; or he could genuinely be clueless about the whole situation. Either way, it looks like we won't be getting new information from Chris anytime soon.   

The latest Netflix sensation, Making a Murder, has been a huge topic of conversation among viewers. The story of Steven Avery’s journey through the criminal justice system is stirring up a lot of emotions.

But don’t get us wrong. This isn’t your average Law and Order copycat TV show, and its audience is certainly reflecting just that. Countless celebrities are chiming into the conversation, Gigi Hadid included.

And yes, we know what you're thinking: what is a Victoria’s Secret model doing at home on her couch binge-watching Netflix? The top model actually had some pretty well thought out theories that she shared with us via Twitter.

Thanks, Gigi, for validating the hours we've spent watching—and theorizing—on the Avery case.

Last July, a University of Cincinnati police officer pulled over 43-year-old Samuel DuBose because he was missing a front license plate on his car. Usually this interaction would be routine, but for the unarmed DuBose, it ended with a fatal shot to the head.

Now, the New York Times reports that the University of Cincinnati has reached an agreement that includes an apology to the family from the school president, Santa Ono, a memorial on campus commemorating DuBose, $4.85 million to the family and free tuition for all of DuBose’s children.

“DuBose's death fueled demonstrations and intensified a debate on policing and race in the United States that helped lead to the founding of the Black Lives Matter movement,” Reuters reported.

DuBose's fate wasn’t the only event in Cincinnati to raise serious questions about uncalled-for police brutality against black Americans. According to the New York Times, “Kelly Brinson, 45, a psychiatric patient, and Everette Howard, 18, a student, died in 2010 and 2011 after campus officers fired stun guns at them, according to lawsuits filed by their families.”

Also noted by the New York Times, “Raegan Brooks, 18, who served as the family’s representative in the talks, said she was ‘very comfortable’ with the settlement. Still, she added, ‘At times I wanted to walk out because I felt like they were putting a price on my father’s life.’”

"We’re not happy, we’re not satisfied—those aren’t the words,” Terina DuBose-Allen, DuBose's sister, told Cincinnati.com. “The settlement means we’re moving forward and we can heal."

As humans and collegiettes, we must ask ourselves: Can money and free college tuition make inequality right?

These days, it seems like more and more of our favorite products are being touted as “bad for us.” It’s a sad day to have to add a five-minutes-and-out-the door favorite to that list, but the verdict is in: Dry shampoo isn’t doing any favors to your scalp.

It turns out dry shampoo can cause your hair to thin or even fall out. It can even dehydrate your scalp, making it flakey and causing dandruff. But don’t go throwing yours out just yet. These problems arise when you’re using dry shampoo more often than you wash your hair, or as a substitute for regularly washing your hair, according to Redken Master Stylist Courtney Risse, who talked to Jezebel.

Dry shampoo clogs hair follicles, and when you don’t wash your hair regularly, the follicles remain clogged.

"If you're using a substance every day that doesn't allow those follicles to breathe over time, the buildup could cause more hair shedding, which is why I recommend that everyone should use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week, just like you would use an exfoliator every so often on your skin,” Risse told Jezebel.

Dry shampoo works by using aluminum or cornstarch to make your hear look matte, and visibly dull the hair, celebrity colorist Rita Hazan told Refinery29. That’s why the oiliness of several days of not having washed your hair seems to disappear when you spritz it on. Unfortunately, many with color-treated hair don’t see how much dry shampoo can dull their hair. They mistakenly use it as a substitute for regular washing, which they fear will wash out their color.

Refinery29 also consulted Ken Anderson, MD, founder and director for the Anderson Hair Sciences Center. Anderson explained that aside from clogging your hair follicles and dulling your hair color, dry shampoo can also disrupt your scalp’s natural shedding process.

"Like hairspray, [dry shampoo] holds the hairs against your scalp," he said. "If it makes [the hair] sticky, it could tangle the hair, causing you to inadvertently pull some healthy hair out when you brush."

Each of the experts agreed that the healthiest routine for your scalp involves washing it regularly (at least every other day), and using dry shampoo sparingly. While only you know the exact care and maintenance that your hair requires based on length and thickness, they all agreed that using dry shampoo every day as a substitute for actually washing your hair could lead to any of these problems.

