Girl on Girl, an Astronauts Wanted production starring British YouTuber Hannah Witton, tackles all areas of feminism. During her show, Hannah sits down with female comedians, activists, educators and writers, while confronting controversial topics and challenges that women face in their everyday lives. The first three episodes in the series are brilliantly funny, delving into dating apps, body image and what it means to “have it all” as a woman.

We recently got to chat with Hannah about her new web series, and she gave us an inside look into all things Girl On Girl.

Her Campus: How did your show come about? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

Hannah Witton: Well, on my own YouTube channel, I talk about sex and relationships and feminism and all that stuff, so it’s always been something I’m interested in and enjoy talking about. I’ve been working with Astronauts Wanted on some other projects and Lindsay, the producer of Girl on Girl, asked me, “Hey, if we were to make another show with you, what [would] your dream show be?” I sent her this big list of stuff about women and sexuality and then she came back to me with this idea of Girl on Girl.

HC: Can you give us a little background on Astronauts Wanted?

HW: Astronauts Wanted is a new generation content production company, and they produce Girl on Girl with [me] and other shows that highlight digital creators—if they’re from YouTube or Vine or Snapchat or anything like that.

HC: Where did the name of your show, Girl on Girl, come from?

HW: Lindsay came to me and said, “What do you think?” I immediately loved it because I just thought, 'We know what we’re doing with it.' We know that it is a phrase that is used in porn and is sexualized. You know, Girl on Girl—listen to two women have an intelligent and funny chat about stuff.

HC: Where do the ideas for your episodes come from?

HW: That was a collaborative effort. Luckily, I was in L.A. when we started developing the show, so that meant me in creative action, sitting down together, and just bashing around loads of ideas, potential topics and potential guests. And so we had all of these ideas floating around. Then, as we started to reach out to potential guests, we started sticking a topic with a guest. It all kind of came together. All of the episodes are already filmed. They were shot in London, and so Lindsay from Astronauts Wanted came over, and we filmed all of it in the space of a week. So for the whole week, I was sleeping in a bedroom with a massive sofa taking up half the space.

HC: We know you’re an avid social media user, especially on Twitter, so have you ever thought of letting users submit ideas or questions for your series via Twitter?

HW: Yeah! For the dating app episode, I tweeted out asking for people's date stories, like horrific date stories and stuff that we used in the episode. But because obviously it’s all filmed, it’s difficult to get interaction week by week, but that’s why it’s Girl on Girl. Girl on Girl has its own Twitter account and Medium and Tumblr. So, during the weeks, we still have that interaction from viewers who are watching the show.

HC: What has been your favorite segment you’ve done so far?

HW: So there is a segment that’s a Girl on Girl alignment system. The alignment system is most often used to categorize comic book characters and superheroes. The idea is that there’s good, neutral and evil, and they also have chaotic and lawful. So you’ve got your chaotic good or lawful evil, and so what we did with that was we took a bunch of slurs and names used to describe women and we got the guest to place them on this board to say, “How do you feel about the word 'bitch'?” “Is it good; is it evil; is it neutral? Is it chaotic; a bit lawful?” Other words like honey, sweetie, babe, slut; there were just loads of words and that was one of my favorites, I think. Just everyone is born different and how they feel about certain words is different, and some people are like, "Yeah, I love the word 'bitch.' I use it all the time." Others will be like, "No, I hate it; it’s disgusting."

HC: One of the missions of your show is to bring together women who appreciate complex ideas. What types of complex ideas have you been challenged to think about more critically since starting the show?

HW: I think the last episode that went up, that one really challenged me because it’s an episode about what it means to have it all. And before filming that episode, I thought it was really simple—I just expected that I could have it all and I expected that I should want to have it all and x, y and z are what it meant to have it all. The theme just completely blew my mind and changed the way that I thought about it entirely.

HC: Feminism obviously plays a big role in your show. So how does feminism play a role in your everyday life?

HW: In my everyday life, I think it plays a role in a sense that it’s tiring in my everyday life. It really is, it’s like you kind of are run-down by seeing the patriarchy everywhere all the time. It’s frustrating and I think in my everyday life, the main conflict that I have is picking my battles and figuring out, do I say something about this that I could make a point to change or do I just leave it and walk away because it’s a waste of my time to engage? I think in my everyday life I'm constantly making that decision of whether I'm going to say something or not.

HC: Your 5-year YouTube anniversary is coming up soon. Any plans for a special Girl on Girl show to celebrate?

HW: There’s no special Girl on Girl episode. To be honest, I only realized recently—at the time when we were filming, I had no idea—but I have a special video planned for my own YouTube channel, which will be going up on the 17th.

HC: What can you tease about what’s coming up on Girl on Girl?

HW: I can tell you that we talk about reclaiming words with Juno Dawson, who is an amazing author. Can you reclaim words? Should you reclaim words? And then we also have Mae Martin, who's one of my favorite comedians. We talk about female sexuality and we sort of threw dildos around a park, so that was super fun. We just went to a local park and played catch with some dildos and got some funny looks. So, we have that to look forward to.

HC: If you could have any comedian or guest on your show, who would it be and why?

HW: I would have Caitlin Moran on Girl on Girl. She is one of my inspirations for learning about feminism…so she was my gateway drug into feminism I think. My mum bought me her How to Be a Woman book when I just started university. That was a big, 'Oh my god!' It was also refreshing to see that you could talk about feminism and be funny at the same time. That was a big, 'Wow, okay.'

To watch current and future episodes of Girl on Girl, subscribe to the Astronauts Wanted YouTube channel. To learn more about Hannah, check out her website and her personal YouTube channel.

On Sunday night, the campaign teams of Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich announced that they have decided to join forces. The goal? Prevent Donald Trump from winning the party's presidential nomination. The candidates plan to split up campaigning in the states that haven't had primaries yet, in order to keep Trump from getting the 1,237 delegates he needs to secure the nomination without a fight. If Trump can't get that many delegates, the nominee will be decided at the Republican National Convention—and Cruz and Kasich could have a shot at winning.

"To ensure that we nominate a Republican who can unify the Republican Party and win in November, our campaign will focus its time and resources in Indiana and in turn clear the path for Gov. Kasich to compete in Oregon and New Mexico," said Cruz's campaign manager, Jeff Roe, in a statement. 

Trump is currently the frontrunner of the Republican party and won big in the New York primary last week, taking 89 of the state's 95 delegates. He's likely to win the five states voting Tuesday, as well.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Cruz and Kasich have been resisting the urge to team up with each other for months now, even as others have suggested that they encourage voters to support other candidates to stop Trump from winning the nomination. Trump, of course, has been vocal about the announcement:

"When two candidates who have no path to victory get together to stop a candidate who is expanding the party by millions of voters, (all of whom will drop out if I am not in the race) it is yet another example of everything that is wrong in Washington and our political system," Trump said in a statement. Trump has recently been criticizing the delegate system lately, claiming that it's "rigged." The agreement made between Senator Cruz and Senator Kasich might add fuel to his fire. 

A message to anyone looking for a potential bae through dating apps: Be yourself. At least that's what Sean Rad, CEO of Tinder, says. 

At Advertising Week Europe in London on Wednesday, Rad revealed what kind of profile photos tend to get more people to swipe right on the app. When asked about pics on the app by Cosmopolitan UK Editor Farrah Storr, Rad responded that most people succeed when their profile photos represent themselves and their personal interests—Sports, hobbies, travel, etc.

