Location baby names are all the rage, with city, country and even state names appearing on birth certificates. These adorable baby names are similar, but they're definitely coastal in nature, and all come from the land right next to the Pacific Ocean.

More: Spoil your baby all you want, but there will be hell to pay

Do you love the West Coast? Do you love running over a sandy beach or taking in the sights of gently breaking waves along the Oregon coastline? If so, these West Coast baby names may be up your alley. Whether this is where you grew up, where you vacationed, where you took your honeymoon or where you plan on visiting soon, these beachy and coastline baby names are all directly from the West Coast.

These names come from coastal cities, actual beaches and points of interest along the West Coast, but in a few cases, we've had to improvise to make the names more appealing to moms and dads (although if you want to name your baby Huntington, then go right ahead). Naming your baby after a town or beach is not a new thing, for sure — just ask Gwen Stefani, who named her son Zuma — but it can be a fresh take for your family, especially if one of these beautiful locales is close to your heart.

More: Keeping your maiden name is all well and good 'til you have kids

• Adam (Adamson House, California)
• Astoria (Oregon)
• Avalon (California) 
• Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)
• Belle (Bellevue, Washington)
• Bixby (Bixby Bridge, located in California)
• Brinnon (Washington)
• Brook (Brookings, Oregon)
• Cannon (Cannon Beach, Oregon)
• Carl (Carlsbad, California)
• Casmalia (California)
• Clinton (Washington)
• Dillon (Dillon Beach, California)
• Doran (Doran Regional Park, California) 
• Everett (Washington)
• Florence (Oregon)
• Harmony (California)
• Hunter (Huntington Beach, California)
• Lincoln (Lincoln City, Oregon)
• Maverick (Mavericks, California)
• Monica (Santa Monica, California)
• Monty (Monterey Bay)
• Olympia (Washington)
• Rich (Richmond, California)
• Sebastian (Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, Oregon)

• Topanga (Topanga State Beach, California)
• Vashon (Vashon Island, Washington)
• Vincent (Vincent Landing, California)
• Warren (Warrenton, Oregon)
• Zuma (Zuma Beach, California)

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Around the office, senior vice president of integrated marketing Naama Bloom is famous for two things: Launching the brilliant HelloFlo and doing that weekly meal-planning thing for real. Every Sunday, she sits down and plans what she's going to feed her family. She makes up her shopping list. She does the shopping. She gets a little prep work done. And everyone eats well with no tears or struggle.

Bloom has two young children who need to eat dinner before she and her husband return from work. Her babysitter isn't super-confident in the kitchen, though she's happy to do a few simple things. Given those factors, this is how Bloom plans her weeknight dinners.

More: 5-Day Meal Plan: We have ways of making you love pork chops

1. Look for recipes

It helps to keep a weekly pattern in mind. For Bloom, it's having one fish day, a couple of vegetarian days and a meat day. She gathers recipes from some favorite cookbooks (she's a fan of Mark Bittman), she Googles for recipes and her mom sends her some.

Every meal needs to have vegetables, protein and a starch (mostly for the kids), so that helps keep her focused as well. And of course, all the meals are super-simple. Nothing is fancy or complicated.

Sometimes the vegetable is as simple as some sliced cucumbers for the kids and then Bloom makes a salad when she gets home later.

2. Post and email the meal plan

Once Bloom has her five recipes, she emails her husband and herself the menu. She also writes it out and posts it on the refrigerator so everyone knows what the plan is, including her sitter.

"Having everything written down, you know what you need to take out of the freezer," Bloom adds. She consults her list every day.

3. Build the shopping list

Then Bloom creates her shopping list on the Wunderlist app. It lets you share your lists with other people, so her husband can add things to the list too.

More: The ultimate pantry list that will get dinner made night after night

4. Buy the food

Some people love grocery shopping. Some people hate it. Bloom loves it — like a few other women I know, she goes alone so she can browse and look at everything. If that's not your thing, maybe your SO likes doing it. Or there are lots of online supermarkets cropping up these days. That's how I do it.

5. Avoid last-minute changes at the grocery store

OK, so you're grocery shopping and you happen to notice ribs are deeply discounted. Change of plans? Nope. When Bloom sees something like meat on sale she'll still buy it, but she'll freeze it and come up with a plan for it later.

6. Prep some of your meals ahead

Bloom will do things like arrange chicken and vegetables with fixings on a sheet, cover it with foil, write the roasting instructions right there on the foil and freeze it just like that so her sitter knows exactly what to do. She'll sometimes cook a double batch of tomato sauce with meatballs and freeze some of it for another week.

7. Use that slow cooker

You know the drill. Prep in the morning, dinner is ready by evening.

8. Have your backups ready

Bloom tries to keep veggies and tofu for an easy stir-fry just in case. Otherwise, there's always breakfast food for dinner. Regardless, make sure you have a backup plan ready in case your planned dinner doesn't work out.

9. If you fall off the wagon, just get back on

You have a few great weeks of planned dinners and then something happens — you have to travel or you forget. Bloom admits she gets out of the habit sometimes too. It's OK. You just start again next week.

More: 5-Day Meal Plan: Meatballs and veggies

This may look like a lot of work, but it's actually less work — and more important, way less stress — than ad hoc-ing your way from dinner to dinner. Plus, it costs less (and keeps you healthier) than constant takeout. "That 5:00 decision about what's for dinner, that's the biggest issue, especially if you haven't taken stuff out of the freezer," Bloom says. So when you think about it, planning is actually easier.

All right then, are we feeling inspired to go plan meals for the week? Is this the weekend we make it happen?

It looks like there is trouble after Paradise for Amanda Stanton. Since confirming her engagement to Josh Murray on the season finale of Bachelor in Paradise, the 26-year-old mother of two is now battling her ex-husband for custody of her two children.

More: Which Bachelor in Paradise wedding will be showcased on national television?

Four days prior to Stanton's big engagement reveal on television, her ex-husband, Nick Buonfiglio, filed documents seeking more time with their two daughters, Kinsley, 4, and Charlie, 2, according to Radar Online.

According to the documents, Stanton's ex is coming after her for spending time on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise. He reportedly criticized her for appearing on "multiple TV shows."

More: The Bachelorette's Chad Johnson & Robby Hayes trash-talked Nick Viall so hard

The papers also reportedly claim Buonfiglio feels Stanton has "been scrutinized for how she has acted by hundreds of thousands of fans." He went on to say, "It has put my daughters in tons of media attention, which I believe is causing harm."

Buonfiglio also addressed how appearing on The Bachelor and BiP has increased Stanton's income. He goes on to say, "To add to that, Amanda's lifestyle and income has dramatically changed," claiming that Stanton's income has risen to "well over $20,000 to $30,000 per month," thanks to her growing fame and social media accounts.

More: Josh Murray might be the shadiest guy in Bachelor in Paradise history

Buonfiglio admitted to struggling financially to provide his ex with child support of "$2000 a month." According to the documents, Buonfiglio claims, "She said, 'Take me to court if you want more time.' Which I am doing."

Since announcing her plans to marry Murray, Stanton has shared multiple photos of her fellow Bachelor in Paradise star bonding with her daughters. Despite the custody drama, Murray and Stanton recently took a trip to Disneyland to celebrate their engagement. Murray even posted a photo pushing the girls in a stroller with the caption "#DadLife."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Actress Melissa George was reportedly hospitalized at Cochin Hospital in Paris after allegedly being assaulted by her longtime boyfriend.

The Australian actress reportedly suffered a swollen face, body pain, nausea and dizziness. She accused her partner of five years and the father of her children, Jean-David Blanc, of causing the injuries.