Everyone feels a little glum during those dark, cold winter months––but could that sadness you’ve been feeling actually be something more serious? When winter rolls around each year, something else rolls around too: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a clinical form of depression that can result in fatigue, overeating, loss of interest in daily activities and difficulty concentrating.

Do you want to know more about SAD and what to do if you think it’s affecting you? We’ve recruited the help of Hilary Katz, SSW, LCSW, a clinical social worker at Equilibria Psychological and Consultation Services, to find out the truth about the disorder. Read below to see what we discovered:

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that is linked to changes in the seasons. Most often, an individual with SAD will see symptoms start in the fall, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year," Hilary says. "If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer."

Hilary says that many people will have an encounter with SAD at some point in their lives, but those with a predisposition for depression are the most susceptible. "In addition to having a predisposition, research has indicated that women are approximately 4 times more likely to experience SAD than men," Hilary says. "There has also been evidence that people who go to work in the early hours of the morning during winter months, and leave work when it is dark outside tend to be more inclined to experience SAD symptoms."

What are the causes of SAD?

There is a lot of speculation as to what exactly causes SAD. While the list can be quite lengthy, Hilary sums up the causes into three points:

1. The effects of lack of light on our retinas, which then send messages to our brains.

2. Lower levels of “feel good” chemicals released in our brains during winter months.

3. Higher levels of Melatonin (the sleep hormone) during winter months.

RELATED: 7 Ways You’re Compromising Your Mental Health

What are symptoms of SAD?

SAD is a form of depression that comes and goes during periods of seasonal change. It is normal to have days where you don’t feel your best––but if you feel unmotivated for an extended period of time after a new season begins (usually the winter, but occasionally in the summer), you should visit your doctor.

"Similar to depression, people who have SAD may experience some or all of these symptoms: low energy, loss of interest, anxiety, overeating (crave more carbohydrates), increase in alcohol and/or substance abuse, disinterest in sex and apathy," Hilary notes.

How serious is SAD?

SAD affects collegiettes differently, so it is important for an individual to stay on top of her symptoms. "Some people experience ‘winter blues' and others really get hit with more profound depressive symptoms," Hilary says. "It is important that, no matter where someone finds [his or her] self within that range, that they try and tackle [these symptoms]. More severe symptoms of SAD can lead someone into a major depressive episode that lasts beyond winter months."

Can SAD be linked to other mental illnesses?

While SAD is a milder form of depression that correlates with changes in the weather, it can be linked to other, much more serious disorders––especially if you have a predisposition or family history of mental illness. Hilary says, "Someone who has a predisposition to anxiety and/or depression may be more prone to SAD."

What is the relationship between SAD and college students?

Are collegiettes more likely to develop SAD than an older generation? Yes––and there are several reasons why!

"College students typically do not have schedules that allow for a regular sleep schedule, which can be a cause of depressive symptoms in its own right," Hilary says. "Lack of a healthy sleep schedule can exacerbate the sluggishness most feel during the winter months. There is also the reality that college students tend to have ongoing high volumes of work that creates additional stress."

In the winter, there is no option to walk in the sunlight and feel the warmth of the day––or even open a window in your dorm or apartment––to medicate even the most sluggish moment, Hilary points out. This definitely attributes to the development of SAD in the colder months more often than the warmer.

How can a collegiette prevent herself from developing SAD?

So, how can a collegiette prevent herself from developing SAD? "If a college student recognizes they are having a hard time functioning and they are unable to help themselves get out of the funk, they would probably benefit from therapy," Hilary says. "There is no doubt exercise, a good sleep routine, and reframing negative thoughts in order to see the positive, can help tremendously!"

If you find that you have been a victim of the symptoms of SAD for the past several years and are unable to manage these symptoms on your own, it may be time to consult with a medical professional. Bright Light Therapy is a common treatment for the disorder, but only your doctor can determine if you would benefit from it.

