It’s amazing how much three little words can impact a relationship. If you and your SO have already shouted I love you from the rooftops or swapped the sentiment after a steamy night of “studying,” then give yourself a pat on the back because, let’s be real, that’s not an easy thing to do. As small as those words may seem, saying them can often feel as challenging as trying to sound out something like honorificabilitudinitatibus. (Let us know how that goes.) Want to know what’s not tricky? Making those words mean even more than they already do. You have your SO’s heart. Here’s how to really make it race.

Related: 7 Signs You’re in Love  

1. Explore the pictures and posts of your partner’s past

What we capture on camera says a lot about who we are as people, and what we share on social media is a further extension of this idea. “Scrolling through your partner’s camera roll is one of the most fun things you can do on a random Saturday afternoon,” says Temple University senior Leah Wenhold.

Maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend starred in a hilarious Adventures of Huckleberry Finn parody for his or her high school English class. Maybe he or she had a brief obsession with tweeting nothing but knock, knock jokes. Regardless, there’s a decent chance that you’ve yet to discover everything there is to know about your SO. Seeing his or her old snapshots and videos and searching the depths of his or her Facebook timeline (or, for a crazy good kickback, Myspace profile) will make it clear to your partner that you’d like a better peek at his or her past. More knowledge = more love.

2. Tackle something terrifying together

Okay, so rock climbing isn’t for everyone. But there are many intimidating activities to explore, and they come in various shapes, sizes and situations. Have you and your SO been tossing around the idea of training for a Tough Mudder race or tasting calamari for the first time? Well, it’s time to stop debating and start doing! There’s a great deal of trust that comes into play when you decide to face your fears. Because deeper trust sets the stage for deeper love, sampling fried squid together could actually intensify your partner’s feelings for you.

3. Serve up some sweet compliments

You’ve probably heard that flattery can get you far in life. Therefore, it’s not surprising that a little kudos has the power to kick your SO’s passion into high gear.

“It might sound silly, but people truly do appreciate compliments,” says Mikayla Trinkley, a recent graduate of Penn State University. Yes, it may sound silly—especially because flattery can sometimes read as phony. But your partner will love an honest, wholehearted compliment, and he or she will love you for noticing certain things about him or her. Leah uses style as an example. “If you really like your SO’s outfit or hairstyle on a particular day, don’t be afraid to let him or her know!” she says. Fashion and beauty risks can often go unnoticed, so calling positive attention to your partner may lead to an even sweeter sense of love.

4. Get the inside scoop on his or her interests

You may know nothing about drumming or Dungeons & Dragons or whatever it is that fills your SO’s free time when he or she isn’t cramming for midterms or hanging out with you. However, as Mikayla points out, there’s a ton of value in taking the opportunity to investigate his or her interests. “I think doing what you can to learn more about your SO’s hobbies and favorite things to do is super important because those interests probably mean so much to him or her,” she says. “Something as simple as asking your boyfriend or girlfriend to walk you through his or her hiking obsession will suggest that you want your relationship to have as much depth as possible.”

Mikayla’s totally right. Just as pictures and posts help to build a better understanding of your partner’s past, discovering the details of his or her present interests will increase your understanding of who he or she is as a person. Who knows? Something as far from romantic as developing your own D&D character could cause your SO to go weak in the knees.

5. Introduce him or her to your interests

Inviting your partner into the wonderful world of your interests is equally important. He or she is probably as curious about what you like to do as you were about his or her favorite activities, so gaining a richer perspective might give your SO even more reasons to feel 100 percent in love with you. Hold nothing back, and you’ll be amazed by how much he or she enjoys trying to get a good grasp of your training routine or Scream Queens fan club.

6. Stick around through life’s suckier moments

Experiencing the high points of your SO’s life alongside him or her will definitely tighten the ties of your bond. However, being there through your SO’s not-so-fun low moments is what’s really going to rev his or her love engines.

As Carole Lieberman, M.D., a Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them and How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets, puts it, deciding to support your partner is a key step toward making your relationship stronger. Dr. Lieberman says that “showing concern for the things that are stressing him or her out” could cause your SO to feel as though he or she would never want to lose your love. The honeymoon phase has its perks, but your partner’s bound to appreciate you even more if you’ve got what it takes to handle his or her hot messes.

