According to a recent Zoosk study, 72 percent of 9,000 people surveyed say that when it comes to online dating, bad grammar and spelling is a deal breaker. Cosmopolitan writes that people felt like those who paid little attention to grammar and spelling mistakes "seemed to be too busy or too lazy to actually construct decent sentences, or like they just didn't care to." Those feelings generally don't make someone want to pursue the relationship.

What else is important? Punctuation. 93 percent of people surveyed said they were more attracted to someone who used punctuation marks. Just watch out if you write "Okay." Because then we probably think you're mad.

Some tips to avoid being Tinder's biggest turn-off: Learn the difference between there, they're and their, you're and your, and don't be afraid to punctuate. Hey, if you're feeling really ambitious, you could even learn proper semicolon usage! Proofread your messages, because as we've read, a simple spelling mistake could have grave consequences. Don't be afraid to throw in an occasional emoji or smiley face—You're not a robot. Oh, and try to avoid anything that includes "YOLO"; Zoosk found that sending the phrase reduced responses by 47 percent, and even Drake knows that is so 2012.

Woe and sorrow! Spring break is over, and you can’t help but daydream of the vacation you just took to Mexico or all of the amazing food you ate while you were visiting home. Can we just agree that spring break is the best academic vacation?

Unfortunately, we’re oftentimes left day dreaming about the full savings account we had prior to all of our spring break expenditures. The money spent on gas, Starbucks breaks, travel and all the frivolous-yet-fun activities really adds up by the end of vacation, and that can leave a girl super stressed about how to make it through the rest of the semester with the money she has left.

Never fear! Her Campus is here to help by offering several realistic tips on how to recoup your money after spring break.

Start budgeting like crazy

It’s painful to hear, but you’re going to have to start ordering a tall latte instead of a venti.

Budgeting takes serious mindfulness, self-control and determination, but it’s the most effective way to slowly accumulate back the money you spent over break. What you’ll need to do is take an inventory of all the money you have, along with estimates from your paychecks or any allowances that your family gives you, to see how much money you can realistically spend per week. Next, you’ll need to find a budgeting system that works for you! The goal of this should be to create a system that lets you spend less and earn more.

One tried-and-true budgeting method is the envelope system. Gather some envelopes and label them with your typical weekly expenditures, such as gas, groceries and bills. It would also be nice to create an extra envelope for fun activities, like eating out with friends or taking a day trip, because “treat yo’ self." You’ll need to fill each envelope with the reasonable amount of cash you could spend on that thing each week. When the envelope runs out, that’s it…until the next week.

Last year, Laura Parker, a third year student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, took a spring break trip to Iceland and found she had a lot of anxiety about her finances for the rest of her quarter. “I made a system where I put all my money in envelopes," she says, "because that sort of thing worked the best for me, since the money I was spending was physically in front of me instead of just being online. It was hard at first, but making myself budget out my paychecks helped me save money long-term, and even after a few weeks I felt more comfortable with where I was at financially."

The benefit of this system is that you limit your spending, but it’s also a way to make you much more aware of your spending habits, specifically if you’ve been overspending on something.

Another useful way to budget is through an app. There are tons out there, but some of the best that we would recommend are Mint and Mvelopes.

Mint is a free app that connects to all of your banking accounts and helps you budget based on your account activity. Mvelopes is similar to Mint in the way that it keeps track of your account activity, but it also utilizes the envelope method we talked about above. Both apps are really helpful for building long-term money saving skills and will definitely ensure that you can recoup your funds after spring break.

Related: 19 College Women Get Real About Money on Campus

Pick up an extra shift at work or even look for another part-time job

Sometimes the only way to earn back the money you had before your spring break trip is to work twice as often as before. Even with a college student’s hectic schedule, picking up an extra shift or two at work offers a reward that’s worth the cost. While this may mean sacrificing some of your social life or free time, it will ultimately leave you happy in the end. You’ll be making money so that you actually can have a social life without being broke.

“I only went home for spring break, but even then I spent a lot of money driving everywhere and going out with my friends from home,” says Frances Glaser, a senior at the University of San Francisco. “When I got back, I had to buckle down and devote more of my time to work. Obviously it wasn’t always fun, but having extra money and getting back to being in a good place financially felt like a huge relief.”

If you’re the type of person who isn’t in a place to spend more time at work, there are less time-consuming jobs like pet or house sitting, and even babysitting. Yes, these are the weird little jobs we did for our neighbors growing up, but they’re still just as relevant and useful! Try posting in groups on Facebook or making a Craigslist to advertise that you’re out there and willing to help, and eager families will be hiring you in no time. Pet sitting and babysitting both usually require less time and steady commitment compared to a retail or serving job but can still give you the extra bit of pocket money that your wallet is so desperately craving!

One final option to consider is searching for an on-campus job. Since these tend to be seasonal and work around an academic calendar, many students are able to create their own work hours. You could even take up tutoring for GE classes offered in your major or look for shifts that have hourly pay rates.

Make a website and sell your stuff online

If you have a closet that looks similar to any other collegiette’s, then it’s most definitely filled with extra clothes you haven’t worn since high school and random knick-knacks that are just taking up extra space. While you practice your spring cleaning, consider making your own website or a fashion Instagram instead of throwing your reject items in a trash bag.

“I’m kind of a hoarder, but of really neat vintage things that I’ll never actually wear or use practically,” says sophomore Brinn Tomlinson at Drexel University. “I made a themed Instagram called ‘Brinn’s Closet’ where I sell all of my old quirky stuff, mostly to people who live in my area, and so far it’s been nice to have extra money, while making sure my things still go to a good home.”

Selling your stuff online is a really popular way to make money for you deal-seeking people out there who are also looking to earn back the dough you spent during your spring vacation. There are so many different online shops—from Ebay to online consignment stores—that you’ll be able to find the perfect fit to rebuild your budget.

If you’re a crafty little goddess, you might even want to consider making an Etsy and selling your work there! People sell things like jewelry, geeky treasures from our favorite TV shows and even hand-decorated Bibles. Storenvy is a great option for selling clothes and accessories that collegiettes tend to have an excess of. You can really profit from anything, so put your creative genius to work and all that money you spent on your vacation in Miami will be back in your hands in no time.

Related: 6 Things You Do That Are Draining Your Bank Account

Try simple, small scale approaches

Not all of us can be responsible budgeters or crafty online business owners, and because of that we have a few more small scale tips to help you out. We got you!

To cut back on gas, offer to carpool with another car-owning friend of yours. Whether you’re going out to study or driving to campus, carpooling could take the weight off your wallet for at least a few days of the week. If you really want to be an overachiever and save gas money, you could swear off driving altogether and pick up the happy hobby of walking!

Also, this may be news to you, but most cities have recycling centers where you can bring in your bottles and cans in exchange for some cash. These can often be found outside supermarkets, liquor stores and sometimes even on campus. While doing this won’t make you filthy rich, you’ll probably make enough money for an extra burrito while also helping out your environment! We would say this is a total win.