More: Melissa George apologizes for anti-Australia rant

George called the police from her home on Wednesday night and was hospitalized for more than 24 hours. The 40-year-old actress was spotted leaving the hospital "in tears and distress," according to an Australian news site. She was also spotted returning to a Paris police station on Friday.

George reportedly told police that Blanc struck her with "violent blows" during a moment of severe "stress." There have been no prior reports of domestic violence incidents with the pair.

More: Lindsay Lohan opens up about her alleged abuse — and it's heartbreaking

Blanc reportedly went to a police station to be interviewed under caution by detectives before being remanded in custody to appear at the Palais de Justice. The 48-year-old was expected to appear in front of a court in Paris to be questioned by prosecutors over the alleged domestic abuse.

The Parquet de Police declined to comment about the case, saying, "For now it is a domestic affair and we will not be communicating anything."

More: 10 domestic violence facts we should all be taking very seriously

George and Blanc have two young sons together, Räphael, 2, and Solal, 10 months. George was previously married to Chilean film director Claudio Dabed. The ex-couple got divorced in 2011.

You probably recognize George from her roles on Grey's Anatomy, Alias and, most recently, NBC's Heartbeat. She even received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in In Treatment in 2009.

Blanc is a businessman, writer and film producer who is known for founding the French movie website AlloCiné. The pair reportedly met at a British film awards after-party in 2011 and started dating in 2012.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I’ve never thought of myself as a trailblazer for anything (really, I consider myself a late bloomer in many aspects) but lately my small group of friends has me feeling like an expert on divorce and co-parenting. With four friends in various stages of marriage collapse, I find myself serving as a circumstantial beacon of inspiration, a trendsetter in marriage disillusionment.

I was married in 2001 and separated in April 2005. My son had just turned three years old. At 30 years old, I was the first among my group to get divorced. I had a dozen friends who hadn’t even gotten married yet, but I was dissolving mine. In those early conversations, where I would break the news about our split, friends feigned superhero powers, donning imaginary marriage-saving cloaks, offering up counselor recommendations or babysitting services so we could have a date night.

More: FYI, a longer marriage doesn't mean a stronger marriage

I’m now over eleven years into my post-divorce relationship and recounting the idiosyncrasies of my divorce has gotten easier. I find myself sitting opposite too many friends fidgeting in their chair, twirling their wedding bands, begging me to bestow upon them a secret nugget of wisdom which will magically eradicate their mess. I have no such secrets, only experiences.

My friends are starving for these divorce details which were superfluous chatter a decade ago. Did I use a mediator or a lawyer? (Mediator.) How many sessions did it take? (10 and then I still had to file my own paperwork.) How much did it cost? (Too much. Always too much.) How long did it take? (Too long. Always too long.) How did you split custody? (Exactly 50/50.) Who gets Christmas? (He does, I’m Jewish). Do you get alimony or child support? (Neither.) Who is responsible for buying the kids’ clothes or providing the health insurance? What happens if you both die — who gets the kid now? It’s an endless list of hypotheticals.

Occasionally I am on the receiving end of jealousy with comments like, “how lucky for you to have found love a second time” or “you’re a success story. I want what you have.”

I didn’t wake up brave one morning. The courage snowballed over time until I felt empowered to take control of my happiness and began honestly valuing what I wanted. Divorce wasn’t my default solution. It was high up on my list of "I’ll never’s" that I’ve crossed off one by one through life. I didn’t want to be a failure in my marriage; I swore I would “make it work"... until I couldn’t, I wouldn’t, I didn’t want to anymore. I had squeezed as much juice out of my heart as I possibly could and it was drained. I was no longer in love with my husband and I didn’t like myself very much either. I wanted another chance at love, but more importantly, I wanted to get away from him. Away from his control, away from his misery, away from his condescension, away from his trap. I yearned for freedom to become myself again and grow comfortable in my new skin.

More: Let's stop pretending being married at 40 is the only way to be happy

My friends tell me I make it seem easy and I remind them 12 years will do that. Time dulls the edges of pain. At first, I drowned in it, splitting up my son’s toy cars, separating half for my house, buying identical children’s furniture and bedding so my son felt comfortable in his duplicated room. I bawled a dozen times a day. I cried when I saw his name on my caller ID, when I had to pick up my son from his house, or when he picked him up from mine. I cried on my son’s birthday or whenever I found myself folding clothing I didn’t recognize. I cried at holidays and at school functions and at the bathroom at work after a mediation session.

After I was divorced, I didn’t flaunt it as an accomplishment like a master’s thesis (although it took years longer), but I felt proud. I had landed in a dark place and was slowly able to climb out and find the light. I reconstructed my life to be one brimming with the love and companionship for which I so desperately longed.

One friend confessed she was scared to leave her husband for years because her husband threatened he would take the kids. I encouraged her with words I remembered from my mediator: “Don’t be scared. He will try to scare you. This is a rough road but millions of people do it and get over the hurdle. You are still plenty young enough to find love and have a whole second chance at life 2.0. Your happiness is important.”

I told her woman-to-woman: “You are worth adoring. You are not his sex slave. You deserve to feel loved and beautiful. Don’t linger in a state of regret about why not sooner. It's not too late. 99 percent of the battle is knowing you are doing the right thing.”

It’s strange to be in a position where I find myself encouraging my friends to break apart the life they've worked so hard to build. They’ve just completed building their ten-thousand-piece Millennium Falcon out of Legos and I come along as the cheerleader with sledgehammer pom-poms.

More: It took four months of marriage to end our four-year relationship

This post was originally published on HeartsEverywhere.com

Masturbation is one of the biggest unspoken rites of humanity. Most of us do it, yet very few of us talk about it, and even fewer discuss it with our children. Like eating or breathing, sexual urges are a natural part of our biology, and by withholding that information from our children, we set them up for a lifetime of sexual shame.

If there’s anything to feel guilty about, it’s that we as parents aren’t doing a better job of lifting this unnecessary stigma for our children.

More: Parental Advisory: Your kid's snot is grossing us out, so stop it

I remember the first time I discovered masturbation. I was only 9 years old and had a sudden desire to see what the bathtub water from the faucet would feel like on my vagina. Out of curiosity, I moved closer and had a pleasant surprise. Suddenly, I went from the girl who avoided showers to the girl who couldn’t wait to take a bath each night.

I also became paranoid that I was doing something “bad.” Somehow, in my young mind, I correlated masturbation with dirtiness and spent years carrying a burden of shame because of it.

Somewhere in human history, a moral clause was added to masturbation that made people associate it with being sinful and disgusting. Some of us learn it at church or through our parents, while others learn it on our own through social encounters and mainstream media. No matter how it is taught, it has a long-lasting psychologically damaging effect that teaches children to be ashamed of their desire and their bodies, which can lead to sexual impairment, deviation and dysfunction.

More: A school basically just gave kids permission to assault LGBT students

I see masturbation as a totally normal, natural human expression, and so by the time I became a mother, I was firmly in the pro-masturbation camp. I taught my kids that it was totally normal to touch their private parts, but to be polite; we wouldn’t touch our private parts in public. I also covered the basics about consent and inappropriate touch (more than once).

It was difficult to gauge the right time to discuss masturbation with our boys. We waited until our sons hit puberty, and by then my husband and I agreed it was a good time to talk to them about all aspects of sex, including the solo variety. I asked my husband to explain ejaculation and wet dreams to them so that they wouldn’t be embarrassed or scared if and when that normal nocturnal emission happened (which it did, many times).

I never once told my sons that masturbating was wrong. In fact, when they got older, I encouraged them to masturbate because ding-ding-ding — they can’t give themselves an STD and they won’t accidentally get themselves pregnant.

Even animals, which aren’t bound by societal norms, enjoy the pleasure of self-stimulation.