RELATED: What to Do If You’re Feeling Lonely in College

It is normal to occasionally feel down. However, SAD is a serious disorder that should not be brushed off as a simple “winter funk.” If you or someone you know is dealing with symptoms of SAD, tell a family member or seek help from a medical professional. As a busy collegiette, it is easy to neglect your health or brush a negative feeling under-the-rug––but SAD can lead to more serious mental health issues, so you should not delay in getting help!

With the news of High School Musical's 10th anniversary, we can't help but reminisce on the days of swooning over the trilogy's songs, dances -- and even basketball moves. It killed us knowing that we would never be serenaded with songs like You Are The Music In Me or What I'​ve Been Looking For, but what if we could be? Take this quiz to find out who should be singing to you!

What political issue is most important to you? With the 2016 election approaching quickly, thinking about why we vote for the party and candidate of our choosing is at the forefront of our minds.

We asked 9 college women to explain to us what issue they find to be most important and how that influences how they vote. Check out what they said below!

“Reproductive rights are the most important issue for me, because I think for women the autonomy to do whatever we want to with our bodies is the biggest barrier to equality. This absolutely influences which party I vote for, and which politicians within that party.”

-Madison, Georgetown University Class of 2017

“I'd say abortion and birth control issues are the most important to me right now because they're the most relevant to me. As a young women in college I feel more comfortable with my sex life knowing that these options are available to me. Should they be taken away I would be forced to rely on riskier alternatives. Currently this is the issue that determines my vote for the Democratic party, though I don't believe a Republican president could do away with them entirely if he tried.”

-Becca, University of Maryland Class of 2017

RELATED: 21 College Women Get Real About Donald Trump

“The most important political issue is campaign finance reform. No other issue will ever get attention in Washington if this issue is not addressed. In order for the people to assert any agenda from race to nuclear arms sanctions, first we have to make sure that our politicians only feel a sense of responsibility to us, their constituents, and not to whoever paid for their campaign. Partisan politics relies on this. The voters first need to assert their right to elect politicians who will vote on this issue and make sure that government is responsible to the public, and therefore truly making decisions that are good for the American people. After this we can all make our voices heard on the pressing matters of our time such as wage inequality, the prison industrial complex, racism, the environment, our growing debt, and healthcare.”

-Meli, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2017

“As a woman, abortion is pretty much the top political issue for me. It appalls me how politicians, especially male politicians, believe that they have the right to dictate what I do with my own body. Traditionally, Republicans are pro-life and Democrats are pro-choice, which would make it seem like I'd need to vote Democrat if I want my voice heard on this issue. However, I refuse to vote based strictly on party alliance because I think it's idiotic and uninformed, and so I always listen to what the individual has to say, rather than what party he or she aligns with.”

-Rachel, University of Florida Class of 2017

“The most important political issue to me this year is gun control. Mass shootings have received a lot of the spotlight and some voters are mad that the government is regulating gun shows and legal gun sales. But what people forget is that the majority of deaths from guns today are a result of suicides, and most of those guns are bought legally, which is why even the legal selling of guns needs to be regulated. This issue is important and one that needs to be addressed, which is why I'm leaning towards the Democratic party this year.”

-Lauren, University of Cincinnati Class of 2019

RELATED: 12 College Women Get Real About Hillary Clinton

“Environmental Action is a very important topic to me in politics. While I care about many issues, I have been most involved with environmental protection and action. Any candidate who ignores or disregards the importance of fighting climate change and the many environmental and social issues that stem from it, is not a candidate I would support.”

-Katie, Virginia Commonwealth University Class of 2018

“Reproductive rights are of the most importance to me, so I always vote Democrat. There are few Republicans who are pro-choice and pro-woman, honestly. I am a woman and I'm not an idiot, so I vote Democrat.”

-Sierra, Colby College Class of 2018

“While I place heavy emphasis on several issues, domestic poverty alleviation is something my vote hinges on. This includes things like urban education reform and access to medical care. Educated and healthy kids are far more likely to change their own futures.”

-Ashley, Bryan College Class of 2017

RELATED: Why Hillary's Lead Over Bernie Is Disappearing

“Economics is most important to me because I'm an econ major and also, I want things to be stable when I enter the real world. I think that a lot of the social issues aren't issues that political parties really should have a say in.”