Finally, your school might be a participant of Pocket Points, the lovely app that saves you money if you don’t use your phone in class. While this is not available at every college, you can check the list on their website to see if your campus is a participating location. You open the app and lock your phone while you’re on campus, and points will be accumulated while your phone is locked. The points can be used toward free items and discounts at stores and restaurants in your college town. While it may be hard to put down your phone, saving the money should be worth it.

Never fear, collegiettes. You’ll have your money back in no time, and all your financial anxiety will dissipate and leave you at peace with where you’re at. Now all you have to worry about is budgeting in advance for next spring break and somehow making it through end-of-the-semester laziness. 

A best friend is great for a lot of things – relationship advice, a shoulder to cry on, wine nights, etc. But having someone there at all times who you can actually rely on to respond to your obsessive texting may be the best benefit of all. Here are 19 texts we’re all guilty of sending our besties on a daily basis. 

I haven't seen you in seven whole hours.

You didn't respond to my text 10 minutes ago, did something happen to you?!

Two closets are better than one. 

Amirite?

Ready to rage.

Promise I'll Venmo you.

Only true friends live vicariously through each others' relationships.

Here's some cash for that XL pizza I made you buy me last night.

Yes. The answer is always yes.

I just wiped out in front of my hookup from last week... this is not a drill.

Girls know what girls want.

My social life depends on you.

Dibs on IG.

I did WHAT?!

Typical reaction to most things. 

Permanent passenger of the struggle bus.

Thank you for saving my life yet again.

My sister from another mister forever and always.

Endless kissy emojis because I don't know what I'd do without you. 

Spring break finally arrived, and not a minute too soon. You've been drowning in school work, roommate drama and internship searches, and nothing sounds more perfect than laying on a beach with a fruity cocktail in hand. All of that stuff you've been worrying about? It's time to shake it off. 

Your friends are SO jealous that you're going away for the break, but you're too excited to even care. 

You couldn't even think about your classes right now if you tried. Your mind is in total Spring Break Mode. 

The budget flight you bought is packed and uncomfortable, but you don't care because you'll get there so soon!

When you and your friends finally get to the hotel, you hastily throw your bags into your room and run to the beach. 

You take a deep breath and decide you're ready to forget about everything going on at home. Time to party!

One sip of that first daiquiri and everything but happiness just melts away.

You and your friends are ready to meet some guys -- maybe even have a fling. 

You all swear to each other that you'll be the best wing-women ever. 

You give yourself a pep talk as you get ready for a night out at the clubs. It's all about confidence! Channel it! 

You put on your absolute hottest outfit, and girl, you look GOOD. 

All you want to do is dance your troubles away in celebration of this glorious spring break.

You might even start to show off your moves a little too much after a few drinks, but your friends tell you when to ease up. 

And you might take it down a notch, but you're definitely not going to stop dancing. 

When you spot a cute guy, you're ready with a flirty, fun line to get his attention.

You're in the middle of a dance floor make-out before you can even introduce yourself. 

It's spring break though, so you're just looking for a fling. You tell him that you're not looking for a relationship, obvi.

JK though, you totally can't help yourself.

When you wake up in the morning and remember how you acted last night, you're just like... 

Not to mention that intense hangover that greeted you like the insanely bright sunshine outside of your window as soon as you opened your eyes. You feel totally sick.

You friends sit around sharing stories from last night, half-laughing and half-freaking out.

You decide it's time to break up with alcohol. 

Your equally hungover friends agree -- none of you will never drink again. 

Well... At least, you don't drink until your hangover goes away late that afternoon. Then you're back on the Bahama Mama train. 

Last night is over. Forget about it! It's a new night! 

None of you have a worry in the world, and you're so ready to take on the rest of spring break without a hitch.

Hangovers can't keep you down! 

You're feeling like spring break will never end. 

You all put on cute outfits and are ready for another night out together (and you get the perfect Insta together before you leave, of course). 

Every night of the break feels worry-free, like nothing could go wrong. 

You're having too much fun to worry about sleeping, duh.

Then, suddenly, it's your last night, and you remember that you'll have to go home soon.

But you can't even be sad about it, because this spring break has been the absolute best. 

You tell all of your friends how much you loved it, and how perfect it was. Goodbye has never been so sweet. Breaks may end, but Facebook albums last forever.

#springbreakforever

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris are a power couple if we've ever seen one. But apparently, not everybody is interested in power couples. In an interview with Q Magazine, The 1975's Matt Healy revealed his thoughts on his short (very short) interaction with Taylor Swift, which weren’t as pleasant as you may think. 

Once rumors came to light that he and Taylor may have been briefly involved, Healy was briefly thrown into the public eye.

“…I mean, I got on E! News and people were like, ‘Who’s Matt Healy?’ so that was cool,” he said.

It got worse. “If I had gone out with Taylor Swift I would’ve been, ‘Fucking hell! I am NOT being Taylor Swift’s boyfriend,’” he went on to say. “You know, ‘FUCK. THAT.’ That’s also a man thing, a de-masculinating, emasculating thing.”

So, uh... dating a strong, successful woman makes you less of a man? We totally get that dating someone at Taylor's level of fame comes with its own set of concerns, but none of them should have to do with personal pride and whether being in a relationship with a powerful woman would "emasculate" you.

It’s another night of tossing and turning. After many sleepless nights, you finally realize that telling your brain to shut off doesn’t work so well. It doesn’t help that you’re constantly looking at the clock as your anxiety about getting less and less sleep increases with each minute that passes. You’ve got an important test tomorrow morning, but you just can’t seem to doze off no matter how many sheep you count. So why are you having trouble falling asleep? We talked to Dr. Aneesa Shariff, staff psychologist at the University of British Columbia, about some of the factors that could be keeping you up at night.

1. Studying late at night

When cramming for an exam, you might use every bit of time that you have left in the day, right up until bedtime. But hitting the hay soon after closing those textbooks could be the reason why you’re having trouble falling asleep.

“Sometimes when we’re doing really stimulating activities close to our bedtimes, that can really inhibit our ability to then get into a relaxed state and fall asleep,” says Dr. Shariff. This includes studying late at night, which many collegiettes may be guilty of. Because studying and trying to retain information is mentally stimulating, it could keep you too alert to fall asleep.

Dr. Shariff recommends putting away your homework and class notes at least 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Use the rest of the time to set up a consistent bedtime routine to do relaxing things, such as listening to calming music or light reading for pleasure.

Ashley Young, a senior at West Virginia Wesleyan College, understands the importance of a consistent routine. “For me, after I’ve finished all of my work and it’s time for bed, I go brush and whiten my teeth, wash my face, brush my hair... Just the necessary little things that have to be done that don’t take much thought. It not only kills two birds with one stone, but by the time I’m finished, I’m calmed down, relaxed and ready to sleep.”

2. Persistent thoughts (stress and/or anxiety)

Sometimes our thoughts just won’t leave us alone, whether it’s those pesky guy problems or all the errands that you have to run the next day. Anxious thoughts and feelings are common factors of sleeplessness for people, especially college students.