I remember watching our family cockatiel saddle up on the big toe of anyone wearing black socks (completely true story) and rub one out. His little black eyes would close at the moment of climax and his crest (those feathers on the top of his head) would stand up like a Mohawk.

I even had a dog who would dry-hump and grind her lady parts when she was in heat and wasn’t shy about using your leg if it suited her needs. My pets were completely unabashed about enjoying themselves, and while it made everyone watching laugh, it also brought up an important question.

If animals are capable of masturbating without shame — why can’t we? I’m not saying we should start pleasuring ourselves in public (although there is a specific audience for that and hey, if that’s your thing, you do you, boo), but we can also enjoy solo-sexual pleasure without feeling like we are perverted.

As to be expected, the talk left our children slightly embarrassed. As it turns out, they had already discovered self-stimulation and, like most of us, were uncertain as to whether what they were doing was normal. There was visible relief on each of their faces when they learned that pretty much everyone in the world masturbates and that as long as it was something enjoyed privately and didn’t take over their entire lives, it was safe and natural.

More: Babysitters deserve more than minimum wage — even for 'just watching TV'

Then, of course, came the incessant masturbation jokes enjoyed by preteen boys who have just been given a license to (as they like to call it) “dry dog” when the mood strikes. Those jerk-off jokes may be the only truly horrible thing about destigmatizing masturbation in our home.

Although I didn’t realize it when I first talked to my sons about self-stimulation, there are many health benefits enjoyed by those who regularly masturbate. Men have a decreased risk of prostate cancer and, somehow, touching ourselves also lowers both men and women’s risk of developing type-2 diabetes, among things like boosting our mood (thanks, endorphins) and relaxing us so we fall asleep easier.

Now that my sons are older, I’m happy that although I’m sure I’ve screwed them up in many ways, I haven’t given them any weird, psychological hang-ups about sex, to include masturbation. They are healthy, functioning young men who have managed to stave off blindness, broken genitalia and (hopefully) infertility, which, if you didn’t already know, are commonly associated “risk-factors” for masturbation.

More: Keeping your maiden name is all well and good 'til you have kids

As parents, we have a choice. We can keep spreading ignorant myths about masturbation that only serve to shame our children into believing that touching themselves in private (which they’re totally going to do anyway) is wrong, or we can teach them that everyone does it and it’s perfectly natural.

It’s not a matter of life and death, people. It’s just orgasms.

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It's funny how taking some time out to stop, look and listen gets you to re-examine your role in a combative situation. Maybe that's why people like to paint the world in black and white. It blinds them to the wide and varied colored spectrum that lies between. In any case, you will be changing sides and defending a position you once assailed. Enlightenment is never easy, but it's impossible to remain in the dark once the lightbulb goes off. You have always been the one to fight the good fight — even if it now means locking horns with those you once led.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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You're not a big fan of change. Your reaction is to dig in your heels and refuse to budge, no matter how much push comes to shove. However the lunar eclipse on Sept. 16 followed by the Venus/Uranus opposition on Sept. 11 shows that something has to give. You may have to dial back the work hours, make changes in your diet for health reasons or even cut your losses when it comes to a property matter or financial dispute. This would be a good time to remember that even mighty trees have to bend in the wind to avoid being uprooted.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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It feels like everything is unraveling all at once. This is good news if damage control is what you do for a living, but it's not so great if you're trying to salvage a situation. The best way to navigate this kind of tricky patch is to step out of the way and let developments unfold on their own. Lunar eclipses often herald the collapse of situations we thought were solid and that's what's going on now. Trust that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel (that would be two weeks from now) and that's when you'll know where things stand.

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You're tired of being torn between family and work. You've made so many sacrifices on the home front that even a cursory glance at what you've given up would shame most people into giving you a break. Unfortunately, loved ones don't count as normal people, which means that it's up to you to champion your own ambitions. Thankfully, the Mars/Uranus trine in fire gives you the necessary nerve and verve to go after the things you want. This new side of you will shock and astonish. It will also capture the attention of higher-ups at work who didn't think you had it in you.

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Ready for your close-up? Hopefully, the answer is "yes" because there's a lot of fiery energy coursing through your horoscope this week courtesy of the Mars/Uranus trine. Fire energy is connected to public displays of affection, the trumpeting of triumphs and the awarding of singular achievements. Think of a video that suddenly goes viral and gets thousands of hits. Fire energy also brings to light things you might not want people to know about as well. Hopefully you don't have any skeletons hanging out in the back of your closet because if you do, then they'll want to come out and play on Sept. 15.

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You are cleverer than most. Situations that others find baffling often present creative opportunities for you. This is something that you'll experience on Sept. 12 when a supervisor or competitive co-worker throws up their hands and asks you to take over a problematic assignment they've been struggling with. Make sure that they're truly signing off on this before you accept it. Only if you get that in writing (or email) should you say "yes." The stars show that you will succeed where this person failed — which is good — but you don't want them circling back to claim credit for your success later.

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Separating energies are strong with the lunar eclipse triggering a sensitive angle of your horoscope. You are bound to feel that all is for naught and that it would just be easier to throw in the towel and to call it a day. Normally this wouldn't be the worst idea. You do tend to stay in situations longer than you should out of a sense of loyalty; however, the waters are muddied right now, and you are in danger of leaving right when you're standing on the threshold of a major breakthrough or seeing the fulfillment of a promise. Hang tough a little while longer.

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You were born under the most loyal sign of the zodiac. You are as bound as much to a lover by love as you are to an enemy by enmity. You never give up and you never give in. However, it's becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference between passion and obstinacy, and that's something you might want to take a look at this week when a certain someone starts up with the same old shenanigans. The stars are giving you a chance to slough off a thankless obligation, and this could be someone or something that has overstayed its welcome.

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The lunar eclipse on Sept. 16 will hit you right where you live. For years, you've felt unable to put down roots. Even if you were married with a family, there was still a part of you that felt like your real life was waiting for you somewhere else. Maybe it's finally finding someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, moving into the house of your dreams or simply healing that part of you that felt used and abused that's cured you of the wanderlust. In any case you're turning the page and starting one of the best chapters of your life.

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You're not really a people person when you're born under Capricorn. You like to be left alone at work to do your own thing, friends turn to you in a crisis (and not vice-versa) and you're often the designated parental figure in loved ones' lives. However, 2016 forced you to rethink the role that others play in your life, and instead of seeing them as burdens, you've begun to see them as boons. This is having the positive effect of getting you to share responsibilities, to ask more from friends and to even let your inner child out to play. There's hope for you yet.

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You were born under a fixed sign. The fixed signs — which are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius — are famous for being as stubborn as the day is long. Believe it or not, this will serve you quite well in the days ahead when you will be pressured into changing a course of action. People will weigh in with all kinds of opinions and judgments and you really must stick to your guns no matter how well meaning their advice (or withering their criticism) will be. The truth is that you really do know what's best and you need to be bold and unwavering now.

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Gung ho Mars in Sagittarius is getting you stoked about making larger-than-life changes. You're ready to put the pedal to the metal and speed off in any direction that promises to get you out of that rut you've been in. But just because you've got the volition doesn't mean you've got the vision, and that could give you moment for pause when there's a lunar eclipse in your sign on Sept. 16. Don't falter. If anything, your love of adventure and healthy appreciation for the absurd are your best guides now. Take a leap into the void. You'll like where you land.

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Your weekly love horoscope

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There are times when you feel like getting all dressed up and sitting down to a fancy five-course meal and times when nothing but a greasy burger and a fistful of fries will do. Well, that's the way you'll be feeling when the Mars/Uranus trine in Aries ignites the fire down below. You tried doing the romance thing recently and all it did was get complicated. What you need now is some very physical recreation with no ifs, ands or buts. You have an itch that needs scratching and you can rest assured that you'll be finding someone who can help out with that this week.

