Communication is key, especially in the workplace. When you’re having an issue, want to voice your concerns about something or simply want to talk to your boss, it’s an obvious choice to speak up. We live in a world where, as long as you’re respectable about it, you can usually say what is on your mind without repercussion. In the workplace, it’s a little scarier to speak up than say on your Twitter or Facebook, partially because you’re speaking to authority figures.

Instead of being scared or shy about speaking up at work, you should feel confident in yourself and your ability to talk to someone about any topic if you ever have to. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to speaking up at work that will answer all your questions. So the next time you feel the need to speak up, you will feel comfortable throughout the situation.

Why should I speak up at work?

There are a variety of situations in which you can and should speak up in the workplace. Let us be clear here: speaking up is not calling someone out. When you’re calling someone out, you are specifically targeting a person or an issue and trying to get negative attention on them. Speaking up, on the other hand, is when you are informing the appropriate figure in the work place of an issue or idea you feel needs to be addressed. Speaking up doesn’t have to be a negative thing; you could also be sharing your ideas for a current project or even talking during a staff meeting.

According to Ginger Clark, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, when you speak up at work, you are helping your workplace become better each and every day.

“A workplace functions better when everyone has a voice in its functioning. This is not to say everyone gets their way all the time, but they at least need to be heard,” Clark says. “Be realistic about the possibility of change, and try to present plans that allow for incremental change when sweeping change is unlikely. Be the solution person, not the complaining person.​”

So whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing you’re speaking up about, by contributing to the workplace you’re helping make it a better environment, one idea at a time.

What are the things I should speak up about?

Now that you know the reasoning behind speaking up, you may be wondering what situations deem it appropriate to do so. There are several situations in which voicing your thoughts could be necessary, including:

• When policy is not being followed and management is not aware/handling it properly
• When you have a great idea for a new project your colleagues are working on
• When you feel there is discriminatory or harassing behavior in the workplace
• When you don’t understand the task you are assigned and need clarification
• When you don’t feel you are getting treated fairly for the work you are doing
• When your colleagues need help on a task and you believe you can help
• When there is a possible issue you believe you have a solution to
• During a staff meeting in which you believe your ideas can be a positive contribution

This list definitely doesn’t cover everything that you can speak up about at work. There are so many other situations in which you may find yourself wanting to or needing to speak up; if that’s the case and you have a "feeling" you need to say something, do so! Trust your instincts. Usually they aren't wrong. If they are, and the situation doesn’t turn out how you expected it to, take it as a learning experience so you know what to change for next time.

How do I speak up at work?

While going up to your boss and saying, “Hey, this isn’t working” may seem simple, it can be a lot harder to actually do. If you’re having troubles working up the courage to talk to them, there are two things you can do.

Clark advises to speak to any trusted coworkers or mentors to get their advice on the situation or even role-play how to have the conversation. It’s a lot easier to approach your boss when you feel you have someone behind you who understands the ideas or issues you have. Role-playing is also an easy way to prepare yourself because you’ll have a general idea of what you want to say and how to say it.

When you’re in conversation with your boss, if you’re still a little shy or scared about speaking up, Clark says to just own your fear. Tell your boss that you’ve been scared or nervous to bring it up or you simply don’t know how they’re going to react. This way it shows that you’re doing this from a good place. 

Related: 8 Things You Should Never Do at Work

What if I’m scared of the consequences?

​Speaking up often comes with consequences. It’s a scary thought, but unfortunately that’s life. Clark says that the immediate consequences of speaking up are usually less important than the long term ones if you never speak up at all. Your best bet at avoiding major consequences, or at least not angering your boss, is to speak up in a respectable way.

“I think as long as the employee stays even and professional, offering solutions, and being grateful for the time and any adjustments made, it is difficult to retaliate—though certainly it happens,” Clark says.

So make sure to stay positive, use “I” statements and be respectable while bringing up whatever you want to say, and it probably will be a smoother conversation than just piling on.

Can something good come from speaking up?

The short answer: of course! While you may be worried about the negatives, there are also positives that can come from speaking up. Sometimes, what you are saying is not as important as how you are saying it.

“As long as you are solution focused, and an advocate for yourself and others, people tend to see you as a leader. They know you can be called on to do things that are hard to do (e.g., negotiate contracts, deal with difficult clients, etc.),” Clark says. “There is a way to be assertive, but still a great coworker who cares about her colleagues, her boss and her company.​”

By speaking up in a positive and constructive manner, you will come across as someone who wants to help make an impact on the company instead of just looking out for herself.

It may seem easy to list off all these reasons why and how you should speak up at work, but the thought of actually doing so might seem a lot harder. There really is no way to become a pro, other than practicing! Take all the above information into consideration and start small. You’ll eventually feel way more comfortable speaking up and will gladly use these situations to get ahead in your career.

As winter breaks across the country come to their bittersweet end, many collegiettes find themselves in a rut. Getting back to school is a fun-filled experience; however, many students feel the stress of the oncoming semester overwhelming. Here are 18 signs you need another break already.