“During times of increased stress or worry or time pressure, so for students during midterms or as they prepare for final exams, a lot of students commonly experience sleep problems during those time periods because of the pressure they may be experiencing and just the increased demands on their time,” says Dr. Shariff.

“When you’re worrying a lot and your thoughts are going off in all different directions before bedtime, that can definitely impede your ability to get into a relaxed state to be in to be able to fall asleep because your brain is still really mentally active and going from one thought to the other.”

Try keeping a notepad by your bed. Dr. Shariff suggests writing down any persistent thoughts that are on your mind, whether it’s a to-do list or the thoughts that are bothering you. Putting your concerns on paper will help relieve your mind. “Instead of holding all of [those thoughts] in your brain, just write it down on a piece of paper and put it aside to be able to come back to the next morning.”

Jessica Schimm, a recent graduate of San Francisco State University, uses a journal to keep her worries at bay. “I fill out a brief diary entry, always focusing on the positive things of my day.”

She also listens to podcasts to keep her mind off of her anxieties. “Before I listened to nightly podcasts, I used to go through my whole day in my head and it would keep me up even later. Now I have a much easier time falling asleep because I’m completely focused on something else, and the things I listen to have made for great conversation starters.”

Another way to wind down and forget about your worries is to consciously take time for yourself. “Before going to sleep I think it’s important to fit in a little ‘me time,’ to essentially do things just for yourself and for your pleasure,” says Avianne Tan, a junior at NYU who likes to read novels and poetry. “It’s nice to have those special moments in doing things I like when life gets so busy around doing things I have to do.”

To fight off stress, Maddy Foley, a recent graduate of Kenyon College, streams rainfall meditation albums on Spotify. “If I’m feeling really stressed, I listen to one or two of those tracks and try to focus on breathing evenly and deeply.”

3. Electronics (laptops, phones, computer) that emit blue light

If you’re a late night texter or like to fall asleep with the TV on, you might have to change your night-time habits because this could be interfering with your sleep. Turning off your phone can also keep you from getting woken up by a text and help you fight the temptation to check your Facebook or Twitter.

“There is some research to suggest that blue light that’s emitted from laptops, TV screens, phones can really inhibit the melatonin production in our brain,” says Dr. Shariff. Melatonin is the chemical in the brain that helps set our internal clock. “The light from that can really send a signal to our brains, mistakenly, that ‘oh, it’s not that late, so it’s not bedtime yet.’” The blue light from these screens can delay our feelings of sleepiness, so turn them off about an hour before going to bed in order to successfully doze off.

“I take half a tab of Melatonin [when I can’t sleep]. It regulates your sleep cycle like a boss and it’s non-addictive,” says Maddy of Kenyon College. Because Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep cycles, some people take Melatonin supplements. You may be able to find these supplements at health food stores, but it’s best to speak with your doctor about it first.

4. Food (caffeine, sugar)

The most obvious foods and drinks that keep you awake contain caffeine and sugar. Sugar can hype you up and caffeine keeps you alert and energized, which are the opposite of what you want to be when trying to catch some z’s. Although body reactions vary when it comes to sugar and caffeine, Dr. Shariff says that your last cup of coffee, or any type of caffeinated drink, should be six hours before lights out.

If you rely on caffeine to get you through the day, check out our article on how to get energy without caffeine.

5. Exercise

If the only time you can exercise is in the evenings, try leaving at least two hours between your workout and your scheduled bedtime. According to Dr. Shariff, working out too close to bedtime can cause you to feel restless. Set aside two hours of transition time to wind down and relax your body and mind. After a hard workout, why not treat yourself to a nice, relaxing bath? Also, meditation or deep breathing and even tensing and relaxing different muscle groups can get your body in a good state for sleep.

“I find doing square breathing really helpful,” says Katie Naymon, a sophomore at John Hopkins University. “So, for example, I’ll inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 and repeat like 10 times. [It is] totally relaxing and I find it slows my heart rate and makes me super sleepy.”

6. Taking naps

After a late night of partying and maybe an early morning class the next day, sometimes it’s inevitable that we might fall into the nasty afternoon nap cycle. Although a couple of hours of shut-eye can restore your energy for the day, it can mess up your sleep-cycle by pushing your bedtime back and causing you to nap again the next day.

“I definitely recommend just trying to set aside time to get the sleep that you need at night so that you’re not feeling the urge to nap during the daytime,” says Dr. Shariff. It might be hard to fight off the urge to nap, but the cycle has to end somehow!

7. Environment

Your sleep environment plays a big part in your ability to fall asleep and the quality of sleep that you get. An uncomfortable temperature—too hot or too cold—can prevent you from falling asleep. According to Web MD, the ideal sleeping temperature for most people is 65 to 72 degrees.

Is your night-light too bright? According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, too much light delays our internal clock and keeps us up.

Another environmental factor is noise, which can interfere with your sleep for obvious reasons. In this case, white noise (noise made up of many frequencies at equal intensities) might be helpful, according to Discover Fit & Health. Sometimes it’s impossible to control environmental noise, so the constant static of white noise might actually help sooth you to sleep. There are white noise machines, but if those are too pricey, there are also white noise apps available for download. You could also invest in some earplugs if you’re dealing with a snoring roommate or rowdy hall mates. 

The most important thing is to try to stick with a consistent schedule and bedtime routine. Having an hour or so, before bed, dedicated to relaxing your mind and body should help you get some well-deserved slumber. After all, every collegiette needs her beauty sleep!

Feeling girly but don't have the time to sit down and give yourself the mani you deserve? Well, we have some news for you! These nine lazy girl nail art ideas require no skills and take very little time.

1. Sprinkles

This nail design is a must for the spring season! Can you say fun-fetti?

What you’ll need:

Nude polish, colored nail polishes for sprinkles, thin nail art brush, clear top coat

Directions:

Paint nails with nude polish and let dry. With a thin nail art brush and a variety of polish colors, paint lines to create sprinkles. Let dry. Add top coat to finish.

2. Gold Glitter Stripe

Follow this tutorial from honestlywtf.com for a subtle yet chic manicure. 

What you’ll need:

Metallic gold polish, gold glitter polish, washi tape, thin nail art brush, clear top coat

Directions:

Start by masking off nails on one hand with two pieces of washi tape each, creating one thin vertical line down the middle of each nail. If you feel like you can do without the guidance of the washi tape, feel free to skip this step. 

With a thin nail art brush and the metallic gold polish, paint in between the tape. Let dry and remove tape. Carefully dab the glitter polish over the gold stripe. Let dry and then add top coat to finish.

3. Washi Tape

The design possibilities are endless with this awesome nail art hack!

What you’ll need:

Washi tape, scissors, clear top coat

Directions:

With scissors, cut washi tape to fit the shape and size of your nails. Apply to nails and seal with top coat.

4. Gold Triangles

If you prefer the minimal look, this one's for you! Follow torihnails on Instagram for more nail inspo. 

What you’ll need:

Gold nail art stickers, clear top coat

Directions:

Place a gold nail art sticker at the top of your nail. Seal with clear top coat. 