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This is bound to be an emotionally challenging week. First of all, lunar eclipses are never easy (Sept. 16). This is when abandonment anxieties, feelings of neediness and existential vulnerability all come rising to the surface. Toss in the Venus/Uranus opposition (Sept. 18) and you'll feel like throwing up your hands and sitting down by the side of the road. In a way, this wouldn't be the worst idea. It signals to demanding loved ones and self-absorbed friends that even Rocks of Gibraltar can experience an erosion in confidence. Not only will they lighten up, they might just lend a shoulder to lean on.

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Are you on the verge of doing something you'll regret? Probably. As a Gemini, you suffer from this unfortunate tendency to undo all the good that you've done. There's a part of you that will work hard to build the perfect relationship, and then when you're on the verge of getting serious, you'll do something to mess it up. It's not unlike a child, who being told not to put her hand on the stovetop burner when it's on, will go ahead and do it anyway. It can't be helped. That said, you may want to rethink that irrepressible impulse of yours on Sept. 16.

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Things reach the breaking point on Sept. 9. Be forewarned that this could bring a break up. Separations and divorces often happen during a lunar eclipse. However, these planetary energies could also push you to have it out with your lover. This is your chance to tell it like it is and to identify the changes that need to happen in your relationship if it's going to continue. That said, you should also be prepared to hear his side of the story. Feelings will be hurt, but guards will also be lowered and the end result could bring the two of you closer together.

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It's going to be hard to tell the difference between fair-weather friends and the true-blue ones this week. So many people who promised to be there for you will be reneging on their pledges or suddenly suffering from temporary bouts of amnesia. It will be both discouraging and disconcerting. Yet one thing will emerge as something you can rely on and that's the support of a lover or spouse. It's funny how the fickleness in others brings out the steadfastness in him. Chances are, he's always been in your corner; it's just that he's never had an occasion to show it until now.

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Are you a closet drama queen? It's beginning to look that way given all the scenes you've been involved in lately. If you're not the one having the public meltdown, then it's your partner. Does this mean you should break up? Maybe. But sometimes the intensity of fighting increases when we're struggling the most with something deep inside ourselves. You crave intimacy, but it's also something that frightens you. The only way to break on through to the other side of that psychic barrier is to commit to that person — at least for now. Anything less and you'll always wonder "what if?"

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You don't like it when people are upset with you. It's why you will bend over backward to make them happy by telling them what they want to hear, avoiding uncomfortable topics and even staying in a relationship when you know that it's not working. You may pride yourself on your good behavior and upbeat demeanor, but dramatic developments on Sept. 18 will show that you weren't fooling anyone. Your partner knew what you were really feeling underneath all along. This realization will free you both to say and do the things that should have been said and done a long time ago.

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It's going to feel like anger has grabbed control of your psychic console this week as ruling planet Mars squares Mercury and then the sun. In some ways, you can think of the planets as the emotions bickering over who's in charge of Riley's life from the film Inside Out. This will make you feel more like a passenger than the driver behind the wheel. Nevertheless, you need to exercise some kind of self-control before you drive away friends and alienate support. People will understand you're going through a hard time as long as you say so. They won't if you come across as brusque, dismissive and mean-spirited.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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You've got your mojo back! Mars in Sagittarius these past few weeks has really restored your confidence and pumped up your can-do spirit. It's also increased your magnetism and charisma. That's why you have so many men trying to flirt with you. You may not think that that's what they're doing, but it is — which is why you need to tune in so you can pick up on their signals. Men can get shy and sheepish around assertive women. Help them out by being welcoming and encouraging. It's ironic that they're the ones who are oversensitive to rejection, but that's what's going on.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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People pick up their toys and leave the sandbox all the time when they don't get their way in a relationship. It happens far too often nowadays and much to their regret. You, however, will wait things out. And this steadfastness is exactly what's needed this week when the cosmic gales reach a hurricane pitch. Born under the sign of the mountain goat, you've scaled enough peaks to know when to press yourself to the side of cliff and bide your time. And in the end, your lover or partner will thank you for it when his hissy fit gets downgraded to a tropical storm.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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You don't just pay lip service to your higher principles — You embody them. And you expect anyone you date to do the same too. Now this might sound a bit inflexible, but that's because you've gone out with too many guys who said they understood your point of view only to wind up pooh-poohing what you had to say or treating your opinions like eccentricities. You've had enough of it. This week's Mars/Uranus trine shows you meeting someone who may be even more ideological than you. Ironically, it looks like you'll be the one who's trying to get him to lighten up rather than vice-versa.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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A lunar eclipse in your sign on Sept. 16 gets you to review how things are going in your relationship. If it feels like it's been an uphill climb these past few months, then you will reach a point where you just run out of gas. It won't be big. It won't be sensational or melodramatic. It will just be this sobering feeling that things have gone as far as they can go and you need to move on. If, however, things look promising, then this is the time to commit to building a future together because you truly have met and found your match.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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If you happened to miss the Lifetime Movie Network special Girl in the Box, well, you probably got more sleep than I did last night. Still, despite my disclaimer that this movie will linger in your mind long after the credits roll, you should watch it for a few very important reasons.

More: Zelda Williams keeps a memory of her dad on her at all times (PHOTOS)

Based on a true story, Girl in the Box brings to the small screen the harrowing tale of Colleen Stan — an American woman who was kidnapped at the age of 20 and held as a sex slave for seven-and-a-half years by Cameron and Janice Hooker. This real-life sequence of events took place in the California town of Red Bluff, jarring the quiet community and later shocking the world.

In the Lifetime film version, Addison Timlin stars as young Colleen, Zane Holtz as Cameron Hooker and Zelda Williams as Janice Hooker. Each played their part well, bringing to light the dark underbelly of society that often goes unnoticed.

And while Timlin and Holtz were very memorable, it was Williams — the daughter of the late Robin Williams — whose performance still haunts me.

Did this take place 40 years ago? Yes, but that doesn't make it any less relevant or plausible today. In fact, the depravity we see in modern society seems unparalleled in history. People have even more advanced ways to inflict pain upon each other, and predators certainly seem to make full use. So, for women, Colleen's tale is a cautionary one we can't afford to ignore.

In the film, we see a young and carefree Colleen hitch-hiking to a friend's birthday party. Granted, most of us know now that it simply isn't safe for a woman to hitch-hike. However, this scenario could still play out in other ways.

After all, accidents happen, right? Sometimes a car breaks down. Perhaps you don't have cell service. Maybe you get a flat tire. You could be hiking, get a little turned around and wind up making your way back to your car in the dark. Or it could be something as innocuous as being at a party and getting convinced by a friendly looking couple to go somewhere with them.

Those scenarios don't sound too far-fetched, do they? The fact of the matter is Colleen Stan thought she was being careful. Prior to climbing into the vehicle with Cameron and Janice, she had passed up the opportunity to ride in two other cars.

More: Robin Williams' daughter pens emotional tribute to dad

But when Colleen saw Cameron and, particularly, Janice, she felt safe. She never could have imagined that the couple would soon pull off the highway, put a knife to her throat and then lock her in a wooden head box.

Nor could she have imagined that the mousy and seemingly meek woman in the passenger side of the car would be complicit in Colleen's seven years of torture... that the woman would have sex with her deranged husband below Colleen's dangling feet as she was blindfolded and suspended from the ceiling.

This is precisely why Zelda Williams' portrayal of Janice was so unnerving. Williams brought Janice to life in a way that underscored how unassuming, slightly awkward and entirely un-intimidating of a woman she seemed to Colleen.

To be honest, I'd probably interpret the woman the same way — especially given that Janice was actually cradling a baby in her arms when Colleen first met the couple (a fact omitted in the movie but revealed in the subsequent documentary).

