If you're like me, you're looking for the most inspirational summer haircut that's the perfect blend of classy and sassy. Recently, Sofia Richie debuted her summer look—and the choppy bob is everything I'd want for a carefree look in the heat. IGK Co-Founder Chase Kusero cut her hair using—get this—kitchen shears. Kusero said this helped to fashion the chunky "strong bob," because the scissors would give it a thick and chunky texture. He added in the IGK RICH KID Coconut Oil Gel ($27), which creates an air-dried beachy wave look. According to the stylist, this type of bob is trending for summer and I can see why.

Celebrity stylist Kusero has been working with Richie, daughter of Lionel and sister of Nicole, since 2013, so it's safe to say he knows her style, and she truly trusts him. This time, he gave her a rather dramatic hair change since they don't get to see each other very often, and you gotta make hay while the sun shines. “Her hair was feeling a bit dry and we were hanging out, getting ready for a friend’s wedding," Kusero said. "I told her she would look sick with a strong, short bob. I think the cut was exactly right for her and is on-trend for summer.”

Sofia always shows off her blonde hair with the cutest cuts, and previously rocked a longer and less curly look. 

Check out these seven other celebs who opted for the choppy, wavy bob or lob as well:

1. Megan Fox

2. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

3. Eva Longoria

4. Rachel McAdams

5. Khloé Kardashian

6. Taraji P. Henson

7. Kaley Cuoco

A recent high school graduate from Phoenix, Ariz. is busting stereotypes—and challenging restrictions—against women playing on men’s sports teams.

In April, Becca Longo signed her letter of intent to play football for Adams State University, a Division II college in Alamosa, Colorado. The Los Angeles Timesconfirms that she is the first woman to ever receive a football scholarship at a Division I or II school. 

Longo has the stats to back her extraordinary achievement for gender equity in sports. She scored an average of 4.1 points per game—which, if you don’t speak football, is a huge deal for a high school kicker. She’s not stopping at being the first female collegiate football player, either. According to a Bleacher Report profile, Longo aspires to play in the NFL one day.

Achieving that dream isn’t going to be easy. A recent Forbes report deemed the NFL “the ultimate boys club," and very few women work for the NFL even at the corporate level, according to senior corporate official Constance Schwartz-Morini. Making it onto the field is even harder—no woman has ever played football professionally for an NFL team.

When it came time to select new team members, Adams State football coaches knew that Longo had talent—her gender was an afterthought. “It was like recruiting any other athlete,” coach Timm Rosenbach told The Arizona Republicof offering Longo a spot on his team. “To me, there is no doubt she can be competitive.”

Longo’s sudden legacy as the first woman to receive a football scholarship hasn’t been received kindly by everyone. “I’ve heard people say that I’m a publicity stunt,” she told Bleacher Report. But, she said, “I don’t let that bother me," explaining that she focuses on her professional goals to tune out the haters.

Longo will start her collegiate football career this July when she heads to Adams State for training camp. As if her football talent wasn’t inspiring enough, she also plans to play on their women’s basketball team. We hope to see her name on an NFL jersey in the future.

You may have heard yourgynecologist use the phrase ‘pelvic floor,’ but do you really know anything about yours? If you don’t, there’s no need to stress—we’re giving you all the facts, plus tips on how to prevent issues from occurring down the road. We talked to Dr. Melinda Abernethy, Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and an expert on pelvic floor disorders. Here’s what you need to know.

What is your pelvic floor?

According to Dr. Abernethy, your pelvic floor is the set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue at the base of your pelvis. Your pelvic floor is there to support your internal pelvic organs—your urethra and bladder, vagina and uterus and rectum. It also helps stabilize the pelvic bones. Though it is often overlooked, the pelvic floor is an important part of the body’s muscular core. So, now you know!

Why is it important?

“The pelvic floor helps with urination and bowel movements and helps prevent urine and fecal leakage,” says Dr. Abernethy. While this doesn’t sound very glamorous, keep in mind that the pelvic floor also plays a role in sexual enjoyment. Your pelvic floor muscles, known as the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles, contract during orgasm. Regular pelvic floor workouts, specifically kegel exercises (more on those later!), can lead to more enjoyable sex. Basically, you may be more easily aroused and/or have stronger orgasms.

What should college women know about their pelvic floors?

You may know that pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor, due to increasing pressure. Dr. Abernethy explains that there are other factors that can also negatively affect the pelvic floor, such as being constipated, having a chronic cough (like with smoking) and being overweight. “Even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, just getting older also impacts the pelvic floor,” says Dr. Abernethy. “It is better to start taking care of your pelvic floor BEFORE you have any issues. Exercises like yoga and pilates can help to strengthen your entire core, including the pelvic floor.” As if we needed another reason why yoga is good for us!

Related: 5 Things Your Gynecologist Wishes You Knew

How would you know if something was wrong with your pelvic floor?

According to Dr. Abernethy, “You should see your doctor if you have difficulty with holding onto or releasing urine or stool or if you have pain in your pelvis or vagina (including pain during intercourse).” She explains that you can talk to any doctor about these issues and they will direct you to the right specialist if needed. If you are experiencing pain during sex, you could have a problem with your pelvic floor. Contact your doctor if you feel that something may be wrong—better safe than sorry!

kegel_exercises.jpg

Should college women be doing kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floors?

One word: yes! “Similar to abdominal exercises to strengthen your abdominal core, women should exercise their pelvic floor muscles to help maintain their function,” says Dr. Abernethy. “Kegel exercises can be done anywhere or anytime. Just find the muscles that you use to stop the flow of urine, and squeeze them for 5-10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times with 10 seconds of rest between each squeeze. Ideally, you would repeat the set three times a day, but anything is better than nothing.”

If you have any of the symptoms discussed above, however, Dr. Abernethy recommends seeing your doctor before starting kegel exercises. In some circumstances, they can make the situation worse.  

Related: 8 Exercises You Can Do Without The Gym

How does strenuous exercise affect the pelvic floor?

Listen up, sports stars! “Athletes, especially those who participate in high impact activities (gymnastics, track and field, soccer, field hockey, etc.) put additional strain on all of their core muscles, including the pelvic floor,” says Dr. Abernethy. “If anyone has tried to run when you really have to urinate, you should understand this well!” If you are a woman who falls into this category of athleticism, you should be aware that you are at increased risk for developing pelvic floor dysfunction. Because of this, you should participate in helpful pelvic floor activities like yoga, pilates and doing kegels. If you already engage in any of these exercises, you’re one step ahead of the game.

The pelvic floor may be overlooked, but it definitely should not be! Like Dr. Abernethy says, “Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about ANY symptoms associated with your pelvic floor. If you have a problem with urination, bowel movements or sexual function—tell us! We can help (it is what we do!) but only if we know that you have a problem.” Keep an eye out for any possible pelvic issues, and in the mean time, start doing those kegels!

Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified on Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Sessions has been the subject of much speculation since March, when he recused himself from the Department of Justice investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. This could have something to do with his possible contacts with Russian officials.

Following up on former FBI Director James Comey’s key testimony last week, the main idea was clear: In response to every question, Sessions either denied “collusion" with Russia, or forgot about Russian communications entirely.

“I have never met with or had any conversations with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States,” Sessions asserted in his opening remarks.

“Further, I have no knowledge if any such conversations by anyone connected to the Trump campaign,” Sessions continued. He later called the mere suggestion that he was involved with the Kremlin State to sway the election an “appalling and detestable lie.”

Despite his outright denials, he also seemed to be forgetting a lot. According to NPR, Sessions claimed he couldn’t “recall” 18 times. For instance, he denied meeting Russian ambassador Kislyak at the Mayflower Hotel in April 2016 by saying, “If any brief interaction occurred in passing with the Russian ambassador, I do not remember it.”

Sessions almost entirely avoided or refused any questions relating to his and President Trump’s conversations. And several top Democrats were not having it.

“You’re impeding this investigation,” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) said. “Your silence speaks volumes.”

“I believed the American people have had it with stonewalling,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.) said, echoing the sentiments of Sen. Heinrich and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif).

“I am not stonewalling!” Sessions fired back at Wyden. “I am following the historic policies of the Department of Justice. You don’t walk into hearing or committee meeting and reveal confidential communications with the president of the United States.”

Apparently, Sessions was excusing his behavior by pointing out—but somehow not invoking—executive privilege. That was the "historic policy" he was referring to. According toBusiness Insider, executive privilege can only be claimed by members of the executive branch, including the president himself, in order to withhold certain information from courts.

However, Sessions is not a member of the executive branch, so he can't invoke executive privilege. Instead, he claimed he was trying to protect Trump’s future rights to executive privilege...somehow. "I'm protecting the right of the president to assert it if he chooses," Sessions said. "The president will either assert the privilege or not, or some other privilege can be asserted, but at this point I believe it's premature for me to deny the president a full and intelligence choice about executive privilege."

Essentially, Sessions likely had no idea what would or wouldn’t be acceptable to Trump for him to say in the testimony. So he chose not to really say anything at all.

When it came to Sen. Harris’ turn to ask Sessions some questions, she pressed him on his recollections (or lack thereof) of his meetings with Russian personnel. Instead of answering, Sessions said, “I’m not able to be rushed this fast. It makes me nervous.” After that, GOP Chairman Sen. Richard Burr told Harris that her questioning time had expired.

During his testimony, Sessions also denied part of Comey’s testimony last week. The Department of Justice protocols suggest strongly against any solo meetings with sitting presidents in order to prevent any interference in investigatory decisions. However, Comey testified that Trump made everyone leave the Oval Office before he strongly suggested that Comey stop investigating his former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's ties to Russia. Comey claimed that Sessions, his official superior, said nothing against Trump’s actions.

“I responded to his comment by agreeing that the F.B.I. and Department of Justice needed to be careful to follow department policies regarding appropriate contacts with the White House,” Sessions said.

In fact, Sessions was involved in the decision to fire Comey, who had served as FBI Director since 2013—though Sessions'explanations of why he thought Comey needed to be fired keep changing.

If nothing else is clear from Sessions testimony, even going under oath won’t make Trump’s closest allies budge on anything to do with Russia.

It wasn't too long ago that relationship rumors began swirling around Bella Thorne and Scott Disick, after the two were seen out together in May. Soon, the internet blew up with photos of the two cozying up poolside in Cannes, and everyone was wondering one thing: WTF is going on? Well, thanks to an interview with Complex, the Famous In Love actress is finally giving us the answers we've been looking for—but definitely not expecting. 

“Scott is really nice, sweet, charming. I don’t drink, and he really drinks a lot. And it just ended up…I just wasn’t down. I was like, ‘I gotta leave,’" Bella, who left Cannes abruptly with several tweets as a parting message, explained. "We were [at Cannes] a day and a half before I was like I’m booking my flight and leaving. I love to go out and have fun, I love to fucking dance, but I just don’t party hardcore like that and it was way too much for me. I was like, ‘Woah, this is not the way I live my life, bruh.’” 

Although it was rumored that the two were a couple, Bella said they're just friends who met at one of her house parties. "I throw a lot of house parties, and that’s how I meet these people," she said. "They come to my house party and they’re like, 'Yo, I heard you’re having a party,' and I’m just like, 'Okay, French Montana. Hi, French.' That’s how I met Scott—he came to a house party of mine [with French] and I was like 'hi'."

And while Scott's difficult past filled with partying and alcoholism is no secret, as much of the drama has unfolded on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Bella wanted to set the record straight. She went on to explain the context behind a buzzworthy photo in which Disick appears to be grabbing her breast. “Honestly, my nipple came out of my bikini and he tried to fix it for me and it looks like he’s grabbing my boob," Bella shared. "That’s very nice of you to actually not sit there and stare at my nipple because my boobs are big—they come out of my shirt all the time! You can’t keep those suckers down."

So there you have it. Despite the frenzy of photos and rumors, Bella is just not about that hardcore party life, and she can't say the same about her friend Scott. 

Tuesday, June 13 was no ordinary day at Oprah Winfrey's house. It was Wonder Woman Day, and the excited party host blessed all of our Instagram feeds with a series of videos as she prepared for the Wonder Woman-themed party she threw for 28 10-year-olds. The videos were complete with party favors, a Gal Gadot-inspired cake and lots of Oprah-like talk-singing and clapping. 

The host began by placing a Wonder Woman figure on top of the cake she received from Charm City Cakes. "This is the crowning moment," Oprah said while holding the figurine. "Wondeeer Womaaan! Happy Wonder Woman Day!" 

Gal Gadot showed her approval by regramming the video and posting it to Twitter. "This is awesome!" she captioned both posts. 

And the fun just kept coming. Oprah went on to post several more videos, giving us an inside look at her party favors, including popcorn buckets, Wonder Woman cuffs and flip flops. Her adorable furry friend Sadie, who wasn't too sure about the Wonder Woman festivities, even made an appearance! 

And of course, you can't throw a good party without some delicious food. Oprah ended the series of videos with one last look at the shindig and the cooks who were preparing a butter lettuce salad for the parents and some "beautiful hamburgers and hot dogs" for the kiddos. 

After watching all these videos and experiencing some major FOMO, we know one thing's for sure: there ain't no party like an Oprah Winfrey Wonder Woman party.