Related: The Lazy Girl's Guide to Getting the Perfect Manicure

5. Graffiti

A simple trick for the perfect girls night out manicure. Cosmo knows what's up. 

What you’ll need:

Black nail polish, gold nail polish, silver nail polish, clear top coat  

Directions:

Paint nails black and let dry. With the silver and gold polish, paint over the black polish to make a graffiti look. Top off with a clear top coat. 

6. Dotted

This simple manicure with a trio of dots is right up anyone's alley. Just look at how cute it is! 

What you’ll need:

Black nail polish, bobby pin, clear top coat

Directions:

Dip the round tip of the bobby pin into black nail polish. Place three dots down each nail. Let dry. Use clear top coat to finish.

7. Simple Triangle

The basic mani is totally in! For more inspo, check out merestreet.com.

What you’ll need:

Black nail polish, thin nail art brush, clear top coat

Directions:

Tape off a triangle at the top of each nail. With a thin nail art brush and black polish, fill in the triangles. Let dry and then peel the tape off. Finish with clear top coat.  

8. Modern White Lines

Totally loving this graphic look? Follow the tutorial now at April and May!

What you’ll need:

White nail polish, thin nail art brush, clear top coat

Directions:

Using the thin nail art brush and white polish, paint a horizontal line toward the top of your nail. It can be a straight or curved line. Join the horizontal line to a vertical line. Let dry and top off with a clear coat. 

Don't like using the nail art brush? Use a white nail art pen instead! 

9. Ombre

This gradient mani will take your nails from boring to glamorous in just two easy steps! 

What you’ll need:

Five shades of your choice of nail color, clear top coat 

Directions:

Paint each nail a different shade of your chosen polish color. Finish with top coat. 

Another sexual harassment case plagues the University of California at Berkeley, this time involving former assistant basketball coach, Yann Hufnagel, and a sports reporter covering the team. UC Berkeley fired Hufnagel Monday.

In a series a of legal documents published by Deadspin, the reporter (not affiliated with the university) alleged that beginning in November 2014, Hufnagel sexually harassed her and used his power as a source to try to exploit sexual behavior from her. This included telling her to come upstairs to his apartment after she drove him home and sending her sexually suggestive text messages.

To make matters worse, Deadspin reports, she ended up losing her job due to Hufnagel’s uncooperative responses to her questions.

Hufnagel responded on Twitter, saying he plans to clear his name.

This is not the first time UC Berkeley has faced a sexual harassment case. Just last semester, university professor Geoff Marcy resigned over allegations of multiple sexual harassment incidents over the course of his 16-year professorship.

But it doesn’t stop there. There is even an entire website devoted to chronicling UC Berkeley’s history of sexual harassment and assault on campus.

CBS News reports that University of California president Janet Napolitano is aware of the university’s growing list of sexual harassment cases and has started a committee to examine cases from all of the UC campuses.

The University of California’s policy on sexual harassment is available here. Read the full investigation here.

It's hard, if not impossible, not to have an opinion on the Kardashian-Jenner family these days. Between the polarizing opinions on Caitlyn Jenner's Woman of the Year Award to the recent "In a world of Kardashians, be a Diana" meme, controversy is everywhere.

When Kim Kardashian released a nude selfie—strategically censored for the Internet, of course—all hell broke loose. Because a woman can't share a photo of her naked body without receiving backlash, then support, then backlash for that support, in a vicious cycle.

Kim is already well-known as a woman who has a sex tape out there. I can't count how many times I've overheard someone saying, "Well, Kim's just famous for that sex tape. She has no talent, just that sex tape."

After the Internet went nuts, Kim defended her selfie.  I'll admit it—I've never been much of a Kim K. fan. I don't, and have never, watched Keeping Up or anything else involving her. I simply don't enjoy reality television (I know, I know, I'm severely missing out on The Bachelor, everyone assures me). But in that moment, when Kim defended her rights to her body and her choices, I became a Kim fan.

In her open letter to the world, Kim says, "I'm a bad role model for being proud of my body?" I'm with you on this one, Kim. What is wrong with Kim posting a naked selfie? If your reasoning is that it isn't appropriate for the Internet, then you have not been spending a lot of time online, have you? The Internet is basically a mecca for the worst and most deplorable things imaginable, including the illegal and morally incomprehensible underaged porn industry. And you're worried about an adult woman's consensual choice to share her body? 

Isn't it ironic that we think it's okay to show a woman's naked body when it's for advertising or the male gaze, but when a woman does it herself, then it isn't acceptable? Women's naked and near-naked bodies are literally everywhere. They're used to titillate people in movies, on television shows, in magazines, in advertisements. Women are frequently reduced to their bodies when it isn't their choice. So why are people so upset that Kim made a conscious decision to share hers?

Slut shaming is real and it is a serious problem. Our society has a really backwards, hypocritical thought process when it comes to this. We show women being sexualized in every form of media, but when a woman chooses to show her own body, reclaim her sexuality or reclaim her consent, this is considered "slutty" and inappropriate. Even breastfeeding in public is taboo to many people, despite the fact that for many mothers, this is a necessary part of child-rearing. 

I've never posted a nude selfie. To be honest, even if I wanted to post one, I'd be afraid to. Because that's what we teach women to think: that we have to be sexy and attractive for the male gaze, but when it's for ourselves, on our own terms, it's not okay. I've definitely been socialized to believe that showing my body in its natural form, whether I'm doing so with sexual intentions or not, is wrong and something I shouldn't do. 

Other women (including Chloë Grace Moretz) have spoken out about Kim's selfie to say that by taking such a photo, Kim is reducing a woman's worth to her body, and that Kim should be proud of more than her body.

I get where Chloë's coming from. A woman's worth shouldn't be just her body. But that isn't what Kim was trying to do. All she did was take a photo and share it. 

When a consenting woman chooses, of her own accord, to show her body in any way, that isn't her way of saying her body is all she is. It's her way of saying her body is part of who she is, and reclaiming the "slut" label to say, yes, here I am, and proud of my body. It's the media that tends to make women into nothing more than their bodies, and women are just simply taking their bodies back. 

As usual, Rowan Blanchard slayed by saying everything I'm thinking in my head to a much larger platform. I'm seriously following her through the years, because she's turning into a kickass young feminist.

Basically, Kim's body is her own. None of us have any say in what she does with it. Full stop. 

You’ve heard it at some point in college. Perhaps you’ve said it yourself: “It’s not alcoholism until you graduate.” Although this common saying is meant as a joke, it can lead to witnessing and engaging in dangerous drinking behaviors. We all know that binge drinking and alcoholism are harmful, so why do we act like we get a free pass in college? We talked to Dr. Roy Stefanik, DO, a clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, about how excessive drinking (and taking it for granted) can endanger your health.

How the college drinking culture can harm you

Not everyone drinks in college, but those who do drink often get to the point of getting drunk or blacking out. Between playing beer pong, pre-gaming with shots or day-drinking, alcohol plays a large role in our undergraduate lives.

