For the most part, mental illness doesn’t stop me from living the life I want. It’s only a part of me. I did well in school, hung out with my friends on the weekends, and worked at a local restaurant to make money for college. I hated my job as a server. I didn’t like the job when I was making money, so I definitely wasn’t thrilled when I found out I had to volunteer to work the restaurant’s annual lemonade stand with a new hostess I didn’t know, another waitress, and her three young kids. 

On the night of my volunteer shift, I put on a white dress and a fake smile. I tried to make the best of it, but children downing cups of sugary lemonade and running around on a 100-degree North Carolina evening are a dangerous combination. About an hour into my shift, the youngest kid threw up a few feet away from me after his sixth cup. Most people would have thought it was gross. Me? I was just faced with my biggest fear, which I’ve had since I was nine years old. 

“No one likes throwing up,” people say to me. I understand that. I have emetophobia, a phobia that causes intense anxiety around vomiting. I absolutely hate it, and the idea of me or anyone else vomiting sends my mind into an uncontrollable spiral of anxious and irrational thoughts. After witnessing the kid’s puke, I felt myself start to fall apart.

“Be right back,” I said, and disappeared into the restaurant. 

I walked through the front doors into the chaos of a Saturday night dinner rush. People waiting tables, servers running past with plates, and loud guest conversations ambushed my already over-stimulated brain. I looked around desperately for a place to escape.

I spotted a chair in the back of the restaurant, thinking that I just had to make it there. I focused on the chair and started walking toward it. It seemed to be getting farther and farther away. The room spun and every sound intensified, then muffled together into a loud ringing noise. I broke into a cold sweat as I walked past tables of families enjoying dinner. 

As I got closer, one of my coworkers sat down in the chair and started organizing receipts in her server book. I had to get away from everyone.

I changed directions and passed my friend Kendahl on the way to the back of the restaurant.

“You okay?” she asked.

I nodded. I’m always okay, even when I’m not. I lie because I don’t want people to worry about me, and I don’t want them to think I’m looking for attention. Kendahl called after me, but I didn’t turn back. The tears had started, and I didn’t want her to see me cry.                         

I hate the person I become during a panic attack. I’m embarrassed of that girl. I don’t ever want anyone to see her, especially if I want those people to respect me. They’ll think I’m weak, and I try so hard to be strong. Even though I hated my job, I loved my coworkers. I didn’t want them to see the pieces of me that I try so hard to keep hidden. If they saw me having a category five panic attack, everything I’m ashamed of would have been out in the open. 

The only private place in the restaurant during a Saturday night dinner rush was the walk-in refrigerator. I kept my head down as I wove through the chefs on my way back. I pulled open the stainless steel door and collapsed to my knees the second it swung shut behind me. My body shook uncontrollably as I tried to find something to focus on. My eyes darted from the five-gallon buckets of butter to the crates of diced tomatoes, and finally settled on the boxes of frozen bread stacked to the ceiling. I quickly breathed in the 38-degree air as my heart pounded in my chest and I tried to stop my head from spinning. I was afraid I might pass out, or even worse, that I would throw up. I knew I wouldn’t, but I was still terrified. I closed my eyes and told myself I was fine. I’m fine. These are two of my most overused words. They’re a lie.  

Later that night, Kendahl texted me. 

“Don’t worry about tonight,” she said. “If you ever need a hug or anything when you’re stressed, just let me know. I got you baby girl.”

I read the text three times. It genuinely surprises me when people are that nice. I couldn’t believe it. After too many experiences of people being judgmental or rude about my mental health, I wonder why anyone would want to be nice to me. 

Kendahl was one of my favorite people at work. She always had a joke or a story to tell, and she could make anyone feel comfortable. That night she wasn’t just nice to me, like she had been since the day I met her. She was actually there for me. 

I don’t know if Kendahl even gave much thought to the text. She didn’t have to. To me, that text meant everything. She helped me feel less weak, less embarrassed, less stupid. She made me feel less alone. She built up my confidence after I kept telling myself that my coworkers all thought I was a pathetic attention-seeker. I just wanted to fit in at work, and I didn’t think having a panic attack in the cooler was the way to do that.

I responded. Even as I thanked her, I worried that I was handling the situation incorrectly. I didn’t want to bother her. As the conversation continued, I realized that Kendahl actually cared. She wanted to make sure that I was okay.

“Any table can wait a second for you,” she said, and made me promise to tell her if I ever needed a hug or someone to talk to when I needed help. She told me that if anything ever happened again, she was there for me. I’d always wanted someone to say that to me.  

Embarrassing symptoms like those on that night often pop up when I least expect them. I am no stranger to mental illness. Over the past nine years, I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, bipolar disorder, OCD tendencies and depression. 

I rarely tell people. I don’t want everyone’s attention on my mental health. Sometimes I’m afraid that people would think I’m just desperate for sympathy, or that I’m making excuses for my behavior. My anxiety keeps me from talking about my anxiety.

There are people out there who understand. They are the people who understand that mental illness doesn’t make someone weak. They see that it’s isolating. It’s impossible to know what goes on inside someone’s head. Fighting a battle in your brain is exhausting and inescapable, but just a few words can help a person much more than you might think. Be there for people. Build them up; they deserve it. 

The idea of attending college outside of the country you were born and raised in might seem scary at first, but for many, doing so can be a fantastic learning experience. Not to mention, in certain countries, it can be extremely cost-effective. So if you’re up for it and can relate to most of the following, pay a visit to your school’s guidance counselor ASAP!

1. You want to be immersed in a different culture

If you’ve always been curious about the way people outside of the U.S. live, there’s no better way to find out than by immersing yourself into a new culture.

Stacie Berdan, an international careers expert, says doing so is not only beneficial on a personal level, but it might make you stand out after graduation.

“Globalization is everywhere, and, in our interconnected world, the ability to understand other cultures, languages, economies and systems of government remains a distinct advantage across all types of industries,” she says. “The best and fastest way to develop a global mindset is to spend significant amount of time living, studying and working in another country.”