-Chelsie, University of South Carolina Class of 2019

When you have sex for the first time, it’s inevitable that an endless flood of thoughts are going to be racing through your head. And don’t worry -- that’s totally normal! Here are 29 thoughts that you are sure to have during your ~first time.~

1. Am I doing this right?

I’m afraid to ask.

2. Judy Blume definitely didn’t prepare me for this

I trusted you Judy!

3. Is it supposed to be this painful…?

Please tell me it gets better!

4. I hope I wore cute underwear today

*fingers crossed*

5. I wonder if I’m naturally good at this

Let’s just hope I am.

6. Uh, I think I have to sneeze…

Hold it! Hold it! 

7. How am I supposed to sneeze without this being weird?

Well this could get awkward. 

8. This is nothing like the movies make it seem

Where is the background music?

9. I think I should have showered before this

I feel like a sweaty troll.

10. Is my philosophy paper due today?!

I need to check my email!

11. This is not what I expected sex to be like

Although I’m not sure what I expected.

12. I wonder if (s)he know I’m not very experienced…

However, I am a good actress.  

13. I can’t remember if I’m wearing deodorant or not

I hope to God I am.

14. What kind of sounds am I supposed to make?

I kind of sound like a dying whale.

15. If you think about it, sex is really weird

Like really, really weird.

16. What do I do with my hands?

OMG why am I so awkward.

17. This is uncomfortable

Let’s change positions ASAP.

18. How much practice would I need before I’m good at this?

Or before I actually start to enjoy it?

19. Are we going to have to share the bed after this?

I don’t think I can spoon and sleep at the same time.

20. I need to text my friends ASAP 

They're going to want details...

21. Is it is bad that I really want to check my phone?

It’s like I can’t find my lifeline.

22. I hope my feet don’t smell

Ewwwwwww. 

23. Is it me or is this position kind of awkward?

Actually all of this is kind of awkward.

24. I think I’m starting to get tired

Don’t yawn. Don’t yawn.

25. Wow, they didn’t mention this in sex-ed

Thanks for nothing.

26. Is it supposed to take this long?

Because I really need to check my phone.

27. I’m kind of getting hungry

Is it normal to crave Chipotle after sex?

28. I don’t feel too different

Then again, I’m not sure how I feel.

29. I could see myself doing this again

And again. And again. 

Whether you’re in a long-term, committed relationship or talking to a guy you met recently, male behavior can be nothing short of a mystery. One day things are going smoothly between you and your SO, and the next day you’re left with a broken heart. In an effort to gain further insight into the male mind, we’ve talked to college guys and love experts on why so many guys change their mind.

1. They feel like their SO has become too clingy/dependent

Of course, nobody sets out to become the clingy one in their relationship. However, when you start dating someone, it can become easy to get caught up in your newfound love. While it’s important to be involved and supportive in your SO’s life, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own.

“The main reason a guy pulls away is that the girl becomes too clingy and dependent upon him. This is a real turnoff,” says Dr. Carole Lieberman, M.D. “Not only is the thrill of the chase gone, but now the guy feels like he’s trapped.” As you ease into a new relationship, remember to take time for yourself and your friends, hobbies and interests. By giving your guy the flexibility to make his own plans and go out with his friends, you’re helping to build a healthy foundation of trust within the relationship.

Fact: College is a busy, stressful and confusing time in life. Relationships are also notoriously time-consuming and sometimes stressful and confusing. So it makes sense that “hook-up culture” is popular on college campuses across the country. Just to be clear, by 'hook-up culture' we mean an environment where dating is sparse and people tend to get together, no strings attached. No commitment, no problem…right? Who has time for a serious relationship, a full schedule of classes, a job and extracurriculars? In theory, this hook-up culture seems like the perfect solution to a busy schedule. But in reality, things can get messy and there can be serious consequences of hooking up. Before you choose to experiment in the culture or not, check out these pros and cons to make a better-informed decision.

PRO: There’s less pressure to be in a relationship

Growing up, we’ve all felt the pressure of needing to be in a relationship. But on a campus where hook-up culture is prevalent, there’s less people jumping into a serious relationship. This ultimately means less peer pressure, and more freedom to just enjoy your college years. “I think having your first boyfriend in middle school or high school is always so exciting,” an anonymous source from Penn State says. “But getting to college and realizing that you don't have to go that route is comforting for a lot of people.” Hook-up culture definitely gives you the freedom to let loose and just have fun!