Follow Amanda on Twitter.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Dear Ash, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

As caps and gowns are becoming more prevalent, graduation parties are filling up our schedules, and times with the people you grew up with are being cherished, a big season is waiting ahead. You have probably heard time and time again, “Are you ready for your first year of college?” Your mom is probably going insane making a list of every single item you need. Your first year of college is approaching, and you just don’t know what to expect.

If you’re like me, and you’re the oldest sibling to trudge off to college, things can be difficult. I had to learn in my first year of college what I needed and what I truly didn’t need. It was all kind of a mystery. But friends, I don’t want you to be nervous about this transition, and I want you to be prepared. And being prepared means crossing off things from our packing lists that in fact, aren’t really needed. 

Without further ado, here are the ten things you should not bring to your first year of college.

1. Your entire wardrobe

Yes, you might be deemed as a “fashionista." You might even love clothes (and sister, I can relate with you on this one). But coming from personal experience, I brought almost every clothing item I had in my closet, and some never even saw the light of day. In college, people do not wear dresses or skirts, and truth be told at 8:30 in the morning after no sleep you probably won’t even be in the mood to wear one either.

Focus on bringing seasonal clothes, and if you’re going to go overboard, do it with shirts and jeans. Don’t even try to prepare for fancy looks, because college is not fancy by any means. So save yourself and the limited closet space for clothes you actually will wear.

2. Your entire shoe collection

This goes hand and hand with number one. Once again, bring seasonal shoes. In the fall, I brought booties and boots. However, my issue was I brought every pair. There were some boots that I only wore once or twice, and the rest were just taking up space. Yes, you might find comfort seeing all your prized possessions everyday, but they are doing no good just collecting dust. Plus, in college you do a lot of walking, so bringing shoes with big heels or uncomfortable soles is not the best idea.

3. A laptop tray

Before going to college, I thought I absolutely needed this. On my Target trip (which all of you will eventually make your way to this saving grace in the course of your packing expedition), I was certain I needed to buy a laptop tray. It was in all the college lists on Pinterest, so I felt it was a necessity. I imagined myself in my dorm at night with it plopped right on my bed, relaxing, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee in its handy dandy drink holder. But truth is, I only used this puppy once. And my roommate didn’t even take hers out of the Target box.

In the one time I used my laptop tray, I was sick and it was within the first couple of weeks of college, which is a prime adjustment period. It was one of those really bad days already, and I thought taking this thing out would make everything better. So I got all cuddled up, and I took it out like I imagined I would be doing when I bought it, only to find that the lever needed to be adjusted. So I raised the laptop tray above my head to fix it to my liking, and low and behold the tray’s surface smacked me right in the head. You can now guess why I never took it out again.

Read the full post here.

In the panic that ensued after the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, there were reactions of distress, anger and sorrow around the world. But Manchester and Ariana stood strong. 

Since the attack, the pop star has visited injured concertgoers at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and raised millions at her One Love Manchester benefit concert. Manchester victims and people from around the world were strengthened by Ariana’s response to overcome fear with love. 

In light of her “noteworthy contributions” to the Manchester community and her efforts to promote unity, Manchester city council leader Sir Richard Leese told BBC that Ariana will be named "an honorary Mancunian.” She will be the first honorary citizen not from the Greater Manchester area, Cosmopolitan reports.

I can't think of anyone who deserves this honor more.

The Kardashians are known for many things—their reality shows, their beauty lines and, perhaps most importantly, their Instagrams. Continuing on her path to world domination, Kim Kardashian spoke at the Forbes Women's Summit in New York on Tuesday, where she explained that, like all good things, her Instagram aesthetic doesn’t come easy. And that's mostly Kanye's fault.

According to Refinery29, during a recent trip to Tokyo, Kim grew frustrated with her husband’s photography skills—or lack thereof. In the middle of the night, like a true Kardashian, Kim decided they should have an impromptu photo shoot. "We tried to do it, and it was such a mess, and he just was not the best photographer. I was like, ‘You ruined what my social media was going to look like.’ So we scrapped that shoot, but we got the good experience." 

Um, how are Kanye and Kim still married if he can't take an Insta-worthy picture of her? Just saying.

Last week, Warner Bros. shut down production of Bachelor in Paradise following allegations of “misconduct” on set. The scandal arose after producers allegedly filmed a sexual encounter between Corinne Olympios and former Bachelorette contestant DeMario Jackson, reportedly after a day of heavy drinking. But details of the misconduct that caused the show to cease production are still unclear. 

On Wednesday, Corinne released her first official statement to TMZ.

"I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened on June 4," Corinne told TMZ. "Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production."

She continued, "As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality. As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light and I can continue my life, including hiring an attorney to obtain justice and seeking therapy to begin dealing with the physical and emotional trauma stemming from that evening."

We all make mistakes. Whether it’s three cheeseburgers, an entire greasy pizza or a whole tub of ice cream, sometimes we just can’t help it. Thankfully, it’s not the end of the world – even if you feel completely gross. We’ve collaborated with an expert on nutrition to give you the best recovery plan to feel better after a junk food binge. Read on to cleanse your system!

1. Eat light foods that will help your body recover

After a day of loading up on sugar and calories, you definitely want to take a step back and choose foods that won’t make you feel bloated. Mary Hartley, a registered dietician, reminds you to keep your foods light. “After a day of eating junk food, you should drink calorie-free fluids, such as water and herb tea, and not eat solids again until you are actually hungry,” she says. Don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not feeling hungry – it’s okay to go a few hours on fluids while detoxing from junk food.

Peggy Hall, a wellness expert and the creator of Living Swell, gives you a few ideas on drinks and foods that will bring your body back to normal. “Start by drinking a cup of my ‘Hot Lemony’ – juice of half lemon with one teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water with a dash of cinnamon,” she says. “Lemon is a powerful detoxifier and will replenish your vitamin C. Honey contains B vitamins for energy. Cinnamon keeps your blood sugar levels stable for better energy.”

Hall also gives you a great idea for a cleansing salad. “Have a big salad with mixed greens (helps clean your blood), shredded carrots (helps your digestive system move out the toxic debris) with a drizzle of two teaspoons of olive oil (helps prevent the junk food from constipating you) and one teaspoon of vinegar (fat-burning),” she says. “Later, have one cup of chopped pineapple, fresh or frozen, to bring down bloating.”

Follow these tips on foods and drinks to get your body back to baseline.

2. Avoid processed foods and sweets

It goes without saying that you should avoid any of the foods that you devoured during your junk food binge. Hall notes a few specific foods that you shouldn’t be eating while trying to detox. “Avoid alcohol, sweets, salty foods, fried foods and fast foods,” she says. “One or two cups of coffee are okay, with half-and-half, no artificial sweeteners or diet sodas.” Even though Hall approves coffee, that doesn’t mean you can order your favorite sugary drink at Starbucks. Keep it as light as possible.