1. You were stressing about finals during syllabus week

2. You're having serious trouble adjusting to a normal sleeping schedule

3. You're WAY too exhausted from getting less than 12 hours of sleep to do any unnecessary activities

4. You have already reached the allotted unexcused absences in all of your classes

5. You don’t understand how anyone can go out and party during this period of mourning break

6. Your excitement lasted for approximately one night of drunken shenanigans

7. Putting all of your assignments into your schedule feels like signing a DNR

8. You can’t get through more than a couple of hours without texting your hometown group chat

9. You're already out of money and have yet to buy your textbooks

10. You and your friends are already making a bucket list for spring break

11. You realize how bad dining hall food actually is

12. You would trade in last semester’s As for just one last home-cooked meal

13. You're re-watching the Netflix series you watched at home just to reminisce on the good-old days

14. After one glance of a picture of your dog you’re ready to burst into tears

15. You call the housing office to see if you can bring you dog to school with you if you make your roommate move out

16. You get into fights with your mom when she goes to your favorite restaurants at home without you

17. The thought of getting your shit together for the semester makes you want to crawl under you XL twin bed and never come out

18. But you know you have to so you just keep calm and fill your spare time with Netflix

Living on a college budget is rough—especially if you love your Starbucks lattes and expensive makeup as much as we do. The guys from The Office understand your struggle.

1. You don't know how much you've spent lately, but you know it's A LOT

2. Naturally, you procrastinate on checking your bank statements

3. When you finally check them, your balance is roughly $12.54

4. It's okay, you can just survive on pizza slices until your next paycheck/allowance comes in

5. You crash club events for the free food

6. You steal condiment packets from fast food restaurants

7. You sometimes hang out in Trader Joe's just for the coffee and food samples

8. You collect coupons for Victoria's Secret and Express like nobody's business

9. You're down to be a guinea pig for a study if it will give you a bit of extra cash

10. When someone asks what you want for your birthday, you only have one response:

11. When your friend wants to go to a fancy brunch place, you're just like

12. Thinking about your finances post-graduation is not something you feel comfortable doing right now

13. Finding $5 in your jeans is like Christmas, except better

14. You overreact just a tad to getting paid on Venmo

15. And okay, finally receiving your check isn't too bad either

We've finally been able to say goodbye to Barbie's unattainable figure, as Mattel has just announced the release of dolls with a variety of new body types, skin tones and hair textures. Haneefah Adam of Nigeria has gotten behind the movement in an even bigger way—she's styling a Barbie in a hijab.

To promote the brand, Adam has taken a play out of Barbie’s playlist by creating the @hijarbie Instagram account, which mimics the popular @barbiestyle account. @hijarbie features the original Barbie wearing modest yet fashion-forward outfits. Many include hijabs often accompanied by Adams wearing a similar outfit.

Adams’s intention was to help young Muslim girls feel proud of their culture and religion. "They become more confident, more driven, they believe more in themselves, which leads to an appreciation of herself and her modest lifestyle and upbringing. Instead of dressing up her dolls in clothes she wouldn't wear, hijabifying it will create a sense of belonging and hopefully make a positive impact" Adams explains.

I watched my phone sit in the bag of rice. 72 hours. I was counting down. Waiting to get it back and see who texted me, who Snapchatted me, who emailed me, who missed me while I was off the grid. Seventy-two hours went, but my phone did not come back to life.

Two weeks before I was next slated to go home, my phone broke and I decided to wait to get a new one until I was home. As a sophomore in college, I would be going the longest I had gone without a cell phone since I was in fifth grade. That’s right, I had had a phone glued to my palm for nine straight years, and it was just ripped out of my hand. In this time, several things became clear to me, and I’ve made a couple of resolutions for when I get my phone back.

I worked harder when I didn’t have my phone to distract me.

This revelation wasn’t particularly shocking to me. However, since this occurred over a heavy loaded work week, I found it extremely helpful to not have my phone. I wasn’t taking breaks to check Instagram; instead I kept working while those around me goofed off, and I got grades on my exams that reflected my hard work. I’m not necessarily lazy when I have my cell phone on me, but I waste a lot of extra time checking social media when I get frustrated in my studies, whereas, without my phone, I powered through.

RELATED: 6 Cell Phones You Begged Your Parents for at Some Point

In the future, when I have my baby back, I’m going to try and leave it in my dorm room when I have a major study session planned, such as before a big exam or before an essay is due.

I cared less what people thought of me when I didn’t have a cell phone. 

These two things sound unrelated, but hear me out. Without my phone, I was off of social media. I was away from touched-up pictures of pretty people and my friends having fun. And as a surprising result, I spent nearly every phone-free day without makeup on. I never would’ve thought that my appearance would change if my phone was broken, however, I think that without the bombardment of filtered images on social media, I felt less pressured to look perfect, and I took the time without my phone as a break from makeup and lengthy morning routines.

I’m going to try and remember that wearing makeup should be for me. I should wear makeup when I want to put it on, because I like the way it looks. I shouldn’t feel forced into changing my appearance for other people, and especially not for the internet/social media because people pay less attention to my appearance in pictures than I think they do.

RELATED: 6 Everyday Habits That Have More Germs Than You Thought

People use cell phones as excuses to be late.

I’m sure we’ve all gotten this text: “I’m going to be a little late.” Because we have cell phones, we don’t mind keeping people waiting because we’ll let them know, right? They can just play on their phone in the restaurant until I show up. I spent a lot of time waiting in my two weeks without a phone.

I had agreed to meet someone at 8 and they showed up at 8:30. They probably didn’t think much of it. They probably showed up late a lot, were used to texting me to kill some extra time. But the wait felt much longer when I didn’t have a phone because I didn’t know when they were coming. I couldn’t walk away, because I couldn’t tell them where I was going. I do the same thing. I change my errands list on a whim and tell people to give me some extra time before I show up. But I realize now that, without a phone, I felt the last-minute late policy was rude. Just because we all have cell phones doesn’t mean we shouldn’t respect the time of our friends and family.