2. You want to graduate with little-to-no debt

According to Berdan, cost savings — and the possibility of little-to-no debt — is one of the greatest benefits of attending college abroad. While you might be thinking “Well, who wouldn’t want that?”, it’s not exactly that easy. Be prepared to do your research. In addition to talking to your school's guidance counselor, visit websites like Best Colleges and start reading up! 

That being said, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a low-cost study program. Keep in mind, though — even in countries with relatively low college tuition, the cost of living may still be high. Make sure that you’ll be able to afford big things like housing, down to smaller, everyday expenses like groceries.  

Related: 9 Mistakes to Avoid When You Study Abroad

3. You don’t get homesick easily

It should go without saying, but if you are dreaming of attending college in an entirely different country, you need to be okay with the fact that you won’t see your family and friends from home that often.

Andrea Morales of New Mexico State University said this was the greatest drawback she faced while being abroad. “I was homesick for some time because everything is so different that it does take a while to get used to it,” she says.

If you get lonely easily, Berdan says you might reconsider attending college abroad. “The negatives can be loneliness; living abroad is not only glamorous, it's difficult, too,” she says. “You are far from your family and friends, and things are different than you're used to, including the school system.” If you’re pretty independent and don’t mind being on your own, though, you’re in much better shape.

4. You want to learn outside of the classroom

Maybe your classes in high school weren’t where you did most of your learning. When you attend college abroad, you’re picking up on new things every second of the day.

“Learning another language and exploring another culture through day-to-day living as well as in-depth study in politics, history, art or literature immerses the student in a way that enhances the undergraduate degree,” Berdan says. It’s safe to say you’ll graduate with much more than a piece of paper.

5. You want to graduate in less than four years

According to Berdan, many undergraduate degrees in other countries only take three years to complete. If you want to graduate early, yet you’re not sure you’ll be able to when attending a college in the U.S., this could be a great option to consider.

In addition to saving time and money, Berdan says graduating early from a university abroad is a great way to jumpstart a global career. “...if a student is interested in working internationally, having studied and perhaps done internships in that country fast track the possibilities,” she says. “Making friends, traveling in a new country and increasing one's independence are also significant benefits.”

Do any of these sound applicable to you? If so, start researching now. You’ll want to understand the requirements and admissions process — but for starters, you’ll need to pick which country you want to study in!

Summer means camping trips and bonfires, neither of which is complete without the Holy Grail of desserts. Quick and delicious, s'mores are a timeless treat that are always being reinvented in new ways. Revamp your favorite fireside summer snack with these nine s'mores-inspired recipes.

1. Caramel S'mores Pops

Take your s'mores obsession to-go with this sticky situation.

2. S'mores Stuffed Cookies

Bite into these chewy cookies for a sweet s'mores surprise.

3. S'mores Cobbler

Swap out juicy peaches for marshmallows and chocolate cake mix in this perfect summertime treat.

4. No-Bake S'mores Cheesecake

Serve up a little slice of heaven.

5. S'mores Muddy Buddies

Take s'mores along for the ride on your next summer road trip!

6. S'mores Sugar Cookie Pie

Save the pumpkin pie for fall. This three-ingredient s'mores pie is to die for.

7. S'mores Frappucino

Start your day the s'mores way with this Starbucks copycat.

8. S'mores Popcorn

Make movie night into s'mores night with this awesome popcorn recipe.

9. S'mores Whoopie Pies

You don't know delicious until you've tried a whoopie pie. Whip up the s'mores version of this decadent New England treat if you're ready to have your mind blown.

S'mores are the taste of the summer. Get your fill with these s'mores-inspired recipes. 

Stop right there! If you haven’t seen the Pretty Little Liars series finale, turn back now. There are loads of spoilers below. You’ve been warned.

Pretty Little Liars came to a close Tuesday night, and with its end came the answer to the show’s biggest question: Who is A.D.?

If you guessed Twincer, congratulations! She does exist.

Spencer’s twin—who much to my dismay was named Alex Drake, not Twincer—was revealed midway through the two-hour finale, when she kidnapped Spencer and locked her up in an underground bunker. (She obviously thinks like her sister from another mister, Charlotte.)

Even if you were betting on Twincer being A.D. all along, I bet you didn’t see that British accent coming. Yes, after she was born, Alex was shipped off to England to live with a wealthy family (to whom mother of the year Mary Drake sold her!), but she ended up in an orphanage because the fam couldn’t be associated with her mischievous ways.

Alex eventually ended up working in a bar, which our old buddy Wren just happened to walk into one day. He initially mistook her for Spencer, but when he figured out she really had no idea what he was talking about, he told her all about Spence. And they fell in love… Of course they did because Wren has always wanted Spencer, but I digress.

Charlotte had discovered she had a sister in a Radley file and had searched for Alex Drake for a long time before Wren connected the two. They became fast friends, so when Charlotte was murdered, Alex was dead set on avenging her death.

The more Alex messed with the girls, the more she wanted what Spencer had: unconditional friendship and a family. So she and Wren plotted for her to take Spencer’s place. She even had Wren shoot her so she would have a scar that matched Spencer’s. Incidentally, Alex killed her partner in crime and turned him into an eternity stone because she, like everyone else, realized Toby > Wren.

While the real Spencer was locked in Twincer’s do-it-yourself dungeon, Alex assumed her identity, but Jenna, who knew Charlotte had a sister and suspected something was off with the Spencer she encountered outside the Hastings law firm, turned out to be the key to stopping her, tipping Toby and the others off that maybe Spencer wasn’t Spencer anymore.

This led to an epic showdown where Toby had to figure out which one was the real Spencer…and he did! (Does this mean I forgive him for not knowing that wasn’t Spencer he shared a goodbye kiss and cabin romp with? Not yet.)

Alex was hauled off by the police, but Mona got the last laugh by locking Spencer’s twin and Mary Drake in a dollhouse of her own. How fitting!

What did you think of the A.D. reveal? Were you satisfied? Or were you hoping it’d be someone else?

By now we're all aware that President Trump is waging war on the mainstream media by calling pretty much every newspaper "fake news." And he seemed to have a small victory this week when CNN retracted a story about Trump's ties with Russia—three reporters even resigned over the incident.

At the latest press briefing, Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was answering a reporter's question about the CNN tweet when she was interrupted by an outspoken and unapologetic reporter who called out the Trump administration for suppressing the press. 