7. Spend less, snack more

We’ve all heard again and again that the way to a person’s heart is through his or her stomach. Have you ever wondered whether or not Rice Krispie Treats actually lead to lasting love? Short answer: yes.

“Sometimes, less is more,” says Dr. Lieberman. According to her, collegiettes tend to get caught up in trying to do “too much” for the sake of love. But powerful feelings are the products of pint-sized actions. “Even though it may be cliché to say, it's the small things,” says Saint Vincent College junior Juli Cehula. Dr. Lieberman agrees with this and adds that “bringing [your SO] a midnight snack when you know he or she’s pulling an all-nighter before a test” will leave him or her feeling incredibly grateful.

In the currency of love, Doritos are more valuable than dollar signs. As Juli says, “Everyone is always so concerned about how much you spend.” The intention behind a snack or small gift is what leaves the most lasting mark on your partner.

Though each of these things should supercharge your SO’s love for you, remember to keep this in mind: He or she fell in love with you because you’re you. Sure, a sweet compliment helps, and a scrumptious snack might win him or her over. But being yourself is, hands down, the best way to take I love you to the next level. 

In the country music world, the Country Music Association Awards are the biggest evening of the year, as they should be. Since tonight is the 50th anniversary of the awards, it's safe to say that some of the biggest music stars are going to go all out. And they definitely have. Here are the 10 best looks of the best looks from the evening so far. 

1. Carrie Underwood

2. Maisy Stella and Lennon Stella 

3. Jessie James Decker 

4. RaeLynn 

5. Kelsea Ballerini 

6. Reba McEntire 

7. Hillary Scott 

8. Lauren Alaina 

9. Nicole Kidman 

10. The Final Five (Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Gabby Douglas) 

Slay ladies, slay! 

A few months ago Jared Leto showed the world what method acting was, with the whole playing pranks on his cast-mates thing. Well, although not as extreme, Emma Watson is definitely getting into her character of book-loving Belle from Beauty and the Beast. 

According to Seventeen, last year Emma Watson started a new feminist book club called “Our Shared Shelf” in which she selects a book every month for women to read. This month, Watson picked the book Mom and Me and Mom by Maya Angelou and in order to get people to read the books, she is pulling out all the stops. 

She has teamed up with Books on the Underground, a project that encourages people to read on the subway, and she is hiding books in the metro stations all over London. And it doesn’t stop there! Inside of the 100 copies that she hid, she wrote handwritten notes explaining the project to whoever found the book. 

The note reads: 

"You are the finder of Our Shared Shelf's bi-monthly book choice. Each pick is made with careful love and attention – we hope you like it. Just one hundred copies were hidden on the tube by "Books in the Underground." Take special care of it and when you are finished please leave it on the tube again for someone else to find. If you enjoyed it or have thoughts – please let me know on goodreads.com/oursharedshelf. Love, Emma x (Watson) London" 

So basically Emma Watson is a real life princess. 

Coffee isn't a drink, it's a lifestyle, and it's one you have chosen to take very seriously. Whether you've got a habit that would shock a Starbucks barista, or you simply need a cup or two to get yourself going in the morning, the first step to overcoming addiction is admitting you have a problem. Not that you plan on giving up coffee any time soon. You don't wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy without a little help, right? Right?

1. Before you've had the chance to have your first cup, you're like 

It's not exactly a pretty sight.

2. Your friends and family know to stay away until you have a sufficient amount of caffeine coursing through your veins.

Let's just say you get a little grumpy. 

3. You know exactly how you take your coffee, and you have a hard time straying from your go-to order.

And you have no patience for indecisive customers who take forever to order. 

4. In fact, when asked how you take your coffee, you say, "Seriously. Very seriously."

Because you are seriously dependent on it. 

5. Your morning is ruined when the person in front of you orders a complicated item off of the "secret menu" at Starbucks.

And you feel personally victimized by this person. Why won't she just let you get coffee in peace?

6. Tea? Tea is for wimps. Tea is for the weak. 

Someone always suggests that you switch over from coffee to tea... yeah, right. 

7. You have a deep, emotional attachment to your barista. 

Do you love him because he is beautiful, or is he beautiful because he encourages your bad habits?