As women, we are far more aware in today's society of the threats we face from men. We have history for context, so we know that the handsome man offering us a ride could be the next Ted Bundy. The stories of male serial killers and rapists are predominant, so they naturally stand out.

What we sometimes lose sight of is that those men sometimes work in tandem with women like Williams' Janice. Already damaged, she was a woman who would bend to meet her husband's will any way he asked — even if that included torturing and enslaving another woman in a wooden box for 23 hours a day.

It's horrifying. It's important, too. While I'm a firm believer in women supporting and empowering each other, we also have to remember that we can't trust everyone. If our gut is telling us to run, we should trust those instincts... even when the person we're running from is another woman.

More: 16 parenting lessons we learned from Lifetime movies

Williams delivered a compelling enough performance that, should I find myself in a potentially compromising situation like this at any point in the future (fingers crossed that never comes to fruition), I'll see her character's face and remember some wolves really do wear sheep's clothing.

The internet was saddened Sunday to hear the news that Alexis Arquette had passed. While not much is known about the circumstances surrounding Arquette's untimely death, we do know that the entertainer went out surrounded by a ton of sibling love.

"Never have I had the honor of knowing and loving a funnier more beautiful soul then my brother/sister Alexis," David Arquette wrote in a caption for a short Instagram video of his brother. "Thank you all for your kind words of love and support. I know Alexis loves all the wonderful reactions to his passing and will be in our hearts for eternity. In the end he chose to be called my brother again but I will remember him as a Butterfly of a spirit always. I love you and in his words 'Gracias!'"

Patricia Arquette took to Twitter to post a musical tribute to Alexis in the form of David Bowie's "Starman," which was playing when Alexis died, according to a statement written by Patricia that was posted to the Facebook of Richmond Arquette, another Arquette sibling.

More: Kathie Lee Gifford's letter about her husband's death is chillingly beautiful

"She passed away surrounded by love," the statement reads. "We held her hand and sang her David Bowie's 'Starman' as she punched through the veil to the other side. We washed her body in rose petals and surrounded her with flowers."

Patricia also posted the video for T. Rex's "Cosmic Dancer," dedicated "To My first best friend."

Though we don't know the cause of Alexis' death, Richmond also reported on Facebook that Alexis went out the way he wanted.

More: Patricia Arquette stole the show with her pro-woman Oscars speech

"He died as he lived, on his own terms," Richmond said. "I am immensely grateful that it was fast and painless. It was an incredibly moving experience and I am humbled and grateful to have been able to have been with him as he began his journey onward. I am feeling immense gratitude to have been afforded the luxury of sharing life with him/her, for learning from Alexis, for being given the gift of being able to love her/him and to be loved by him/her. He was a force. Thank you, Alexis, I love you and will love you always."

More: Anton Yelchin's parents are doing more than mourning his unexpected death

Alexis was 47 years old. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be sent to organizations that support the LGBTQ community in honor of Alexis.

Our thoughts are with the Arquette family in their time of grief.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

If you didn't channel your inner Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez at the 2015 Oscars while watching Melissa Gorga take down Joe Gorga on Sunday's The Real Housewives of New Jersey, then you probably need Melissa to give you a stern talking to just like she did with her husband.

More: Joe Gorga’s belittling of Melissa Gorga on RHONJ needs to stop, stat

One of the major story lines of RHONJ Season 7 has been Melissa going out on her own, starting a business, trying to make herself a success and watching her husband belittle her along the way. Yes, this is a big change for both of them and their family. Joe has been used to Melissa staying at home, cooking dinner and taking care of the kids. However, now that their kids are older and Melissa is ready to make a name for herself, Joe is having a hard time adjusting. Actually, he's been behaving in a sexist manner and being totally unsupportive of his wife.

It's beyond frustrating to see Joe disrespect Melissa and not support her at all in her dreams or with her boutique. The way he fawns over her and loves her deeply, you would think he'd be praising her, right? That's the opposite of what is happening.

For example, during Sunday's episode, he pulled Melissa aside and told her that he wasn't brought up to take care of the kids because he has to go to work. He then added that he needs his life. If that isn't bad enough, Joe had the nerve to say that what Melissa does is a "joke," that he brings in "cake" compared to the "crumbs" Melissa earns and nor does he want what she brings into the mix financially.

She acted exactly how I would've reacted if anyone ever spoke to me that way or demeaned my career. She said that she'd throw the cake right in his face. Melissa then schooled her hubby on the fact that it's a new millennium and that he needs to stop being so old-school. She also told him to never speak to her like that and rather he should look at her with pride and praise her for being a go-getter.

More: Jacqueline Laurita’s paranoia on RHONJ will end up biting her in the ass

You'd think that would put him in his place, right? Wrong. He then took his ridiculous argument to another infuriating level by saying he "put" Melissa where she's at right now. Yes, she was not happy with that remark, either. She told him that none of this is about the money, but because she wants to "feel successful" and that he should support her because he is the one who taught her how to work so hard.

Clearly, it doesn't seem like he's going to change anytime soon. I mean, during one of Joe's interviews, he even said that with the money Melissa is earning she might be able to buy him a "pair of sneakers." How rude is that? I would think someone who "supports" their wife so much would never speak about her or her dreams like that.

More: Siggy Flicker is the change RHONJ needed

Melissa even suggested that maybe they bring in help for their three children, but Joe shot that idea down because he wants his wife to raise the kids. Heaven forbid Joe raise them for a bit while Melissa is running her boutique. Yes, he's helped out from time to time, but only ever seems to complain and be negative about it all.

The way Melissa stood her ground and didn't let Joe walk all over her was a beautiful thing. She is clearly the feminist hero of the Real Housewives series. I also love how she didn't give into Joe's wants by saying, "Yes, honey I'll take a step back from the boutique," but was rather like, "This is my life now, so take it or leave it."

Granted, she did try to smooth things over with Joe by cooking a big family dinner, which made him exclaim, "Thank you, Jesus. There is a home-cooked meal." Well, Joe had better face the facts, which are Melissa isn't going back to solely being a stay-at-home mom and she isn't giving up the boutique just to make him happy.

This is a different chapter in their lives and Joe needs to realize that. Also, doesn't he want Melissa to set a great example for their daughter? That's exactly what she's doing by building her own business from the ground up and running it.

Basically, Joe had better start taking Melissa's Season 7 tagline ("I always act like a lady. But now I think like a boss") seriously or he's going to find himself in a bigger fight than the ones he's had with his sister Teresa Giudice.

More: RHONJ's Teresa Giudice will probably drive Melissa & Jacqueline apart

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Manzo'd with Children is back, and the new season will cover the crazy escapades the Manzos have had these last few months. It's not all ghost hunting, however; the Manzo kids work hard when they're not in front of film crews.

More: Lauren Manzo angers RHONJ fans by throwing Teresa Giudice under the bus

The Manzo family gets plenty of grief from viewers, who are convinced that the Manzo'd With Children cast doesn't actually do anything outside of their reality TV show. This "famous for being famous" attitude toward Caroline and her clan stems from the fact that, aside from the Manzo matriarch herself, the rest of the family never spent any time in the public eye before Bravo gave them their own series. That attitude could begin to change after tonight's episode, in which Chris Manzo took a big step toward proving that the Manzos do a lot more than just participate in contrived "reality" TV situations.

It's rare to see genuinely heartfelt moments on a reality TV show, but that's exactly what happened after Caroline Manzo saw her son's first children's book, "Oliver Brightside: You Don't Want That Penny." It was quite obvious that Mama Manzo was incredibly proud of her son, as she couldn't stop smiling. While the entire moment lasted only a couple of minutes, it's still one of the highlights of the entire series — one that shows just how talented at least one of the members of the Manzo family really is.