RELATED: 8 First Generation iPhone Struggles We No Longer Have To Worry About

I’m going to try and honor the time I set with friends. I’ll probably have to hit snooze fewer times and decide on outfits faster, but that’s definitely worth showing my friends I care. 

I’ve made a general resolution to be more present. Yes, I am thrilled to have my phone back. I’m back on all of my social media platforms and am texting around the clock. But, I think that any time I shut my phone off or leave it behind in 2016 will be time I cherish. It’ll be time I can focus on the people I’m with and the places I’m blessed to be at, and my schoolwork, too.

As a second semester senior in high school, there is no word you love to hear more than “graduation.” After four years of the same teachers, same friends and same daily routines, you’re ready to escape your small town and embark on the adventure that is college.

While your excitement is expected and definitely encouraged, it is important to make sure that you’re not constantly dreaming about next fall. After all, the last few months of senior year have the potential to hold some of your favorite high school memories. To help you make the most of your senior year, we’ve talked to some real collegiettes about the ways you can live in the present during your second semester:

1. Stop thinking about the “lasts”

For many pre-collegiettes, this can be a hard habit to break. After all, senior year is centered around lasts—your last home game with your team, your last spring break with the girls, and your last prom dress. However, if you spend all your time getting caught up in these ideas, you might miss out on the memories that are unfolding right in front of you.

“My advice would be to stop thinking about the ‘lasts’,” says Kayla Lewkowicz, a recent graduate of Colby College. “I remember being in tears at my senior night and one of my teammates said ‘don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.’ While it [may sound] super cheesy, college is so much more fun than high school—so don't focus on the ‘lasts’ and just enjoy it for what it is.”

Focus on making each moment with your friends, teammates, and family as special as you can. That way, when college comes around, you’ll have plenty of fun memories to reflect on as you prepare for a new chapter in your life.

2. Make time for your friends

One of the hardest parts of transitioning from high school to college is parting ways with your BFFs. After all, many of them have been by your side for as long as you can remember and the thought of starting a new school year without them seems crazy. In between final exams and planning for graduation, it can be hard to make time exclusively for each other. However, doing so can be a great way to clear your mind during this busy time. 

“I'd recommend spending a lot of time with friends and doing something fun like going to the beach for a long weekend,” says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University. “The memories you create will be awesome before you head off to college.”

Making extra time for your friends is especially important, especially if one of you is moving to an out-of-state school this fall, as it will be harder to visit each other or meet up on the weekends. However, putting in the extra effort now and having a solid foundation will make things even easier when you become long-distance BFFs.

Related: 4 Tips For Surviving Second Semester of Senior Year

3. Make time for your peers

With college on the horizon, it can be easy to get caught up in your group of BFFs. However, it's important to remember to make time for the other people that you know you may not be seeing after you leave your hometown.

"I recommend high school students enjoy people they might not see after [graduation]," says Alaina Leary, a graduate student at Emerson College. "It's common to stay in touch with close friends, for example, but [you] likely won't see teachers or classmates who were more like acquaintances. Those are the people you want to make sure to say goodbye to and talk to while you have time."

Your favorite coach that's mentored you since middle school? Your lab partners that tutored you through chemistry? Be sure to make the most of your time with them before you say goodbye, too. 

4. Celebrate being a senior

After three long years of suffering as an underclassman, you're finally at the top during your senior year. To make the most out of your last few months in high school, embrace as many of the senior privileges as you can—even if it just means having a better parking spot or getting to leave one period early. 

"I think it’s really important to try to remain present during your last semester of high school," says Jamie Kravitz, a junior at Emerson College. "Take advantage of the special activities your high school has for seniors, like spirit days and senior prom. You’re only a high school senior once, so make the most of it!"

After all, it's only a few more months until you're known as a freshman all over again.

5. Take time to appreciate home

While many of us have a love-hate relationship with our hometown, it can become one of the first things you miss after you leave for school. Whether it’s your favorite pizza place, hiking trail, or road to drive on, take the time to appreciate the little things that make your home special.

“[I did] everything I could to appreciate that town while it lasted,” says Chelsea Schroeder, a freshman at Bowling Green State University. “I pushed graduation and all of those impending deadlines to the side, and did things like took an unforgettable night drive with my friends, held a dance party, traveled on small road trips and stayed up all night really bonding, laughing, and crying with the ones I loved most.”

While the idea of a brand new school and friend group is exciting, it’s normal to feel at least a little homesick once you arrive on campus. Make the most of the little moments with your friends, family, and hometown now, that way you’ll have plenty of memories to reflect on when you leave in the fall.

While senioritis is inevitable, keeping your mind focused on the present is the best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your last semester in high school. Not to mention, the days will go a lot faster when you’re living in the moment rather than staring at the clock. Carpe diem, pre-collegiettes, and best of luck this fall! 

That special day always comes up quickly after the holidays, and you may be stressing about what to get your man. If he’s a fresh love interest, what kind of Valentine’s Day present should you steer clear of so you don’t do too much too soon? But how do you make sure you don’t play it too safe and end up appearing uncaring and indifferent toward the relationship? You’re frantically trying to figure out what you’re apparently expected to already know, and you’re on the verge of a pink-and-red-themed meltdown.