8. You separate your year into two seasons: Iced and Hot. 

"Is it too cold for iced coffee?" = The constant struggle. 

9. You spend way too much money at coffee shops.

There's just something really nice about having your coffee made by a professional.

10. Given enough coffee, you could run a small country.

Mostly because you consume enough coffee to fuel a small army.

11. You're constantly lying about the amount of coffee you've had.

Because the looks of judgment are just too much to bear.  

12. Forget it if you missed your morning cup—the caffeine headaches are killer.

Like being hungover, except worse.

13. Which usually has your friends saying things like, "You're going through withdrawals," and, "You need help."

They don't know your life.  

14. Your yawns are like silent screams for coffee. 

"HELP ME." 

15. But you'll never stop because caffeine has always been there for you. 

You've been hooked since your first cup, and there is no stopping now. It's a vicious cycle. 

Whether it’s a weekend excursion or extended vacation, traveling is an essential part of any student’s college experience. After all, it’s important to rest, recharge, and explore new locations to gain perspective—and experience.

That’s why we applaud the mission of Fathom, a company that offers travel opportunities with purpose. As they say, “Traveling is more than seeing and doing; it’s about connecting, immersing yourself in new things, sharing stories, and engaging.”

Now, we’re helping Fathom to promote impact travel and send two very lucky collegiettes on a transformative journey. If you enter now, you could win and an ocean view cabin for two to the Dominican Republic*, which is home to 60 miles of gorgeous coastline, stunning mountainscapes, and a vibrant culture. So yes, that means having a few days to yourself while at sea (did someone say unwinding after exams?), making new friends, and exploring a sought-after destination.

Not only this, but you’ll also participate in thoughtfully tailored onboard and on-location programming and workshops; participate alongside locals in impact activities; become immersed in another culture; and help create long-lasting social change. Take it from us, collegiettes: This isn’t your ordinary travel experience.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Enter now for your chance to win an ocean view cabin for two to the Dominican Republic courtesy of Fathom.

*Prize includes airfare (economy) for two from anywhere in North America to the cruise port in Miami. Must be booked 60 days in advance.

Love to Travel? This Giveaway is for You.

Remember how Belle's father, Maurice, was an inventor in Disney's Beauty and the Beast? Well, in the new live-action remake with Emma Watson, Belle's the one who's the inventor. Nice twist, right?

"I was like, 'Well, there was never very much information or detail at the beginning of the story as to why Belle didn't fit in, other than she liked books,"Watson told Entertainment Weekly. "Also, what is she doing with her time? So we created a backstory for her, which was that she had invented a kind of washing machine, so that, instead of doing laundry, she could sit and use that time to read instead. We made Belle an inventor."

We absolutely love this. The set director, Kate Spencer, added that music boxes will play a role in the move too. Since Belle doesn't travel, Maurice (played by Kevin Kline), makes music boxes that have special meanings.

"We've made all these music boxes that represent different countries of the world so she can see what she's missing," Spencer said.

Watch the trailer below:

Are the chilly temperatures keeping you out of the elements and inside the gym this winter? The icy roads, bone-chilling temperatures and decreasing daylight hours are enough to keep even the most adventurous fitness junkie indoors this season. But with the winter workout gear we’re featuring, you don’t have to resort to the treadmill this time of year. Now, you can keep up your favorite outdoor workouts while staying warm and protected!

Jackets

Warm muscles are essential to a great athletic performance, which is why an ultra-warm workout jacket is a must-have for your fitness wardrobe. Throw one over your workout outfit to ensure that not only will you be comfortable, but you’ll also protect your bod from the winter elements and the dangerous side effects of exercising with chilled muscles.

1. Techfit Climawarm Jacket

Adidas ClimaWarm Jacket

adidas, $60

Designed to keep your body warm even when the temperatures are low, this jacket uses adidas’s Climawarm technology, which mimics the hollow fibers of a polar bear’s fur. This jacket is sure to help you you generate the power you need to get through your workout!

2. Aeroloft 800 Running Vest

Nike Aeroloft Vest

Nike, $180

This ultra-lightweight running vest features goose down insulation for warmth. Tiny ventilation perforations are placed throughout this vest as well, allowing for moisture and excess heat to automatically exit mid-workout.