It started with a reporter asking Sanders if she actually expected the media not to cover stories about foreign countries influencing the presidential election. Sanders said, "I don't think it's expected that you're not to report on again actual news, if there's something there." She then pointed to other more important stories that she thinks the American people should hear about instead—ones that, you know, don't involve looking into potential criminal activities by the president's campaign, like job growth, tax reform or health care (though we know that's gotten huge push back from Democrats and Republicans alike). Sanders complained to the reporters that if she makes the slightest mistake, the reporters basically eat her alive in "an absolute tirade," but "news outlets get to go on day after day and cite unnamed sources, use stories without sources," AKA publish fake news, in Sanders' mind at least.

Interestingly, Sanders kept referring to the press as "we," like "what we are covering," which implies that she has some control over the press or that the government and press are supposed to be working together. Yet we know from the U.S. Constitution that the press—the only business explicitly named in the Constitution—plays a vital role in overseeing and keeping the government in check, acting as a watch dog to balance their power. Thus it was surprising to hear Sanders refer to the media and herself as "we," as if their goals are the same. They're not. 

A reporter seemed just as frustrated by Sander's words, because out of nowhere Brian Karem of the Sentinel Newspapers called out to her from the back of the room. "Come on! You're inflaming everybody right here right now with those words. This administration has done that as well. Why in the name of heavens...any one of us if we don't get it right, the audience has the opportunity to turn the channel or not read us. You have been elected to serve four years at least—there’s no option other than that," he told her, in front of all the reporters. 

“We’re here to ask you questions,” Karem said. “You’re here to provide the answers and what you just did is inflammatory to people all over the country who look at it and say, ‘See, once again, the president’s right, and everybody else out here is fake media.’ And everybody in this room is only trying to do their job.”

“I disagree completely,” Sanders replied. “If anything’s been inflamed, it’s the dishonesty that often takes place by the news media. And I think it’s outrageous for you to accuse me of inflaming a story when I was simply trying to respond to his question."

Well, it looks like Sanders is following in Press Secretary Sean Spicer's footsteps when it comes to her adversarial relationship with the press. Now it all makes sense why the word "post-truth" was just added to the dictionary.

CAUTION: This is literally all spoilers. 

For the past seven years, ‘Pretty Little Liars’ has been my guilty pleasure of choice. This show has literally haunted my dreams, made me afraid of being home alone at night and has given me that surge of pride whenever a BuzzFeed quiz confirms that yes, I am indeed a Spencer. But I am also not afraid to be critical of my beloved teen drama. Here, dear readers, are five ways that I think I. Marlene King and company let us all down.

1. This obsession with getting pregnant

Like me, the Liars are 24. Unlike me, they all seem to be very consumed with their fertility. What is the rush, ladies? Did you guys make a pregnancy pact? I understand it can be devastating to learn you can’t have biological children, so I sympathize with Aria. But y’all have plenty of time to get pregnant or adopt (or not have kids at all, which is another great option!) Why don’t you enjoy your newfound freedom-from-AD and travel or advance in your careers? Don’t even get me started on Emison's twins.

While the showrunners and cast have always touted this show as being, above all else, a show about female friendship, having the finale being peppered with marriages and pregnancies makes it seem like this is the point (and goal) of womanhood. All of the girls, with the exception of Mona, are ending up with their high school sweethearts, staying in the same town that they grew up in (and were tortured in), and are either parents or soon-to-be parents. Their lives are not revolving around each other, but their partners and their future children. That is stasis and complacency. And antithetical to the show’s mission statement.

2. The promise of “HBO level sex”

Which HBO shows are you watching, Marlene? Certainly not 'Big Little Lies'. Or 'True Blood'. Or 'Game of Thrones'. One Emison thigh caress does not a sex scene make. I even thought we were about to see Toby’s butt and you didn’t even let us have that. What I really wanted was a hot Haleb scene, but instead you gave me Caleb’s “Wanna make a baby?” line. I dare you to find me a real-life 24-year-old guy who could say that with a straight face.  

3. Twincer

Let the record state that I supported and still support Twincer. Please see below my text conversation with HC’s Entertainment Editor Erin Crabtree:

But I also thought Twincer would be Avery Drake-- you know, Avery of the Bethany Young friend group. I thought perhaps AD had grown up at Radley, been thoroughly deprived a life and when she met her half-sister Charlotte, decided to take back what she thought was rightfully hers—the life of Spencer Hastings. I did not think Avery would instead be Alex, the “British” bartender.

I understand that Alex does not live the cushy, upper-middle-class life that Spencer does—but she also didn’t seem to be socially deprived in a way that would give enough motive for a chill, sarcastic Brit to pack bags and spend a lot of time, money and effort on torturing her twin sister, cousin, and three non-related friends for several years? Alex is a little grungy, sure, but in a cool way, flirting with people at bars and making an income for herself. I could buy that Charlotte brainwashed her, but I would have liked to see that more.

4. The stakes

I’m getting an MFA in creative writing, so I like to think I know a thing or two about plot. Here’s MFA 101: the plot has to be earned. It has to be that going back, you cannot imagine any other way this could end because the ending was inevitable. There also have to be actual stakes for the characters.

At no point during the two-hour finale did I doubt that the Liars would prevail. That’s not good storytelling. Much of the problem has to do with pacing. The first hour was bogged down with Melissa masks (that made no sense) and babies (real and future). The second hour moved so quickly that it felt too easy. You’re telling me that the group that has been tortured and bamboozled at every step of the way is suddenly gonna solve this mystery in ten minutes? AD has outplayed them for years and yet finding her address took about five minutes?

Here’s how I would have done it: Introduce Twincer earlier—maybe several episodes before the finale. Make me feel like Alex could still outplay these girls—that a Liar could actually die. Show us the group come to the conclusion slowly and in a more realistic and horrifying way. If that had happened, Twincer might have felt satisfying to more viewers. The show has literally been about twins and doubles from the beginning, and this ending also is a nod to the original source material of Sara Shepard. I’m satisfied I predicted Twincer, but I also understand the “I wasted 7 years!” memes on Twitter right now.