More: Thank goodness Caroline Manzo is OK after discovering that lump in her breast

Viewers — who normally take great pleasure in wondering out loud what the point of this show is — actually expressed their fondness for Chris and his new writing venture on social media.

More: Manzo'd with Children leaves fans in tears with touching Al and Lauren moment

Chris is by no means the only Manzo with interests outside of the reality TV realm. The other Manzos have also been fairly busy as of late, although Lauren has admitted to hanging out a lot more in front of her TV since getting married. Either way, the Manzo kids are not nearly as lazy as their detractors think.

What do you think of Chris Manzo's writing endeavors? Comment and share your opinion below.

The national anthem debate continues to rage on the internet, and model Kate Upton just decided to put her two cents in.

In response to several Miami Dolphins players choosing to take a knee during the anthem on Sunday, Sept. 11, Upton took to Instagram and Twitter to share her stance on the situation.

"In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom," Upton wrote in the caption of an Instagram pic of some of the players kneeling. "Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed."

More: Kate Upton's body "transformation" is not an invitation for your opinion

"Today we are more divided then ever before," she continued. "I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget."

The backlash to Upton's statements was swift.

But whether you agree with Upton or not, the fact is both she and the Miami Dolphins players have the right to express their beliefs.

One Twitter user pretty much hit it on the head.

Upton's not the only one to feel the wrath of Twitter for sharing their opinion on the national anthem. John Legend, who came out to say he's anti-"Star-Spangled Banner" a couple weeks ago, also got slammed by people who don't share his feelings.

More: Kate Upton's Met Gala dress has got nothing on her huge engagement ring

What's your opinion on Upton's comments about the Miami Dolphins players?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

To review: Nicole and Corey made a pact with Paul and Victor to have one another's backs until the end and dubbed themselves the Final Four. (Catchy, no? No.) James and Natalie found themselves afloat amid the other teams and they both got nominated for eviction. Natalie was sent to the Jury House and James flagellated himself over it. Then, on Sunday night, via a gross game involving butter, Corey became Head of Household and everything changed.

More: 9 most controversial Big Brother contestants ever

I was really down on Nicole's decision to enter into the Final Four, because Paul is so obviously untrustworthy, but Corey's nomination of Paul and Victor for eviction is solid and strategic, and it leads me to believe that he's smarter than I thought. He could have nominated James, but let's be real, James is the weakest link, whereas Victory and Paul are each huge threats. Together they make one super threat, so it makes sense to take one of them out.

More: Celebrity Big Brother sinks to a new low with "knickergate"

So the tables have indeed turned, and Paul and Victor each vowed to get revenge on Corey and, by extension, Nicole. Corey labored over his decision (there was an entire montage dedicated to him cleaning the house and brooding), even after processing it with Nicole and James. I thought it would be Paul and/or Victor who would ultimately take down the Final Four, and that Nicole or Corey would be out quickly, but it looks like that's not going to happen, unless Veto Power goes to Victor or Paul. Meanwhile, James is in a position of neutrality instead of vulnerability. And although you should never be comfortable playing Big Brother, James might be able to be for a minute while these two teams slug it out.

It remains unclear to me how either Paul or Victor could have expected to remain safe at this point in the game, unless they both expected Corey to stop playing the game and hand it to someone else. They might have imagined that Corey would nominate James and one of them, or even Nicole, for eviction, and James would have been the clear one to go and that would have been fine, but again, only one person is going to win this game, and that means alliances are going to have to break up. Victor raged at the end of the episode about having been stabbed in the back by Corey and Nicole, which is true, but you can't, and shouldn't, trust anyone in the house and that especially includes the people who tell you you can trust them.

More:Thank you, Big Brother, for not letting sexism and racism win out on the show

Who do you want to win it all? Tell us in the comments!

Before you leave, check out our slideshow below!

The much-anticipated Rob & Chyna premiere is finally here with even more than the expected drama in tow. The show also threw in some exciting pregnancy news, but it was honestly hard to feel excited when I was too busy coping with the shock that people actually live like Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna. And no, I'm not talking about their fabulously wealthy lives, though they do have that. What I mean is the constant drama and tension that seems to follow them both around. It's so uncomfortable to watch that there's no way it's comfortable to actually be around.

More: Rob Kardashian took on way more than he could handle with Blac Chyna

In the course of the episode, Chyna kicked Kardashian out of the house, and then cried because someone ate her jelly. The sex of their baby was also revealed, and Kardashian copes with his disappointment that it's a girl.

"It's an emotional moment. Me wanting to have a boy, it definitely stems from my dad but I'm sure I'll have the same relationship that I had with my father with my daughter," Rob tells the cameras. "I'm just happy that the baby's healthy and I'm gonna be super happy with a girl."

He did recover from his disappointment rather quickly, but it still seemed like a moment of yet more tension between the two as Chyna exclaimed, "Rob, it's a girl!"

And the doctor said to the couple, "You have a boy at home, right?" (Referring to Chyna's son King Cairo with ex Tyga.)

And Kardashian responds, "Yeah, but I don't."

Cringe.

More: You don't have to watch Rob & Chyna, but you do have to stop whining

Then Chyna got annoyed after they found out the baby's sex because Kardashian had already spilled the beans to his mom, Kris Jenner.

"I guess that's just the Kardashian family... talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. I am so annoyed Rob spilled the beans so fast," she ranted.

Not gonna lie, I hardly remembered the baby news by the end of the episode because we segued right into that fight between the two over suspected infidelity. The insecurity and trust issues were rampant. If anything, I remembered their baby in a fleeting moment of worrying about the environment she'll be born into.

Even Kardashian ends the episode by saying he isn't sure what's going to happen with the relationship.

More: Scott Disick's parenting advice for Rob Kardashian is surprisingly solid

I'm not even a parent, and I can tell him what needs to happen: They need to get it together. Whether that means breaking up or staying together, for the sake of the baby girl that's about to enter the world, these two need to get some serious counseling.

Do you think Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna have what it takes to get their act together and co-parent their baby girl?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Hey now, y'all, is it just me, or did Fear the Walking Dead just get infinitely hotter? Things have been kind of sputtering along, occasionally cresting but for the most part falling. Maybe, just maybe though, a little sex in the zombpocalypse is just what we need to get things goin'.

More: Raise your hand if you wish that zombie on Fear the Walking Dead was Madison

I should point out that we don't actually know for a fact whether or not Nick and Luciana actually did the deed on this week's episode of Fear the Walking Dead. What we do know is that the end of the episode brought a kiss between the two that was muy caliente.

Come on, I think even FTWD's male demographic can agree it was a steamy exchange, right?

It was certainly enough to get me a little flush in the cheeks, so I'm not one to judge. There's no shame in my game — I thought that kiss (and presumably what followed) was just about the most exciting thing we've seen on this series so far.

Granted, I probably wouldn't be saying that about Fear's predecessor, The Walking Dead. Sure, there have been more than a few sexy moments among Rick and the crew. However, the rest of the narrative surrounding those characters is so compelling that any such steamy exchanges are pretty much par for the course.

The issue with Fear, as we've touched on in the past, is that the show has failed to build a meaningful-enough evolution to keep viewers invested. If I'm really being honest, I was basically on cruise control watching tonight's episode until Nick and Luciana shared that moment.

That kiss, though! So, here's the thing. If you ever catch Talking Dead immediately following the show (and why wouldn't you? Chris Hardwick is a mental palate cleanser in the best way) then you've undoubtedly noticed several of the show's stars have applauded the precision and depth of Frank Dillane's work.