This piece is perfect if you’re into hiking and need some serious warmth that can be taken off quickly. The vest can be folded into a back zippered pocked armed with a carrying strap for easy mobility while you’re mid-mountain.

3. Shimmer Cold Gear Half Zip Pullover

Under Armour Half Zip Pullover

Under Armour, $64.99

This jacket is perfect if the winters in your area are mild. The interior of this pullover has a brushed lining to trap body heat during your workout and has thumbholes so you can keep your sleeves down during activity to ensure maximum warmth.

Tops

A great long-sleeve top is the best winter alternative to your usual workout tank. They can be easily layered under a jacket or worn solo.

1. Long-Sleeve Studio Tee

Victoria's Secret Long-Sleeve Studio Tee

Victoria’s Secret, $54.50 - $59.50

This is a great basic for all of the fitness fashionistas who want a slim-fitting workout tee with a pop of color!

2. Women’s Active Running Top

Old Navy Running Top

Old Navy, $24.94

Turtlenecks have met their match with this running top hybrid that will keep your neck warm throughout your fitness regimen!

3. Reflective Trim Running Top

Forever 21 Running Top

Forever 21, $15.80

Reflectors are functional and safe, making this top a must-have! Grab this great running top before hitting the pavement after dark.

Pants

1. Knock Out Cold-Weather Tight

Victoria's Secret Cold-Weather Tights

Victoria’s Secret, $89.50 - $92.50

This sizzling take on the traditional Knock Out Tight is equipped with a brushed lining and high-rise waistline for maximum warmth. Not to mention there’s a handy hidden drawstring as well as side ankle zippers!

2. Pro Hyperwarm Tights

Nike Hyperwarm Tights

Nike, $55

Not only do these tights have an ultra-stylish print, they’re also made from Nike’s Dri-FIT material that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable. A product of fashion and technology, this pair is held together with ergonomic flat-lock seaming made to prevent chafing while offering a limitless range of motion. 

3. Climawarm+ Pants

Climawarm Pants

adidas, $65

This pair of sweatpants can easily go from loungewear to workout wear! Adidas’s combination of insulating Climawarm technology and sweat-wicking THERMOLITE make for a dynamic duo. 

Accessories  

Don’t forget to keep your head and hands warm while you work out, too!

1. Colorado Brimmer Hat

Grey Adidas Hat

adidas, $24

This cute workout hat is crafted with a heavy knit and a fleece-lined headband to keep in the heat while staying in place during your outdoor adventures this season.

2. Women’s Better Sweater Gloves

Patagonia Gloves

Patagonia, $39

The fleece interior and sweater knit exterior of these athletic gloves will provide added comfort and warmth during any outdoor activity. If you’re doing a hands-free activity such as jogging, the extra warmth could be just what you need to power through your workout.

Say goodbye to sacrificing style for comfort (and vice versa) with cute outerwear that meets and exceeds both of these needs! Mix and match all of these items to create a fashionable yet functional cold-weather fitness look to fit your personal style.  

We know Mila Kunis from her roles in movies like Black Swan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Bad Moms, but now we might know her as a women's equality activist. Kunis wrote an open letter about sexism on Medium and in her letter, she discusses just some of the experiences she has had in the entertainment industry regarding sexism and how she will not stand for it.

"You'll never work in this town again," was what one producer said when she refused to pose semi-naked on a magazine cover. Kunis decided to stand up for herself and not allow herself to be objectified.

"For the first time in my career I said 'no.'And guess what? The world didn't end," Kunis writes.

Her world definitely did not end, and instead of sulking in the corner she decided to take action and create a production company with three other women to produce quality television. When she was pitching networks one executive followed up with this email: "And Mila is a mega star. One of biggest actors in Hollywood and soon to be Ashton's wife and baby momma!!!"

The executive claimed it was a lighthearted comment, but it stuck with Kunis who says, "it's these very comments that women deal with day in and day out in offices, on calls, and in emails—microaggressions that devalue the contributions and worth of hard-working women."