5. Addison

Who is this bitch? I also find it hard to believe that a Gen-Z girl from an affluent Philadelphia suburb, in 2017, could say “lesbo” as an insult and not be shamed by her “woke” classmates.

I do not care about Addison. I hope Addison, unlike Ali, is actually dead. The ending could have ended at Mona winning the game (she’s the real hero, after all). But instead, we get a cheap-feeling ~full circle~. Girl, bai.

I'm about to go watch the entire thing again for a fresh perspective. Despite my critcism, the show will always be iconic to me, and a sobering tale of what happens when you don't call the damn police and tell your parents you're being threatened with death. Classic. 

While Fourth of July typically means barbeques, fireworks and some good ol' patriotism, we know the holiday means something else too—great sales. Whether you've been lusting after a specific pair of shoes forever or just love a good bargain, this holiday weekend is the perfect time to treat yo self while saving money. The best part? You don't even have to leave the comfort of your lawn chair— all these sales are available online! So grab a popsicle, enjoy the sun and knock a few items off your wish list with these July Fourth sales. 

1. J.Crew​

J.Crew can feel a bit spendy on a college budget, but this July Fourth you can use the code "SUMMER" to take 40 percent off their sale items and 50 percent off final sale items! Even if you're stuck working minimum wage this summer, it still means these gorgeous heels or this classic bikini top are finally within your price range.

2. Old Navy 

Take advantage of Old Navy's firecracker countdown deals, with surprise bargains and huge discounts. We love the 4 dollar t-shirts and slashed prices on their sundresses, like this breezy polka dot one. These deals change daily, so keep an eye on the site and pounce when your favorite styles go on sale!

3. L.L.Bean

Save up to 50 percent at L.L.Bean, with over 1,500 items just added to the sale! It might be summer, but now is the perfect time to buy those oh-so-trendy Bean boots for fall. Save big on this cranberry pair and rock a timeless style in a trendy color.

4. Asos

​Asos, our go-to for trendy fashion, is currently offering up to 50 percent off, no code required! This sale is while supplies last, so nab this flirty gingham dress or these metallic rose gold sandals before they're sold out.

5. H&M

Check out H&M's summer sale this holiday weekend and pick up the perfect outfit for watching the fireworks at up to 70 percent off. (Psst, try these nautical-stripe shorts or this ruffled white romper for a patriotic yet on-trend look.) These deals don't need a code, so get straight to browsing. 

6. Tory Burch

Tory Burch's semi-annual sale is the perfect opportunity to nab designer goods at a much more wallet-friendly price. Use the code EXTRA30 at checkout to take an additional 30 percent off sales items, like these peep-toe espadrilles or this red and white pullover that will keep you cozy at a July Fourth bonfire.

7. Kohl's​

This weekend, Kohl's is having a massive sale on home products so take advantage of prices over 50 percent off and pick up a beautiful new bedding set, some muffin tins to indulge your baking habit, or finally invest in a sophisticated, grown-up suitcase.

8. REI​

If you're planning to #optoutside this holiday weekend, plan to take advantage of REI's July Fourth sale first: stock up on bug spray, hiking sandals, or that Hydro Flask you've been eyeing for months. You can save up to 50 percent through July 4, no discount code needed.

9. Lulu's

With discounts that can exceed 70 percent, take advantage of Lulu's incredible sales this weekend! This floral wrap dress, now only $14, will look ultra chic on your Snapchat story but still leaves room for an inevitable BBQ food baby. 

Whatever fun plans you have lined up this weekend, don't miss out on these limited-time offers! God bless America—and good bargains.

With the prevalence of hook-ups in the age of Tinder and right swiping, sometimes the concept of love seems hard to fathom. However, for the collegiette looking for a serious partner, these are the five recommended questions that can be used to determine whether your first date could eventually lead into a long-term relationship.  

dating_couple-2.jpg

1. What was your childhood like?

From this question, you’ll get to understand the extent of parental influence on your date and gauge the state of their relationship with their family. Dr. Carole Lieberman, a Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author of Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them and When to Leave Them, says that “the best predictor of whether a guy is a bad boy who will break your heart is his relationship with his mom. If he’s harboring resentments, he will take them out on you.” If your date relays miserable childhood stories and criticizes his upbringing, Lieberman advises that it’s best to avoid starting a relationship with him or her. 

2. What do you see yourself doing a few years from now? 

The benefit of having a conscientious and driven SO is that you’ll both inspire and support each other professionally. Olivia*, a junior at Seneca College, says that she doesn’t shy away from consulting her boyfriend for career-related advice. "He’s two years older than I am and has had more experience searching for internships and jobs," she says. "Whenever I needed help editing my resume or reaching out to recruiters, he’s always been there to offer tips and encourage me throughout the process."

Evidently, for a long-term partner, you want someone who knows what they want to achieve and the intent to follow through. During first dates, other questions to explore could be asking about their short-term goals, how they lead to their overarching future plans and what motivates them to achieve them. After all, ambition is an attractive trait. 

Related:I'm 21-Years-Old and I'm in My First Relationship

3. What do you like to do when you’re not working?

You get a glimpse into someone's personality through the type of interests he or she has and can use this topic to see whether you share any common pastimes. Colin*, a senior at the University of Waterloo, concurs that finding common ground is helpful in getting your date to open up about personal details and gradually transition into other related topics. "I met this great girl last year who was really shy," he says. "I initially had a hard time maintaining a two-way conversation because she would try to deflect my questions. It wasn’t until I told her about my experiences studying abroad for exchange that she visibly relaxed and was more willing to talk about herself."

If you have a sense of adventure, you could ask your date about travel--what cities he or she has been to and his or her most memorable experiences abroad. If you’re a cinema fanatic, you could ask about favorite movies genres, films, and favorite characters. If you have an appreciation for music, you could ask if he or she plays an instrument as well as inquire about favorite songs. The possibilities are endless.

4. Have you read any good books recently?

While physical attraction is one component of maintaining a healthy relationship, intellectual stimulation is equally important. Elena*, a sophomore at Western University, says that being able to hold a friendly debate is her criteria for a second date. "It doesn’t matter what your view is on a subject, as long as we can have a fun and lively discussion, it shows me that you’re someone that isn’t afraid of banter and can hold their own," she says.

