Before I had a baby, I felt I had finally gotten my personal and social life pretty much in check.

I had successfully edged out needy acquaintances that sucked up more of my energy than their time was worth. I limited my time with family members who were annoying and relegated their visits to holidays and necessary rite-of-passage events. And I ghosted on exes who were never anything but toxic (but whom I had previously kept around for unknown reasons, perhaps part ennui and part ego). I also didn’t usually interact with people in public, whether at the grocery store or on public transportation, and I certainly didn’t expect strangers to come up to me to ask really personal questions or try to touch me.

Then I had a baby.

More: To My Friends Who Don't Like Babies: I Was Once You

The carefully designed boundaries (that I had spent years, in some cases, solidifying) all came crashing down. All kinds of people, some of whom I hadn’t heard from in years and many of whom I never wanted to hear from ever again, came out of the woodwork wanting to talk to me and wanting to meet the baby. And honestly, if it weren't for the baby, I would have been tempted to break out the pepper spray against some of these folks — like the completely random accosters on the street.

Here are five types of people you’ll meet as a new parent, whether you like it or not.

Anti-children friends

These are people you formerly considered just, you know, your friends. You grabbed a beer with them or went to a concert or enjoyed dinner and wine at the coolest new restaurant. Now that a baby is in the picture, they still want to hang out, but they make it pretty clear that they wish you didn’t have a baby in tow. They’ll keep talking about their racy date or crappy boss while your baby is hollering and clearly requires your attention. They won’t understand why your focus isn’t completely on them; they'll slip subtle things into the conversation like, "Remember before you had the kid and we had so much fun doing...?”

Other moms

Having a baby suddenly grants you membership into the mom society. Only it's a club that doesn't offer any benefits, just a constant barrage of questions and unsolicited advice. Moms will pass you on the street and nod, like an acknowledgement that you’re both a part of this secret society that's not actually secret at all. Moms at work will approach you and ask weird development questions about your baby, and you can tell they’re sizing your little one up to see how they compare with their own kids. “Is your baby crawling yet?” they’ll ask, and then lay it on about how their baby started crawling at just 4 months — and reading at a year.

More: Did Feminism Destroy Common Courtesy Toward Pregnant Women?

Strange people on the street

This one is definitely the creepiest. Suddenly, complete and utter strangers will approach you on the street everywhere you go; they'll comment on your baby, and they'll ask you invasive questions you don't want to answer. It would be one thing if this were just the grandma types cooing over how cute your baby is. But no, the passersby who suddenly want to talk to you will run the gamut from Lonely Gal With Mom Issues to Man With Ripped Clothes Muttering to Himself — and everyone in between. And beware: Some will also try to touch your baby. Don’t be afraid to run interference with hand wipes and rejection.

Family you haven’t seen since you were 3

There were cousins I hadn’t talked to since, well, before I could talk who came out of the woodwork the minute my baby was born to demand pictures and visits and buy him clothes that were so far from our style — or anyone's with halfway decent fashion sense — that every outfit went straight into the donation pile. Sure, it’s sweet that Aunt So-and-so wants to be a part of our lives now; it’s just that the first few months of your kid's life are actually the worst time ever to find room in your calendar (around feeding and sleep schedules and the million and one other things you haven’t caught up on) to entertain new guests you haven’t seen since you were in diapers yourself.

The ghosts of romances past

I’m friends with an ex or two on Facebook, but we'd reached a point where we largely ignore each other and have moved on with our lives at a respectful distance. In fact, I was so disengaged with them that Facebook’s algorithm didn’t even cough up their content in my feed most of the time. Then the baby was born — and all of a sudden I started seeing them everywhere. They liked every post and commented left and right. They started sending me messages, and some even called asking to visit and meet the baby. A wise person once said something about letting sleeping exes lie. I tend to agree, especially when a baby brings you one step further into your new life.

More: The 8 Parents You'll Meet as a New Mom

Everyone says having a kid changes everything. But I never realized until it happened to me how much it changed the people around me as well. Maybe one day when my baby isn’t a baby anymore, the constant barrage of questions, comments, jabs and "wisdom" will stop. But maybe by then, I’ll be the old lady sticking my head into someone else’s baby stroller — aching with nostalgia and invading their privacy all at once.

It's Monday, which means you woke up, flicked on the coffee machine and immediately asked yourself, "What are Chrissy Teigen and baby Luna up to?" Fine, maybe that was just me. Because enjoying 18-month-old Luna's toddler years vicariously is just so much fun. (All of the cuteness of parenting with none of the tantrums, sleep deprivation, potty-training or general sticky mess.)