Don’t sweat it; we have all the answers right here for you.

If you’ve been official for…

…One week: Make him a DIY box of candy

You can’t go wrong with a small box of candy. It shows that you care, but you’re not overbearing. If you don’t want to go for the typical candy hearts, buy your own candy mix (be sure to ask him what his favorite type of candy is in advance) and place them in a small, heart-shaped box or a plastic bag with a red ribbon tie. It’s best to keep it simple for a new relationship.

Cute note to top it off: “Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope this makes your day a little sweeter. :)” 

…One month: Get him a coffee mug full of sweet treats

Think of it as the first gift, but a little more elaborate. Get him a coffee mug with a college logo on it (either the one he attends or his favorite college sports team’s logo) and fill it with all of the sweets he loves. If he doesn’t drink coffee or tea, that’s okay; put a couple of packets of hot chocolate in there and a small bag of marshmallows. The mug and sweets make an adorable gift but are far from overkill.

Cute card to top it off: Make a homemade V-Day card for him, and include quirky and cute cartoon drawings. On the inside, write, “Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been a month and I still think you’re awesome. ;) Can’t wait to see what else is in store for us!”

…Six months: Get him a picture frame and chocolates

A personalized picture frame is perfect for the six-month mark, because it’s sweet but doesn’t go overboard. The pic above is an example from PersonalizationMall.com, a website that specializes in personalized gifts. Click “Frames & Canvas Prints” under the Valentine’s Day tab to find some cute frames. He’ll love the thoughtful present! Grab a box of chocolates to go with your picture frame and you’ll be golden.

Sweet card to top it off: After six months, it’s okay to go gooey. Get a romantic card and write something personal and sentimental inside. If you’re worried about him melting into a pile of V-Day-induced slop, include an inside joke to get him laughing.

…One year and beyond: Make him a scrapbook, a homemade CD and his favorite dinner

It’s been a year, so now you can really amp up the mushiness. This is the total package: First, create a scrapbook that consists of your favorite memories from the past year. Then, make a CD of both of your favorite songs (and FYI, they don’t all have to be like the Titanic theme song; include tunes you’ve belted out in the car together or danced awkwardly to). Lastly, cook him his favorite dinner—after all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (true fact). If you need recipe ideas, check out how to cook a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. If he’s stuck with you for a year or more, going the extra mile on V-Day is so worth the effort.

Romantic card to top it off: You can go all out here. Buy a pretty, romantic card, and on the inside, describe how much the past year with him has meant to you. Try not to stain it with your sappy tears.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful! Oh, and don’t forget to add a little splash of you to his gift—after all, it’s you he fell for in the first place. 

Today, your MySpace obsession probably seems prehistoric as Instagram and Twitter permeate our millennial lives in its place. Though if you think far enough back to the days of AOL Instant Messenger, it’s truly astounding that we’ve been using online platforms to connect with friends—and Internet users from across the world that we haven’t met—for most of our lives!

SKOUT is the latest online connectivity app that’s sweeping Androids and iPhones everywhere as the largest global app for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. Last year, SKOUT facilitated more than 680 million connections in over 180 countries! With unique features like “Travel” you can meet new friends in destinations across the globe, and with “Interested?” you can connect with Skouters who share similar interests.

In honor of International Online Friendship Day on February 3, we’ve partnered with SKOUT to give away two iPhone 5C’s for you and an online friend! Be sure to download the SKOUT app for free on iTunes or Google Play and celebrate your online friends by entering below!

SKOUT

This year's Super Bowl is a big one. It's Super Bowl 50 plus Beyoncé will be there! But everyone knows when it comes to the Super Bowl, it's really all about the snacks. We've rounded up some tasty gluten-free options, so whether you're into the game or just watch for the commercials, you're sure to indulge in these treats.

1. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are one of our favorite party foods. They are super easy to tackle on your own. So, the Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity to give them a go!

2. Black Bean Salsa

We don't think any recipe could be easier than this one. As long as you can chop up some veggies, you can master it. If you have an intolerance to gluten, you may also have a negative reaction to corn. Swap out for a gluten-free substitute if necessary and enjoy!

3. Sweet Potato Bites

Our mouth is watering just looking at this picture. Sweet potatoes and avacodos all in one bite? Talk about a true super. Don't mind if we help ourselves to one…or ten of these. 

4. Bacon Wrapped Sriracha Lime Chicken Bites

Courtesy of Lexi's Clean Kitchen, these bacon wrapped chicken bites are delicious. Bonus: If you love food and clean eating, this site is a great resource for you!

5. Garlic Lemon Cuban Chicken Wings

You can't have a Super Bowl party without wings, right?

6. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms

Impress all your friends and family by whipping up this fun dish for the game. The Super Bowl is all about comfort food, and we're sure everyone at the party could get real comfortable eating one of these. 

7. Turkey Chili

We still might be thawing out from this frigid winter by the time the game comes around. This is just the perfect dish to warm up your guests—no matter what team they're rooting for.

8. Gluten-Free Pigs in a Blanket

No Super Bowl party is complete without this classic. And you're in luck because this recipe is—you guessed it—gluten-free!

9. Chocolate Covered Football Strawberries

Instead of buying expensive chocolate covered strawberries, make your own! These cute little footballs are on theme and easy to recreate.