She withdrew from the project. Kunis isn't damning all men for being sexist, and she knows that society has embedded gender biases into their and our lives. This, however, is no excuse for the pay gap to close at an extremely slow rate, in 136 years, and for people to accept this kind of behavior. While Kunis can choose who she works with and what projects she takes, she knows not all women have that luxury which is exactly why she has to stand her ground.

Her essay ends with this message for that executive: "I will work in this town again, but I will not work with you."

#TBT to Super Bowl 50 when Coldplay, Beyoncé and Burno Mars came together for a musical trio we wouldn't have planned for. Mars has fond memories of prepping for the stage with Queen Bey. At the time, they were both stressing about their diets he tells Rolling Stone.

"Then the day before, we're watching playback backstage, and she's eating a bag of Cheetos. I'm like, 'That's what you're doing?' She's like, 'There's nothing more we can do these last two days. It's gonna be what it's gonna be. So, I'm gonna enjoy this bag of Cheetos.'"

Prepare for these words to arrive on your Instagram feed in meme form. We're not complaining, "it's gonna be what it's gonna be."

It seems like just yesterday that CoverGirl was announcing its first male ambassador, James Charles. But the brand has no intention of stopping there in its journey toward greater inclusivity. The newest CoverGirl is the brand's first Muslim ambassador: beauty blogger, makeup artist and YouTuber Nura Afia. Nura is not only known for her gorgeous makeup tutorials, but also for the creative ways she wears her hijab. Although this appointment was long overdue, it's refreshing to see more diverse representation from a major beauty brand. We can only hope that this is part of a larger shift in advertisement and media.

Nura is a part of the So Lashy! mascara campaign with brand ambassadors James Charles, Amy Pham, Chloe + Halle, Sofia Vergara and Katy Perry. It's no coincidence that this campaign is so beautifully diverse: this mascara is specifically designed to complement anyone's lashes, no matter their length or color. We can't wait to see more of these ads — congrats to Nura!

The holiday season is looming ever closer, and it’s already bringing exactly what we’ve come to expect of it—hordes of individuals complaining over stupid things, like a retail worker who says “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” or the color of a Starbucks cup.  

The day after Halloween, Starbucks rolled out the design for a new, limited-edition green cup, the face of which is composed of a “mosaic of more than a hundred people drawn in one continuous stroke.” Starbucks’ CEO, Howard Shultz, explained in a press release that artist Shogo Ota’s design, which connects people from coffee farmers to baristas to customers by one thread, is meant to be a symbol of stitching people together as a united community, reminding us that we are all connected and should be kind to one another.

So how did humanity take to Starbucks’ new symbol of unity and kindness?

People accused Starbucks of using the peace cup to force a political agenda, to politically brainwash consumers, and to conform to political correctness by not having the traditional red cups with snowflakes and snowmen. Did we already mention that Starbucks has not said that this is their holiday design?

Thankfully, some people on this earth still have some common sense, and are having a lot of fun watching the meltdowns of others.

Donald Trump hasn't received too many newspaper endorsements during this presidential election. In fact, some conservative publications have even endorsed Hillary Clinton or Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, NPR reports. 

However, Trump just received an endorsement from The Crusader, a newspaper affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan which, according to NPR, "brands itself as the premier voice of the white resistance." AKA, white supremacy.

According to The Washington Post, under the Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again," the newspaper defends Trump's message. 

"'Make America Great Again!' It is a slogan that has been repeatedly used by Donald Trump in his campaign for the presidency," Pastor Thomas Robb wrote in the paper. "You can see it on the shirts, buttons, posters and ball caps such as the one being worn here by Trump speaking at a recent rally. But can it happen? Can America really be great again? This is what we will soon find out!"

"While Trump wants to make America great again, we have to ask ourselves, 'What made America great in the first place?'" Robb's article continues. "The short answer to that is simple. America was great not because of what our forefathers did — but because of who our forefathers were. America was founded as a White Christian Republic. And as a White Christian Republic it became great."

The Post was able to reach Robb for an interview, and he said that the article shows the newpaper's enthusiastic support of Trump, even though he said it's not an official endorsement. "Overall, we do like his nationalist views and his words about shutting down the border to illegal aliens," Robb said. 

Trump's campaign, however, has rejected the newspaper's support, NBC reports. 