This weekend, Teigen posted a photo of herself with her mini-me — both of them sporting avocado-print long-sleeved swimsuits — on Instagram. She captioned the very 2017 pic, "Last day of cookbook shooting!!" Teigen hasn't announced a release date for her second cookbook, the follow-up to her popular Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat, but we can wait indefinitely if it means more pics like this in the meantime.

More: Mom-Shamers Bummed Out Because Chrissy Teigen Triple-Checked Luna's Car Seat

Can you even? The only thing that would make that photo even better would be if John Legend joined the ladies in a matching avocado onesie of his own. In lieu of that, we present to you another treat provided by Teigen: a video clip of Luna talking. Yep.

Teigen's caption on the vid speaks a truth many of us feel: "I am living for this age. Give me all the 18 month olds." No? Still not enough cuteness for you? Fine. Here's Luna organizing her parents' spice rack with great efficiency and focus.

More: Chrissy Teigen's Mouthwatering Recipes

And one more: Luna saying "cheese." Because this child gives us the strength to soldier on in uncertain times. You can keep coffee; we'll take Luna.

Picking a first name for your baby is stressful. You want it to be unique (but not too unique), and yet at the same time you want something kind of classic that will stand the test of time. No pressure, right? At least middle names exist, too; that's where we get to have a little fun.

Whether you stay traditional or go for quirky with your little girl's middle name, it's all about creating the perfect flow between first name and last. We've gathered up some of our favorite middle names to get you started.

More: Baby Girl Names With Great Meanings She Can Be Proud Of

Old-fashioned middle names

Certain traditional middle names never go out of style. Some parents choose these based on a family name that was passed down from generation to generation; others decide to pair a unique first name with a more traditional middle name. Many celebrities have gone this route — after all, the most popular middle names for girls are Grace, Rose and Louise. Pretty classic.

Here are some traditional middle names, plus first name options to consider.

Rose:

Flower names, such as Tulip or Daisy, also make great middle names. But Rose is by far the top choice. Here are some examples:

• Myla Rose: daughter of Tennis champ Roger Federer
• Seraphina Rose: daughter or Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
• Alabama Gypsy Rose: daughter of Drea de Matteo & Shooter Jennings
• Dolly Rebecca Rose:  daughter of actress Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O'Connell
• River Rose: daughter of Kelly Clarkson
• Briar Rose: daughter of Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen
• Winnie Rose: daughter of Jimmy Fallon

Louise:

• Paloma Louise: daughter of Ugly Betty's Ana Ortiz
• Anja Louise: daughter of Alessandra Ambrosio
• Olivia Lou: daughter of comedien and actress Wanda Sykes
• Poppy Louise: daughter of Jenna Bush Hager

More: Exotic Girl Names That Are Just Quirky Enough

Other traditional middle names to consider include:

• Katherine
• Margaret
• Ashley
• Ann
• Beatrice
• Lynn
• Marie
• Jane

Attribute middle names

Another popular middle name trend is using a baby name that describes a characteristic you hope your child will embody. These names were (unsurprisingly) common in the Puritan era, and we've recently seen a spike in their popularity.

Here are some celebrity examples of popular attribute middle names for girls:

• Heavenly Joy: daughter of producer Rodney Darkchild Jerkins
• Megan Hope: daughter of Days of Our Lives actress Alison Sweeney
• Daisy True: daughter of actor Meg Ryan
• Emery Hope: daughter of Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn
• Finley Faith: daughter of Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn

Other qualities that would make great middle names include:

• Patience
• Honor
• Mercy
• Charity
• Prudence

Nature-inspired middle names

Names inspired by the seasons and the natural world are also a big trend — as are, apparently, first names that start with the letter H.

• Joscelyn Skye: daughter of AJ Langer
• Heaven Rain: daughter of Brooke Burke
• Harper Willow: daughter of Dave Grohl
• Harlow Winter: daughter of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden
• Harper Moon: daughter of Eddie Vedder
• Violet Moon: daughter of Sarah Shahi and Steve Howey
• Jagger Snow: daughter of Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross

Pro tip: If you choose a longer first name, consider a short middle to help keep things balanced. Also, picking a more unique middle name is a great way to get creative without sticking your child with an out-there first name they have to use on the daily. That's what Zooey Deschanel did with Elsie Otter, and we think Elsie is happy about it?

Originally published January 2013. Updated October 2017.

We're gonna go out on a limb here and guess that, like us, you have experienced at least a handful of DIY beauty treatment disasters. Beauty bloggers sure have a way of making all those fruit/oatmeal/salt/oil masks seem like the best thing to happen to our skin since Botox — but the end result is typically a huge mess and a pile of disappointment. But don't give up on homemade skin care just yet, because turns out good old-fashioned honey is the real deal — and you can keep your treatments with it super simple.