Valentine’s Day (or as some like to call it, Singles Awareness Day) is right around the corner, and needless to say, us single ladies are less than thrilled. While it’s bad enough to see happy couples hand-in-hand around campus, we also get bombarded with cheesy romance all over social media. So instead of rolling your eyes at every #bestboyfriendever and heart emoji, Instagram and Tweet away with these single girl-approved V-day hashtags. You're welcome.

1. “Who needs a fancy Valentine’s Day dress? Sweatpants all night. #blessed”

2. “Party full of single people = my box of V-Day candies. #singleandreadytomingle”

3. “Box of chocolates for one? Don’t mind if I do. #nomnom #foodporn”

4. “Ryan Gosling will always be better than your boyfriend. #mancrushalways #marryme #butreally”

5. “Drinking wine alone tonight. #sorrynotsorry”

6. “Nutella is basically my soul mate. #truelove #bestieverhad”

7. “#tbt to last year when my BF forgot a V-day gift… #bye #betteroff”

8. “Ben & Jerry’s > your Valencia-ed 5-course meal. #nofilter”

9. “If T-Swift doesn’t need a man, neither do I. #shakeitoff”

10. “I’d rather watch chick flicks and have a dance party with my girls anyways. #whoruntheworld #singleladies”

11. “Netflix is my true #bae. #letsbereal”

12. “Would you rather have flowers or pizza delivered? #onerightanswer #pizzaforever”

13. “Good thing this is all a marketing campaign for Hallmark. #truestory #fakeholiday”

Housing costs on campus can be high, but don't try funding it this way—or you could end up in some serious hot water. 

Jack Worth, a 19-year-old sophomore at Emerson College, listed his Boston dorm room for rent on the travel site Airbnb, and could be facing consequences as severe as losing his spot at the university, according to the Washington Times. In the picture below, Worth is in the middle. 

Worth had the listing up for about two weeks, during which three different renters stayed in his room. When college officials found out about it last week, they gave him until this Friday to delete it. He was also fined $150 by Airbnb when he deleted the listing. 

“Really, the idea just came from the combination of understanding where Emerson is located in the city,” Worth told the Boston Globe.“And it being in such a heavily-desired neighborhood, and the thought of how I could make a little bit of extra money."

According to the school's website, living in a single for a year costs $16,200. Worth's housing costs may vary because he lives in a suite with other students.  

In the three days since its posting, a Change.org petition called "Free Jack Worth" has garnered more than 400 signatures. Stig Reagan, to the far right in the picture above, started the petition. 

"I know Jack, I am aquainted with him, and so I'm naturally on his side," supporter Ethan Webb commented on the petition. "But what I care more about are the policies Emerson College has with guests. If a person has the ability to let someone stay at their abode without upsetting anybody other than the administration, then I don't see the big deal. Isn't paying tuition payment enough?"

Apparently school officials don't think it's enough, since the Boston Globe reports that Emerson officials said in an email that Worth's actions are "in clear violation of the college’s residence hall policies." In an email to Boston.com, school officials stated that these codes are in place "to protect residents and the community from exposure to safety and security risks."

Worth claims that he checked with his suitemates to make sure it was okay for him to rent out the room, and vetted possible tenants to make sure he didn't put anyone at risk.

What do you think: Is Worth a savvy entrepreneur or a troublemaking teen?

Here’s a story that’s sure to get your blood boiling. Daryush “Roosh V” Valizadeh, an American national who likes to call himself a “neomasculinist” will likely not be making the trip he’d planned this weekend to Sydney, Australia. The trip was to go to a meeting for "heterosexual, masculine men" (AKA followers of Roosh V), and there are allegedly 165 similar meetings in 43 countries happening this weekend.

If you were thinking that the term “neomasculinist” doesn’t sound too appealing, you’d be right on. Valizadeh leads a group called Return of Kings, which embraces charming ideas like, “A woman’s value significantly depends on her fertility and beauty. A man’s value significantly depends on his resources, intellect, and character,” and, “The idea of 'gender equality' is a myth that has no scientific basis.”

On top of the fact that Valizadeh believes that college women are wasting time by getting degrees instead of pursuing more “feminine” things, he also believes that rape should be legal on private property and that it is simply part of our biology as women to take it.

If he’s embarrassed about the press he’s been receiving he hasn’t shown it, instead opting to take to twitter in protest of his potential ban from Australia.

According to Australia’s immigration minister, Peter Dutton, while Valizadeh hasn’t yet applied for his visa, it’s unlikely that he will ever be receiving one.

“People who advocate violence against women aren’t welcome in Australia,” the minister said in a statement, according to BuzzFeed News. “In the past people advocating violence against women have had their visa refused or cancelled.”

While Australian can rest assured that Valizadeh won’t be entering their great nation any time soon, unfortunately we Americans will still have to put up with people like him.

It's a burning question very few consider to ask: How much are our prospective presidents spending on pizza, the most American of all foods?

Source: Gawker

Gawker graciously took the time to investigate the financial details of the candidates. Taxes? Nah. Income bracket? Nope. Donations from Super PACS? Why bother, when there's pizza on hand? If there's any indicator of someone's allegiance to the great American way, this is it. What better than a food appropriated from another culture and deeply divided by region? Besides, pizza.

With Clinton overwhelmingly the winner, Gawker broke down which pizza places candidates tended to frequent. Though Clinton barely edged Sanders in Iowa, she's the clear pizza queen in this showdown. This bodes well for playing in more pizza-friendly states like New York and Illinois.  Turns out, New York values go far, with the majority of the pizza consumed in New York style.