"The data shows this: When your photo expresses something about your interests—like a skier skiing—or something about your personality, you do better," he said. "You do better as in you get more matches. I always tell people to be yourself."

So, what kind of pics don't work? Glad you asked. Your selfie game may be strong, but you might want to ease up a little with those.

"The model-y poses never work," he added. And don't even think about using a group photo, because you won't be getting very far with that either—How's your potential soulmate going to know which person in the photo is you?

When you think about it, this advice makes a lot of sense. Dating is all about finding someone who's compatible with you—who shares your interests, or whose personality completes your own. You definitely can't figure out whether or not you'll be compatible with someone from only their online dating profile, but you can get a much better idea from a picture of someone hiking than from a close-up selfie.

Tinder has roughly ten million daily users and has matched nearly 11 billion couples since its launch, according to Business Insider. So, the moral of the story here is to listen to Sean Rad. 

It seems like every time we scroll through our Instagram or Pinterest feeds for new nail art inspo, most of the looks are shown on ultra long nails that look like they require tons of maintenance. While Kylie Jenner-esque nails may be the nail shape of choice right now, it’s definitely not a look that’s practical for everyone. (Any contact lens-wearing collegiette that’s ever tried to take out contacts at the end of the day with long nails knows what we mean—not gonna happen.) Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to achieve standout nails without growing them out. These nail art looks are flattering and lengthening on short nails, no struggle necessary.

1. Marble

While marble nails look like they’d involve spending hours squinting over your nails trying to get the design just right, this simple dipping method used to get the look means they’re actually one of the easiest looks for ladies with short nails to achieve.

To try this for yourself, you’ll need a small bowl of water, toothpicks, black and white or gray nail polish and some Vaseline. Take the bowl of water and add a drop or two of each nail polish color, starting with the black or gray shade. Use the toothpick to carefully swirl the colors together to get a marbled effect. Before dipping your nails, make sure you’ve used a base coat and have coated your surrounding skin in Vaseline to avoid having a mess on your hands. Dip your nail into the mixture and voilà! After your nails dry, any excess polish on your cuticles should come right off when you remove the Vaseline.

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

2. Subtle Glitter

You’ve ombré-ed your hair before, but what about your nails? Because the color is concentrated near your cuticle, glitter ombré nails create the illusion of longer nail beds, and it’s an easy look to achieve because it doesn’t have to be precise and perfect in order to look salon-worthy.

After coating your nails in a base color and allowing it to dry completely (we love a neutral hue against colorful glitter, as shown here!), take a glitzy nail polish of your choice and coat 3/4 of your nail, starting at the cuticle. Add a second coat, but stop halfway to the top of your nail the second time around. Finish off the look with a third coat of glitter, concentrated near your cuticle, creating a gradual ombre effect. Don’t forget top coat!

3. Mixed and Matched

What if we told you there’s a really easy way to do nail art without actually doing nail art? While painting tiny designs on small, short nails can be a struggle, adding an accent nail or two in an eclectic mix-and-match style looks just as fun as nail art, without dedicating hours to your mani. We love the look of a single glittery or metallic ring finger to compliment the rest of your nails. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even pick one accent nail for nail art and keep the rest of your digits simple—it’ll be a huge time-saver.

4. Reverse French Mani

Much like with glitter ombre nails, the reverse French mani creates the perfect half moon shape at the base of your nail, which is ideal for extending the line of nails that are one the shorter side.

Have a shaky hand? No sweat. There’s a mind-blowingly easy hack for achieving smooth lines: Remember those binder reinforcement stickers? Yeah, they’re your new nail art miracle product. After painting your nails with a base color, simply stick them at the base of the nail, placing the holes where you want your half moon shape to go. Paint over your nails with a second color and let them dry. When you remove the stickers, you’ll have a ***flawless reverse French manicure look.

5. Teensy Triangles

Are you seeing a pattern here? Basically any nail art look that creates an upward-and-outward effect on your nails is ideal for looking mega-flattering on short nails, which is what makes this minimalist triangle mani so great.

Once again, creating a bit of a sticky situation will majorly help here unless you have an insanely steady hand—cutting out teeny triangles in blue painters tape should do the trick. Paint your nails the color you want your triangle details to be, and allow them to dry. Stick down your triangles and polish your nails again with a second color. Remove the tape to reveal super smooth lines once your nails are dry. Easy enough!

6. Starry-Eyed

Your nails may be short, but they can still pack a major punch – and this galaxy look is proof. Because this look involves sponging on and layering colors in a way that’s easy and imprecise, it’s easy to DIY it on short nails, and is an amazing, eye-catching look when you’re finished.

Calling all ladies with a sizable nail polish collection: this one’s for you. While this tutorial uses a total of seven different polishes including glitter to top it off, you can customize it and make it your own with as few or as many hues as you want. You’ll also need a makeup sponge, a toothpick, some q-tips and nail polish remover on hand. To start, paint your nails in black. Once they’re dry, it’s time for the fun part. Take a makeup sponge and pile on silver, blue and bright purple nail polishes. Finish off the look with your “stars,” a.k.a. white dots using a toothpick and a light coat of gold or silver glitter. Clean up any polish on your cuticles with a q-tip dipped in polish remover.

7. On The Side

This sideways twist on French tips takes the look from typical to on-trend—and the sharp diagonal line is especially flattering on shorter nails. This is a look that can easily be achieved with a bit of painter’s tape and two complimentary colors of polish. We’re loving this look which incorporates rose gold metallic polish at the tip. To nail (pun completely intended) the look, use Essie’s “Penny Talk” on top of your favorite neutral polish.

8. Walk on the Wild Side

Considering ultimate #GirlBoss and J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons once called leopard print a neutral, we’re all for finding a way to wear it on our nails. Leopard nails look like they take some professional-level nail art skills, but they’re actually surprisingly easy to create with a dotting tool—or the rounded end of a bobby pin if you don’t have one on hand. The standout pattern will make your short nails as statement-making as the next girl’s super long tips.

Start by doing your nails with a nude polish. On top, use a dotting tool to place dots in a darker tan or beige nail polish—don’t worry about making them perfectly round, either. The more imperfect they are, the better the final product will look. After letting the first layer of spots dry, use the dotting tool to outline them with smaller black spots. 

9. Simple Stripe

When all else fails, simple stripes are the way to go. While the look may seem simple at first glance, there’s tons you can do with lots of thinly-sliced tape and a little creativity. Wondering why it’s perfect for short nails? Opting for simple vertically-placed stripes will elongate your nails—kind of like wearing a striped shirt in order to look taller. Don’t be afraid to mix it up either—try a different striped look on each nail as shown above for a final product that’s bold, not boring.

The short-nailed struggle doesn’t have to be real—with the right nail art techniques your nails can be just as statement-making as your bestie’s acrylic tips. 