According to Dr. Stefanik, many college students drink way beyond what is safe during their college careers. “It's not unusual for students to go through a period of time in college when they drink heavily and markedly reduce their drinking shortly after graduation,” Dr. Stefanik says. “For many, drinking is part of the internal culture of being in college.”

That being said, being aware of how much alcohol is considered a “safe” amount is crucial to being smart about drinking. There are many factors that come into play, including body weight, taking other drugs, and sometimes even ethnicity, but “generally, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to break down the alcohol in a single beer or mixed drink,” Dr. Stefanik says. “Four drinks over the course of an hour in an otherwise healthy college-aged woman will probably cause a blood level at or above 0.08 percent, which is the blood level content (BAC) considered to be legal intoxication while driving. However, both men and women can experience slowing down of reflexes at lower concentrations.”

Aside from “It’s not alcoholism until you graduate,” there are many other myths that college students swear by when it comes to alcohol. Dr. Stefanik lists the following and explains why they’re dangerous:

• “I can drink and still be in control.”

Why it’s dangerous:“In many ways drinking can badly impair judgment. It can result in injury, unprotected sex, date rape or other hurtful behaviors,” Dr. Stefanik says. In other words, when you drink, you are more prone to doing a lot of things that you wouldn’t normally, and you are more vulnerable to others’ drunken behavior as well. You are no longer in control.

• “I can sober up quickly if I have to.”

Why it’s dangerous:“Nothing can speed up the process - coffee, cold showers, energy drinks, Advil or vitamins,” Dr. Stefanik says. “It takes about three hours to eliminate the alcohol in your system from two drinks, depending on your weight. On occasion, people of certain ethnic backgrounds may take even longer to metabolize it through their liver.” There is no such thing as sobering up “on demand.” If a situation comes up, you won’t be able to handle it soberly.

• “Women can hold their liquor as well as men.”

Why it’s dangerous:“Because women process alcohol differently, much of it [is] due to differences in body weight,” Dr. Stefanik says. “If a woman drinks the same amount as a man, she is more likely to be intoxicated or impaired.” So whatever you do, don’t try to keep up with your guy friends’ drinking, because you could end up feeling much worse than you had anticipated.

Of course, you want to let loose in college and have a good time, but drinking too much is not fun. “I studied abroad in Ireland and that was my first real experience with drinking,” says Lauren, a junior at Marymount University. “I had to learn the hard way what my limits really were by drinking too much one night and feeling completely out of control. It was difficult but you have to learn your limits, unfortunately sometimes it has to be the hard way.”

Simply being aware of what is and isn’t true about alcohol consumption can help you gauge when to stop, so that you can still have a good time without endangering your health or safety.

When it becomes a larger problem

There is a big difference between drinking in moderation and drinking so much at one time that your friends are constantly taking care of you. “If the drinking consistently results in dangerous or self-destructive behavior [like] blackouts, violence, impulsivity, etc., an alcohol problem may already exist,” Dr. Stefanik says. “Alcohol abuse can happen at any time, whether you are in high school, college, graduate school, in the workforce or in retirement.” So, yes, it could be alcoholism before you graduate. And in the short term, “binge drinking can cause an array of problems ranging from injury to unwanted pregnancy,” Dr. Stefanik adds.

For Amber, a junior at Appalachian State University, partying can often become an excuse for putting other things off. “I really have to stop myself from rolling my eyes when I hear collegiettes say ‘it's not alcoholism until we graduate,’” Amber says. “The problem with that saying is it gives an excuse to drink, and then lay on the couch all day hungover, instead of focusing on your college studies, securing an internship in order to graduate, and landing a job or internship post-graduation.”

As if drinking in itself wasn’t dangerous enough, drunk driving is still a far too common occurrence. “Driving drunk can get you killed, get someone else killed, land you in jail or result in tremendous property damage and serious long-term financial and legal problems,” Dr. Stefanik warns. “When [you’re] applying for a job that requires a background check, the existence of a felony record could permanently prevent you from getting the job you want.” Don’t let your partying get so out of control that it holds you, your relationships and your career back and jeopardizes your health!

How to party more safely

Dr. Stefanik shares a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

• Know your limitations (think four drinks in two hours) and when to say no. Just because someone is offering you another drink doesn't mean you have to accept it, especially if you are beginning to feel out of control.
• When going out for drinks, make sure you are with friends you trust and will watch out for you.
• Don't drink and drive. You can avoid this by having a designated driver, only going to bars within walking distance or simply getting a taxi or Uber home.

How to get help

If you are truly concerned about your drinking, or your friends have started to mention it becoming a problem, it’s time to reach out to people who are more qualified to help you. “All colleges have counseling centers where they can do an evaluation to determine what is the best way to move forward,” Dr. Stefanik says. “Many campuses also have Alcohol Anonymous meetings on campus as well to provide a support system while attending school.”

A quick Google search will tell you which services are available on campus. If this is too daunting, you can ask a friend to come with you to meet with a counselor! Otherwise, check out these online resources.

• Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Help Guide 
• NCADD Alcohol Abuse Self Test 
• Alcohol Abuse and Treatment Self-Help 
• SAMHSA National Helpline 

While drinking isn't a problem for most of us, the binge mentality in college can quickly turn it into one. Not taking alcohol abuse seriously can have truly harmful consequences on your health, relationships, schoolwork and career, so think twice the next time you want to say, “It’s not alcoholism until you graduate!”

When you picture the stereotypical college spring break, you probably envision the beach. Lots of collegiettes flock to warmer coasts mid-March wearing the trendy bikinis they bought specifically for that trip. As much as I would have loved to have spent the week lounging on a beach or exploring a new city, I decided to stay in town. However, my week at home didn't mean that I couldn't get a few pretty Instagram pictures in. It's my favorite social media platform, and I knew it'd make my week more fun to document even the little pleasures, like a trip to Starbucks for my favorite coffee (iced, since it's warm now!). Here are some of the Instagram pictures I took over my spring break at home this week...do they compete with the ones from more tropical locales?

My favorite thing about my city is the beautiful parks. While walking in one of them this week, I spotted a mailbox underneath a bush. I opened it up, and there were a few little notebooks inside. Visitors to the park had written things like stories of getting engaged at the park or celebrating holidays there. Some people wrote encouraging messages. Finding it felt like something that would happen in a whimsical novel. I wasn't in an exotic locale, but I found something beautiful right in my hometown. 

RELATED: The Ultimate Spring Break To-Do List

I'm lucky enough to live next to another park in my city, so I spend a lot of time there when it's warm. I used my free time during break to catch up on some fun reading. As an English major, I do a lot of assigned reading, so it was refreshing to read something I chose. I couldn't ignore the sunny weather, so I took my book outside and read in the park. It felt luxurious, and it was almost as good as reading on the beach.

RELATED: How to Get in Shape For Spring Break: Your 3-Week Plan

I love to play the ukulele, and spring break is a great time to catch up on things that fall through the cracks when you're busy with papers and tests. I don't break out my ukulele as often as I'd like to, so I made sure to do that this week. A ukulele sounds so beach-y and bright, so it fit the relaxed mood of my break. Instead of spending my week trying out new things in a new place, I made sure to spend time on what I love in a familiar place.