Mainly, avoid heavy foods that will make you feel bloated. These include red meat, cheese and anything greasy or loaded with calories. Remember, only eat when you feel hungry – and you probably don’t feel too peckish anyway after a day of eating heavy.

Related: 6 Signs Sugar is Ruining You & What To Do About It

3. Keep your body moving

While exercise is likely the last thing on your mind with your bloated, sluggish body, you need to keep yourself moving. Exercise will encourage your digestive tract to keep moving, and in turn, keep your body feeling light. Don’t do any heavy weight-lifting, though – that might make you feel sick. Stick to light cardio until you feel better.

Hall gives you a few examples of good exercise routines after unhealthy eating. “Walking is best, outside in fresh air to help with digestion, clear your moods and lighten up your mind and body,” she says. “Going for a swim is fabulous, as well as a bike ride. Stay away from classes at the gym where you have to look in the mirror or be around other people as this might cause you more stress.” Yoga might be hard if you’re bloated, but try anything that works for you.

4. Get a good night of rest

All too often, a junk food binge goes hand-in-hand with a late night out, or even an all-night Netflix binge. While finally catching up on all fourteen seasons of your favorite show may have been worth it, your body will hate you for falling asleep at 3:00 AM. Lack of sleep, compounded by junk food, will make you feel absolutely miserable the next day.

Follow all the food and exercise tips above, but also make sure to get to bed at a decent time the day after your unhealthy eating. It will definitely help reset your body to a healthier lifestyle. Hall gives you a great tip on winding down before you go to sleep. “Sleep helps, but first, take a shower!” she says. “Feel that you are washing away the grime and gunk of the junk food. Change your clothes and wash them. Put on clean clothes, make a cup of ‘hot lemony’ and feel your body recovering and detoxifying.”

Junk food can make you feel greasy and gross – taking a shower before you go to sleep and having a ‘mini-reset’ will definitely prepare you for a better day when you wake up.

5. Follow a recovery meal plan

It can be hard to know exactly what to eat to feel better after a junk food binge, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Peggy Hall has put together a ‘recovery meal plan’ that will cleanse and nourish your body.

• Breakfast: Hot Lemony (see above), followed by a smoothie made with 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 cup frozen pineapple or mango, handful of fresh mint leaves and 1 cup almond milk. These are all detoxifying and will reduce water weight gain. One cup of coffee is fine, with a splash of half-and-half, if desired.
• Lunch: Big green salad with shredded carrots, chopped celery (great for bringing down water retention), 3 oz grilled chicken. Two tsp olive oil and 2 tsp apple cider vinegar.
• Snack: Crisp apple or pear with 15 raw, unsalted almonds
• Dinner: Make an easy detox soup with 1 chopped onion, 2 cups chopped cauliflower, and 1 handful of spinach. Put on pot with 3 cups water and boil till veggies are tender. Then blend till smooth, adding more water, if desired. Grilled salmon or tilapia (4-5 ounces) along with 1 small baked sweet potato sprinkled with cinnamon.
• After dinner: Cup of ginger tea with 1 tsp honey

The day after unhealthy eating is never fun, but by following these tips, you can be well on your way to feeling healthy and happy again. It’s okay to binge out on junk food every now and then – never feel ashamed by that. We all make mistakes, and most importantly, we can recover from them. Good luck, collegiettes!

A man opened fire on congressmen practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game Wednesday morning, injuring at least five people. According to NBC, the shooting suspect was identified as 66-year-old James T. Hodgkinson. He entered a park in Virginia and began shooting, injuring several people including Republiction Rep. Steve Scalise. Hodgkinson later died from his own injuries.

While law enforcement was previously unsure of the motive behind this attack, the suspect's brother may have given some helpful information. According to The New York Times, Michael Hodgkinson said his brother "wasn’t happy with the way things were going, the election results and stuff.” In the telephone interview, he regarded the incident as "totally out of the blue."

The interview has led to a closer look at Hodgkinson's life. The Times reported that "social media accounts that appear to be affiliated with Mr. Hodgkinson show a man deeply connected to liberal politics and distrustful of Republican-controlled Washington." 

On Tuesday morning Hodgkinson posted a cartoon that suggested big corporations bribe Congress to get their bills passed. He also posted many references to former candidate Bernie Sanders, and indicated that he had volunteered for the 2016 campaign. Despite this connection, Sanders has strongly condemned the shooting.

Despite having certain views on liberal voters, Hodgkinson "did not come off as an unstable individual," Charlene Brennan, a woman he had worked with in the past, told the Times. "He wasn’t belligerent; he was just kind of a normal guy,” she said.

It seems like no one is sure why Hodgkinson would ever take such drastic actions against lawmakers in D.C. His social media and voting records may lead to some answers, but in the end it's near impossible to know why someone would do something like this. 

I am not a morning person.

Truthfully, I love the idea of being the woman who springs out of bed before the sun rises, brews a pot of fair-trade coffee, turns on some Missy Higgins, lights a few candles and gets her day started before the rest of the world has, but I’m just not.

I oversleep at least twice a week, consider dry shampoo an acceptable shower and the most committed relationship I’m currently in is the one I have with my Starbucks barista who I see every morning. 

A few months ago, I found myself pushing through one of those mornings where I overslept, forgot to grab breakfast, spilled my ice coffee into my car cup holder as I hit every pothole, and had emails coming in so fast, my phone began to make a humming noise. I decided to embrace what the morning had thrown my way, turn on NPR and just sit in the traffic.

The morning radio hosts were talking about the recent election and the way in which women were using this loss as a way to fight back. The hosts spoke with a few people and they played a segment from comedian Sarah Silverman’s stand-up routine. The routine was the usual crude and bizarre jokes, but this time the punchline was different, it actually had a punch, and it was a good one. She said, “We have to stop telling our little girls they can be anything they want. Not because it’s not true, but because it would have never occurred to them that they couldn’t.”

And there in the middle of standstill traffic, coffee dripping down my arm, completely frazzled but completely shocked, I realized the greatest gift my dad ever gave me. 

My dad did not raise me to be pretty, he did not even raise me to be beautiful. He raised me to make others feel beauty within themselves. Because pretty women focus on how they look, but beautiful women focus on what they are looking at. 

My dad never fixed my pain. He never ran onto the battlefield in my place, even though deep down, I know how desperately he wanted to. Instead, he watched with tears in his eyes as I was hit, and knew this defeat would give me a lesson. Because without pain, there is no lesson. And my dad wanted me to earn my lesson, not just learn it.

My dad raised me to own my space. To know that I was allowed to take up the love and adoration that was rightfully mine, and not apologize for it. Because apologies should only be given when they are deserved, not when you have nothing left to say. 

My dad is a witness to my life. I firmly believe that sometimes all we want and desperately need is for someone to say, “I see you. I see you chasing your dreams, I see you struggling or I see you trying,” and nothing more. My dad shows up to my life every single day, and just sees me. 