After the I-can’t-get-my-hands-off-of-you phase passes during the early stages of dating, you’ll find yourself bored if you and your love interest can’t hold an engaging conversation. During the first date, other questions to ask include those about book recommendations and favorite authors.

Related: 5 First-Date Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

5. What are you most passionate about?

Through this question, you get a sense of what your date’s fundamental beliefs are and the humanitarian causes that he or she feels strongly about. Political views might be a bit of a sensitive subject for a first date, but topics such as volunteering with a non-profit organization are safe if not encouraged. Jason*, a sophomore at York University, says that he likes to learn more about his date’s core values to determine their level of compatibility. "For me, I love seeing a girl getting fired up about a cause she really cares about," he says. "It’s honestly a turn-on because it shows that she’s the kind of person who has empathy for others and is willing put in the effort to help those in need."

While your date’s responses to these five questions will give you an idea about his or her character, it is also suggested that you be mindful of the following signs. Lieberman says that “you should pay attention to how much care he puts into planning your first date. If he’s hoping to have a serious relationship with you, he will have given your first date a lot of thought because he knows that if you have a great time, you will be more likely to agree to a second date.”

She says that how much your love interest spends is irrelevant because he or she could be creative and resourceful with planning the date (i.e. organizing a picnic at a scenic spot) regardless of whether or not they lack financial resources. Lieberman also notes that if he or she has the intent of taking you home for the first date then “he thinks you’re not worth the effort of planning something, and is hoping you’ll be fine with just hooking up.”

Evidently, finding someone who’s compatible with your personality isn’t easy. Sometimes, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Regardless of how your date turns out, good or bad, going on a first date with different people lets you figure out what traits you like and also makes for great stories that you can regale friends with when you’ve had one too many glasses of wine.

*Names have been changed

Tuesday night’s Bacheloretteepisode was an emotional whirlwind. Although I expected a low-key episode as the finale of this week's two-night spectacle, it turned out completely the opposite. Rachel Lindsay said goodbye to men on dates (I’m heartbroken over Will, btw), Kenny King chose to leave because he wasn’t ready to introduce his daughter to Rachel, Lee Garrett was finally eliminated, and Rubik’s cube solver Alex Bordyukov was surprisingly sent home in favor of two randoms, Matt Munson and Adam Gottschalk. 

Now, easily forgettable contestants making it further than they should is a normal Bachelor Nation occurrence. Why else do we watch the Men Tell All specials, if not to swear that that guy in the back row never stepped foot in the mansion? But when two guys who still get us saying, “Who is that?” this late in the competition keep getting roses, we have a serious problem.

Luckily, the Bachelorette fans of Twitter understand this dilemma and have no problem expressing just how clueless everyone is about Matt and Adam. Below are 10 of the best tweets summing up how we all feel about these mysterious Bachelorette men. 

We're all waiting for proof that Rachel has more chemistry with these two than any of the guys sent home at rose ceremonies. 

When your competition are guys like Peter and Dean, it's easy to get lost in the crowd. 

But Rach, your babies with Alex would be so smart!

It's bad news when I still know Adam as "Puppet Guy" and the first time I heard Matt speak was tonight when he and Rachel discussed not themselves, but Kenny's well-being. 

Obviously Rachel sees something we don't.

If anything, this basically confirms the guys who make it to the final four and hometown dates (hint: not Matt and Adam).

To be fair, I've always found Adam cute, but the fact that the most airtime he got this week was when he wore a Viking costume is definitely concerning. 

Expect a repeat of this at the aforementioned Men Tell All.

ABC, I expect the same injustice of no exit interview delivered to Matt when he is inevitably cut. 

Let the knowledge that these men are sure to be off our TV screens by next week comfort us in our struggles. 

Have you ever wanted to see what's in the medicine cabinet of a high-profile beauty editor? Have you ever dreamt of getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it would be like to work in the beauty department of your fave magazine? Check out the Instagram accounts of these beauty editors who know their stuff—and want to share it with you.

1. Kate Foster, Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan&Seventeen

Kate's Insta feed shows off her fruity nail designs, bold lip looks and face mask adventures. Her whimsical, colorful posts showcase the products she's using and loving, such as Deborah Libman nail polishes (and the occasional Bath and Body Works shoutout).

2. Jade Taylor, Beauty Director at NYLON

Jade's super-artsy account is a combination of incredible travel pics that give us major #wanderlust vibes—plus tons of shots from NYLON beauty photoshoots and up-close pics of her testing out products, such as new Dior lip colors. (Yes, please!)

3. Carly Cardellino, Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan

This beauty queen is known for her incredible Instagram stories that show followers what she's wearing, trying and loving. Her feed is a mix of beauty content, travel and family pics—as well as the occasional meme. (Celebs: They're just like us.)

4. Julie Schott, Beauty Editor at Elle

Julie's Insta posts—from shots showcasing how to rock edgy red eyeliner to random snaps that showcase her killer eyebrow game—are sure to bring out the edgy girl in all of us.

5. Jessica Matlin, Beauty & Health Director at Teen Vogue

This beauty director uses Instagram to share the latest beauty buzz—from new fragrances (Jo Malone, anyone?) to awesome new products she tries at Teen Vogue.  

6. Jessica Chia, Senior Beauty Editor at Allure

Jessica is always showing her viewers the hottest new makeup goods on her Instagram story, posting videos and pics of products that haven't even been released yet. Plus, her feed serves as the ultra NYC inspiration with food pics, snaps of the city and plenty of makeup flatlays that will give you your beauty fix.

7. Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director at The Cut

This beauty guru posts incredible overhead shots of her current holy grail makeup items, including products she uses for her skincare routine, shots of her somehow-aesthetically pleasing medicine cabinet and even perfume-inspired cake. 

8. Alessandra Steinherr, Beauty Director at Glamour 

Alessandra's posts serve as the ultimate inspiration, making the coolest beauty trends seem wearable and effortless. From glam manicures, trendy facial treatments and peachy eyeshadow looks, Alessandra's Insta account is basically a constant makeup and skincare diary. 