Unfortunately, my week wasn't completely free of obligations. I spent a little time working, and I had to run a few errands as well. I was determined to find beauty in the boring, so I kept my phone camera-ready even as I went with my husband to get some of his pants tailored. While we were at the suit store, I spotted a colorful shelf of ties. I knew that it would look pretty close up and filtered, so I took a picture for Instagram. It turned out well, and I felt accomplished.

RELATED: Your Ultimate Spring Break Playlist

Of course, one of the best parts of a trip is trying out the local food. My version of this was visiting the closest Chick-Fil-A. It's a huge perk of living in the South. I didn't know what I had been missing until I moved to North Carolina and tried it. I plan to find more ways to incorporate Chick-Fil-A into my life so that I have excuses to eat there all the time.

Staying at home for spring break didn't sound thrilling, but I loved the chance to relax at home. I don't get as much down time at home as I'd like during a normal school week, so it felt indulgent to just read, take walks and spend time doing my hobbies. Trips are amazing, but don't pressure yourself to have the typical spring break experience. If you'd rather spend it at home, you should do that! You can still take some quaint pictures for Instagram.

Here at Her Campus we’re all about the things that make us look and—more importantly—feel our very best. This is exactly why we’ve aligned ourselves with Darling Magazine and Keepsake the Label, two brands that are just as devoted as we are to creating a world where women can look and feel special day in and day out.

Keepsake the Label was founded in Australia in 2011 and has since charmed the likes of celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Giuliana Rancic for its luxe fabrics and intricate detailing. Keepsake clothing provides a new take on traditional eveningwear and a premium presentation of modern femininity; Keepsake clothing is stocked in the most respected retailers globally, including Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus for its high-quality and high-trend garments. The Keepsake female interprets high fashion uniquely and in her own way and looks and feels special every day in one-of-a-kind Keepsake pieces.

Darling Magazineis the first Photoshop-free quarterly publication (they’ve banned retouching!) that specializes in the art of being a woman. It is a catalyst for positive change, leading women to discover beauty apart from vanity, influence apart from manipulation, style apart from materialism, sweetness apart from passivity and womanhood without degradation. Darling is committed to portraying real women of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicity and offering an alternative to what they consider to be the harmful effects of traditional media on female self-esteem. Their issues offers tangible, deep advice on painful issues plaguing women today like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Sound like something you could get on board with? Yep, us too.

We’ve teamed up with Darling Magazine and Keepsake the Label to bring one lucky winner a 2-year subscription and digital issues access to Darling Magazine and a gift voucher worth $500 to Keepsake clothing! For fashion and lifestyle inspiration, enter now to win!

For your fix of female empowerment, subscribe to Darling Magazine today and follow their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages.  For more beauty and fashion brilliance, check out Keepsake’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

Darling/Keepsake

You likely always have your phone nearby, but do you ever get frustrated when you can’t respond to a text in class? Cosmopolitan reports that a new study reveals a strong correlation between being more attached to your phone—meaning the more often you push that little home button to see how many texts, Snapchats, Tinder matches and Facebook notifications you have, the less patient you are IRL.

The Daily Mail reports that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day. That might seem like a lot, but when you think about how much time you spend scrolling through Instagram or testing Snapchat filters, it could be way more.

It may seem pretty obvious that the ability to send and receive messages almost instantly makes us impatent, but in case you're not convinced, the study from the Psychonomic Bulletin and Review discovered decisive evidence to prove it. The experiment involved offering students different sums of money in exchange for how long they could wait for it—more money for the longer they waited. The results show that students who admitted to spending more time on their phones wanted the money faster.

Cell phone use is one of the most common practices in our lives today, but do you ever think about how constant exposure to technology could be changing our brains? Only one question remains: Would you take the money?

The universe put two perfect people together in a room, and they beatboxed and rapped for gender equality. Yes, yes and yes.

The ever lovely Emma Watson and Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda did a joint interview for the UN Women HeForShe Arts Week, which is working to leverage the arts for gender equality and women’s rights. Besides discussing Lin-Manuel’s stunning Hamilton performance, they also sorted the Founding Fathers into Hogwarts houses­. Basically, the interview is a blast to watch.

When you think it can’t get any better, Emma challenges Lin-Manuel to do a freestyle rap about gender equality. For those of you who don’t know, he has crazy skills when it comes to freestyle rap, and also music in general. He consents, but only if Emma will beatbox for accompaniment.

Like the adorable, embarrassed goddess she is, she eventually gave in. The results were amazing. Emma pulled off the beatbox while Lin-Manuel pumped out some feminist lyrics. We absolutely love this. What about you? 

ALERT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL: Kylie Jenner, social media and beauty mogul, has just announced a new addition to her ~fabulous~ Lip Kit collection. The color, a gorgeous dark plum hue, debuted on Kylie’s Instagram yesterday and we could not be any more obsessed. 

The hue definitely stands out from the rest of her collection, which is largely made up of neutral shades. "Kourt K" is named after Kylie's fearless older sister Kourtney. There is no news yet about when this color will be available for purchase, but we are guessing it will sell out even faster than her past Lip Kits did. 

Ever since the Gilmore Girls revival was announced, there has been much back and forth about whether or not Melissa McCarthy would be returning to the show. Sadly, it looks like Melissa is finally confirming that it's just not going to happen. *insert sad face emoji*

In an interview with E!, Melissa explains, "I didn't actually get asked to do it. But I think they thought I was busy, and then by the time it did come up, then I actually was." 

So basically this is the worst news ever. What is Gilmore Girls without Lorelai and Sookie? Or Sookie and Jackson? Pretty much nothing. Don't get us wrong—it is still the best show in the world, but we are dying for Sookie to get back in the mix! 

But we guess it’s fine—Melissa mentions in the interview that she is “actually thrilled that it's happening” and that she “was proud of that show." Who wouldn't be proud of Stars Hollow?

So even though there will be no Sookie in the revival, you can always watch those seven seasons of magic that came before it. Binge-watch away! 

Millenials become so jaded towards the idea of “feelings” and “sensitivity” that we have given a negative connotation towards honesty and empathy -- traits of emotionally intelligent people that should be celebrated rather than ostracized. In a society where wearing your heart on your sleeve is seen as a form of incompetence, those who are labeled “overly-sensitive” often feel the need to validate themselves or mask their feelings in order to be taken as seriously as everyone else. In reality, emotionally intelligent people are often the happiest and self-loving individuals, yet we are also some of the most misunderstood -- here’s what we want you to know about us.

1. You should probably stop telling us to “get out of our feelings”

First of all, “feelings” are not a switch that we can turn on and off. Openly showcasing our emotions is the way we communicate and cope with our emotions, and it’s far healthier than bottling them up.

2. Also, stop telling us “don’t take it personally”

Overly-emotional people take everything personally, so instead of telling us to not take it personally, tell us why we shouldn’t take it personally or how we should stop taking it personally.