"Raw honey is incredible for your skin thanks to its antibacterial properties and hefty serving of skin-saving antioxidants," natural beauty expert Kim Wallace, founder of kimberlyloc.com, told us. "Whether you're looking for an inexpensive DIY solution or a powerful skin treatment, raw honey can help you regain your glow."

More: Celebrate the Official Start of Pumpkin Season With a Decadent DIY Face Mask

Wallace shares four of the main skin-saving properties of honey.

• Acne: Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention.
• Aging: Full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging.
• Complexion boost: It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow.
• Pores: Honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog.

1. DIY honey mask

Wallace tells us that one of the easiest things you can do with raw honey is layer it on as a mask. “Raw honey can help unclog pores while simultaneously delivering moisture to parched skin,” she says.

Apply a thin layer of raw honey to slightly damp skin using a circular motion. Leave the honey for at least 30 minutes and then gently rinse it off with warm water. “You'll find that it easily washes away, leaving you with soft, radiant skin.”

2. Honey spot treatment

Try zapping pesky zits with honey. “If you're suffering from a breakout, reach for a swab of honey instead of an overly drying over-the-counter pimple cream,” Wallace advises. “Applied ever so lightly, you can sleep with a dab of honey on your face and awaken to less-stressed skin.” Swirl a small amount of honey onto a cotton swab and dab onto your blemish. If you want a little extra boost, Wallace suggests mixing the honey with tea tree oil and lavender oil for additional natural cleansing.

3. Honey cleanser

Though it's not meant for removing delicate eye makeup, honey still makes a good cleanser. “It is amazing at dissolving other makeup, especially when mixed with your favorite natural plant oil and spices,” Wallace tells us. She suggests creating a mixture of honey and oil (try coconut oil or jojoba oil) to form a balmy texture that is slippery enough to slide across your face. “Add in a dash of cinnamon, turmeric or nutmeg for an aromatic treat. Massage the concoction over your face, loosening up heavy makeup and moisturizing your skin at the same time.”

More: 8 Amazing Natural Skin Care Tips

4. DIY honey exfoliator

You can exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle scrub made with two parts honey and one part Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. “Baking soda offers light exfoliation while the honey soothes and smooths the skin,” explains Wallace. “Don't be shy about using this recipe from head to toe — your arms, legs and feet will also benefit from this simple yet effective concoction.”

5. Honey bath

Once you start dealing with dry winter skin, turn to honey to soothe. “As the seasons change, your skin can go into overdrive trying to rebalance itself to the conditions. Warm baths with soothing ingredients can keep your skin in check,” affirms Wallace. “Add two cups of honey to a running bath to create body-smoothing bliss. Soak for 15 minutes and then add a cup of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for your final 15 minutes to help rid your body of dead skin cells without irritation.”

Originally published September 2013. Updated October 2017.

We’ve all heard the excuses. “There aren’t more movies about women and for women because no one would watch them.” “Female-driven movies don’t do well at the box office.” “Women aren’t funny.” (We’re still wincing over that last one to be honest.) But then, every so often, a movie like Girls Trip comes along to smash those excuses. And, you know, the patriarchy.

More: Why Jada Pinkett Smith Boycotted the Oscars

There are many things to love about this movie, the primary one being that it puts four empowered women front and center. Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish star as lifelong friends who head to New Orleans to attend the annual Essence Festival. Suffice it to say things get wild enough in the Big Easy to earn the movie every bit of its R rating.

With the film being released this week on Blu-Ray and DVD, Pinkett Smith hopped on a call with us to chat about the roles women play in Hollywood… both in front of and behind the camera.

Coincidentally, Pinkett Smith and Latifah (or “La” as Pinkett Smith has affectionately dubbed her) starred together in another movie about four strong women. That film, ‘96’s Set It Off, featured the female leads as inner-city women driven by their own desperation to bank robbery.

In Girls Trip, the four female leads are each successful in their own way, among them an Oprah-like media maven and a Perez Hilton-style gossip guru.

When asked to discuss how Hollywood has changed in terms of diversity in the 21 years between the two films, Pinkett Smith said with a slight laugh, “We’re making strides, you know? One day at a time, we’re making strides.”

In order to secure more roles of substance for women in general, Pinkett Smith says the key is “just getting more people — more women — in the position to greenlight movies, to recognize these stories as important.”

Part of the rusty Hollywood cog that could use oiling is that of putting men in charge of telling women’s stories.

“If Girls Trip is not your experience, you’re not going to look at it as a movie that’s important to make. In a male-dominated culture that Hollywood can be at times, you would look at this and go, ‘I don’t know if there will be enough women to see this.’ Because that’s your experience,” Pinkett Smith said of the typical Hollywood thought process.