9. Dianna Mazzone, Beauty Editor at InStyle

Dianna doesn't post as often as we'd like, but when she does post, expect to see behind-the-scenes glimpses into runway makeup trends. If you're interested in the high fashion side of makeup, hit up Dianna on Instagram for exclusive pics and vids—as well as cool InStyle graphics. 

Whether you want to fill your feed with inspirational beauty editors who know their stuff about magazines, the editorial world and beauty—or you just want to know what these beauty gurus have in their makeup bags—be sure to follow some of these talented ladies on Instagram.

Warning: PLL finale spoilers ahead!

The moment that we've been waiting several long, confusing years for is finally here—but some fans already had it all figured out. The series finale of Pretty Little Liars aired last night, and the identity of A.D., the big bad that puts all the other wannabes to shame, was finally revealed. The question is, what does she have to say for herself?

"It's so unnerving! It feels so weird talking about it. Like, 'Oh God, am I going to get into trouble?'" none other than Troian Bellisario, the actress behind not one, but two PLL characters (the beloved Spencer Hastings and her evil twin Alex Drake, or A.D. to the rest of us), told ELLE.com.

Troian was no stranger to the game. In fact, she shared the secret of A.D.'s identity with Marlene King for years. Years! And now that we're finally all in on this summer's biggest secret, Troian is finally opening up about what it was like to play both Rosewood's biggest sweetheart and biggest nightmare. ​

So, probably one of the biggest questions we're all wondering is when did Troian figure out she was A.D.? "I was first told in the beginning of season five," Bellisario said. "Marlene took me aside and told me, 'I have an idea, but I don't know if the network will let me do it...' Then she sat me down and explained this whole ending to me. She said, 'You cannot tell anybody. It might not even happen.' So I sat on it for over a year. Then at the end of season six, she said, 'We're going to do it.' It was like the starting gun at the races."Shook. That's all I have to say.

How on earth did Troian keep her lips sealed? "It's been real rough," she revealed. "But for a long time, people would ask, 'Who's A.D.?' And I'd say, 'It's me!' And everyone would just laugh. It's kind of great when you have a secret that so few people—only me, Marlene, and a handful of others at that point—know. It means you can hide in plain sight." Oh, the irony.  

In the early scenes where Troian was supposed to be playing Alex as she impersonated Spencer, she had to figure out how to not give too much away. "As we were building the evolution of how good she would get at impersonating Spencer, we had to walk that razor-thin edge between keeping the secret and subtly letting the audience know," she explained. "One of the first scenes where you see Alex is when she shows up as Spencer and asks Toby for the kiss goodbye. We were all sweating bullets over what she was going to wear to look like Spencer, how good she would be at imitating her, how uncomfortable she might be, how much it might throw her off. But the fans interpreted it as Spencer being nervous about saying goodbye to Toby. It was wonderful! They filled in all the blanks." Bless my poor Spoby heart. 

Troian also worked overtime on perfecting her English accent. "I've never been more nervous—my heart was pounding the whole time. Switching between the accents and the two different personalities, I've never been more exhausted. By the end, I turned to someone else like, 'What just happened?'" Same, girl. Same.

There's one big way Troian distinguished playing Alex from playing Spencer. "Spencer comes out from under things, that's where her confidence comes from," she said. "Alex has a very different kind of confidence. She's brash, she's, uh, a very sexually confident person. [Laughs] I think of it like this: Spencer approaches things with her head and her heart, and Alex approaches things with her head and her groin. That's not to say she doesn't have a heart or feelings, but she's gotten really good at putting a thick coat of armor over her heart." That certainly explains a lot!

How does Troian feel now that the world knows A.D.'s identity? "I'm just nervous about how the hell this character is going to go over," she explained. "It's bold! But even if you figure out that Spencer has a twin, you're never going to guess the backstory and the insanity that brought her to Rosewood. So I think there are still going to be surprises. I also feel like you're not going to get through seven seasons of this twisty-turny, topsy-turvy show, then see me spin around as a different person with a different accent and be like, 'No, no, I don't buy it.' We've made these great leaps and unexpected turns, and the audience has come with us every time. So I have a lot of faith that the audience is just going to enjoy it. And that's what I hope for them. If it's the last two hours you may ever get to spend in Rosewood, then God, I hope to shit you enjoy it." *Mic drop*

Is anyone else's head completely spinning? The PLL series finale was definitely not for the faint of heart, and to all those sharp fans out there who had this whole situation figured out, hats off to you. 

Follow Amanda on Twitter.

Since the start of President's Trump presidency, the world's perception of the United States has changed due to several of Trump's new policies—and his sometimes questionable behavior. It may not surprise you to learn that Trump's actions are widely unpopular in many countries around the globe.

According to a recent research from the Pew Research Center, only 49 percent of people polled from across 37 nations had a positive view of the U.S., compared to the 64 percent during the last few years of Barack Obama’s presidency. Obviously, this is an alarming difference. This decline in favorability has taken place in various countries in Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The only places where favorability has increased were Russia and Vietnam, the Pew Research Center reports. Interesting.

None of Trump’s major policies seem to be popular—which isn't exactly shocking given their reception in the U.S. According to the Pew Research Center, only a third of those surveyed supported Trump’s travel ban, and only 19 percent supported the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate change accord. When it came to “the wall,” only 16 percent favored Trump’s plan to build the infamous barrier between the U.S. and Mexico, and approximately 94 percent of Mexicans strongly opposed the building of a wall. These stats really speak for themselves.

Despite all of the negative views toward Trump and his policies, there was a glimmer of hope and positivity in the research: 58 percent have a favorable impression of Americans. Score! American culture was also highly regarded, with nearly two-thirds of the countries saying they liked American music and movies. In addition, 54 percent believed that the U.S. government respected Americans’ rights. 

Pew concluded the survey by asking what future relations will look like between the U.S. and the countries surveyed, and a majority believed that relations will remain the same during this presidency.

At the end of the day, as long as relations between other countries and the U.S. remain the same, and those countries have a positive view of the American people, we’ll be okay. Hopefully.