3. Don’t mistake our empathy for weakness

Our kindness is not a deficiency, its a strength. We’re confident enough with ourselves that we don’t feel the need to broadcast apathy to be taken seriously.

4. Don’t ask us if it’s “that time of the month”

Side note: don’t ever ask anyone that. Ever.

5. Emotional intelligence is the most undervalued yet crucial form of intelligence

Because we value connecting with others on a mental level more than knowing y=mx+b

6. We’re not all introverts

The overly-emotional, mysterious introvert is just a glamorized stereotype.

7. We don’t do violent or horror movies

HOW can you people watch people being slaughtered with a chainsaw?

8. We know when something is wrong, don’t say “I’m fine”

We know when you’re upset, and we’ve been there -- don’t try to play it off with “I’m fine.”

9. We’re subconsciously people pleasers

Overly-emotional people value relationships with others over anything -- we want you to like us, even if it means doing things for people who don’t necessarily deserve it.

10. We overanalyze everything

But what did you really mean when you said “Okay, goodnight.” at 11:59 p.m. Sunday night?

11. We’re overly polite

Instead of “please” and “thank you” we’ll say, “yes, please, if you don’t mind” or “thank you so much, I really appreciate it.”

12. We also apologize for everything

We’ll apologize if you bump into us, but we'll be cursing you out internally.

13. We seek happiness from experiences more than material things

Because we know that in the end all we really have is the memories

14. We love easily, please be good to us

Don't be scared if we say "I love you first," its in our nature. 

15. We’re more in touch with our inner-selves

Ask us our greatest fear, happiest moment, goal in life -- we’ll give you a defined answer.

16. We don’t judge

We’re always the shoulder to cry on, no judgements.

17. We remember certain conversations forever

Choose your words carefully.

18. We appreciate verbal validation

Tell us you value our friendship, that you appreciate our efforts, that you enjoy our company. It’s not too “mushy,” its a tangible reminder that we mean something to you, too.

19. We hate small talk

The weather and “what’s up” just don’t get our attention.

20. The best way to get to know us is to ask us what’s on our mind

Because “what’s on your mind” is a better conversation starter than “what’s up,” anyway.

21. We value honesty more than anything

Emotional people wear their heart on their sleeve -- we don’t feel the need to hide behind a facade, and consequently; honesty means everything to us.

22. Our friends and family are our entire world

Because without them we wouldn't have anyone to get overly-emotional about. 

23. We hate ending something on a bad note

Whether it be a party or a friendship -- we can’t seem to let it go awry. Over-emotional people love closure on any situation.

24. Happiness is our end goal

Because in the end all we really want is to be happy with our mushy, lovey, emotional-selves.

Just when you think you can take a sigh of relief after an interview, you begin to worry about how it went, what to do next, and most importantly, if you’ve made enough of an impact to score the job or not. With all the preparation that goes into having a successful interview, it turns out there are things you should be doing afterwards as well. Follow these steps from former Monster.com interview expert Rachael Yates about how to guarantee yourself that job.

1. Write a thank you note

Following up after the interview with a thank you note is probably the most important thing to remember. Whether it’s by email or a written note, thanking the employer for meeting with you shows you’re serious about the job. “It’s crucial to send a note to the person who conducted the interview,” says Yates. “By doing so, it will further prove your commitment and professionalism. Thank them for taking the time to talk with you, but also use this as an opportunity to further build on your strengths and prove that you were paying attention to details.” A thank you note is a great way to express your enthusiasm, so make sure you include follow-up information about topics you discussed during the interview, such as qualifications the job requires and how you possess them. “I always send a handwritten thank you note after any sort of interview,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University. “I've gotten feedback from employers before complimenting me based on my thoughtfulness. It doesn't have to be too long, just a simple thank you and restating your interest in the company.”

2. Reach out to your references

If the employer asks for references, make sure you pick individuals who can speak about your strengths, but also people you feel comfortable contacting. “It’s a good idea to reach out to anyone you listed as a reference and give them a heads up,” explains Yates. “Let them know about the position you are interviewing for, so they can prepare accordingly if they receive a call.” This way they can highlight specific qualities about you for a particular job or company. Even if you already got permission from someone (such as a former employer) to be used as a reference, it’s a nice gesture to keep him or her in the loop.

3. Find out more about the company or business

Just because the interview is over doesn’t mean you should stop learning about the job you’re in the running for. “Be prepared for additional interviews or surprise follow-up calls from a potential employer,” says Yates. “Come up with potential ideas based on what was talked about, or questions you may have remembered after the interview was over. By doing so it shows you are still fully engaged in the hiring process.” An interview can throw a lot of information at you in a short period of time. It’s a good idea to do more research about the company or job expectations so you’re ready when you get the call. “After an interview, I always make sure I’m prepared in case I get asked back for a second one,” says Lisa Wagner, a junior at Oakland University. “I would look over the company’s website or work they’ve created to get a better feel for what they do and their style. This also can help you come up with questions you didn’t think of the first time around.”

4. Monitor your social media

Imagine a potential employer looking into your social media accounts and seeing a tweet that reads something like “Totally bombed that interview.” You don’t want a tweet or status update to ruin the possibility of getting the job. “Posting anything on social media about the interview, company, or employer could really hurt your chances of being hired,” says Yates. “No matter how you think it went, the interviewer also had an opinion and seeing a post about it can change their perspective.” It’s crucial to monitor all your personal social media sites while going through the interview process. Just take it from Hillary Wheaton, a senior at Vanderbilt University. “I had posted some crazy pictures from my 21^st birthday onto Facebook and Instagram while waiting to hear back about a possible job,” she says. “I didn’t end up getting it, and I feel like my social media updates could have been a factor in the decision.” If your social media profiles aren’t private, you can’t control who sees them. It’s best to avoid saying anything that could be considered inappropriate it at all.

5. Be patient

You may have gotten the interview over with, but now comes the hardest part: waiting. No matter how anxious you are to hear an answer, don’t bombard the interviewer with phone calls or emails. “Make sure you wait an appropriate amount of time,” says Yates. “If they say they will let you know within two weeks, wait two weeks. If you’re still waiting after that, contact them with a follow-up email or phone call.” You don’t want to push the interviewer to make a decision. Just be patient and you’ll have your answer soon enough.

Trying to impress an employer doesn’t stop when the interview is over. Keep in contact and follow up to further emphasize your interest in the job (without bombarding the hiring manager!). There is no doubt the interview process is tough, but if you follow these steps you’ll be the perfect candidate!

Personality is everything, and it seems even the most beautiful people can’t win with a bad attitude.

Supposedly, this is true for Kristhielee Caride, who was named Miss Puerto Rico in November and was set to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant. Due to a “bad attitude,” pageant officials felt that it would be best to strip her of her crown.

The claims of the beauty queen’s attitude problem are the result of a newspaper interview she did where she apparently complained and mentioned how much she hated being on camera. Unfortunately for her, the national director of Miss Universe Puerto Rico just happened to be present, and Caride's behavior didn’t look too good. There’s nothing like bad timing.