More: Jada Pinkett Smith on Marriage — Break the Rules & Discover a Whole New World

“So that’s why it’s important that we have people in Hollywood that are making these important decisions who come from various backgrounds that look at storytelling through many different kinds of lenses,” she continued, adding, “Because everybody has a story to tell, and all of them are important — all of them! It’s just about building Hollywood in a way that has a broad lens. That’s it. And we’re on the road to do that. We’re doing it, slowly but surely.”

Until the time when women, people of color and other marginalized groups of society are represented behind the camera, Pinkett Smith stresses that women in Hollywood can make a difference just by participating.

“I think even as women, when we take on projects like this as actresses, we have to be courageous enough — and most of us do — to speak about helping to craft the story and craft our characters to more authentic spaces,” Pinkett Smith said.

“Even when we’re just hired as actresses, we have a voice,” she continued, “and it’s really just creating those relationships with our partners to give us that room. I have to give Malcolm [Lee, director] and Will [Packer, producer] a lot of credit, because they really got out of the way in regards to allowing us to come in and craft these characters, craft moments, craft aspects of the story that were just more authentic to our experiences.”

It wasn’t a huge ordeal or contentious back-and-forth, either. In Pinkett Smith’s own words, “There was no debating it. I really give them a lot of credit for that.” They gave these smart, talented, funny women license to be themselves. Are you listening Hollywood?

Although Pinkett Smith is happy to cultivate the conversation through roles, the actor also has plans to spend more time behind the lens too. “Right now, my life is really just about having fun,” she shared with us. “You know, creating beautiful experiences through art.”

Currently, that means teaming up with one young woman in particular: her 17-year-old daughter, Willow.

“My daughter and I are going to do a musical collaboration together, which I’m really excited about,” Pinkett Smith revealed. “We did our first little taster last night at Afropunk [Fest] […] I’m excited to be in one lane with my daughter sharing some creative life with her through music.”

More: We Talked to Jada Pinkett Smith About Being a Real Nasty Woman

If you aren’t already stoked about the chance to see the mother-daughter duo perform, Pinkett Smith left us with one more teaser about what the future could hold — for her, yes, but also for other women in Hollywood.

When asked whether she would ever consider giving a voice to women by hosting a talk show, the actor lingered strategically before responding. And while we can’t tell you precisely what she said, we can tell you this: Smith is “in discussions.”

Girls Trip is out on DVD and Blu-ray now.

After bravely coming forward recently to once again reiterate his claims of his sexual abuse while he was minor, actor and singer Corey Feldman was arrested over the weekend in what he believes was an arrest related to his restatement of his abuse claims. The actor is currently on tour with his band and, according to U.K. newspaper The Independent, Feldman's bus was stopped by the cops. The bus was reportedly stopped because it was speeding, which led to multiple arrests and charges made against Feldman, who was driving on a suspended license, as well as the rest of the band.

More: McKayla Maroney & Other Female Celebrities Share Gut-Wrenching #MeToo Stories

According to the police statement released through KNOE 8 News, the local news station in the city where Feldman was arrested, he "was charged with speeding, driving under suspension and possession of Marijuana. Feldman paid his fine and was released." The police statement indicates that the entire group posted bail and was released shortly after the incident.

This was not the end of the story, however. The event appears to have set Feldman off, and he took to Twitter shortly after his arrest to vent his frustrations about being arrested while making claims about the allegedly coincidental nature of his arrest. In Feldman's opinion, he was arrested in connection with having once again reiterated publicly his claims that he was sexually abused as a child actor by an unknown person in Hollywood.

Feldman went on to call the entire incident a "shakedown" and say it was an annoying run-in, if anything, because apparently once he and his band were released, they posed for pictures and signed autographs with the officers at the station. Oddly, Feldman continued his rant by diverting full force into the reasons he will not continue talking about his abuse or abuser, stating "For the record: I will not be going on a talk show to disclose names of my abuser or anyone else’s abusers. So please stop asking me to do so."

More: Molly Ringwald Was Sexually Exploited When She Was 14 Years Old

More: George Clooney Accused of Misconduct by Former ER Co-star

At this time, there is no substantive evidence that anything related to Feldman's claims of sexual abuse as a minor served as the reason he and his band were pulled over in Louisiana. It seems that for the time being, this event is in the past, and Feldman has said all he needs to say on these topics.

2008 Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars winner Shawn Johnson and her husband, Andrew East, released a deeply emotional YouTube video this week revealing that Johnson suffered a miscarriage — just two days after they learned Johnson was pregnant.

“So, it’s been a roller coaster of a few days. We just got back from the doctor and I’m no longer pregnant. Somehow, I lost the pregnancy already. It sucks. It’s definitely no fun, guys... and having a doctor confirm that we miscarried doesn’t feel good,” Johnson says in the video. “I’ve cried enough today. I don’t need to cry anymore.”