Those who grew up in the '90s are completely aware of how iconic the decade was. Anytime we reminisce on our childhood, we can't help but be grateful that we were able to grow up with things like Lisa Frank and Kid Pix. Revel in the nostalgia and read on to see even more reasons that '90s kids had the best childhood: 

1. Our furniture was inflatable

2. Our candy had surprises 

3. After-school television was the best

4. And so were plenty of other TV shows

5. We got to look forward to this day in P.E.

6. And this day

7. We colored on these amazing giant boards

8. Having these made you the coolest kid in the neighborhood

9. This was better than an iPhone

10. We were easily entertained 

11. We had the best board games

12. We learned to cook at a young age

13. We knew ~fashion~

14. Our hair was always on point

15. There was nothing more exciting than walking into class to this

16. Or walking into the library to this

17. Because the '90s were simply the best

College is a time of learning. And while it can be interesting learning all of these life lessons on your own, sometimes you just wish you’d known some of the crucial parts of college before you stepped food on campus.

22 college women are sharing what they wished they’d known before the first day of their freshman year below!

“I wish someone told me that it's normal to feel lonely and left out sometimes. Some people have a more difficult time fitting in than others, and that's completely okay. You might not make friends with everyone in an hour, but you'll make friends that will make your college experience so amazing!”

-Caitlin, University of New Haven Class of 2017

“Where you start is not always where you finish.”

-Hayley, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2016

“Spending tons of money on cute decor for your dorm doesn't matter once it's time to buy textbooks.”

-Bri, University of New Haven Class of 2017

“Before I got to college, I wish I knew that it's okay to change your major. Just because you already signed up for a major doesn't mean that you have to stick to it as a freshman, especially if you aren't doing well in some of the core classes your first semester.”

-Areeba, Hofstra University Class of 2016

“I wish I had known that nothing from high school really matters. I'm a sophomore in college right now and I've been told to not even write my high school info on my resume. The countless hours of stress and tears and self-hatred that I subjected myself to were useless. When you get to college nobody cares how you did in high school. Nobody cares what you got on your SATs or what your GPA was or how many AP classes you took (which often don't even count for general education credits or you have to retake them so the college can record your grade). I felt like I was so inferior all the time after going to a really, really hard high school and when I got to college I finally realized that none of that defines me and that those things don't matter in the big picture. If I'd realized this before, I could've saved myself so much grief.”

-Katie, University of Pittsburgh Class of 2018

RELATED: 6 Things to Think About When Choosing a College

“If a guy likes you, and wants to date you, he will.”

-Carmen, University of Albany Class of 2018

“No one cares who you were in high school.”

-Tamiracle, USF St. Petersburg Class of 2017

“I wish I'd known the importance of engaging with your professors beyond the classroom; they can seem intimidating at times, but they have office hours for a reason and they want to help you succeed!”

-Mara, University of Southern California Class of 2016

“I wish I had known that the next four years would be filled with mental instability manifested into mental illnesses — depression and anxiety, emotional instability — with a revolving door of ‘for now’ friends, and financial instability, with debt and living expenses always lingering over your college experience. Overall I wish I had known just how hellish college would be.”

-Bre, West Virginia Wesleyan College Class of 2016

“I wish I knew how much I was going to miss my parents and didn't take the time I had with them before college for granted.”

-Emily, Virginia Commonwealth University Class of 2019

“Keeping in touch with friends from home and making new friends both take a lot of effort. With homework, practices, and meetings, it gets hard to find time to call old friends or hang out with new ones.”

-Claire, St. Olaf College Class of 2019

“Your roommate is not necessarily going to be your best friend. And your best friend freshman year probably won't be your best friend senior year. Basically, you'll make lots of friend is college when you're seeking them out, but the friendships that stick are the ones you never saw coming.”

-Krista, Kent State Class of 2017

“The number one thing I wished I realized before college is that the world does not end if I do not go out every weekend. During my first semester, I went out about 3-4 times every week and really burnt myself out. Looking back, I realize there is nothing wrong with staying in, whether it be to do work or just chill with friends. I wish I had realized sooner that staying in does not have to equal missing out.”

-Brenna, Rutgers University Class of 2019

RELATED: 5 Things I Learned in High School that Prepared Me for College

“Gilmore Girls is fictional and so is Rory's experience.”

-Sydnee, Florida Atlantic University Class of 2017

“Your experience is your experience. Don't feel like you need to fit anyone's expectations, whether it's your roommate or your mom or even you! Even if you're not having the stereotypical college experience your college experience is still valid. Never feel guilty about living your life the way you want to live it.”

-Julia, Christopher Newport University Class of 2019

“I wish someone had told me that it's okay to take a bunch of different classes to find what I'm interested in. I've changed my major so many times and I think it's because I never took the time to actually try things out.”

-Teri, Chatham University Class of 2018

“I wish I knew that undergraduate college was truly the last place for you to be a ‘child’. This is the last time it is truly socially acceptable to eat Poptarts for breakfast, more Poptarts for lunch, and Pizza Rolls for dinner, followed by a night out drinking $1 rails until 1 a.m. when you have an 8 a.m. class the next day. 8 a.m. in the real world is when work starts. In the real world, it is not acceptable to wear your yoga pants and a hoodie (aka your pajamas) to work like it is to class. I would have taken advantage of this more often. I would have enjoyed my youth more and used my college student excuse to the fullest. Now, I only have 2 1/2 weeks left to do this that I will miss for the rest of my life.”

-Nicole, Winona State University Class of 2016

“It's not like the movies, unless you go to a huge school you probably wont have the ‘college experience.’ Also your professors view you as adults, you aren't in high school anymore they aren't going to help you with every little thing.”

-Taylor, St. John’s University Class of 2018

“There are ups and downs, you'll go through rough patches and probably hate college at some points. You have to keep yourself busy and surround yourself with other people. You will start to be sad you didn't spend more time doing something you love or spending more time with your friends when senior year comes around and your time is suddenly limited.”

-Madison, Fairfield University Class of 2017

RELATED: You Got Rejected From Your Dream School: Now What?

“A lot of people had warned me that I would experience moments of loneliness at college, especially during my freshman year. However, I wish that someone told me that this very solitude could be mentally invigorating and soothing to the soul. During my first weeks of college, I associated being alone with shame or something that should be scoffed at. However, with time, I began to realize that I was enjoying my alone time sometimes even more than when I was with others, as I was able to bathe in absolute and uninterrupted self-reflection, allowing my thoughts to bounce from corner to corner. I wish my younger self had known to freely embrace this beauty of solitude earlier during my college journey.”

-Grace, New York University Class of 2019

“I wish that I would have been more serious about college and choosing which one was right for me. I feel that I did not do enough research to really figure out which college would be a good fit. The good thing that I feel has come out of my undergraduate experience has been the people that I have met and the friends that I have finally found that are true to me. I guess my bottom line is that I wish I had been more prepared for what I truly wanted instead of just going with the flow and taking whatever I could get. You are worth so much more than just choosing the first thing that comes your way. Research the college, whether or not you would want to be so close or so far away from home, really do some soul searching, think about whether it gives you more joy being in a large college setting or you feel more comfortable being in a smaller college. It's your home for the next four or so years, trust your instincts!”

-Lauren, Marymount University Class of 2016

“College doesn't last forever. Go out and join your friends at that party, lose that sleep, and take all the chances. I stayed with my high school boyfriend for a semester and thought I was being loyal when I stayed home — and now I feel like I missed out on so much. There are ways make a relationship work without losing experiences at the place you dreamed about being at. If it doesn't feel that way, you may want to take a step back and look at who you surround yourself with. I wish I did all the things I wanted to, because now that I'm about to graduate I feel like I have no time. This is honestly an experience you'll never get again, I'm not sure if you'll consider these the best days of your whole life, but they will be the ones you never forget...or get back.”