My dad taught me how to be alone. How to go to the movies alone and how to be comfortable in the uncomfortableness of being alone. Even if being alone is for a while. 

And above all else, my dad didn’t help me find my voice. He let me find it myself, and when you give a girl a dad who does that, you give a girl the greatest gift she’ll ever have. 

If there’s any celeb who isn’t afraid to speak out against the haters, Chrissy Teigen is one of the first names to come to mind. Not only is she straightforward af on social media, she knows how to poke fun at herself and her husband John Legend. After attending Sunday night’s Tony Awards with John, Chrissy had a sassy retort for a Twitter troll who didn’t seem to understand why she was at the event, Cosmopolitan reports.

John walked away from the celebration of Broadway theatre’s best with a Tony for Best Revival of a Play, having worked as a co-producer of the victorious production Jitney. Chrissy was right at his side on the red carpet and at the after parties, obviously tweeting about it along the way. 

I mean, if I had a photo op with Josh Gad and Keegan-Michael Key, I'd want to share it ASAP too.

Despite her fun insight into the night, some people out there weren't pleased with Chrissy's updates. One Twitter user, whose account has now been removed, wrote, "@chrissyteigen will show up to anything."

Proving that nobody has time for haters, Chrissy responded quite simply:

Hats off to Chrissy for always clapping back with a perfect answer and reminding us that supporting your partner can also be fun and rewarding. 

Studying abroad in Florence? Get a crash course in how to make the most of time in Italy with Her Campus’ abroad guide. We spoke to collegiettes who studied in the city, who shared their tips on everything from getting around, to staying safe to enhancing your time in this new city!

What must you see while you’re living in Florence?

Make sure to check out Piazzale Michelangelo, but be aware, “getting to the top is a very tough and steep climb up countless stairs, unless you take a cab of course, but once you get to the top, preferably around sunset, they usually will have live music playing and you have a gorgeous view of the entire city.” Another climb worth it? The Duomo which at the top has “the most beautiful views of the city” so “don’t be lazy, climb all the way to the top.” As many know, Florence is the place to buy leather, so shop at The Leather Market/Central Marketwhich is “a giant open room with different food vendors, it's always fun to go around and sample it all! Right outside is the leather market which is fun to look around in and haggle prices for a new leather bag.”

Cross Ponte Vecchio, “the famous bridge connecting the more residential side and the touristy side. There are cute shops along the bridge, but it is cooler to go to one of the bridges next to it so you can see the Ponte Vecchio in its full.” Once you cross the bridge, walk through Boboli Gardens. “They are huge and beautiful and you can take hours exploring their entirety. It is the perfect place to picnic or do homework on a nice day.” Another great place to hang is “Santa Croce, an open piazza where people come to hang out, drink, and eat panini and gelato.”

In terms of tours, “take the secret passageways tour in Palazzo Vecchio.”

Which tourist sites are skippable?

“Riding the Carousel in the Piazza della Repubblica is not a necessary experience; just go look at it.” Some believe that the famous museums (“like the Uffizi”) simply “weren’t worth it. Plus the wait time to get in is always hours long.” At the Galleria dell'Accademia, collegiettes noted “David is overrated” but admitted “if you live there, you’ll inevitably see it.”

For day trips, “skip The Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is an absolute dump and waste of time. You can see it from the cab on the way to the airport if you are so inclined.”

Where can I get souvenirs?

“Anywhere around The Duomo” is a surefire place to find souvenirs. Not far from there, you can always find takeaways from “the leather market.” But some students advise: “Don't buy souvenirs, buy local artisanal crafts, wine, and whatever unique things you can get your hands on. You can buy the same tiny statue of David at home.”

Best places to buy clothes?

“If you go toPiazza della Repubblica there are amazing stores surround the entire area. Specific stores I enjoyed wereTezenis, COIN and Zara!” A more specifically Italian place to shop is “Dixie, it’s very cute.” The quintessential Florence clothing purchase is a leather jacket and “everyone goes to the leather market to buy one.”

What’s the best way to get around?

“By foot. Florence is so walkable that public transportation is a waste of money” however “a bike could be a good move, depending on the time of year.”

Where should I go with my parents?

So many delicious options in Florence! “La Giostra has a wonderful atmosphere and pear ravioli that is to die for.” Pear ravioli can also be found at Trattoria 4 Leoniwhich “is good for holidays and has great pumpkin ravioli as well!” ZaZa's “was one place my family really enjoyed They have a neat atmosphere and delicious wine and food, it is a must.” Mario’sis “worth the 50 euro. It's family style and there are two eating times — you show up for whichever time you choose and hopefully get seated at a table! They bring out endless food and wine, aka a true Italian experience.” Trattoria Gargani has “unique, exquisite dishes that will knock your socks off. Try the citrus pasta. It is by far the greatest thing I ate during my study abroad semester.” Ristorante Natalinohas a “wide spread of great, traditional dishes, with some standouts like pistachio pesto and the pear gorgonzola pasta. Sit outside at dusk and drink a glass of white wine as you enjoy the cool night air and a gorgeous sunset.”

Any great dinner recommendations?

“Trattoria Anita is one of my favorite places in the city — it was one of the restaurants we could use our meal vouchers, so I was there at least once a week. The food is amazing and cheap, with tons of options that will suit every taste. Every pasta dish is spectacular and well worth trying.” Trattoria Sostanza“makes a butter chicken so good it could make your momma cry.” For mouthwatering truffle gnocchi” look no further than Osteria Santo Spirito. “It’s a splurge but Il Profeta. The John Travolta pasta is worth the hype.” And for a great night out with friends, “Acqua Al 2has big portions easy to share, it’s not too pricey and caters to a younger atmosphere.”

Where can I get authentic Italian food?

For pizza, “Gusta Pizza is delicious, cheap, and their pizzas are in the shape of hearts” or I Bastioni di San Niccolò Trattoria & Pizzeria for what one collegiette calls “the best pizza I’ve ever had.” In terms of pasta, “Santo Spiritohas amazing sizzling gnocchi.” While “you can find homemade pasta in a lot of different places and it is amazing, I have to call out Yellow Bar where they make the pasta as you order it."

“Fiorentina steak is a must, get it at Trattoria ZaZa.”

“Secret Bakery. Everyone in the city knows about them. They are bakeries that are open from 1-3am baking for the next mornings pastry shops. You have to be super quiet around them or they won't serve you. You knock on the "sketchy" back door and someone will answer, you tell them what you want and it usually is only one euro for a fresh out of the oven pastry. You're not supposed to ask where they are, but find it yourself and let your nose find it. HINT: You can find one near Red Garter.”

Where should I go for an authentic night on the town?