The video begins with the couple explaining that their news is not good — and it's not "the happiest video." Johnson continues, "We feel like a lot of people go through this, so we want to share it... we're here for you guys. We love you guys."

East then says, "You're not the only one going through what you're going through."

The video takes us through a tearful Johnson's discovering — with two pregnancy tests — that she's pregnant. "By the way, we're not trying to have a kid right now. Can it still happen? Were we planning on it happening? No," she says and smiles.

More: Shawn Johnson Wins Dancing with the Stars

East offers his own take in the video that Johnson might be pregnant and addresses their unborn child, "If you are on the way, I love you. I have no idea who you are, what you are or what you’ll be like, but I’m pumped to meet you.” 

But the video takes a turn for the tragic when Johnson reveals she's bleeding and the two head to the doctor, who confirms the loss of the pregnancy. The doctor assures her, "There's no blaming," and explains that the miscarriage was caused most likely a chromosomal anomaly that made the pregnancy unviable.

More: Shawn Johnson Announces Retirement From Gymnastics

“The past 48 hours have been some of the happiest, scariest, and saddest times of my life,” Johnson captioned the video. “My husband Andrew and I found out that we were unexpectedly pregnant, only to find out hours later some tragic news. I have been crying more than I ever have, but am still optimistic for what is next.”

Johnson also holds up some sweet baby Converse sneakers — the ones she gave her husband when she told him she was pregnant — and assures viewers, "We'll use them again, of course."

We commend Johnson and East for their incredibly brave choice to share their difficult journey from pregnant to not in just a couple of days. She's a champion in every sense of the world, and the comfort and solidarity she's no doubt provided for many fans is a gift.

Since meeting on the set of the the Nicholas Sparks film adaptation of The Last Song, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have experienced countless ups and downs in their courtship. But one thing always seemed to endure: their friendship. And after years spent apart, that friendship provided the foundation needed for the pair to reunite last year for good (or so it seems).

More: Miley Cyrus Wants to Break Away From Her Overly Sexualized Past

Will they ever make it down the aisle? That much remains to be seen. What seems more certain at this point, though, is that Cyrus and Hemsworth's life together will never be dull — just check out the evolution of their relationship over time.

June 2009

Cyrus, then 16, meets 19-year-old Hemsworth when he stars as her romantic interest in The Last Song.

November 2009

By August, the pair are officially dating and, in November, Cyrus opens up to Seventeen magazine about Hemsworth. Calling him her best friend, she gushes, "I've never gotten along with someone so well."

March 2010

Cyrus and Hemsworth make their red carpet debut as a couple, attending an Oscars event and the premiere of The Last Song. That same month, she reveals to Parade that he is her "first serious boyfriend."

June 2010

Cyrus drops her new album, Can't Be Tamed, and tells MTV News, "There are a lot of songs that are about Liam. I tell him every one's about him."

August 2010

Hemsworth's rep confirms that he and Cyrus have split after more than a year of dating. Despite rumors that he had gotten super-flirty in Newport Beach with someone other than Cyrus, a source told E! News that Cyrus was just focusing more on her career. "Liam wanted more, but she's 17 and has other priorities right now," said the source. "He's been a distraction."

September 2010

After the pair are spotted running errands around town (including a Panera Bread run), rumors that they are back together fly. An eyewitness claims, "They definitely seemed like a couple again."

November 2010

For the second time, the couple reportedly call it quits. "There was no drama. The relationship just ran its course. They were good friends first and remain friends," a Hemsworth source told People.

April 2011

They sure aren't quitters! Hemsworth and Cyrus decide to give it another shot, with an insider revealing that the couple are "taking it slow and just enjoying each other's company."

December 2011

Make no mistake — Hemsworth and Cyrus are back on. In addition to attending the CNN Heroes Gala in Los Angeles together, the pair make their way to Hawaii for some fun in the sun.

February 2012

Hemsworth gets candid with Details about Cyrus, saying she makes him "really happy."

March 2012

The internet lights up with rumors that Cyrus and Hemsworth are secretly engaged after Cyrus wears a ring on that finger at the LA premiere of The Hunger Games. Cyrus denies said rumors.

June 2012

Mere months after Cyrus denies an engagement, the couple announce their engagement. "I'm so happy to be engaged and look forward to a lifetime of happiness with Liam," she tells People.

November 2012

Cyrus appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she says her wedding "has to be perfect" and "has to sound like a soundtrack in a movie."

January 2013

The couple are spotted having some QT during a vacation to Costa Rica. That same month, Cyrus tells Cosmopolitan, "Number one is my relationship with Liam. That's what I feel the most confident in."