Overall, though, as men and women "of the people," Democrats are budgeting more pizza more than their Republican peers. Though Carson isn't doing so well in the polls, he's the pizza winner of the party, edging out Cruz, Trump and Rubio. For Rubio, is fourth the new first, as third was in Iowa?

However, the most egregious part of the investigation, one that leaves little faith in any of the candidates to govern, was their terrible taste in pizza. Each candidate, on average, ate at:

• Dominos
• Pizza Hut
• Little Caesars
• Papa John's

Are there no local gems for these poor people to go to while they're on the road? Of all the pizza to choose, these are the most "American:" fatty, salty, fast, and reliably awful, yet somehow you always manage to eat an entire box by yourself before falling asleep in a pool of your own regret and grease. The exceptions to this, of course, are Trump and Christie, who being from New York/New Jersey, won't stand for that crap. Rand Paul orders quite frequently from We The Pizza, a famous place in D.C. Other than that, though, it's chains as far as the eye can see. Come on, America.

So now you know. Make your choice and get out and vote!

If you're looking for a bit of a laugh and a complete breakdown of each candidate's pizza consumption, check out the stellar investigative reporting from Gawker.

Before Justin Bieber came into the picture, another male celeb had Selena Gomez's heart. Back in the mid-2000s, the Miley-Selena-Nick "love triangle" was the hottest gossip you could get. Miley Cyrus had dated Nick Jonas from 2006-2007, and after things ended with them, Selena and Nick began dating in 2008.

Of course, this drama made publications and most people assume that Miley and Selena were in a fued over the Jonas Brother. (Let's be real—whenever given the chance, the media will pit female celebrities against each other.) After 7 years, Selena is finally telling the world how the girls really felt about what happened.

In W magazine's March issue, Selena says, "We never feuded. We both liked the same guy when we were 16. It was just a Hilary Duff-Lindsay Lohan thing: 'Oh, my God, we like the same boy!' We are now completely settled in our own lives."

Related: Selena Gomez is Producing a TV Series on Suicide

The "Hands to Myself" singer also mentioned that, despite the differences in their styles, she's definitely a fan of Miley Cyrus. "Obviously, she wouldn't want to be doing what I'm doing, and I wouldn't want to be doing what she's doing. But I'm a fan of her music—I don't know if she'd say that about me."

The more girl love, the better! We love the female empowerment popping up all over the Hollywood scene lately—don't you, collegiettes?

On the first day of 2016, you, along with many other people, probably took a vow to stay in shape and hit the gym all year long. But right about now, it’s looking like you’re already over working out and ready to head back to your old lifestyle filled with Netflix marathons and wine. Whether our classes are starting to get a little more serious or our extracurriculars are overwhelming us a little more than we thought they would, putting things like working out on the back-burner almost seems inevitable sometimes – but that’s not always a bad thing. In case you were wondering when that’s okay, we have the answers!

1. You're injured

Okay, so let’s start with the most obvious one. If you’re injured, you should probably go ahead and give yourself a break. It’s pretty impossible to get through a workout or even get yourself motivated enough to do it when your body physically can’t. Not to mention, when you have an injury, it’s extremely important to give physical activity a rest and not continue to put a strain on your injury. Unfortunately, there's no quick fix for injuries, so you're better off waiting it out so you won't make your injury worse than it already is. Whether you pulled a muscle or sprained an ankle, you can afford to skip a work out for now. Your body will thank you later.

2. You’re not getting enough sleep

If there’s one person in this world that we know will never let us down, it’s our bed. But sometimes, the all-nighters and the bottomless cups of coffee that we use to cover up their effects can make us forget about how important getting a late night’s sleep really is. "If you're tired, monitor what you do for exercise," says Melanie Ludwig, personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness. "We can't always bring our A game and sometimes the B needs to take over. If you're tired and you try to keep your intensity up as usual, you're setting yourself up for injury due to delayed reactions and faulty movement patterns."

Yes, working out is an energy booster but when you’re suffering from physical exhaustion caused by late-night study sessions or just not getting enough sleep in general, the elliptical can wait.

3. You work out regularly

Don’t beat yourself up about not being in the mood to hit the gym if you work out regularly. According to Business Insider, working out for about two to three days a week is all it really takes for a person to stay in decent shape. So if you often find yourself involved in some sort of physical activity, it’s pretty safe to say that you shouldn’t feel guilty about staying in for the night. Treat yourself to a night in, catching up on assignments or just chilling with Netflix.

4. You’re busy

Don’t get too excited. By busy, we don’t mean busy being a couch potato. We get it, life happens. Our workloads get pretty overwhelming at a certain point in the semester which usually means that, for the sake of time, something has to give. If you have a huge midterm to study for, a 20-page research paper due soon, or if you just had to work an extra shift, we'd say that it might be best to skip your regular work out and put other things first. But Melanie has a different take on it.

"Being busy is always the number one reason for skipping workouts, but it's also the time you need it the most," she says. "Look at the past and current President of the United States. They always fit in exercise sessions and I think they're probably a little busier and more stressed out than the rest of us!" Her suggestion is to give yourself small breaks that include some sort of activity in order to keep your brain going when you have a long list of things to do.

"I tell students that even a walk around the block for 15 minutes as a study break can help you perform better. Our bodies were meant to be mobile, so long periods of sitting can stifle the creative flow for sure!"