“For a fun night, go to Kikuya and ask for Dragoon with a lollipop, but limit yourself to one as they are very strong!” Wine lovers should go to Dante’s which has “free wine for students; need I say more?” For live music “Salamanca is a great place to start off a crazy night” and Super Fox boasts both tunes and “little games on each bar table for you to play. The Italians taught us how to play them and were super friendly, and not creepy like you would find in a big club.”

For a night out with food and drink, “Il Gatto E La Volpe has all you can eat dinner/wine for 20 euro a person!! SO fun and amazing pasta.” It’s also “not super fancy” so you can “go often!”

While “most clubs are flooded with abroad students” Blue Velvet“tends to be a little more attractive to locals.  

Where do Americans go out?

“Since there are so many study abroad institutes in Florence, Italy you will always see American students for the most part. The Lion's Fountain is usually solely Americans and is meant for study abroad students. They even have nights where they accept U.S. dollars.” Other students mentioned Red Garter, Space Club, YAB (“on a Monday night”), and Club 21 (“on a Wednesday”).”

What are good grab-and-go spots?

News Café has “cheap cappuccinos, with foam art.” For healthy food, “Shake Café, plus they have a cute atmosphere.” For friendly service, and a delicious Panini, “Pino’s is the spot, and better than the extremely popular All'Antico Vinaio.”

Other special mentions go out to Antico Noè, Pane e Toscana, Panini Toscani,La Milkeria, and Le Vespe.

What are must-eat and must-drink items in Florence?

“Wine! Wine, wine, wine. Buy it at the grocery store and drink it while doing homework, drink it at dinner with friends, stop in a wine bar on the way home and have a glass as the sun goes down. Italian drinking culture is different than American drinking culture, which was one of my favorite parts of studying abroad. Some of my best memories involve a group of friends, a beautiful setting, and a glass of wine in my hand. The wine is just as memorable as the people.” Being that Florence is in the Tuscan region the wine is “to die for” and “pretty fairly priced.” In fact, one abroad alum said “all I drank was wine since it’s cheaper than water!”

If you’re looking to branch out from wine, Dragoons andlimoncello shots (“their go-to shot-like drink”) are recommended.

For food, “anything with truffle, as much pasta as you can, carbonara with truffle, and different panini with a wide variety of meats and cheeses.” Meat eaters should seek out “bistecca fiorentina, a specialty steak that... well, honestly, is the best thing I ever tasted. Most of the restaurants I listed have a great bistecca, so either Trattoria Anita, Ristorante Natalino, or Trattoria Gargani.”

I want to make the most of my time in Florence, what should I do?

“Go exploring every day. Start at the Duomo, pick a street, and start walking. You can see the Duomo from almost anywhere in the city, so you don't need to be afraid about getting lost during the day.” But make sure to end one say with a “sunset visit to Piazza Michelangelo.”

Another collegiette highly recommended “hiking to Fiesole. It's a small town on a giant hill right on the outskirts of the city. The climb is steep and can be a little tough but the views and experiences are definitely worth it. There are some good restaurants and cute little shops up there as well. You can take a city bus up, but hiking up is a better experience.”

Any great day trips in the area?

“Find a way to get out into the Tuscan countryside. Whether it's a vespa tour, or a wine tour, or just renting a car and driving through the hills, it will probably be your best memory of Florence. I know it's mine. I did a Vespa tour and ended up riding with the guide (because I am terrified of two-wheeled vehicles), and I found myself almost in tears the entire time. It was breathtakingly beautiful.”

Other day trips that got called out wereSan Gimignano,Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, Fiesole, Forte De Mami (“awesome Sunday markets”) andLucca, “a beautiful walled in town that is a music hub so a lot of great performers go there. You must bike around the walls!”

How will my phone work?!

“Get an international data plan from your current provider and use wifi around town. PicCellis a scam.”

“I personally decided not to get an Italian cell phone. This means that I didn't have data for 4 months and had to rely on wifi. I really enjoyed this route because instead of relying on Google constantly, I learned how to get around the city by myself and I found myself on my phone less often than I would if I had data. And you don't want to be on your phone too much when you're abroad!” Others agreed, saying “a phone isn’t something that’s necessary” or Italian-only data with an Italian number worked “perfectly” and was great for “not being too connected.”

What can I not forget to pack?

Although the food is phenomenal, “bring any foods you will miss, like mac and cheese, cheese its, or goldfish” because “yellow cheddar is not allowed.” Also make sure to bring bug spray (“the mosquitos are killer”), ear plugs (“the walls and windows are thin”) and a raincoat.

Any tips on staying safe?

“Never walk alone anywhere. Florence is generally safe, so just stick to the obvious safety tips” like “keep track of your friends at clubs,” “walk quickly and with confidence” and “watch out for child pickpocketers.”

Any tips on the abroad programs?

“I studied atLorenzo de Medici – it was a very interactive class experience. But be aware: they take the attendance policy very seriously, so do not skip classes willy-nilly. Save your skips for the end so that you can spend more time traveling and less time stressed about grades!”

“Learn Italian before you go if you have to take a language so that you can take a second or third level Italian as opposed to intro.”

“I studied through University of Connecticut in Florence. In one class I even got to manage a Tuscan vineyard's social media accounts! Taking an Italian class in Italy was an extremely helpful course. The class not only taught you how to speak basic Italian, but also how to actually live in Italy on your own for four months.”

“Take History/Story of the City at ISI Palazzo Rucellai; the professor is an extremely knowledgeable and quirky British man and you literally tour interesting points of the city while simultaneously learning about the culture.”

“Take Italian! It was a requirement from my university in the U.S., but even if it wasn't, I would have taken Italian anyway. I love the language and it helps knowing the language so you can communicate with locals and show off what you know. Also, take classes that step outside of the classroom. Museum study and art classes take you to all of the museums in the city for free!”

“I studied through FSU International Program. FSU's meal ticket program was a huge help with costs while abroad. The price tag is relatively small compared to other programs, and they made sure we had no Friday classes so we always had plenty of time to travel.”

“Take an art history class. The Florentine Renaissance is one of the most important eras in history, so you will not only be looking at some of the most influential and famous works of art in the world, you will be learning about a cultural movement that shaped the city you're living in. Florence is still very much a Renaissance city, and in some parts of the city, it does not look much different than it would have in the 15th and 16th centuries. You will have a deeper and more localized appreciation for the unique beauty of your city by learning its history.”

“ISI Palazzo Rucellaiwas almost all students from Penn State who ran in close knit circles which they were not willing to expand. It wasn’t a great experience. I wanted to not know anyone else in the program, but that approach sucks when everyone else knows everyone.”

Where should people stay when they visit me?

“My family stayed in an Airbnb when they visited and loved it because it had a living room and kitchen. It allowed them more freedom than a hotel would.”