The Trump campaign released this statement: "Mr. Trump and the campaign denounces hate in any form. This publication is repulsive and their views do not represent the tens of millions of Americans who are uniting behind our campaign."

Apple recently released a preview of iOS 10.2, BuzzFeed reports, including newly updated emojis.

Well, sadly, it turns out that one of those updated emojis is the peach—and people aren't too peachy-keen about it. Unfortunately, this redesigned peach looks a lot less like a booty, and more like a real peach.

According to Cosmopolitan, people are legitimately concerned, because the peach emoji is a crucial component of any good sexting conversation.

But don't fret, because there IS a way to stay positive about this change:

So fetch! Jeffree Star has just announced a brand new highlighter shade, inspired by your favorite Mean Girl, Regina George. The powder, which is part of the Skin Frost collection, is a shimmery, ultra-pigmented bright pink that will have you glowing like the queen of the Plastics. The highlighter will be available on Black Friday, November 25 at 10 a.m. PST.

We cannot wait to get our hands on these babies, but if pink isn't your thing, the collection also includes a ton of other fabulous shades—from a pretty gold to a bold AF mint. The highlighters go for $29 a pop, and are available on the Jeffree Star website and a few other places online.

Since Pretty Little Liars has stopped filming, the time has come for all the secrets to come out that they have been hiding. And it starts now. 

Well, according to Seventeen, there’s a BIG secret behind the opening credits, and no it’s not that Aria’s finger is not straight in front of her mouth. 

If you take a look at the intro, you will notice that the girls are standing in front of a green screen, very obviously. What you probably don’t see at all, is that all of the girls are actually wearing comfy slippers.

What you see: 

What the rest of the crew sees: 

This changes EVERYTHING. But also same. 

Being a wallflower might mean watching life from the sidelines, but really you're right in the action. You constantly know what's going on with your friends, and it seems like you have a web of knowledge beyond compare. Sometimes, there are days when you want to be the center of attention instead, but it's not the worst life. Here are 17 things all you wallflowers out there will relate to!

1. You're really good at blending in and going unnoticed

2. Sometimes you feel invisible

3. You're the friend everyone goes to when they need someone to listen

4. You don't talk about yourself much because you're always listening to everyone else

5. You're often caught in the middle when two friends are fighting because they both turn to you to rant

6. You have a really good memory

7. So good that you remember a lot of details about people that you probably shouldn't

8. You really don't like being the center of attention. You're just not used to it!

9. You're probably shy or introverted 

But not necessarily.

10. You just have so many feelings

11. You like your alone time, particularly because you spend so much of your time listening to or observing others

12. You sometimes wonder if anyone will ever know you the way you know others

13. You're constantly thinking about so many things

14. You sometimes forget that you're not invisible, and someone catches you staring at them or eavesdropping on their conversation

15. Even people who are good listeners themselves feel comfortable talking to you and might even say, "Wow, usually I'm the listener, but it feels nice to talk to you"

16. Sometimes you just want someone to listen to you and understand you

17. But at the end of the day, you like being a wallflower. You get to really know people, understand them and help them just by being there. 

Although most people on your Twitter timeline today were probably celebrating the Cubs' historic win in the World Series, something else historic happened last night. 

According to Esquire, Hillary Clinton’s campaign aired an extremely powerful ad highlighting Donald Trump’s sexism, starting from very early on in his life. 

In the minute-long ad, there really isn’t any dialogue except for Trump talking. With numerous clips, the Clinton campaign has managed to show Trump for what he really is: horrible. Some of the things captured in the ad range from his saying it's “dangerous” for women to work to his “pussy” grabbing comments. The ad concluded with "Anyone who believes, says, does what he does is unfit to be president." Wow. 

The election is just a few days away and Clinton is doing everything she can to take home a big win, just as the Cubs did. 

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would pick? Hawaii? Paris? Rome? Nope. Here at Her Campus, we're all about moving to Stars Hollow. Kiss college goodbye, and say hello to morning coffee with Luke Danes.

1. You want to experience fall in Stars Hollow  

Wanna grab a cup of coffee, sit in the gazebo and talk really quickly while wearing thick cable knit sweaters? JOIN THE CLUB.