On Tuesday, President Trump called Ireland's new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to congratulate him on winning the latest election. While on the phone, he made eye contact with an Irish reporter standing to the side of the room, The Washington Post reports. As he informed Varadkar that the phone conversation was happening in front of the reporters, he called the woman over, telling the Prime Minister, "We have all of this beautiful Irish press." Um, awkward?

The woman, reporter Caitríona Perry, approached Trump's desk as requested, then introduced herself. In response, Trump said to Varadkar, "She has a nice smile on her face, so I bet she treats you well." Yes, because a "nice smile" definitely means a reporter will "treat" a country leader well? ...What? Not cool, Trump.

The reporters in the room seem to politely laugh after the encounter, but Perry later described it in a tweet as "bizarre." 

Trump's choice to compliment Perry on her physical appearance has gotten a variety of reactions on social media. Some say he was just trying to be nice, while others say it was awkward, creepy and even sexist. 

I'm not sure why he went out of his way to give a reporter a compliment in the middle of an important political phone call, but it definitely doesn't sit well with me. How about a compliment for the undeniable reporting skills that landed her inside the Oval Office to begin with, or even her ability to handle an awkward encounter with a president with such grace? She's a professional journalist, not a piece of decor. As usual, Trump's treatment of women leaves something to be desired.

Warning: Spoilers from the Pretty Little Liars series finale ahead!

After excruciatingly long years of waiting for the final A reveal, we finally learned A.D.'s identity (hint: it was Twincer!) in the Pretty Little Liars finale Tuesday night. While some viewers were shocked by the reveal, others vocally expressed their disappointment. No matter the type of reaction, most fans lost. their. minds.   

1. When you outsmart PLL

2. #what

3. lol disappointed

4. I can't contain myself

5. STOP PLAYING WITH ME

6. When you get it

7. Do not disturb

8. *smirks 5ever*

9. I'm basically a detective

10. *yawn*

11. Real talk tho

12. THIS

13. Now I actually have time to binge-watch other shows

Spinoff, anyone?

After seven fantastic, nail-biting seasons of Pretty Little Liars, the show's series finale aired Tuesday night. Growing up, PLL was something we looked forward to every week, and that hasn't changed. It's sad to think about this being the cast's last hurrah (reunion show anyone?), but scrolling through their goodbye posts on social media was what really set off the waterworks. Make sure you're either A) wearing waterproof mascara or B) have multiple boxes of tissues within reach before reading the PLL cast's goodbyes.  

1. Lucy Hale

2. Troian Bellisario

3. Ashley Benson

4. Shay Mitchell

5. Sasha Pieterse

6. Keegan Allen

We've reached the end of a beautiful era. RIP PLL. We'll always love you. *Sobbing*

While Fourth of July typically means barbeques, fireworks and some good ol' patriotism, we know the holiday means something else too—great sales. Whether you've been lusting after a specific pair of shoes forever or just love a good bargain, this holiday weekend is the perfect time to treat yo self while saving money. The best part? You don't even have to leave the comfort of your lawn chair— all these sales are available online! So grab a popsicle, enjoy the sun and knock a few items off your wish list with these July Fourth sales. 

1. J.Crew​

J.Crew can feel a bit spendy on a college budget, but this July Fourth you can use the code "SUMMER" to take 40 percent off their sale items and 50 percent off final sale items! Even if you're stuck working minimum wage this summer, it still means these gorgeous heels or this classic bikini top are finally within your price range.

2. Old Navy 

Take advantage of Old Navy's firecracker countdown deals, with surprise bargains and huge discounts. We love the 4 dollar t-shirts and slashed prices on their sundresses, like this breezy polka dot one. These deals change daily, so keep an eye on the site and pounce when your favorite styles go on sale!

3. L.L.Bean

Save up to 50 percent at L.L.Bean, with over 1,500 items just added to the sale! It might be summer, but now is the perfect time to buy those oh-so-trendy Bean boots for fall. Save big on this cranberry pair and rock a timeless style in a trendy color.

4. Asos

​Asos, our go-to for trendy fashion, is currently offering up to 50 percent off, no code required! This sale is while supplies last, so nab this flirty gingham dress or these metallic rose gold sandals before they're sold out.

5. H&M

Check out H&M's summer sale this holiday weekend and pick up the perfect outfit for watching the fireworks at up to 70 percent off. (Psst, try these nautical-stripe shorts or this ruffled white romper for a patriotic yet on-trend look.) These deals don't need a code, so get straight to browsing. 

6. Tory Burch

Tory Burch's semi-annual sale is the perfect opportunity to nab designer goods at a much more wallet-friendly price. Use the code EXTRA30 at checkout to take an additional 30 percent off sales items, like these peep-toe espadrilles or this red and white pullover that will keep you cozy at a July Fourth bonfire.

7. Kohl's​

This weekend, Kohl's is having a massive sale on home products so take advantage of prices over 50 percent off and pick up a beautiful new bedding set, some muffin tins to indulge your baking habit, or finally invest in a sophisticated, grown-up suitcase.

8. REI​

If you're planning to #optoutside this holiday weekend, plan to take advantage of REI's July Fourth sale first: stock up on bug spray, hiking sandals, or that Hydro Flask you've been eyeing for months. You can save up to 50 percent through July 4, no discount code needed.

9. Lulu's

With discounts that can exceed 70 percent, take advantage of Lulu's incredible sales this weekend! This floral wrap dress, now only $14, will look ultra chic on your Snapchat story but still leaves room for an inevitable BBQ food baby. 

Whatever fun plans you have lined up this weekend, don't miss out on these limited-time offers! God bless America—and good bargains.

This time, the media is accusing President Donald Trump of "fake news." While visiting one of Trump's golf resorts, a reporter noticed a framed TIME magazine with Trump on the cover. The only problem? It's Photoshopped. Though Trump has been on 14 TIME Magazine covers, this isn't one of them. According to the BBC, this cover hangs in at least five of Trump's clubs—so this isn't an isolated incident, either.

The cover has a few differences from TIME Magazine's normal design that may have tipped off the reporter: the iconic red border is slightly thinner on the fake Trump cover and the headlines, featuring two exclamation points, are right-justified, not centered. The biggest clue, though, is simply that Oscar Award winner Kate Winslet was on the front of TIME Magazine on March 1st, 2009—not Trump.