PRO: Exploring sexuality can be empowering

College is all about exploring, and that doesn’t just mean academically. This is the time to find yourself, and a hook-up culture celebrates that. “Sexuality is empowering here [at my school] which I think is great,” says Lexie Mikula, a senior at Point Park University. “Before I came here, freedom in sexuality was downplayed, stereotyped and shameful, but I feel so comfortable with myself as a person with sexual desires, rather than ashamed!”

CON: Things can get awkward

Unfortunately, we live in the real world where not every hook-up goes well and sometimes things can get awkward. “I am not a big fan [of hook-up culture] because our school is small and you’re almost guaranteed to run into the person you randomly hooked up with at some point in your time here,” says Lauren McClure, a senior at the University of Wyoming. If things didn’t end well between you two, things can get weird pretty fast. What do you do? Acknowledge them? Avoid them? Help! It ends up just being weird for both parties involved.

CON: It’s hard to find a serious relationship

For those of us who are interested in getting serious, hook-up culture is a big hurdle. When people who just want casual hook-ups surround you, you might feel like the odd one out. “It can be hard to find someone who's looking for something more,” says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University. “It's difficult to tell if people just want to hook up or are actually interested in you!” It’s important to be open and honest from the beginning, and make sure you communicate to the person you’re with that you’re interested in more than just a one-night fling.

CON: There can be judgment

This one can vary depending on where you go to school, but unfortunately "slut shaming" has become a serious issue recently. Slut shaming refers to degrading or mocking a girl for being sexual. This is all too real at some college campuses, even those with rampant hook-up culture. However, this doesn't mean that all campuses do this. In fact, there are places that celebrate women’s sexuality and don’t put them down for it. “I like that people don't judge others for hooking up with who they want to hook up with,” says Rachel.

We listed this one as a con because criticizing someone for their sexuality is always a negative. But, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll run into that on your campus. Props to your school if it embraces sexuality and doesn't put other people down for it!

CON: There can be serious health risks

Because hook-ups are temporary, people don’t always think about the long-term health risks that could be involved. If you choose to be sexually active, it’s important to be safe. This means using contraceptives and proper protection to prevent STDs. Be sure to take advantage of the resources that your school’s health center provides, beyond the free condoms they pass out. Also, don’t be ashamed to talk to a doctor if you think something might be wrong. Taking good care of yourself always comes first!

As you can see, we listed more cons than pros, but a lot of these can vary depending on what school you go to. Obviously every school has a different culture, so it's hard to make generalizations. There's really no "one size fits all" when it comes to discussing casual hook-ups. Some of these cons could be pros at your school, and vice versa. For example, not every school will shame you for exploring your sexuality, or maybe you don't think it's that awkward to run into an old hook-up. But like most things in life, the hook-up culture has both pros and cons. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to have fun, stay informed and be safe.

Once upon a time, a movie titled Blue is the Warmest Color made its way onto the big screen and managed to piss off a lot of lesbians who claimed that the sex pictured in the movie was too much and not even close to being an accurate representation of what lesbian sex is actually like. A lot of people, including some of us, are a little confused when it comes to two women having sexual intercourse. Luckily, we were able to ask a few collegiettes a few questions about lesbian sex and we got some pretty surprising answers.

1. Do you and your partner(s) ever define gender roles when it comes to how you have sex?

In a way, this question is actually pretty offensive because it can serve to reinforce gender stereotypes. According to Ashley, [...], there aren't always defined gender roles in her relationships, it usually just depends on the relationship.

"In a lot of lesbian relationships, there are women who are more ‘butch’ and women who are more ‘femme,’" she says. "The same thing kind of applies to gay males (‘tops’ and ‘bottoms’). The partner who identifies as butch tends to be looked at as the person who takes on the more masculine role and, most of the time, I’m the more masculine one. I’m usually the more dominant person, but I can be versatile."