-Shiina, The University of Hawaii Class of 2016

Friends: those crazy people you can't help but love so much. You started as strangers, became acquainted, started hanging out and––BOOM––somewhere along the way, you became completely inseparable. You have no blood connection, yet your besties can (and often do) start to feel like family members more than some of your actual family members. How does this happen? We aren't sure either, but that's what makes our relationship with these people all the more special. Read below for the 19 signs that your friend group is way more like a family than anything else:

You have seen each other in every shape and form

It goes without saying that no judgment is passed.

There are honestly no boundaries between you all

You don't mind telling someone in your crew when they are absolutely out of place.

You've had several co-ed sleepovers

All of which have stayed PG.

You know you can count on them for literally anything

Emergency? They will come running. Chick Fil A? They are with you at the drive-through.

People are jealous of the bond you all share

You frequently hear, "Damn, you guys have an awesome friend group!" But it isn't anything new.

You can't think of life before them

"Guys, do you ever just think about how at one point we weren't even friends?

Half of you have probably fallen in love with each other

Can't say we didn't see that one coming.

You know (and accept) each other's weird tendencies

One of you loves to take selfies. One of you loves to read. One of you loves to get super f*cked up. It is what it is.

Time and distance can't break your bond

Life may pull you apart, but you know that you have found something irreplaceable with each other.

Obviously, there is a group chat

It is an essential part of every tight-knit unit.

Sometimes, they know you better than you know yourself

They never hesitate to give you the advice you need to hear!

You have slang terms that only your group would understand

Real or made up, these words have a special meaning to only your squad.

You laugh at the days when your friendship began

And just how awkward you were around each other.

It feels f*cking weird to hang out with other people

"Wait, you guys actually aren't hanging out with me tonight?"

You feel protective over one another

Warning to all PSOs (Potential Significant Others): Meeting the friends can be a lot more terrifying than meeting the family.

When two of you fight, everyone else intervenes

Or becomes Switzerland... it can go both ways.

Their families have become your extended families

The love just keeps growing and growing!

Reminiscing is one of your favorite things

Because your memories are f*cking awesome.

You've never knew platonic love could be so strong

It honestly freaks you out how much you care for these people.

Most of us watch it, but few of us talk about it. That’s right, Her Campus is getting down and dirty to discuss (what can be) a very taboo subject: porn. While viewing porn is totally normal—more on that later!—it can be confusing. In order to feel good about, well, feeling good, the type of porn you are consuming matters. We talked to two different experts who helped us create this “Smart Girl’s Guide” to porn. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s normal to be curious!

According to Erika Lust, award-winning erotic film director, author and sex-positive feminist, it's perfectly natural to be curious about sex. “But it's also natural to not want to do it,” she says. “Do what feels natural for you. No one should feel like they have to watch something if they don't want to.”

Rachel Born, PhDc of Human Sexuality Education, agrees. “Porn can be a great and safe way for college girls to explore different kinks, sexual orientations and/or sex positions,” she says. “Plus, porn can be a way that you turn yourself on before masturbation, which is A-okay, too!” There’s no need to be embarrassed about your interest in sex. It’s just part of being human! 

Not everyone likes the same things

There are so many different kinds of pornography out there, and you don’t have be turned on by all of it! “If you see something you don't like or that makes you feel bad, switch it off,” says Lust. “It’s okay to not like everything you see. A lot of things in porn are just being presented as ‘normal’ when they are in fact very advanced and even extreme sex acts…often they are presented in a way without any communication, obvious consent or buildup.” Just like with any aspect of your sexuality, it’s important to learn what you do and don’t like.

There are benefits and risks

In Lust’s opinion, a lot of mainstream porn teaches the wrong lessons about consent. “Young men might learn to just view women as objects, and young women might learn to just subject to that objectification and never express any needs of their own. I think that's a potential risk,” she says. It’s important to be aware about what you’re watching, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a learning experience, after all.

“I definitely think porn can work as an educator about sex,” says Lust, “And if people don't watch it critically and just consume it and get inspired, they might try to act out all these things from porn that in reality, don't feel really good for anyone involved.” She stresses the importance of showing real pleasure in her films. “I hope they will inspire people to have great sex together, as sexual collaborators, not just as something you do to someone.” If you watch something that makes you feel good, Lust explains, it can help you connect with your sexuality, inspire you and make you feel like a happier person. 

You can be an ethical consumer of porn

The fact is, some porn is not ethical. Performers are often underage, poorly paid, placed in unsafe working conditions and treated with little to no respect. You want to be sure that the performers in the porn you are watching are consenting adults who were treated well and were paid fairly for their work.

In 2013, Jon Millward conducted the largest personal research study on the Porn Industry in the U.S. He interviewed 10,000 porn stars about the business. One statistic that stands out is that the most common female role in porn is women in their 20s portraying teenagers. 

In his study, Millward quotes Luke Ford (a former pornography gossip columnist), who said on CBS News: “Most girls who enter the porn industry do one video and quit. The experience is so painful, horrifying, embarrassing, humiliating for them that they never do it again.” Luckily, people like Lust are working to change this.

The Ethical Porn Partnership (EPP) states on its website that pornographers affiliated with the EPP agree to “optimal sexual health screening, transparency around pay rates, age verification of performers, healthy on-set conditions,” and more. Basically, ethical porn means porn that was produced according to regulations, with the consent of everyone involved.

“Porn, if produced ethically, is not dirty. It can be beautiful, liberating and educational,” says Born. How the film is produced makes all the difference!

“A very common feminist criticism of porn is that it objectifies women,” says Lust. “And that's correct because very often it does. But that doesn't mean that all explicit films have to objectify women.” Lust suggests trying to be a critical viewer and finding out where the porn you watch comes from. “Look at who’s made the films you want to watch. If it's not easy to find the producers behind it, chances are they are not proud of the kind of films they make,” she says.

Doing research on directors and producers may not feel very sexy, but knowing that the filmmakers have good values will most likely enhance your experience. “Female directors are in general better at remembering that women have sexual desires, ideas and like orgasms, too,” says Lust. These shouldn’t be things people forget!

What is feminist porn?

If you’re a feminist, you can still watch porn. You just have to be choosy about what you are consuming. “It's simple,” says Lust. “Feminist porn is explicit film made by people who have a problem with the power imbalance of the mainstream industry. It has nothing to do with what acts are shown; it's how you film it and present it.”

As a director, Lust is an expert in this area. “The political idea has always been there for me, to create an alternative to an industry that is very one-sided and often very sexist,” she says. “It's just about having feminist values during producing and shooting, treating everyone with respect.” Again, while this should always be the case, the reality is not so simple.

Related: Viewing Porn Doesn’t Make You Anti-Feminist

Where can I find ethical porn?

If you have the means to pay for sites like Lust’s, it’s a great idea. As for specific feminist porn sites, Lust has a few recommendations. Check out Vex Ashley's project A Four Chambered Heart for “a very modern take on explicit films,” and the Swedish project A New Level of Pornography, which is made by two young women. Lust’s own project XConfessions has plenty of different videos, as well as fun stories to read. The EPP also has a list of ethical pornographers.

With a multitude of options available when it comes to pornography, it can be difficult to know where to begin. It becomes even more of a struggle when you want to know that the porn was produced ethically. “The majority of porn can in many ways be dangerous – the kind that shows sex as something that men do to women and that women do for men,” says Lust. “I think that reflects and thereby reinforces a warped view of sex that contributes to rape culture. But that's why I think there has to be more voices in porn, and more people who show that sex can be a healthy, positive thing.”