"You always have to put your best face forward…it's a given that we are going to be in front of cameras and that we have to answer all types of questions," said Desiree Lowry, the Miss Universe national director, in response to the situation.

On top of the botched interview, Caride never apologized and then missed further scheduled appearances because of doctor appointments.  

Still, she turned in her crown with dignity and apologized to her supporters on Facebook, saying that “beauty queens are not exempt from having a bad day.” 

Do you agree with the decision to strip Caride of her title? Or do you think she was held to impossible standards?

Your friend is awesome: He’s super sweet, he loves the same music you do and he always knows how to make you laugh. You spend so much time together, so you get the “are you two dating?” question at least once a week. And while you usually laugh it off, lately you’ve been feeling more than platonic toward him. You love being his friend, but now you’re questioning if you want to take it further than that.

Once you’ve realized that you’re physically attracted to your friend, there’s always the question if you should actually hook up with him or not. And if you do hook up, then you have to deal with the “what now?”

We asked collegiettes and the experts about what it’s really like to hook up with a friend, what to consider beforehand and how to deal afterwards.

What to consider before you hook up

Before the actual hook-up happens, there are a couple important things to consider. Clearly you care about the friendship, so you need to think about how much you’re willing to risk when exploring a new dimension of your relationship. Dr. Geoffrey Greif, a professor at the University of Maryland and author of Buddy System: Understanding Male Friendships, says that most romantic couples start as friends first, but it’s always important to think about how hooking up might negatively affect your friendship.

“[Hooking up] can be a natural progression to a long-term relationship, but it can also be the basis for misunderstandings and a lost friendship,” Greif says. “Are [you] willing to risk what will most likely be a profound shift in the relationship?”

Additionally, dating coach Sandra Fidelis says, “If it’s a friendship you don’t want to lose, take into consideration whether you’d be willing not to have it [if] after the hook-up things became weird.”

Pros and cons

To help you decide if hooking up with your friend is the best idea or not, consider these pros and cons!

1. Pro: Your friendship could become a relationship

Hooking up with a friend could confirm if you both actually want to become more than friends, something that you may have only realized because you did hook up.

“[After hooking up with my friend,] we were both open and our friendship was strong enough to recognize there was something more between us,” says Sara, a freshman from UNC-Chapel Hill. “We started dating after that.”

Because you’re already friends, you have a good foundation for a relationship and it could be an easy transition. According to Gabby*, a senior at the University of Delaware, hooking up with a friend might not be a bad idea if you see there’s potential for a relationship. “[When I hooked up with my friend,] it was awkward the next morning,” she says. “But then we talked about it, texted more and eventually started dating.”

2. Con: Your friend group will find out (whether you like it or not)

If you and your friend are in the same friend group, you might try to keep it a secret if it was a one-time deal and you want to move past it. Too bad word travels fast.

“I think [my] biggest problem was that literally everyone in [my] friend group found out about it,” says Clare*, a sophomore from Indiana University, of her friend hook-up. “Every once and a while it will come up and our friends make jokes about it.”

Whether your friends are weird because the dynamic of your group changed or they just want to push your buttons, be prepared to get the side comment or blatant joke about it. So much for keeping it on the DL.

3. Pro: It can be a fun, laughable memory…

If you’re not necessarily looking for a relationship afterwards, the hook-up can still be a good experience, whether it happens once or multiple times. “I’m more comfortable with someone I know than [hooking up with] someone I don't know at all,” says Kim*, a sophomore from St. Joseph’s University. “It almost feels safer.”

There’s also a distinct possibility that because you’re good friends, you can openly talk about what happened and have it not be weird. Clare says that despite hooking up with her close friend a few times, they were able to laugh it off because of their strong friendship. “I knew I could totally trust him because I knew him as [a] friend first,” she says. “Plus, I didn’t have to worry about him being a total jerk about it afterwards.”

Keith*, a senior at Villanova University, says, “It’s fun and convenient. [We] just kind of laughed about it … and then hooked up more after that.”

Whether you laugh it off or casually hook up more, there’s always the chance that you and your friend are totally cool with each other post-hook-up.

4. Con: …Or totally awkward

However, it could end up being totally awkward, even if you try to make it as non-awkward as possible.

“I tried to act normal, but he acted really awkward about it,” says Katie*, a senior from Gettysburg College of a former hook-up. “I regret hooking up with him now because we are not nearly as close as we were before we hooked up.”

You could have to deal with anything from forced conversations to complete silence. “[After hooking up with my friend], I didn’t see him or hear from him until I saw him the next week at the bar, and he completely ignored me,” says Steph*, a senior at Notre Dame University. “He acted like I wasn’t even there. It was pretty devastating to me because I feel like he completely disregarded the fact that we were friends and that we could continue being friends without the weirdness.”

While you may wish there was a contract stating that you can’t be awkward with each other post-hook-up, unfortunately, it can happen.

5. Con: Ultimately, it could hurt or end your friendship

Additionally, it can become a sticky situation if you’re not on the same page post-hook-up. “After ending a hook-up, it can be difficult to maintain a friendship, especially if someone becomes emotionally involved,” says Ryan, a sophomore from the University of Connecticut. “I’ve found it a lot harder to work at continuing the friendship, especially when it became more than a casual thing [usually on the girl’s end].”

There’s also a good possibility that your relationship will change, sometimes for the worse. “[My friend] and I hooked up regularly, so it was chill for a bit,” says Ralph*, a senior from Syracuse University. “Then it blew up. Now we only argue when we talk.”

The worst-case scenario is that a hook-up ends a friendship. “I tried dating a friend last year [after hooking up with him], and it got pretty messy,” says Isabella, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles. “I had feelings for him and still do when I see him, but being with him didn’t feel right. We broke it off … and we drifted apart naturally. Although we say we’re friends, we rarely hang out.”

While it’s important to be aware some of the negative consequences of hooking up with a friend, you can’t worry about everything that could go wrong. Ultimately, you do have some control of the outcome and how you handle it. 

How to deal

Whether the aftermath is positive or negative, communication after hooking up with a friend is key. Whether the experience was good or bad, you have to talk the next day.

“It’s good to set expectations [the day after] so both parties are aware of what to expect after getting physical [and moving forward],” Fidelis says. This means discussing if you want to tell your other friends, if it was a one-time thing or if you have feelings for each other.

It might be uncomfortable to have a conversation the morning after (especially if you both want to pretend it didn’t happen), but it’s better than leaving it hanging and it getting worse later on. By being honest right away, you can avoid that awkward “well, what now” period.

Because he’s your friend, talking about hooking up should be easier than if you were having the same conversation with a stranger. Use the fact that you know each other well to navigate the aftermath as smoothly as possible.

Whether you’ve thought about hooking up with your friend for a while or it spontaneously happens one night, there’s a lot that can happen when you take that next step. By weighing the pros and cons beforehand and knowing what to expect afterwards, you can successfully handle a friend hook-up, no matter how it turns out!

*Names have been changed.