When in doubt, just remember that anytime you think you're busy, Obama is probably looking over his jam-packed schedule and laughing at you. We're all given the same 24 hours but if making time for a workout seems impossible for you, feel free to save it until your schedule clears a little. In any case, try and manage your time in a way that will allow you to make time to work out, just to make sure that a setback or two doesn’t take you back too far.

5. You’re sick

Any time that you or your body feels under the weather is probably a good time to get some rest instead of overworking yourself physically. "If you're ill, your body needs rest, not exercise," says Melanie. "For example, if you have a fever or you're dehydrated, stay in bed and off the treadmill! Although exercise helps build immunity in the long-term, if you're stricken by a malady, rest up until you feel better."

But a fever isn't the only illness you should stay away from the gym for. This same logic applies for illnesses as simple as a cough or a case of the sniffles.

"I advise my clients that if their symptoms involve issues with breathing, sneezing, and/or coughing, they should take it very easy," Melanie says again. "Maybe just some light warm-ups and stretching. And if you take a decongestant for a cold, be careful as they can raise your heart rate. Adding a cardio workout because the medicine is making you feel better might not be the best thing to do."

Just like nursing an injury, it’s important to lay low a little when you’re sick too. Let your body fight off whatever illness you have before heading back to the gym.

It’s normal for anyone to not be in the mood to work out, which is why you shouldn’t always feel guilty about skipping a trip to the gym. That being said, just remember how important it is for you not to let your feelings get the best of you even when you’re tempted to take a day off.

Just this past Tuesday, Hollywood's hottest exes, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, were spotted being quite affectionate while out shopping. The two appeared to be buying items for a wedding registry at Williams-Sonoma in Calabasas, California, but a source says that there won't be wedding bells ringing for this ex couple. They were simply picking up some items for Disick’s new home. 

Despite this not being as romantic as we'd hoped, Kourtney definitely seemed to be enjoying spending some time with the father of her three children. However, this might have had something to do with the fact that the two were being filmed by KUWTK cameras. Kris Jenner accompanied the duo on their shopping excursion and was happily watching Kourt and Scott together again.

This isn't the first time that Scott and Kourtney have had us guessing if they're done for good. This throwback photo Kourtney posted just last week definitely had some leftover emotions tied to it.

After nine years together, the Queen and the self-proclaimed Lord split back in July after Scott was seen getting a little too cozy with his ex, Chloe Bartoli. Saying that the breakup was rough would be an understatement, but the two ended up spending Thanksgiving together a few months after. 

These family holidays and outings spent together are, according to the parents, for the benefit of their children. While talking with Ellen DeGeneres, Kourtney said, "We're not together. I feel like every day is different, but we’re totally getting along. Like, we have three beautiful kids together…He's family. He'll always be."

So, what do you think, collegiettes? Will the two ever reunite? Should they? Regardless, we're sure that, whatever Kourtney does, it'll be great.

American politics are always entertaining and relevant, and not just to Americans! Especially with the upcoming elections, your Canadian neighbours love keeping up-to-date with everything happening in the U.S. political scene. But that’s not to say Canadians really understand everything it. Here are 21 thoughts Canadians always have when hearing about American politics.

1. What is wrong with Donald Trump’s hair?!

With all his money, you’d think he could afford a better weave.

2. I really don’t understand why there are only two parties.

That simply can’t represent everyone’s political views.

3. Why is American health care so bad?

Obamacare isn’t all it’s cracked up to be -- no offense.

4. And we thought our election period was long. Hah!

They seriously need a whole year to tear each other apart?!

5. At least the debates are entertaining!

It's like reality TV, but better!

6. When will they have a female president?

I nominate Beyoncé!

7. How is this election going to affect Canada?

I mean, our dollar is already really bad…

8. How in the world did Sarah Palin ever become a governor?

But at least she keeps things entertaining.

9. All the politicians are so full of themselves.

You need to have a big ego to be the face of the nation.

10. If I were President, I’d move the White House to Hawaii.

I’d run the nation while surfboarding!

11. I still don’t get why they just don’t make gun laws stronger.

*frustrated sigh*

12. Isn’t it kind of incestuous that everyone is related in politics?

If you’re a Bush, Kennedy or Clinton then you’re born and bred for politics!

13. The electoral college literally makes no sense to me.

Americans are weird.

14. Why is their defense budget so big?!

That is A LOT of money.

15. Everyone would be happier if they just ate some poutine.

Seriously, just trust us on this.

16. Or, maybe they just need some Tim Hortons!

Tim Hortons makes everything better.

17. Is Donald Trump a joke or are people actually serious about him?

Because he looks and acts like a joke to me.

18. Our Prime Minister has better hair than your President.

Need proof? Look at a picture of our beloved Trudeau.

19. Where is the socialist party?

Someone needs to start an NDP party in America ASAP!

20. Do you have to be an American citizen to be president?

Because if not, then sign me up!

21. Canadian politics are so much easier to understand.

Okay, maybe that's just because I'm Canadian.

Between our questions about Trump and your lack of poutine, Canadians love keeping up with American politics. Although we may not understand everything you do, it’s always entertaining to see what our neighbours are up to. But seriously, the sooner you introduce Tim Hortons to your country the better!

The real world…it sounds scary, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be, but it certainly can be. But what are we really afraid of? We asked 13 college women to tell us what spooks them about the real world — read on!