February 2013

Breakup rumors start spreading at a breakneck pace. Cyrus responds to Perez Hilton's accusation that she had cheated with Ed Westwick.

March 2013

Cyrus is spotted without her engagement ring, prompting everyone to assume she and Hemsworth had called off their engagement. Cyrus is over it on Twitter. She does not take kindly to the rumors.

August 2013

In what would be their last red carpet appearance as a couple for quite some time, Cyrus and Hemsworth attend the LA premiere of Paranoia. Later that month, Cyrus would perform her infamous VMAs stunt of twerking on Robin Thicke and simulating masturbation with a giant foam finger. Hemsworth reportedly found it "mortifying."

September 2013

They call off their engagement and split (again). One day later, Hemsworth is photographed making out with 23-year-old Mexican telenovela star Eliza Gonzalez.

More: Miley Cyrus' Emotional Comeback Brought All the Feels to the BBMAs

June 2014

While vacationing with friends in Italy, Hemsworth reportedly tells them that he and Cyrus will "always be best friends."

November 2014

Cyrus breaks back onto the dating scene with Patrick Schwarzenegger, and "Piley" is born.

December 2014

In an interview with GQ, Hemsworth's brother Chris subtly alludes to Cyrus, saying, "I've watched Liam do things I did at his age, like being in relationships he shouldn't be in, or being reckless just to prove a point."

April 2015

"Piley" goes kaput.

July 2015

Cyrus is photographed kissing 24-year-old Victoria's Secret model Stella Maxwell. The pair (maybe) start dating.

August 2015

Responding to the Maxwell rumors in Elle UK, Cyrus states, "I'm very open about it — I'm pansexual. But I'm not in a relationship. I'm 22, I'm going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I'm with."

November 2015

Ever the animal advocate, Cyrus helps Hemsworth adopt a gigantic dog named Dora the Explorer.

January 2016

Once again, the couple are reportedly engaged. A source tells People that Cyrus is "beyond happy" to be back together with Hemsworth.

April 2016

It's a family affair! Cyrus gets matching wave tattoos with Hemsworth's sister-in-law Elsa Pataky (Chris's wife) while on vacation in Australia.

August 2016

On a car ride with her beagle and bae, Cyrus posts an Instagram video of Hemsworth singing the Justin Bieber song "Love Yourself." At one point, he tries to scare her, to which she responds, "Babe, stop, seriously." Fans freak over the rare look at the couple's everyday life.

October 2016

During an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Cyrus (finally) confirms she and Hemsworth are in fact engaged again.

December 2016

Officially out in the open now, the happily engaged couple post a slew of holiday photos on Instagram in which they are being predictably adorable.

January 2017

For Hemsworth's birthday, Cyrus posts a silly photo of the pair on her Insta feed, calling him her "favorite being EVER EVER EVER."

May 2017

The release of Cyrus' new single "Malibu" prompts the singer to reveal that she wrote the song about Liam to reclaim the narrative of their relationship. The album cover photo comes courtesy of Cyrus' hunky beau.

July 2017

The couple continue to cruise along toward their future together, but Cyrus takes a moment to throw back to their sweet beginning on the set of The Last Song.

September 2017

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Cyrus emphasizes that she is in no hurry to walk down the aisle. "I don't envision marriage. I'm 24. I hope I get to live a little bit more," she said. "I have too much living to do [before I get married]."

More: The New Miley Cyrus Hates "Wrecking Ball"

October 2017

During a revealing segment on Howard Stern, Cyrus says she gets butterflies in her stomach when Hemsworth has a hot co-star but that she trusts him... mostly. "I keep my little spies," she teases.

There's some distressing news coming from the soap opera corner of the news today. According to TMZ, over the weekend it appears that The Young & the Restless star Kristoff St. John attempted to shoot himself in the head. It's unclear at the time why St. John attempted to harm himself and furthermore, it's unclear if he intended to merely injure himself or if he was attempting death by suicide. Regardless of intention, however, this news is deeply concerning.

More: Eileen Davidson Left RHOBH to Focus on Her Scripted Soap Roles

TMZ reports that St. John was placed under a psychiatric hold after police officers were called to St. John's house on Thursday, October 19. Initial reports claimed that St. John's ex-wife, Mia St. John, had called authorities to the house, however shortly after TMZ's initial report was posted, Mia denied that she had made such a call. It's been reported that the psychiatric hold was meant to last for 72 hours, in which case St. John is quite possibly back at home at the time of reporting. Additionally, TMZ reported that two guns were taken off of St. John at the time he was taken into custody.