Did you study abroad in Florence (or another city) and want to share your experiences? Contribute to the Her Campus Abroad guides HERE! 

If you're a superhero fan or have recently watched the new Wonder Woman movie, then you're in on the heroine hype. After all, we finally got a female superhero's origin story, instead of another Iron Man movie that no one asked for. Interested in keeping your feminist feelings going? Then definitely check out these movies and shows.

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The queen of kicking butt and taking names, Buffy is the ultimate superhero, and she doesn't take crap from anyone. 

2. Jane the Virgin

I love Jane because she stands up for what she believes in. She doesn't let anyone compromise her beliefs, and she's sassy. 

3. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

While the most recent season wasn't that great, the first two seasons were awesome. Kimmy has been through something terrible and still has a startlingly optimistic outlook on life, which definitely rubs off on viewers!

4. Miss Representation

If you're interested in the media's representation of women, then this is the movie for you! Wanna learn more about how women are underrepresented? Or how a negative portrayal of women in the media can have a negative effect on both men and women? Start watching! 

5. The Mindy Project

Mindy is a baller babe whose self confidence is through the roof. Boss lady, mom, fabulous doctor? Okay, Mindy's got this. Watching Mindy rock the world is better than any motivational poster. 

6. The Good Wife

Alicia is a strong woman who is raising a family and is the wife of a big-time politician. She stays with him through thick and thin and starts her own career outside of his. 

7. The Avengers

Okay, so pretty much everyone who has seen The Avengers knows it's mostly about a bunch of men being terrible at teamwork. However, I propose watching again just for Black Widow because she's such a badass.

8. Grace and Frankie

Grace and Frankie's husbands have fallen in love…with each other. Despite disliking each other, the two women come together and become close friends, and work hard to maintain normalcy. The show is hilarious, and the women are fabulous. 

9. The Handmaid's Tale

You'll have to log into your bestie's Hulu account for this one, and gosh will this show mess you up. The story will really scare you, but you won't be able to stop watching it. 

10. Jessica Jones

Sorry that Jessica Jones was so far down this list, everyone! This is Marvel's origin story for Jessica Jones and highlights her very rough life. I'm a big fan of Krysten Ritter as is, and this show messed me up. I loved it. 

11. Scandal

The White Coats have it handled, and boss babe Olivia Pope is their leader. The show is at times more dramatic than it needs to be, but honestly, who isn't obsessed with Olivia?

12. Orange Is the New Black

If you haven't seen OITNB, what are you doing? With all female main characters and amazing origin stories, this show breaks my heart every time. 

13. Parks and Recreation

Parks and Rec is such a great show. It stars a powerful female character who does her best to lift up her friends and those around her. I mean, Leslie Knope is definitely Pawnee's Wonder Woman. 

14. Supergirl

Who would have thought that Supergirl would get her own spinoff? P.S. It's absolutely fantastic! 

15. Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars is a teenage detective living with a single father and not putting up with a single moment of anyone's garbage in her small town high school. Talking about Veronica Mars just makes me want to watch it again and again, and I definitely could. 

16. The Crown

If you live and breathe all things royalty, then The Crown is for you. I live for the Queen, and I lived for this show.

17. Miss Congeniality  

Gracie Hart is an undercover detective who is taking part in the Miss United States pageant. She stands for strong women and does everything in her power to make sure the women around her know how to defend and take care of themselves.  

18. Elektra

Elektra had it rough and still managed to be crazy awesome. She's in Netflix's Daredevil, too, if you want even more. 

19. Catwoman

This movie was so bad it was almost good. Plus, you know how much we love to see a woman of color in a leading role! 

20. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This show is full of amazing women—what more could you ask for? 

Undocumented college students in Texas are kicking off summer vacation by protesting the new State Bill 4 (SB4), which bans sanctuary cities in the state, USA Today College reports. The law calls for police officers now having permission to question residents about their immigration status and is scheduled to take effect in September. The law’s passing directly affects college students because even campus police must follow its orders and answer to any federal immigration agents conducting investigations.

Carrying out what they call “the Summer of Resistance,” students have organized protests against the bill because they believe it promotes racial profiling. Protestor Vanessa Rodriguez, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, told USA Today, “It was very important for us to make a voice available to our community saying that, “I am undocumented, I am afraid, this bill is racist, but we will not give up, and we need numbers, we need commitment and we need unity to fight this.”

As of now, it’s uncertain how Texas universities will handle the bill’s impact, particularly once the new school year begins. Although SB4’s original intention was to gather undocumented people with a criminal history, some say that it has caused fear among communities of undocumented families. While SB4 calls for asking people for documentation only if they’re stopped for traffic violations, undocumented student Belman Guerrero says that earlier attitudes towards undocumented immigrants in Texas have made hundreds afraid of SB4’s power.

“It’s really been this fear in communities where some people are even thinking of leaving the state and trying to find somewhere else they can live,” Guerrero said, “because of this law that now basically gives the police the right to stop anyone that looks like an immigrant—or at least their belief of what an immigrant looks like—and asking for their documents.”

Because so many college students are safe from deportation under the laws of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, they have become the strongest voices in these fights against SB4. They plan to spend the summer spreading awareness of SB4 and helping other undocumented students learn about their rights.

Less than a day after Corinne Olympios spoke out about the alleged misconduct taking place between her and former Bachelorette contestant DeMario Jackson on the set of Bachelor in Paradise, Jackson has now come forward with his own statement.

According to PEOPLE, Jackson said in his public remarks, “It’s unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations. I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws.”

Sources close to Jackson claim that he “has been in high spirits” since news of the conflict broke and BiP production was suspended. Specific details of the incident are still unknown to the public, but both Olympios and Jackson seem committed to bringing the truth to light.  

An erection happens when blood rushes to the penis, making it firmer and enlarged. Think of it as a boner’s way of saying “hey” and giving you a thumbs up. They happen for a number of reasons, and there are a lot of factors that affect the ~quality~. Whether you’re a virgin or you’ve seen your fair share of erect penises, these are a few surprising things we think everyone should know about boners, so you can become somewhat of an expert yourself.

1. They’re more spontaneous than you think

Sorry ladies, but getting a boner doesn’t always mean that a guy is totally into you. Sometimes they just happen without conscious control.

Dr. William Schiff, a urologist from Fresno, California, specializes in men’s health and erectile dysfunction. He informs us that there are actually three different types of erections. “Arousal from physical contact is called a reflexogenic erection. If the erection spurs from audiovisual stimulation it’s called psychogenic. The last are nocturnal erections which happen when someone is asleep.”

Eric, a junior at the University of California, Irvine, puts this in easy-to-understand terms. “Foreplay and making out obviously gives me a boner, but sometimes nothing gives me a boner,” he explains. “I’ll be sitting in class and the room will be really cold, or I’ll remember I forgot to turn in a homework assignment, and then it just happens. I get them a lot from things that are the most non-sexual.”