The bottom line is this: “The best thing you can do for yourself is to let yourself feel your sexuality, enjoy it, and let it be a healthy part of your life, free of shame. You have the right to be sexual, to feel desire and to feel pleasure,” says Lust. So be curious, do your research and be aware of the risks. But above all, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

You’ve been with your college SO for a while now, possibly since you eyed each other on move-in day. It’s been a good run, but as graduation sneaks up on you (depressing, we know), you may start wondering if your relationship will last after graduation. We talked to Rhonda Ricardo, author of Cherries Over Quicksand, and Scot McKay, dating coach and founder of dating company X & Y Communications, to point out the signs that you should end your college relationship after graduation.

1. You’re in different places in your lives

If your SO won’t give up on frat parties and drinking until he or she pukes, it may be time to end it. The last thing you want is a significant other who’s stuck in college while you’re trying to set foot in the real world.

“If you’re in different years of college (one graduated and other is still there), that’s going to be a long road,” McKay says. “When people graduate from college they move on and have different mindsets.”

There’s no use in postponing your life for someone who isn’t ready to grow up. If your SO is still looking to live off ramen noodles and blow off responsibilities, there won’t be room for your relationship to grow. Find someone who’s in the same mental place as you.

2. It doesn’t feel right

Relationships can sometimes feel off, and this may be a sign that the two of you aren’t meant to be.

“The only way to truly know that something is off or it’s time to move on is to bring up the conversation with your SO,” Ricardo says. “If you or your SO states that they want to break up and pursue brand new career options before committing to a lifetime romance, then you know.”

McKay says that graduating from college can make a relationship feel different. “College relationships are a very specific social situation; you are on campus together,” he says. “Once you get out of the social scenario and get into the real world, the situation is different. You are the same people, but you’re in a different situation, and that can bring awkwardness to the relationship.”

3. You want different things

If you and your SO have different ideas of what life after college will be like, it may be best to move on. It’s not going to work out if your goals aren’t in line.

McKay says that relationships are built around prioritization. “Let’s say both of you are graduating, and one of you is moving to California and one to London,” he says. “You both aren’t prioritizing your relationship. You should admit to each other that your relationship isn’t as important as you think.”

If you truly mean a lot to each other, you can work out the logistics, but finding out what’s best for yourself is the only way to truly tell if you and your SO are meant to be.

4. You don’t see the relationship lasting long-term

If you can’t see yourself spending the rest of your life with this person, it’s time to end it. After graduation, people start to settle down, so you want to make sure you’re with the right person.

“We should be sure that we do not settle because our family wants us to be married or because we just don’t want to be alone when all of our friends are getting engaged in college,” Ricardo says.

McKay says you must have a vision of a future together if you’re going to be in a relationship after college. “If you’re going to be dating someone after college, you’ve got to be thinking about marrying them, and you have to make sure that’s what you want,” he says. Why put in all the effort if he or she isn’t the one?

Sometimes it simply isn’t meant to be. Life after college is much different than life in college, so your relationships could be different, too. Good luck, collegiettes!

Taking a day for yourself is always nice, but sharing it with your mom is even better. Seriously, when was the last time you allowed yourself time to unwind? Exactly. We hear you loud and clear, and Vera Bradley is here to help.

Relax, reboot and rejuvenate all while squeezing in some mother-daughter bonding time. We know this may seem too good to be true, but Vera Bradley sure doesn’t think so. Shake off the mid-spring slump and indulge with this amazing Vera Bradley prize pack for two—complete with two Vera Bradley pajama sets and two pairs of slippers, two tubes of Vera Bradley hand cream, two Vera Bradley candles, AND a mother-daughter massage. It’s the spa-liday you’ve been waiting for!

Everyone can use a break, and this Vera Bradley prize pack is just the way to take it. Enter today! 

Vera Bradley Spa Day

It’s a week before your period, and by now, you know the drill: bloating, fatigue, irritability and aches and pains. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is common and normal, but that doesn’t make it any more fun. PMS is the umbrella term for a variety of symptoms that happen before your period, and their severity depends on the person. Luckily, these symptoms usually stop at the onset of your period. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, at least 85 percent of women experience one or more PMS symptom as a part of their monthly cycle. So when you know your period is about to hit, try these collegiette and expert recommended tips to fight these unpleasant symptoms!

1. Get moving

When you feel tired and irritable, exercising might be the last thing you feel like doing. But according to Mary Clarkin, RN a Cleveland-based women’s health nurse practitioner, the endorphins produced by exercise can be hugely beneficial for PMS symptoms like cramps, aches and pains and even irritability. Clarkin says, “[Exercising] is also a good distraction.” Emma, a collegiette at Kenyon College, agrees: “I get cramps as part of my PMS. I start exercising more and doing more yoga because it helps.” Yoga, simple stretching or even a quick jog are all easy ways to get your heart pumping and your endorphins flowing.

2. Pop a painkiller  

Many girls report various muscle aches or cramping before their periods. If alternative methods of pain relief such as exercising are not cutting it for you, then cut to the chase and take a painkiller.  “When I get back aches, I take a few Advil. It usually helps it right away. I usually get backaches the day before my period, so then I know it’s a signal my period is going to get here soon,” says Vanessa, a collegiette at Johns Hopkins. Kathy Hahn, a community pharmacist in Oregon, recommends taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen to dull headaches, backaches and muscle pain.

Emma also relies on Advil for headaches, which she supplements with hot washcloths on her forehead and drinking green tea. For cramps, she recommends naproxen (marketed as Aleve) because it lasts longer than other painkillers. You can also take Midol, which combines pain relief with caffeine and an anti-diuretic to beat bloating.  If your painkiller isn’t working fast enough or if you’d rather take the natural route, many collegiettes use a heating pad or hot water bottle to relieve pain. You can find these at your local drug store.

3. Watch what you eat

One of the most common PMS symptoms? Your jeans might feel a little tighter than normal. Bloating is unpleasant, but can be reduced by watching what you eat and drinking plenty of water. According to Diane Blahut, a clinical dietician at Johns Hopkins Nutrition Clinic in Baltimore, you should avoid carbonated drinks, cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and cauliflower), beans, salty foods and gum if you’re PMSing and prone to bloating. These foods can make bloating worse.

What to eat? Bananas, pineapple, ginger, peppermint and oatmeal are all known for their bloat-busting qualities. “I always get bloated right before my period,” says Ally, a student at Johns Hopkins. “I definitely cut out soda and add more fruit to my diet. Bloating for me is kind of unavoidable, but these little changes I do help.” Avoiding foods that make you bloat can also be helpful if you experience digestive symptoms like diarrhea and constipation before your period.

4. Give in to your cravings

Some girls report irritability and mood swings right before their period. If this happens for you too, try to treat yourself. “I definitely get moody. The best cure? Chocolate!” says Gaby, a student at Johns Hopkins. Alexandra, a collegiette at University of California, Los Angeles agrees: if you’re in a bad mood, don’t fight it. “In order to fight the symptoms of PMS I try and make sure to take Advil, drink tea, treat myself to small quantities of chocolate and annihilate anyone who insinuates that my feelings and emotions (and how extreme they may be) are motivated by [my PMS!],” she laughs. For Emma, a student at Purdue University, PMS is going to happen no matter what, so she goes with the flow and just treats her body. “Food cravings? I just give in. Irritability? I get irritable. Mood swings? I let them swing. It’s not going to hurt if I eat a little extra dessert once a month,” she says.