More: Young and the Restless Finally Makes a Decision on Adam Newman

Again, despite there being no official statement from St. John or Mia about this matter, it's believed per inside sources that the upcoming anniversary of the death by suicide of St. John's son, Julian, may have set the Y&R actor off. Julian died by suicide in 2014 at the age of 24. At the time, St. John believed that his son's death could have been prevented had he been properly treated while seeking treatment at the La Casa Mental Health Hospital in Long Beach, California.

More: Greg Rikaart's Exit on The Young and the Restless Is Bittersweet

There are no words to describe how difficult a time this must be for the entire St. John family. Let's hope St. John himself is able to find both treatment and peace.

Single mom Angelina Jolie's not letting her divorce from Brad Pitt keep her down. On Oct. 20, the Oscar winner and mother of six was spotted on the red carpet at a premiere event in Toronto for her new movie The Breadwinner walking hand-in-hand with her kids Zahara, 12, and Shiloh, 11, plus actor Saara Chaudry. Not in attendance this time around were Maddox, 16, Pax, 13, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9.

Jolie is producing The Breadwinner, an animated film based on the novel by Deborah Ellis. The story follows an Afghan girl who must dress as a boy to support her family when her father is incarcerated by the Taliban.

Look, we love our extended families, but it's no secret that the holidays can get hectic — and there are only so many glasses of holiday cheer we can consume to tolerate crazy Aunt Beulah and creepy Uncle Ron year after year. Dealing with the relatives is not always the most ideal way to spend our precious days of winter vacation, and when you add some wanderlust into the mix, well, a solo holiday trip just starts to sound better and better.

And though traveling alone seems a little intimidating, we promise the experience will totally enrich your relationship with yourself in ways you never imagined. Here are some of our favorite destinations perfect for a quick trip on your own.

More: The Rise of Solo Travel Is Redefining What It Means to Be a Woman Alone

1. Hawaii

The air is perfumed with flowers, the beaches are among the most beautiful in the world and packing only means stuffing your most comfy beach essentials into a backpack. All that and an average winter temperature in the 80s makes Hawaii the perfect getaway in the middle of winter's chill. Hawaii is great for ladies traveling alone, since it's remote and exotic but still in the good old U. S. of A. You'll feel like you've crossed the globe, but you're still kind of in our back yard.

2. Singapore

If you're looking for an exotic locale with amazing architecture, spotlessly clean and safe streets and some of the most amazing food in the world, Singapore is for you. Top-notch luxe shopping and hotels with super high-end gambling and dining make Singapore the perfect jump-off point for all sorts of other far-off destinations, including Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand. Singapore is notoriously tough on crime so women on their own can feel free to explore without having to worry about becoming a crime victim statistic.

More: Your Guide to Traveling With Sex Toys

3. Napa, California

Sip your way through some of the most beautiful bucolic scenery in the world on a holiday trip to California wine country. Ride a train or a bike, take a tour or visit one of the area's world-famous spas and keep yourself in the lap of wine-soaked luxury for days on end. There's no need for a travel companion when you're on a boozy, friendly wine tour with a group. Even the staunchest of loners are sure to make a friend or two along the way.

4. New York City, New York

Take in a Broadway play, shop 'til you drop and channel your inner New York "it" girl in one of the Big Apple's world-famous shops, museums, parties, restaurants and who-knows-what-else you might be able to find and get yourself all mixed up in in NYC. All the kinetic frenzy of the city will let the solo traveler lose themselves in the romance of the city that never sleeps. And there's so much going on, you'll never really feel alone.

5. Finland

Take an expedition to the Arctic Circle for an experience of a lifetime, and stay for a few days at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, which offers up "Santa's home" to travelers and otherworldly experiences like staying overnight in a glass igloo, perfect for gazing up at the northern lights. Once you've made it that far north, take the opportunity to visit nearby Helsinki, Finland and Murmansk, Russia. Finland is safe, clean and has plenty of pro-woman policies that make it a friendly destination for women traveling alone. The peace and quiet of this vacation are perfect for a little me-time and relaxation.

More: 11 Gorgeous Glampgrounds to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

6. Whistler, BC, Canada

Hit the slopes in Whistler, British Columbia in Canada, which is among some of the most pristine mountain country in the world. Besides skiing, you can take sleigh rides and dog-sled rides, go ice-skating and, if you're not too afraid of heights, ride a gondola from one mountain peak to another. It's a winter sports paradise any girl could love, and going solo means you skip out on all the drama of competition and just get to have fun. Besides it's international acclaim as a snow sports mecca, Whistler is rugged terrain that's set up to accommodate tourists, so getting around is fairly easy. And besides the occasional French, English is widely spoken.