Dillane, who plays Nick, is a bit of an enigma. Although he has enjoyed a handful of roles since surfacing with Welcome to Sarajevo in 1997, his most memorable role prior to Fear was 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

More: Nick's cute and all, but I fell asleep during FTWD's mid-season premiere

But while we don't have a huge body of work to compare his performance in Fear to, his interaction with Luciana (including the kiss) in the last few episodes has allowed for some of the nuances he imbues the character with to emerge. And, y'all, it's kind of a thing of beauty.

So I'm actually admittedly excited to see what next week brings. Unfortunately, that sort of anticipation hasn't struck me often during the tenure of this series so far.

You know what else? I'm not afraid to admit I like to see some sexy time in the zombpocalypse. I think it humanizes the characters even more. You know that hypothetical question people love to ask: "What would do if you found out the world was ending? I feel like sex would be a big part of that response for a lot of people. People crave the comfort of intimacy when they are scared.

Plus, adrenaline can make any chemistry between two people seem all the more explosive.

I will leave you here with one last thought that occurred to me while I was watching (read: getting all hot and bothered) Nick and Luciana's kiss. We've speculated before that Nick could very well be the parallel of Rick on The Walking Dead, right?

Don't you think it is interesting, then, that Nick is now hooking up with Luciana — whose real name is Danay Garcia — at the same time in Rick's arc that he is hooking up with Michonne? Why would this be interesting, you ask? Well, Michonne's real-life alter ego is none other than Danai Gurira, pronounced the same as Danay.

More: Proof Fear the Walking Dead's Nick and The Walking Dead's Rick are parallels

This is likely just a coincidence and/or my brain is grasping for any tenuous connection to add more complexity to Fear's characters, but knowing the way TV writers' minds work, it could be another subtle nod to the fact that Nick is Rick's parallel.

What do you think? Was that kiss hot enough to set Fear's ratings on fire?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

There's a common misconception that heterosexual anal sex is only for the dudes. On almost every TV show where some couple decides to "do the dirty," a lot of convincing (and a lot of lube) is required on the part of the lady. And yet, we're still doing it for one reason or another. One of the most recent reviews on backdoor action, conducted in 2010, confirmed that up to 40 percent of people have tried anal at least once.

And yet. I also know at least half a dozen women who refuse to ever do it because of some awful story or another. Typically, it starts with a clueless boyfriend trying to shove it in hoping that his partner will enjoy the experience. She, of course, is surprised and probably now in pain. How's a girl ever supposed to give anal sex another try when this kind of experience is, um, practically rape?

I've been lucky enough to have the opposite experience. The first time I had anal sex was with a steady boyfriend who happened to be experienced in getting women comfortable with butt stuff. I'd even have fun, he promised. A little lube, some coaching and a lot of talking about it later, I was no longer an anal sex virgin. And I even enjoyed the experience!

Since then, it's become something that I order off the menu once in a while. Although I do have to seriously be in the mood for it, I've had plenty of orgasms during anal sex. Recently, I even had a pretty powerful orgasm with anal-only stimulation (meaning, he wasn't touching any other part of my body).

More: 7 sex positions for the car if you dare to try it

This would all be perfectly fine behind closed doors, but I was pretty shocked to see an episode of The Mindy Project with some pretty negative (and unrealistic) things to say about anal sex. In "I Slipped," Mindy's boyfriend Danny tries the surprise approach and she is, of course, shocked. When she goes to her friend Peter for advice, he gives her a few tips on sex positions — before admitting that no woman ever will enjoy butt action. The show doesn't go on to correct this sexist remark, as Mindy has to take a heavy sedative later on to give it another try.

In light of this seriously damaging view, we decided to give you a few tips on how you actually can enjoy anal sex. And no, it doesn't make you a perv to own your sexuality.

1. Don't go straight for penetration. First and foremost, invest time in the foreplay. You should be highly aroused before going there, and having an orgasm (or three) beforehand never hurt either.

2. A glass of wine and romance can help. Don't just decide to do it and go for it. While you don't want to drink so much that you get too numb, a drink or two to relax may be just what you both need.

3. Try getting to know yourself first. Just as with any good sex, trying something yourself first may help you relax. Try gently massaging the outer opening of your anus next time you are masturbating.

4. Yes, you might feel really naughty. We all know that this is a bit of a taboo subject, and it's OK to feel a bit weird, dirty or uncomfortable doing it. It's natural, but it's also 100 percent natural to experiment.

5. It's a mess. Dark sheets help. Yes, we're talking about your butt and things can get a little messy. If you're shy or scared, use dark sheets to keep things from getting too weird looking later.

More: 11 clitoris facts you'll think about the next time you have sex

6. External stimulation at first. Just as when you tried it yourself, have your partner start by gently massaging the outside of the anus. Start slow and have him pause when you start to feel funny.

7. Be sure to stock up on lube. The most important part is to have good lube that you trust, and be sure to use it on both yourself and on him for maximum ease. Water-based lubricants work great.

8. The rules about using condoms. Yes, you must use a condom. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that you absolutely must switch condoms in between vaginal and anal penetration.

9. Relax, but yes it might hurt a bit. You're reading this because you don't want it to hurt, right? Well, I promise it'll be OK but yes, it might hurt a bit at the start. The key is to pause as you need to.

10. Get ready to take full control. This one is key, OK? You, ladies, are the ones that need to be in control. This is a different experience for you, and you need to gently guide him in, not the other way around.

Next Up: 15 more anal sex tips

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11. Double the pleasure stimulation. One of the surefire ways to enjoy the experience is to simultaneously be receiving, ahem, additional stimulation. Have him use his other hand to rub your clit or, once you're really into it, use a vibrator either on your clitoris or for vaginal penetration.

12. No need to get an enema or wax. You don't need to get an enema (ew) or get a wax back there. While you certainly can if you want to, it's not a must to enjoy the experience.

13. Make sure you practice your breathing. One of the most essential things I've learned in my, well, practice is that relaxed breathing is key. When your man is about to make the grand entrance, so to speak, inhale a deep breath and then slowly breathe out as he enters.

14. Start with a position you can relax in. Some people prefer doggy style, and knees turned in can open the hips and take pressure off the sphincter muscle. However, many women prefer to lie flat on their backs with a pillow under the butt to start. Try whatever way makes you feel most comfortable.

15. You can try starting with sex toys. An easy way to start is by having your man start with a little penetration, either during sex or cunnilingus, using a small or bullet vibrator (turned off, if that's easier). A finger works fine, too, and should be used to stretch you out slowly before the penis gets involved.

16. Be open to having an orgasm. Yes, an anal sex orgasm is possible! The female cul-de-sac (the sensitive area on the lower wall of the vagina) makes one possible without other stimulation. You can also have an orgasm if you are having anal sex and he is simultaneously stimulating your clitoris or vagina.

17. What it feels like when he starts. Look, there's no way to put this nicely. When he begins to slide in the head of his penis, you need to exhale, relax and push out as if you are using the restroom. The pressure from his penis and the different sensations will probably make it feel, at least at first, as if you indeed are using the restroom. Relax. You're not. Your nerve endings are tricking you. Have him stop just after the head is in, and give yourself a few minutes to get used to the discomfort and pain.

18. Eat fiber. You'll basically feel really full. With the note above, it's probably good to mention that there is a small chance that you will have leftover feces in your anal canal. Eating a fiber-rich diet always helps, but don't be afraid if this happens. It's natural, and yes, a bit gross.

19. It's OK to start really, really slow. Just after he is in, have him slowly (very slowly!) rock back and forth. Allow about five to 10 minutes for your muscles to start loosening up and for that weird "wait, am I pooping?" moment to subside.

20. Remember what this is really about. This isn't about you fulfilling some sort of fantasy. This is about your mutual enjoyment, so focus on yourself as much as on him. He needs to understand and be patient until you're comfortable to keep going.