Bottom line? PMS isn’t fun, so it’s OK to indulge a little! You might want to have a stash of individually wrapped chocolates or some sort of small treat that will satisfy your craving but keep you from going overboard. Giving into all of your cravings could actually make you feel worse and exacerbate PMS if your craving is to eat an entire tub of ice cream! Barbara Schubert, associate director of the Center for Health Education and Wellness at Johns Hopkins University, says that giving into a craving won’t do harm, just “indulge in moderation,” she says. 

5. Do something distracting

For some girls, it’s eating, for others, it’s exercising: but we’re all in consensus: perhaps the best way to fight PMS is to forget about it. “I talk to my boyfriend and watch feel-good TV shows,” says Jacqueline, a collegiette at the University of Virginia. Other girls browse Pinterest and Tumblr. Some hang out with friends or watch a romantic comedy. So the next time you’re PMSing, do everything you can to alleviate symptoms (painkillers, exercise and eating right) but then don’t just stay in bed. Getting out and actually doing something fun will be an excellent distraction from your symptoms.

Of course, if your symptoms are really severe, you should talk to your doctor. Severe PMS symptoms like cramps can be a sign of other disorders, says Clarkin, like premenstrual dysphoric disorder. If you’re in severe pain or distress, go to your student health center or talk to your general care provider.

So, the next time you’re battling the symptoms of PMS, try some of these tips! Remember, PMS symptoms don’t last forever. By the time your period ends, you can move on.

Over the weekend, it seemed like everyone was talking about Beyoncé's "Lemonade" HBO special—and with good reason. The songs off the album are compelling, thought-provoking, and fierce—which is exactly what you'd expect from Bey. While there are some moments from the visual album that can all agree were insanely good, one song in particular has everyone speculating as to who Beyoncé is calling out in "Sorry." 

In the song, Beyoncé says, "He better call Becky with the good hair." So WHO is this Becky person that Bey is referring to? We have a few theories:

The most popular theory is that the song refers to Rachel Roy (not be confused with Rachael Ray, who's taken heat over this confusion), who is supposedly the person responsible for that infamous elevator incident between Jay Z and Solange. The Beyhive is convinced that Rachel is the woman who Jay Z had an affair with, prompting Bey to write those lyrics. Things weren't looking so great for Rachel, especially when she posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram, along with Beyoncé's lyrics as the caption.

However, now Rachel is trying to clear her name, and end the speculation. In a statement given to People, Rachel denied any accusations that she's "Becky with the good hair." She said, "I want to put the speculation and rumors to rest. My Instagram post was meant to be fun and lighthearted, it was misunderstood as something other than that." To elaborate, she also added, "There is no validity to the idea that the song references me personally. There is no truth to the rumors." Hmm, somehow we're not entirely convinced.

Now, the latest person to face the wrath of the Beyhive is Rita Ora. On Snapchat, Rita posted a photo that shows her wearing a gold necklace that has a "J" on it. That provides some evidence, right? If that's not convincing enough for you, Rita is seen wearing a yellow bra, with a lemon on either cup.

It doesn't end there—on Monday, Rita stepped out in the very same dress that Beyoncé famously wore in her "Formation" video:

We all thought these interesting coincidences were Rita owning up to being Becky, but earlier today, she shut those rumors down. “I never usually address tabloid gossip but let me be clear, these rumours are false,” she tweeted. “I have nothing but the upmost respect for Beyonce. Let’s continue enjoying Lemonade.”

So who is Becky?

Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas' Future Now tour kicks off on Saturday, June 24, but they're making a few changes to their tour stops. This summer, they won't be visiting North Carolina in protest of House Bill 2—now coined the "bathroom bill"—which prohibits transgender individuals from using public bathrooms designated for anything other than the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. 

The controversial bill has led many to protest and deem it unconstitutional (and rightly so). Plenty of musicians have canceled shows in the state because of this law.

Likewise, Demi and Nick have chosen to protest this unjust law by canceling their stops in Raleigh and Charlotte. In a statement posted online, the two musicians explained the reasoning behind their decision. "One of our goals for the tour has always been to create an atmosphere where every single attendee feels equal, included, and accepted for they are," they said.

While this news might be upsetting for fans, we think that Demi and Nick have a valid reason for canceling. "We know the cancelation of these shows is disappointing to our fans, but we trust that you will stand united with us against this hateful law," their statement read. 

Kudos to Demi and Nick for always standing firm in their beliefs, and taking action to support the LGBTQ+ community! 

In 2014, 43 students from a teacher’s college in Ayotzinapa, Mexico, were rounded up and put into police vehicles after hijacking some buses, The New York Times reports. They haven't been seen since.

The Times reports that Mexican authorities maintain that the students were killed by a drug gang. But a new report found that the students were subjected to a terrifying attack carried out by police officers and other officials.

According to the report, the students had planned to steal a few buses so they could go to a protest in Mexico City, planning to return the buses when they were done—a tradition for activist students. But on their way to the protest, they were ambushed by police officers, who shot at the buses, used tear gas to drive the students out, and took some of them away. Some buses in the same area which were unaffiliated with the protestors, including one bus carrying high school soccer players, was also attacked. Why the police did this is still unclear.

For many, these missing students have come to represent just how corrupt the Mexico remains.

What started out as a simple, traditional display of activism ended with 123 people detained, six dead, many more injured, and 43 missing. This disturbing story should remind many of us, who live without fear of violence or retribution due to our views, that there are many college students around the world who don't have that privilege.

Last week, 21-year-old Searcy Hayes appeared on the Maury show looking to confirm who the father of her baby was.  However, she has since gone viral because she looks weirdly like Ted Cruz. Being an internet sensation has its perks, and Hayes has since been offered $10,000 by XHamster, a popular porn site, to do a six-minute sex tape with her fiancé, Freddie Green, all because of her internet fame and segment on the show, the Huffington Post reports.

“We wanted Searcy because overnight she became a viral meme,” XHamster spokesman Kulich told the Huffington Post. “I think a lot of XHamster viewers really wanted to see her in action.”

The Huffington Post says that the couple has agreed to make the film, even though Hayes had never even heard of Ted Cruz before this, and certainly had no idea he was a presidential candidate. She'd only heard of Donald Trump, she told Maury. Hayes said that she has made sex tapes privately, and the money will do a lot to help her son.

“I’m fine with it because everything is going to support my family,” she said. “I want to get my son whatever he wants.”

April is Earth Month, and students are rallying to save the planet. For the past several weeks, the role universities play in funding fossil fuel emissions has been a hot topic at colleges across the country, The Huffington Post reports.

Students are calling for university divestment, meaning sale, of holdings in companies that work in oil, gas and coal, industries that they believe are directly contributing to the destruction of the environment.

"Our school must own up to its moral obligation to take a stand against climate change," Columbia University student Cristian Padilla told CNNMoney.

At universities across the U.S., including Bowdoin College, Columbia, NYU, Harvard, UMass Amherst and more, students are staging sit-ins in campus libraries, government buildings (check out what Harvard students did outside the Boston Federal Reserve) and even the offices of university officials.