What does this new penis fact mean for women? What he’s packing can be just as much a surprise for him as it is for you. If you wake up in the morning to some unwelcome morning wood or see a bump in his jeans start to rise while you’re talking, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s coming on to you. Understanding what stimulates erections is important. Most guys have 11 erections a day, and we can bet that most of those don’t have anything to do with sexy-time.

2. Certain habits have negative side effects

Your body isn’t going to be in great shape if you eat poorly and don’t exercise, and those same rules apply to boner quality. An unhealthy lifestyle can make arousal a lot harder than you would expect.

Getting intimate with a guy who does a lot of smoking and drinking also doesn’t bode well for the bedroom. It’s been confirmed that these habits play seriously into erectile dysfunction in younger men. Smoking inhibits proper blood flow, which means the penis isn’t getting the blood it needs when your guy is aroused. In turn, alcohol acts as a depressant, so even if he wants to get hard and show sexual desire, it may not happen. If his erectile dysfunction becomes a problem where he can’t get it up every time after having a couple drinks, don’t be afraid to talk it out and maybe pursue a healthier daily lifestyle to achieve a healthier sex life.

Related: 5 Sex Taboos You Should Be Over By Now

3. Anxiety is so real

Having performance anxiety or even a serious psychological issue like stress, anxiety or depression will definitely make it a struggle for him to get hard. Mental health actually has so much to do with erections. Whether he’s nervous about sex or even anxious about things happening at school or in his personal life, that tense feeling is going to affect the way his penis operates.

Dr. Schiff elaborates on the correlation between stress and penis function. “Performance anxiety is equally common in men and women; just as clinical disorders are equally common,” he says. “It’s extremely debilitating when you feel like you can’t fulfill an expected role. Reminding your partner that sex doesn’t need to be goal oriented is a good place to start. When you struggle with anxiety you have no idea how your body is going to react in certain situations, so making sure to have supportive sexual dialogue and understanding is key.”

If the tables were turned, basically treat him the way you want to be treated if you were the one feeling anxious about not being able to get wet. Acting annoyed or upset is going to be the opposite of helpful. Let him know that getting hard isn’t an issue right now, and there are so many other ways you can be intimate without trying to meet an end-goal. It’s great to make mental health and anxiety a safe thing to talk about in the bedroom, and will hopefully lead to more pleasure for both of you in the long-run.

4. The better a guy sleeps, the better his erection will be

Pretty much everything feels better after getting a full night’s rest, and the same goes for boners too. “A poor night’s sleep negatively affects men’s testosterone levels which in turn impacts the erection,” says Dr. Schiff.

Plus, remember how we mentioned that guys get nocturnal boners? Well, when he doesn’t get enough sleep his nighttime erections get interrupted, and that also can damage his overall penile health. Needless to say, let the boy get his sleep! Boners are low key so much more complex than we expected.

Related: So THIS Is Why Guys Send Dick Pics

5. Masturbation plays a role

If your guy hasn’t played with himself for a few days, he’s likely to get a more intense erection later. While everyone has their personal masturbation choices both in and out of relationships, no one would complain about being greeted with a bigger and firmer erection now and then.  

Real live college guy, Eric, better explains what this feels like so those of us without the anatomy can understand. “I can for sure tell a difference in how good my erection is depending on if I masturbated,” he says. “If I haven’t masturbated or done anything for a week, my boner is going to be that much better when I am having sex. Everything is way more sensitive.”

Try asking your guy to go a few days without any sexual stimulation, and then see what happens. When he does get an erection, it’s going to be way more intense for both of you *wink wink*.

Honestly, we are so here for all the sex facts. We hope you learned something new about boners today, ladies!

Follow Gina Escandon on Twitter.

Whether you’re staying in your southern college town for the summer or heading home to spend time with the fam, the south is one of the best places to live during your months off. From sweet tea and long days in the sun to some of the best food you’ll ever try, there are plenty of items you’ll want to add to your bucket list in order to truly get the southern summer experience. Here are nine essentials to get you started.

1. Experience New Orleans nightlife

Mardi Gras isn’t the only time when it’s amazing to visit New Orleans. If you want something outside the realm of the standard frat parties and college town bars you experience while at school, the nightlife in New Orleans will be the step up from a typical college night out that you’re looking for.

2. Try crawfish

Right underneath fried everything and super sweet iced tea, crawfish is high on the list of foods near and dear to a southerner’s heart. Not to mention summer is prime crawfish time—the season lasts until around mid-July. While eating them can be weirdly intimidating, it’s not much more difficult than peeling shrimp. If you’re already a pro, try hosting your own crawfish boil. Southern Living’s recipe even allows you to do it from the comfort of your own stove—no giant outdoor pot necessary.

3. Explore Charleston

If there were ever a quintessential southern city, it would be Charleston, South Carolina. With plenty of palm trees, rows of colorful buildings and tons of beach access, it’s also the perfect summer destination. For a quick weekend visit, sites like the historic Charleston City Market and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are spots you won’t want to miss.

4. Make sweet iced tea

Summer in the south gets HOT—which is why sweet iced tea is an essential. While the recipe seems simple enough (just some iced tea and sugar packets, right?), blogger Love Bakes Good Cakes’s recipe will ensure you get this classic right every single time. Her trick? Adding just a tiny bit of baking soda to counteract bitterness. Bonus points if you spring for a flavored recipe, like this Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea.

5. Go boating

Even if you don’t live near the beach, in the south, there’s a good chance that you live near some kind of lake or other body of water. If so, a lazy day spent with friends on a boat is a must. Just don’t forget the SPF!

6. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

With killer hiking and unbelievable views (496 miles of them, to be exact), the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina, takes road trips to the next level. If you’re looking for a cute (and free!) southern summer date idea, this could be one of the most unexpectedly romantic ones.

7. Visit the SCAD galleries

Exhibitions_Gallery-1600_Jiha-Moon_2013_RP_08.jpg

Rainy day? The SCAD Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the south, with an ever-changing lineup of cool exhibitions including renowned fashion exhibits. Come for the art museum, stay for the cool town of Savannah, Georgia.

8. Host a bonfire

Is there anything better than a night spent outside with friends around a bonfire? Snack on some s’mores and catch up with your besties. To up the ante, see if you can host one on the beach (just make sure to check local regulations first!).

9. Sleep under the stars

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If you say camping outside isn’t one of your childhood dreams, you’re probably lying—and luckily, summers in the south make for perfect camping weather, even if you just plan to get a few friends together and sleep in your backyard.

There’s summer, and then there’s a southern summer—this bucket list will ensure you make the most of your summer spent in the south.