2. You want to meet Luke Danes 

Admit it, you’d loooove to banter over coffee with this rugged diner owner while he rocks the HELL out of that flannel/backwards baseball hat combo.

3. You want to drink at least six cups of coffee a day 

Seems like everyone in Stars Hollow speaks faster and wittier than most people in the world, so you’re going to need to chug like Lorelai and get caffeinated if you wanna keep up.

4. You want to complain with Michel

Michel, my belle—if only you were the Greek chorus in our lives and could narrate the incessant nonsense we put up with. We know a few people who could benefit from some of your tough love. Speaking of tough love…  

5. You want to listen to Paris 

We would have voted Paris head czar of Chilton Academy. That’s how much we respect her. Actually, Paris Geller, 2020—let’s get campaigning! 

6. You want to be wined and dined by Emily and Richard 

A Friday night dinner with Ems and Richie really doesn’t sound too bad, especially if Emily is in the mood to throw some of her classic shade and Richard is willing to pop some champagne. 

7. You want to take a class at Miss Patty’s School of Ballet

Any dance instructor that gives these types of notes is destined to applaud you every time you make a mistake and dedicate at least 15 minutes of class to freestyle movement. Sign. Us. Up.  

8. You want to listen in on a town hall meeting

Even their BARN is picturesque! We don’t have town halls where we're from, but if we did, there certainly would not be any charming debate amongst the quirky and lovable local business owners.

9. You want to eat a meal prepared by Sookie and Jackson.

Fresh vegetables supplied by Jackson, delicious preparation by Sookie—so tender, so flavorful, much like their marriage. Their cooking puts Linguini and Ratatouille to SHAME.  

10. You want to attend the Stars Hollow dance marathon 

When we dance all night, we're “overstaying our welcome” and “acting inappropriately in the library.” When Rory does it, she is cheered on by her boyfriend and another boy who is madly in love with her, ALL while she has her mom to lean on. What gives?  

11. You want to spend a night in the Dragonfly Inn

Maybe if we stay there, the sexual tension between our soulmate and us will spill over in the same perfect way that Luke and Lorelai’s did. But, knowing us, probably not.

12. You want to feel the neighborly love  

Between Kirk, Babette, Taylor and Lane, there’s plenty of love to go around. Even if the message sometimes gets lost in translation…

13. You want to eat the local cuisine

Let’s see. We’ve got Luke’s Diner, Weston’s Bakery, Al’s Pancake World, Antonioli’s Restaurant or The Hungry Diner. Take-out or delivery?  

14. You want to celebrate the local holidays

Hmmm where do we even begin? Bid on a Basket? End of Summer Madness Festival? Firelight Festival? Life seems better when you spend it in the Stars Hollow town square celebrating some archaic tradition, amirite?

15. You want to rock Lorelai Gilmore’s outerwear aesthetic  

Shearling-lined denim jacket? Leather blazer? Funky vests? All of the ABOVE!

16. You can’t decide if you want to be with Luke Danes or observe him and Lorelai together 

No, you’re not worthy of his perfection, and yes, he and Lorelai are the best couple in television history. But where else are you going to encounter a man who is grumpy yet affectionate, health-conscious AND owns a diner? Love is complicated, especially when it’s directed towards a fictional character… 

17. Most of all, you want to hang out with Rory and Lorelai 

Does your hometown have a lovable, smartass mother-daughter duo who are willing to go to the ends of the Earth to make each other happy? Do they eat like there's no tomorrow? Do you want to sit on their couch and watch a movie while gossiping about boys? If you answered no to any of the above, rest easy knowing there's seven seasons of your favorite fictional ladies at your streaming disposal. 

As someone who's struggled with weight my entire life, there's no worse feeling than looking down at the scale and seeing the numbers climb up. After thoroughly researching various dieting tips — some as ridiculous as only drinking hot pepper water for a week straight — I found that the more legitimate medical websites all recommended walking 10,000 steps a day. 

When I first saw a number as large as 10k I panicked. No way could I do this. But then I remembered how badly I wanted to be healthy again. I've been consistently gaining weight since about 2014, when I injured my back and had to get surgery. Bed rest took a toll on my body and I ended up gaining thirty pounds in six months. 