CNNMoney reported that students at Columbia were "[sleeping] on chairs, [eating] from takeout boxes and [trying] to keep clean with water and paper towels from the bathroom." Nineteen students at Harvard and UMass Amherst were arrested during their divestment protests, respectively, Boston.com and Mass Live reported at the beginning of April.

The students have the full backing of democratic presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders, who Tweeted his support last week.

Ultimately the students hope gain their university's attention and stop the spending of schools' endowments on fossil fuel companies, by showing how their investments affect the environment.

A 21-year-old Georgia State University student, Monique Priester, was reported missing on Friday, WSB-TV Atlanta reports.

Friends and family reported Preister missing when she failed to return home after she said she was taking an Uber back from campus, WSB-TV reports. She spoke with her mother as she was waiting for her Uber pool ride to finish its pick-ups, but that was her last communication.

"We are working directly with local law enforcement to provide any assistance or information that could help them locate Ms. Priester and get her safely home," and Uber spokesperson told ABC News. However, Uber claims they will have to be subpoenaed in order to release ride records, WSB-TV reports. This might include information on the driver, make and model of car, and other passangers.

In the meantime, Georgia State's campus has been covered in fliers asking for information on Preister's disappearance.

Police do not suspect foul play, WSB-TV reports, but Priester's friends agree that her lack of communication is out of the ordinary and could be a red flag.

“That doesn’t sound like Mo. That doesn’t make any sense,” Preister's friend Darren Howard told WSB-TV.

By now you probably know at least one person who has made the commitment to avoid all animal products and go vegan. A vegan diet has become popular among millennials, partially due to increased education surrounding healthy eating and also more awareness about animal cruelty. You may even know some vegans who just think it’s the latest diet fad and wanted to join in because it's trendy. Whatever the reason, you should be putting in some serious thought before taking the plunge. If done carelessly, a vegan diet can have serious long-term health consequences. When done healthfully and thoughtfully though, veganism can be an entirely rewarding experience.

If veganism is something you are considering, educate yourself and keep these six important things in mind. Your body and your brain will thank you! 

1. You may need to take supplements

Vegans may be lacking essential nutrients like B12 and iodine if their diet is not varied enough. Ginger Hultin, the incoming chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group says that not all vegans will require supplements, but every body reacts differently to dramatic change in diet. She recommends everyone consult a Registered Dietitian or doctor before going vegan.

B12 is the most common nutrient that vegans lack in their diet, but you will also need to consider if you are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids. Many of these nutrients can be found in soy products, green vegetables, fruit, beans and nuts. Josephine, a student at Pace University and six year vegetarian-turned-vegan, says she maintains a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains and carbs, only taking a daily B12 supplement.

A vegan diet lacking balance can easily go awry. Kate Axelsson, a student at St. Edwards University and former vegan says she struggled with maintaining the proper nutrients in her diet. “I felt drained of energy most of the time,” she says. “And no matter how much I slept, by body was still deprived of rest.”

2. You'll need new sources of protein

Protein can be one of the trickiest aspects of a meat-free diet, but luckily there are plenty of options. Soy products, beans, nuts, seeds and many types of vegetables are good options and you should try to include protein at each meal. Make sure you consult a doctor or dietitian to find out exactly how much protein you need, but you may need to up your levels of protein once you go vegan. “There is some conflicting research here but a basic rule of thumb is that vegans likely have very slightly increased needs; likely about 10% more than the general population recommended daily intake (RDA) which is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.” 

“If anyone ever tells me that they're feeling hungry or missing meat when transitioning to vegan then we can discuss the importance of getting enough calories, protein and fiber,” Hultin says. She recommends finding satisfying meat replacements so that you don’t miss the “savory” flavor of your favorite meaty dishes. She suggests tofu, tempeh, beans and grains. Keep a variety of these on hand at all times so that you’ll never get bored.

3. Your friends and family will ask a lot of questions

Hultin says that most people will “encounter a lot of questions from friends or family members wanting to learn more about their choices so having some resources to share are helpful.” She recommends the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, Meatless Monday and the Vegetarian Resource Group for information. These sites provide articles on current research, recipes, book reviews, etc. The more you can educate yourself and your family, the easier the transition will be.

However, you should be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your diet, what you are allowed to eat and why you’re doing it. If you are a private person or feel uncomfortable answering these sort of questions, make sure you are prepared with some more general responses. You could direct the inquirer to a helpful vegan resource or explain general health benefits or animal advocacy objectives.

“Whenever somebody asks about my vegan diet I inform them why I chose this lifestyle,” says Josephine. “I chose a vegan lifestyle because not only am I helping stop the exploitation of animals, but I feel a lot healthier and I am more aware of what I am putting into my body. It does not bother me if others do not support my choice.”

4. You'll need to include as much variety as possible in your diet

“A varied vegan diet that includes fruits, veggies, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans/legumes can be an extremely healthful way to eat, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” Says Hultin. If you don’t enjoy eating one or more of these types of food—say you’re not very fond of whole fruits for instance—think of other ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet. You could up your intake of dried fruits and 100 percent fruit juice or try sweetening your breakfasts and desserts with fruit instead of sugar.

Being vegan also gives you an opportunity to be creative with your diet. “It's an amazing thing because you will discover so many veggies and plant-based goods that you would have never eaten had you not had to give up parts of your diet,” says Lindy Olive, a student at Auburn University.

Kate says that finding variety in her diet was also one of the hardest parts of being vegan. Before going vegan, educate yourself on all the different possible substitutions for your favorite non-vegan foods so that you don’t feel deprived. "I subtracted food groups without really adding anything back in to make up for those lost nutrients and vitamins, and I suffered because of that," says Kate. Not only can this make for a really boring, frustrating diet, but your body will lack the diversity it craves. 

Consulting vegan cookbooks or blogs like Oh She Glows, Minimalist Baker or Dolly and Oatmeal is also a great way to gather ideas for your vegan meals. With a little inspiration, you're more likely to maintain a varied and appealing diet. 

5. You'll feel different—in a good way

When done properly, a vegan diet can have a big impact on the way you feel. “After going vegan I noticed a plethora of positive changes,” says Josephine. “I overall felt better about myself and what I was putting into my body. My energy increased drastically and my skin is extremely clear and I don’t get acne as often as I did before. I mentally felt better about myself because I knew I wasn’t supporting industries that contribute to the exploitation of animals.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition affirms that a plant-based diet tends to be higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin E, iron and phytochemicals. This means vegetarians and vegans are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

Going vegan can do great things for more than just your body. “There are also many environmental, ethical and ecological reasons to consider going vegan as well,” says Hultin. For instance, eating less meat can help reduce water and energy consumption. 

6. You don't have to go vegan all at once

If you think a totally vegan diet may be a difficult change, Hultin notes that “you can start by eating less meat than you currently are or cutting back on dairy or eggs." She also suggests starting to eat vegetarian or vegan once a week and then gradually decreasing the amount of animal products in each meal. If you are struggling, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. A vegan diet is difficult, and definitely not for everyone.  Kate learned an important lesson from her vegan experience, and that is to always do what is best for you. “Don’t adhere to a lifestyle that doesn’t benefit you, or that you are only sticking to for bragging rights,” she says.