21. Bad experiences happen because he's too eager. Another reason why you need to be in control? Simply going in fast or having vigorous anal sex is exactly why women get injured and have bad experiences. If he's not good at controlling himself, lie on the side so that you can stop him with your hands and he can have easier access to stimulating your clitoris.

22. Have him talk you through the discomfort. It's important to keep the lines of communication open throughout this process. Make sure he is constantly checking in on how you're feeling (especially at the start) and make sure you're honest about how you're feeling. If you've gone far enough for tonight, that's OK too. There's nothing wrong with not getting to the finish line just yet. You can try some of the early stuff, and pause. Remember, take it slow. We're not in a rush here.

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23. You'll might need baby wipes. Just saying. Keep baby wipes nearby in case you do have an incident with leftover feces. Have them by the bed so that he can quickly grab one and clean up when he pulls out.

24. Let him be attentive and communicative. You should both be communicating before, during and after the act about your feelings on it. Be open and understanding to his needs, but demand the same.

25. In the end, it's OK if it's not for you. But yay if it is! Give yourself points for trying something new, and don't hesitate to try it a few times if the first time you just weren't feeling it. While it may not be my favorite thing on the menu, a good time once in a while can be pure magic.

Originally published Oct. 2014. Updated Sept. 2016.

Miley Cyrus is in a whole new phase of her life.

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From the controversial, twerking, pot-smoking star she's been known as in the past, Cyrus is toning things down to fit a more family-friendly mold in her new role on The Voice, her first regular TV gig since she appeared on Disney's Hannah Montana as a teen.

Now, she's navigating her fame as an adult and trying to use it to its full potential to give back to the world. The 23-year-old star sat down as Elle magazine's cover model and answered some questions about her new image and how she's using it to change the world.

One of Cyrus' most surprising statements is that she doesn't plan to appear on any more red carpets.

"[A year ago] I had to do the [A Very Murray Christmas] premiere, and I will never do a red carpet again," she said. "Why, when people are starving, am I on a carpet that’s red? Because I’m 'important?' Because I’m 'famous?' That’s not how I roll. It’s like a skit — it’s like Zoolander."

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Cyrus' upcoming role in Woody Allen's Amazon series, Crisis in Six Scenes, really captures that activist part of her personality, she said.

"I’m playing this ’60s revolutionary. Woody plays someone who grew up in the suburbs of New York. He’s got an ice cream machine, and I’m like, People are starving and you’re sitting here making ice cream?! That’s my thing [in real life]. For a long time, I couldn’t sleep because I just felt so guilty. I was covered in rashes because I was so stressed. Even today, I dropped my water on my hike and felt like such an asshole. There are children being sold into sex slavery; how can I go on a hike right now? So now I try to do as much as I can through Happy Hippie."

And never one to back down from politics, Cyrus shared the advice she's giving to her contestants on The Voice this season: "I don’t want this to come off the wrong way, but I’m going to tell my contestants: Be Bernie Sanders. Be the person people want and love. Don’t worry about the masses. That’s how you make a memorable moment. Let people talk about it."

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What surprises you most about Miley Cyrus' new image?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I only made $6.25 an hour when I started working a fast food job in 2001. This was higher than minimum wage, which was $5.15 at the time, but still I found myself barely able to scrape by.

"I'm not sure I can even afford my rent this month," I told a friend who asked why I couldn't grab a coffee. She didn't understand and started giving me financial advice.

I'd heard it all before: cut down on small unnecessary expenses, buy in bulk and save. But there was no money to save, nothing I could cut back on, no extra hours to pick up at my job, and little time to search for something with higher pay, more hours and benefits. I also couldn't afford to do things like buy in bulk and would often buy a single roll of toilet paper.

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The truth wasn't that I was irresponsibly throwing away my hard-earned money on discretionary items but that my rent and necessary bills were much higher than my income. I was taking home about $700 a month. My rent — for a one-bedroom apartment in one of the poorest neighborhoods in my city — was $630. When you added my utilities, transportation costs and food, I simply could not afford it all without help. So, I received food stamps, frequented food pantry shelves and applied for a rental subsidy from a local nonprofit to get by.

Many fast food employees today have to supplement their income with public assistance, just like I did. According to a report by the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education, nearly 50 percent of all fast food workers have at least one person in their household receiving public assistance.

This isn't solely because the wages are too low, of course. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average fast food worker only works about 25 hours a week. But although some are teenagers and part-time employees by choice, and others can't work 40 hours a week, many have their hours limited by their employers despite their ability and willingness to work a full week.

This was the case for me and many of my coworkers. Our manager wouldn't schedule us for more than 35 hours in a given week. Most weeks it was closer to 30. If an extra shift was available, we'd all jump at the chance. We all needed more work, we all needed the money.

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A few months after I started, I got a 50 cent raise. But that still wasn't enough. I still qualified for food stamps and the housing subsidy. I still couldn't save, or buy in bulk. I still felt like I couldn't work my way out of poverty. My wages were just too low. Even if I was able to consistently pick up 40 hours a week, I would still be poor. What I needed to survive was a living wage.

That's what the $15-an-hour movement is asking for — a wage that enables workers to pay their rent and bills, feed their families, afford transportation and cover all other basic needs without assistance if they're working 40 hours a week. It's not a handout, nor is it a call for fast food workers to make more than EMTs, teachers or other low-salaried workers. Those people should make more as well. It's simply a call for a fair wage for hard work.

And I'm not trying to say that a person's value or right to basic needs is somehow tied to the number of hours of paid labor they put in each week. Some people just can't work a full week and public assistance should be available to them.

But for those able and willing to work 40 hours a week — whether it's serving burgers, cleaning offices or stocking our grocery stores — they should, at the very least, be able to pay rent and utilities, put food on the table, afford transportation and daycare, buy toilet paper in bulk and even afford birthday presents for their kids.

My coworkers and I would frequently talk about our struggles between breakfast and the lunch rush, while cleaning tables or restocking salad dressing. We would talk about all the things we wished we could give our kids and how much we missed them. Many of us had dreams. Some of us wanted to go to school. Others wanted to work their way into a managerial position. And others just wanted to someday find a salaried job with benefits. But not a single one of us was happy spending nearly a third of our lives — which was closer to half for those of us with long commutes on public transportation — at a job that didn't even pay us enough to provide for our families. We just didn't see a way out.

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We felt trapped. As do many Americans today. And it's getting worse. Moving up from minimum wage has become more difficult. In fact, almost one-third of workers earning minimum wage don't work their way up for at least a year, an increase from one-fifth in the '90s.

And although the federal minimum wage has increased to $7.25 since my burger serving days, so has the cost of living. That one-bedroom apartment that cost me $630 in 2002 would likely be rented out today at $900 a month. This doesn't leave the fast food employees today in a much better position than I was over a decade ago. People are still struggling despite their hard work.

But they shouldn't be. They should be able to at least earn a living.

From sushi burgers to sushi burritos, our favorite raw fish dish has undergone quite a makeover from its austere roots. But mosaic sushi — the mind-bogglingly beautiful new trend — might be the best yet.

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I think what makes mosaic sushi so lovely is the fact that it's really showcasing the ingredients, not trying to make them appear to be something else. The order of mosaics also seems totally in keeping with the intended simplicity of the best sushi — it's totally gorgeous, yes, but there's a geometry to it too.

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There are mosaic sushi rolls too. They're just as pretty but seem like they would be a whole lot more complicated to make. I might take 15 extra minutes to arrange my sushi into a cute checkered pattern, but figuring out how to roll one of these bad boys is best left to a pro, methinks.

And I know what I said about austere simplicity before, but TBH, this whimsical take on mosaic sushi is probably my favorite.

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