Every relationship is different. It's also important to note that a lesbian relationship cannot be compared to that of a heterosexual couple because not even all heterosexual couples follow that type of structure. It's a touchy question to ask, so just be careful with your delivery.

Related: 5 Things You Should Never Say to Your Gay Best Friend

2. What exactly is considered to be lesbian sex?

Okay, so this one can also be pretty offensive for some of the same reasons. There's some sort of a stereotype surrounding lesbian sex that makes people believe two things: 1. that lesbian sex isn't real sex and 2. that main way that lesbians can please each other is through oral sex. But, according to Alexa, a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, this actually isn't true. 

"Because of the way it's portrayed in the media, there are way too many people that think having sex with another woman only consists of oral and that's so wrong," she says. "I took a human sexuality class my senior year and it's actually been proven that the most common form of stimulation in relationships is manual."

But, again, it all still depends on the preferences of the women involved. "What is considered sex is defined by the two women committing the act, but it’s really no different from straight sex, aside from anatomy," Ashley says. "Sex to a lesbian can mean oral, penetration (use of fingers or dildos), vaginal contact or any kinks. How two people have sex is their creation and personal business regardless of their sexuality."

3. Do you think that the media provides us with an accurate representation of what it’s like to have sex or be involved with someone of another gender?

Whether we've seen it on shows like The L Word or more recent shows like Netflix's Sense 8, we've all come across lesbian sex on film and television at some point. The problem is that, sometimes, the media has a way of not representing lesbians and their relationships in a very accurate way.

"Growing up, I'm realizing more and more that lesbians and homosexual relationships are a part of my everyday life," says Brittany, a senior at the University of Georgia. "I just think it's important for me and others to understand sex and get a more accurate depiction of it on film."

One key to understanding this is not to believe everything that you see on television.

"The media usually perpetuates lesbian stereotypes," Ashley says. "Society has a way of hypersexualizing lesbian women, mostly femme women. Oftentimes, lesbian sex on television and in film is portrayed in a way that will appeal to male viewers. On shows like The L Word, the women are portrayed as overly promiscuous, confused or in unstable relationships. It's just not always relatable."

This can kind of go back to the question about gender roles. Sometimes lesbians are portrayed in non-realistic ways, which makes it a little more difficult for some of them to be taken seriously at times.

"I always see it as an issue of femme visibility," says Alexa. "The media likes to make it seem as if there's only one type of lesbian, the butch lesbian. That kind of makes it hard for femmes to meet other lesbians."

4. Is it usually easier for you and your partner to be more open with each other and not be ashamed of your bodies since you have the same anatomy?

It's easy to think that, because a woman becomes involved with another woman, her insecurities just seem to disappear because she won't fear that her partner's expectations would be as high as a guy's. But, when thinking of it that way, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

"In my experience, being more comfortable with my partner is sometimes difficult because either one or both of us have huge insecurities," says Ashley. "Just like in any other relationship, each person wants to feel beautiful, handsome, and/or sexy to their partner. Being self-conscious doesn’t diminish in lesbian relationships."

It's also important to note that assuming that just because a person identifies as a woman doesn't mean that they do in fact have the same anatomy as another woman. "If I date a trans woman who identifies as a lesbian, her body may or may not be slightly different from mine, and that's an important thing to think about too," she says. "But the range of comfortability and openness would still be unknown."

5. Do you think it’s true that it’s easier for a woman to please another woman because she has a better idea of what she likes?

This happens to be a common misconception but, not surprisingly, it's not necessarily something you should believe. 

"It all comes down to the fact that all women’s bodies are different," Ashley says. "The idea that a woman knows another woman’s body better than a man creates an unrealistic expectation for women who decide to experiment with other women. Lesbian and bisexual women can be unexperienced sexually or unsure of how to please their partner(s)."

Basically, don't just assume that if you hook up with a girl you'd have a better shot at pleasing her because you both have the same organs. Again, all women's bodies are different and it doesn't make sense to think that women automatically know what other women like, just because they're a part of the same sex and/or gender category.

The moral of the story here: don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t base your knowledge of queer and lesbian sex off of what you see in the media. The key to understanding lesbian sex is realizing that everyone’s sex life is personal and that it is what you make it.