Including a little more flexibility in your vegan lifestyle is totally okay too. “Do not make yourself feel guilty if you can't go completely vegan,” Lindy says. “Sometimes time constraints or just your location make it extremely difficult to be vegan. For example, when I go home I know butter, meat, and dairy are my mother's main food groups. I accept eating meat and butter as a part of my culture, so eating them when I go home or at special occasions is more than okay with me.”

7. You'll have to be honest with yourself

Consider all the possible consequences and obstacles and talk it out with family, friends or a doctor. “It requires dedication,” says Kate, “so [you] must be willing to put the time into planning and knowing what’s best for the body.” Josephine recommends consulting resources like vegan YouTubers Hot For Food, Mr. and Mrs. Vegan and Fablunch for information on how other vegans maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You should also be honest with yourself about why you are going vegan. If it’s really just because your friends are doing it or it seems to be the popular things, you may want to rethink your plan. “I maintained my vegan diet largely because I liked being able to tell people I was vegan,” Kate says. “It made me feel special, but I sacrificed my health in exchange for feeling different.”

You should also understand that going vegan isn’t a guaranteed way to lose weight. If you just replace animal products with junk foods and empty calories, you may not only gain weight, but deprive your body of important nutrition. If weight loss is your goal, talk to a doctor about how to incorporate more plant-based foods into your meals and how to achieve the right balance of nutrients.

Nearly anyone can adopt a vegan diet with the proper balance of nutrition and the right attitude. If veganism is something you’ve considered, make sure you’re educated and know both the advantages and risks of living animal product free. Going vegan can be a rewarding experience with great health benefits, but it’s critical to first understand what it will take to keep your body nourished and strong!

Being stubborn is one thing, but being super stubborn is another. You have a reputation to upkeep! You’re smart mouthed, strong-willed and always right (well not always, but that’s your little secret).  Here’s 16 things only super stubborn people will understand:

1. You have to win an argument, even when you know that you’re wrong.

You know that you were proven wrong five minutes ago. But honestly, that doesn’t even matter–you’ll keep going until you get the last word.

2. You refuse to let your date pay for you, even when they insist.

There’s something about being dependent on someone else that irks you to no end. You never want to owe anyone anything and paying for your own meal, for example, is an early way of you telling your companion that you’re independent and comfortable with it.

3. You’ve been told on many occasions that you would have made a great lawyer.

You are known for always having a comeback remark. Growing up, your mouthy reputation made your relatives believe that you were defiantly going to become a lawyer. Too bad you were too stubborn to listen to them, you could have been a bad ass Annalise Keating protégée by now.

4. Dating a person just as stubborn as you can only lead to disaster.

They’re too stubborn to say where they want to go to eat, and so are you. They like to have the last word in an argument, and so do you. They refuse to text first, and SO. DO. YOU.

5. Saying, “I’m sorry” and “you’re right” is like pulling your own teeth out, one by one.

You’ve probably said both phrases about seven times (or less) in your lifetime, combined.

6. You’ve been described as “difficult” at some point in your life.

At this point, “difficult" is your Twitter bio. Can’t say that you didn’t warn anybody.

7. When someone tells you not to do something, you have to do it anyway.

It’s like an uncontrollable urge that comes over you. You really, really, really don’t like being told what to do and in order to make that notion crystal clear, you have to defy the command in someway, no matter how miniscule it may be.

8. You will defend something you believe in until your dying day.

You think that Beyoncé should be recognized as a legitimate queen? You’ll be going out of your way to bring it up in conversation and sipping on your Lemonade in front of Beehive haters until you see some action and results.

9. You have unrealistically high standards… and you refuse to admit that you do.

The list of traits that your ideal spouse must have is unrealistic and you know it. In fact, you know that it’s the reason why you’ve been single for so long, but you refuse to lower your standards. You know what you want and you know that deserve him or her.

10. Asking for help is excruciating.

It’s worse than fishing your fallen phone out of a toilet bowl. It’s worse than stuttering over your words when meeting your crush for the first time. It’s worse than having to sit through an entire Country music set when you’re a dedicated hip-hop lover. You hate asking for help because it’s admitting that you can’t do something on your own. Asking for help is admitting a weakness, and you’re far too stubborn to do that.

11. You must finish everything that you start.

Never finishing a task is like never winning an argument, unsatisfying and detrimental to your ego.

12. You won’t take “no” for an answer…at least not the first time.

You’re so stubborn, you’re probably used to everyone caving in to doing what you want. In fact, you’re so stubborn and clever that people probably don’t even realize that they cannot say no to you.

13. You will hold a grudge forever, even if you don’t remember what said grudge was about.

You’ll forgive a person, sure. But forgetting about how they wronged you? What they said to you? Never in a million years.

14. You will refuse to admit that you’ve been hurt by someone.

With stubbornness comes a whole lot of pride. You refuse to give a person the satisfaction of knowing that their words or actions have affected you because of your reputation of being such an independent smartass.

15. You have to be dragged to the doctor’s office.

Admitting that you’re sick is one thing, but going to the doctor is admitting defeat. You’re so stubborn that you like to believe that you’re untouchable to the point where not even the common cold can touch you.

16. You’re too stubborn to admit that you’re stubborn.

Ding, ding, ding! Sound like you?

Having zero chill means that you’re that friend who is never acting rationally. You’re the really intense person in your friend group who everyone loves, but your friends are weary of your multifaceted personality, sudden outbursts and really serious take on life. Excitement and anger pretty much look like the same thing. Sound like you? Here are the 25 signs you’re the one friend who has zero chill.

1. If you’re talking, then you’re yelling 100% of the time.

2. In fact, all your friends would agree that you’re usually speaking too loudly in all life contexts.

3. Pretty much every simple task becomes really dramatic and intense when you’re around. Taking an Instagram pic becomes the staging a medieval painting.

4. You make every single life choice based on the guy you like. He’s a fan of vegan, motorcycle riding circus clowns? Same.

5. You also overthink every conversation you have with him to the point of needing to be in a strait jacket.

6. You have a knack for unintentionally trolling everyone on the internet.

7. Your friends have to preface your personality before they introduce you to new people.

8. At one point or another you’ve definitely said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be normal.”

9. If your friends call you out on having zero chill you react accordingly by having zero chill and throwing chair.

10. When you see something that makes you really excited (a.k.a. fluffy animals, food and magic tricks) you shriek and make strange sounds for 20 minutes.

11. You never let things go. 

12. Your friends are often too chill when it comes to making plans or texting back quickly and it aggravates you.

13. Sending two texts in a row? Hah, how about 10.

14. YOU LOVE TO TEXT IN CAPITAL LETTERS BECAUSE IT BETTER CONVEYS HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT EVERYTHING.

15. You use Tumblr.

16. If a friend wrongs you, you will tear them apart instantly.

17. There is no such thing as going with the flow. In fact, you create the flow and you need everyone to follow the flow or you’ll explode.

18. New people are equally scared and amused by you.

19. You can’t help but blurt out weird comments like “Wow, does your hair always smell like plumtrees? I never noticed.”

20. Which makes your friends feel the need to explain your weird outbursts to innocent bystanders while you force yourself to shut up.

21. The dumbest things can make you go from neutral to salty in less than a second.

22. When salty, you give zero f*cks about knocking everything over.

23. Your hands are always making sweeping, dramatic gestures to accompany your yelling.

24. Everything always feels like a life or death situation.

25. You lack the basic self-control that most humans possess.