Unfortunately, after the surgery, there wasn't much physical activity I could do besides walking. Reminding myself of my formerly athletic and healthy body, I decided I would give the 10,000 steps a go. 

The first few days were surprising, if nothing else. I decided to measure how many steps I took in one average day, without going out of my way to hit 10k. As I made my way through my day, I was sure I'd at least come close to 10,000, but when I finally checked my number at the end of the day it was less than 2,000. Um, what?! I was sure I had accomplished my goal, but I was hit with a very rude awakening. I knew I would have to diverge from my normal routine and go out of my way to add the 8,000 steps I was missing.

RELATED: I Did a Sugar Cleanse & Here's What Happened

By my second week, I still hadn't quite mastered a perfect routine. I had gone out of town for a few days and, admittedly, forgot about my personal goal. I typically live a more sedentary lifestyle at home and there were some days when I gave into the temptation of staying indoors and watching Netflix instead of going out for a walk. I did, however, still manage to lose just under three pounds by walking an extra 2,000 steps on the days I did walk, and cutting carbs from my diet. I tended to carbo-load for all of my meals (because pizza is a thing), but I knew that cutting them out cold turkey would definitely put my body into overdrive so I could start losing weight faster. I knew I had to really push myself for the last two weeks. I was determined to continue managing my weight and begin my healthier lifestyle. I began to make daily trips to a nearby reservoir where I'd seen people run and walk their dogs, and decided to walk laps around the water to get extra steps in. It was great because I would see people of all shapes, sizes, and ages walking near me. Seeing an elderly man jogging on the same path made me realize that I really didn't have any excuses to stop me from achieving my goal. Besides, who doesn't want to walk when there's a chance of running into an adorable dog?

Week three was brutal because I made a point of pushing myself to walk, even when I was exhausted after a long day and just wanted to binge-watch Parks and Rec. We all have days when a giant cookie and a fuzzy blanket just feel right, but I only had four weeks to finish my experiment so I pushed myself to continue. 

I had asked my mom to join me on my walks and having her by my side seemed to be the piece that was missing this whole time. Every day after she got off work, we would walk and catch up on our days. It really helped to have a distraction to focus on, instead of how many steps I was walking. We figured out that about five laps around the water was enough to get me close enough to my goal of 10,000 steps that we could just walk together and not be overly focused on whether or not we needed to keep going. In fact, I had actually started to get really close to my goal — like 9,365 steps close. Having a partner to walk with also helped keep me accountable. I knew I couldn't skip out on walking or cheat on my diet because I had my mom there making sure I stuck to my goal.  

RELATED: I Did Kayla Itsines's BBG Workout For a Month

By week four, I finally felt like I had gotten a hang of my new routine. I genuinely started enjoying my daily walks and I didn't feel like I had to constantly monitor my steps anymore. I felt comfortable and happy. Despite still being over my target weight and my slow start, I finally felt like I was settling into a new workout routine that I could actually do without harming my back.  

Overall, since I first started this experiment, I've lost six pounds and, better yet, I feel healthier. I no longer feel hopeless about my weight and, despite it being a slow process, I'm loving watching the pounds go down. This was something I felt I had to do for my health and for my own peace of mind. Gone are the days where I would run five miles a day, but reaching this goal after what my body has had to endure over these past two years is just as much of an accomplishment.

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with dieting. It starts off all well and good when we decide we’re gonna buckle down and be our best, healthiest self. But a few days in, all we can think about is how much we miss donuts. The struggle is real, and so is the hunger. These are some of our typical thoughts while on a diet.

1. This is the year I have a beach bod for spring break!

2. This isn’t so bad. I love salad!

3. What is kale?

4. I forgot how great fruit was.

5. This tastes like vomit.

6. I think my organs are starting to eat themselves.

7. I’ve been really good this week. I’m gonna treat myself.

*20 minutes later*

8. I’ll just work off the calories.

9. I. Hate. Running.

10. Wait, these pants are baggy. It’s working!

11. Damn, I look good!

12. I’m gonna treat myself again.

13. I guess I’ll never learn.

At the end of the day, trying to eat right and exercise is so awesome. But quit torturing yourself with green shakes and rations of almonds trying to lose weight. We think you look great already.