“My greatest fear about the ‘real world’ is probably that I will end up in a well-paying job that doesn't make me happy, or that I'll end up with a job I do really like but find that it isn't financially sound. I feel like those two pressures are constant, and as often as I hear some iteration of 'Do what you love!' or 'Your salary doesn't really mean anything if you're unhappy!', I also know that fiscal insecurity is a reality I do not want to confront.”

-Julia, Barnard College Class of 2018

“I'm a history major, so I'm terrified I'll never find a job. I'm afraid I'll graduate, search for a job and have nothing. I'm worried that I'll finish four years of studying, stressing, hard work, and determination and end up working in a dead end job, doing something I hate and drowning in student debt. Basically, I'm afraid that everything I'll have done in university will mean nothing in the real world.”

-Addi, Wilfrid Laurier University Class of 2018

“My biggest fear is the uncertainty of it all. We've all been somewhat sheltered from some pretty real things that will happen once when we're on our own. I think the idea of finding a full-time job seems really intimidating especially compared to finding an internship. We don't have school or classes to fall back on — unless you're on your way to grad school!”

-Katelyn, Emerson College Class of 2016

RELATED: 15 Ways Life Changes After College Graduation

“Honestly, I'm terrified about moving away from the friends I've had for the past four years. I've talked with my older brother about what life after college is like, and he's told me that at the end of the day, your coworkers will always be your coworkers and it can be hard to find new friends. It'll be weird having to start over in a new city without a dorm to facilitate friendships.”

-Jeniece, Case Western Reserve University Class of 2016

“Failing. I have all these big plans I talk about all the time and I'm afraid there is too much competition and not enough jobs in my dream career. I'm afraid of having to settle for something or remaining stagnant in order to pay bills and student loans.”

-Danika, Western Washington University Class of 2016

“I'm in the process of getting a film degree from a liberal arts college, and I hope to write movies or television shows as a career. This is a very hard field to get started in and actually make a career out of. My biggest fear is that I'll move out to LA after graduation and never actually ‘make it.’ I'm afraid that I'll be that clichéd waitress trying to make it in Hollywood for the rest of my life. I'm afraid that people will talk about my ‘wasted potential’ and how I should have gotten ‘a real job’ — and most of all, I'm afraid that they'll be right.”

-Paige, Kenyon College Class of 2018

RELATED:19 Signs You're Killing It As a Recent Graduate

“My dream job is to be a full-time writer, and it does scare me that it might end up not working out. Also, I'm a little terrified of having to manage my finances post-graduation.”

-Aimee, UC Davis Class of 2017

“I think my biggest fear is complacency — I see so many people around me just watching their lives pass as they're in the same job, same place, or just generally without a lot of change. I never want to wake up and realize life has passed me by, and I fear that as I have more priorities and responsibilities in the ‘real world,’ life will just start passing me by.”

-Katherine, Molloy College Class of 2016

“I fear failure and the uncertainty that comes with it. I want to have a career I like and to be financially stable with a place of my own and anything less than that to me is failure. I don't think I'm setting the bar too high but I do worry that I won't be able to handle it. If I'm not able to accomplish those goals, I don't know what I'm going to do. But I try not to think about it too much. I believe that in the end everything will work out for the best but what exactly ‘the best’ may look like no one can know for sure.”

-Hannah, Framingham State University Class of 2017

“My biggest fear is that I won't leave an impact on the world meaning that my years in college, my years of hard work, all of that will have been wasted. I believe we are here to do so much more than work, pay bills, and die. I'm most afraid that's all I will have done with my life.”

-Cieara, Boise State University Class of 2018

RELATED: The 11 Types of Graduating College Seniors

“I've been in school for so long that I'm afraid that I won't know what to do with myself once I graduate. I feel like I don't know how to be anything other than a student.”

-Regina, McGill University Class of 2016

“I desperately want to live in New York City after I graduate, but the cost of rent in NYC is terrifying to me, especially as someone who wants to work in public relations, a field that doesn't always have the best salary when you're first starting out. I love New York, and it would be worth it, but I'm also afraid of the stress of living paycheck to paycheck all the time.”

-Caroline, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Class of 2018

“One of my biggest fears about entering ‘the real world’ is that there won't be as much time to mess around and have fun, like there is in college. Also, thinking about supporting myself is pretty scary too!”

-Rachel, James Madison University Class of 2017

You're single this Valentine's Day, and you're looking for something fun to do. Should you spend the day with friends and have a Galentine's, or should you stay at home in your PJs with Netflix and a bottle of wine? Take our quiz and find out what single girl plans you should make this Valentine's.

Being part of a TV show for seven seasons should be an indicator that you would be invited back for the revival of the show you once starred on. But for Melissa McCarthy, it looks like circumstances were quite the opposite. One fan took to Twitter to ask the Mike and Molly star if she would be coming back to revive her role as Sookie St. James in the new Gilmore Girls show on Netflix, and her reply left us all a little heartbroken.

Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino opened up to TVLine, saying, "She's really f--king busy…But the thing I have said [to her team] is, 'Look, if Melissa is available and has an afternoon free, I'll write her a scene. Melissa was one of us. If she has a spare moment to run over [to the set] — even if for just a cameo — we would be totally game. And if it's a last-minute thing, I would write her in and we would figure it out. That's the way we left it."

Will McCarthy take time off from filming her TV show and upcoming movies to make a cameo appearance on the show? Hopefully they will write her into a few scenes and we can take a trip down memory lane, as she rejoins Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel in Stars Hollow.