"I can confirm that this is not a real TIME cover,” TIME spokesperson Kerri Chyka told The Washington Post on Tuesday, and TIME has asked Trump to remove the fake covers. It's unclear why Trump would have a fake cover in the first place (let alone publicly display five copies of it), but oddest of all is the two headlines the real and fake covers share. It seems like whoever made Trump's cover had at least some dedication to authenticity if they went to the trouble of tracking down the real issue's headlines.

Though we have no idea why this cover exists, it's already spawned some hilarious parodies.

Trump has yet to comment on this discovery, but we'll be watching his Twitter with bated breath.

Halsey is very frank about the problems surrounding bisexuality in today's music scene, as seen in her interview with Paper magazine for their Pride issue. As an openly bisexual artist, she's had the unfortunate experience of having hate and shade thrown her way, especially from those who claim she uses bisexuality to sell albums. It's clear that the "Closer" singer is sick of the narrative. While not naming any artist in particular, she was quick to call out the heterosexual women who exploit bisexuality for their music. Readers connected the dots, and one name that came up was Demi Lovato. From the looks of a recent tweet, Demi has claimed the blame, but she's not having it. 

Paper pointed out that the closest thing bisexual women have to representation in pop music comes from heterosexual women, who treat it as more of a fun, wild experiment. Halsey responded, "Oh, yeah. Bisexuality as a taboo. 'Don't tell your mom' or 'We shouldn't do this' or 'This feels so wrong but it's so right.'" Sound familiar?

Demi, who hasn't labeled her sexuality for the public, incorporated bisexuality and experimentation into her 2015 hit "Cool for the Summer." In the song, Lovato sings, "Tell me if it's wrong / If it's right / I don't care / I can keep a secret could, you?" and "Don't tell your mother / Kiss one another / Die for each other / We're cool for the summer." While not mentioning Demi specifically, Halsey seemed to be making a nod to Lovato's song by mentioning the phrase "don't tell your mom." Yikes.

Demi, likely catching wind of the interview, took to social media last week, tweeting, "You know a song is a hit when people are still talking about the lyrics two years later. #shhhhdonttellyourmother." 

Since it's not clear whether Halsey was calling out Demi, we also can't be certain Lovato was directing this tweet at Halsey. It is, however, quite shady and, as indicated by the hashtag, Demi made a point to include "Cool for the Summer" lyrics.

So, was this subtweet a clapback to the shade Halsey might've thrown her way? Halsey definitely seems not ~cool~ with these lyrics, and Demi is not taking her accusations lightly. 

Follow Amanda on Twitter.

Professor Lisa Durden found herself suddenly out of a job after her appearance on Fox News earlier this month, where she defended a black-only Black Lives Matter Memorial Day event and ended up in a shouting match with host Tucker Carlson. "Boo-hoo-hoo,"Durden snapped while on-air. "You white people are angry because you couldn’t use your ‘white privilege’ card to get invited to the Black Lives Matter’s all-black Memorial Day celebration."

Carlson fired back, "You’re sick and what you’re saying is disgusting," also calling her "hostile and separatist and crazy." Though Durden did not affiliate herself with Essex County College, where she teaches communications, in the interview, she was suspended for six days after her appearance and later fired after a public meeting of the school's board. "The character of this institution mandates that we embrace diversity, inclusion, and unity. Racism cannot be fought with more racism,” said the college's president, Anthony Munroe, in a recent statement.

However, Durden's attorney sees her firing as an unconstitutional attack, calling it"a violation of her federal and state constitutional rights to free speech," and said they are considering legal action. Durden has turned to Twitter to exercise those First Amendment rights, responding to supportive Tweets, asking people to sign a petition to get her reinstated, and promoting the hashtag #ReinstateProfessorLisaDurden. She also told The Washington Post her thoughts on those who have called her racist against white people after the interview, saying "Reverse racism doesn't exist."

As the free speech debate continues to be a hotly contested issue on college campuses, it remains to be seen what impact this might have on other schools throughout the country.

Whether we're drooling over her preppy fashion as Spencer on Pretty Little Liars or envying her poise on the red carpet, Troian Bellisario has been style #goals for years. Though she's known for her acting, her fashion choices have always been flawless (and major inspo when we feel like we have nothing to wear). Basically, we want to borrow everything in her closet. She slays no matter what she's wearing, so here are 15 times Troian was our icon.

1. When she reminded us of a Grecian goddess.

Perfectly tousled hair, a wrap headband and a gown that belongs in a Botticelli painting? Pure magic.

2. When she opted for a comfy, old-school band tee

Even when dressing down, Troian is effortlessly chic.

3. When she was an an angel in white at the PLL 100th episode party.

Troian proves head-to-toe color coordination is elegant af.

4. When she rocked heart-shaped sunglasses.

Let's be honest—we all wanted to go out and buy this retro style ASAP.

5. When she ditched the dress and chose a pantsuit instead.

The feminine silhouette took this look from board-room to bombshell.

6. When she showed us a new way to wear the choker trend.

She added her own twist to this trend by using a loosely tied velvet ribbon, instead of wearing the tight band style we've been seeing on everyone else. 

7. When she embraced lace for a SAG Awards pre-party

She kept her makeup and jewelry simple so the bustier was the star of the show. 

8. When she mastered the art of denim on denim 

Her trick is sticking to two very different washes to avoid the dreaded Canadian Tuxedo effect. 

9. When she took the plunge in a backless gown.

Updos and backless dresses are a winning combination in our book (and Troian clearly agrees).

10. When she made a swimsuit look chic. 

Instead of a basic bikini, she chose an elegant striped one-piece while getting some sun in Italy. 

11. When her denim jacket was anything but basic.

Tbh, an important reminder.

12. When she channeled Blair Waldorf.

Queen B would be proud.

13. When she kept it casual with a cheeky hoodie. 

Why choose a side between California vs. New York when you can pick both with this cozy outfit?

14. When she literally shined on the red carpet. 

Troian was radiant in this sequined gown. 

15. When she was a real-life fairy princess at her wedding.

We're so rooting for her to star in a remake of The Princess Bride.