7. San Francisco, California

Truly one of the most remarkable cities in the world, San Francisco has everything a lady traveling on her own could possibly want: food, shopping, sights and some of the biggest arts and culture draws on the West Coast. Whether you want to sit in a café with your own thoughts, stroll through parks or wind your way down Lombard Street on a bike, you'll never run out of fun stuff to do in the City by the Bay. The city itself is easy to navigate with plenty of public transportation, wide Uber access and every world-class creature comfort imaginable from coffee to clothes.

8. Paris, France

Paris is not just for lovers. The City of Lights is always a good idea for a lady looking for adventure. Gaze at art, graze on the finest foods known to mankind and stroll the streets like a true Parisian. And if you've got the cash, the shopping in Paris, from Dior to Hermès, is second to none. Every woman should experience Paris at least once in her life for a glimpse at the kind of beauty poems and songs are written about. And every woman must, at least once in her life, just sit in a Parisian cafe and watch the chic French ladies walk by and show the rest of the world what true style is all about. There's nothing like it in the world.

9. Canyon Ranch Spa Cruise

Board the Queen Mary 2 or one of the other Canyon Ranch luxe cruise ships for a luxurious spa vacation on the high seas. The cruise has every imaginable spa treatment and wellness amenity to help you relax and unwind on board one of the fanciest cruise ships today. In addition to spa treatments, the staff can set you up with personalized fitness training, and the food is all prepared by the Canyon Ranch staff, who specialize in healthy options. Get in shape for the new year and see the world from a floating spa dedicated to your health and beauty. It's an entire vacation centered around me-time, and you totally deserve it. Not too shabby.

Originally published November 2015. Updated October 2017.

There are a million things to love about being a homeowner. The freedom and the comfort of owning your own space is what the American dream is built on, but let's be honest — having a mortgage payment is stressful AF. Buckling down and paying that puppy off as quick as possible might sound like the best financial strategy, but in reality, it's not always the wisest decision.

More: A 30-Day Money Challenge to Save You Loads of Cash

The refinancing problem

When interest rates are dropping — sometimes hitting record lows — homeowners are often enticed by a lower monthly payment. Whether looking to lower their expenses or targeting the savings toward something else, there are many reasons why a refinance may be beneficial. But the twist is that each time you refinance, if you keep the same loan term (often 30 years), you are continuing to spread the amount you owe over 30 years — again and again. If your ultimate goal is to pay off your loan entirely, each refinance to another 30-year loan sets you back.

Benefits of early payoff

It seems like a no-brainer — that if you have the cash available to pay off your mortgage loan early, you should do it. “Yes, there are benefits to paying off your loan early,” shares Susan Meitner, CEO of Centennial Lending Group, LLC, “the first, and most substantial, is you will pay less interest over the term of the loan. This savings can often be very significant. The second is the psychological benefit of not having a mortgage payment every month — owning your home outright,” she adds.

“If you are paying 5 percent interest on your mortgage and only making 2 percent on investment, it might be a good decision to pay down or pay off the mortgage,” says Peter Grabel of Luxury Mortgage. “You need to accurately determine the cost of your mortgage and the return on investments (after tax) to make an informed decision,” he adds.

Examine your reasons

Not everyone would feel the same sense of relief at having paid off his or her monthly mortgage for good. Grabel encourages people in this situation to carefully examine their reasons for wanting to pay off their mortgage early. “Ask yourself — would you rather have no money in the bank and no mortgage, or have money in the bank and have a mortgage?” Grabel suggests. “There is no right or wrong answer. Some people don't like to have any debt, but having liquidity is important too,” he adds.

Are there any drawbacks?

Don’t just jump into paying off your mortgage loan without some serious consideration into your specific financial situation. “The drawbacks to paying off a loan early would include losing the mortgage interest tax deduction,” shares Meitner. “Another drawback would be the inability to use the money the homeowner has used to pay off the loan to invest elsewhere, at a potentially more lucrative interest rate than the homeowner is saving on interest,” she shares. “If you may need cash to pay for kids to go to college or start a business, you might be very glad you have a mortgage and savings,” adds Grabel.

There may also be prepayment fees assessed by your mortgage lender, which may possibly outweigh the benefit. Meitner shares another reason why prepaying may not be the best choice. “For credit purposes, having a mortgage payment every month builds a better credit profile, especially for someone who does not have a lot of other creditors, making it easier to borrow money in the future,” she says. Along those lines, by giving up your mortgage, you may give up some of the cheapest money you will ever borrow — for good. “Once you pay back a mortgage, it may be impossible or expensive to borrow it again,” says Grabel. “I have seen borrowers pay off a mortgage only to call a year or two later saying they need cash. At that point they may no longer be qualified to borrow, and the interest is unlikely to qualify as deductible interest (per IRS Pub 936 — consult your accountant),” he adds.

More: SheKnows Editors Share Their Smartest Money-Saving Tips

How do you decide?

Grabel suggests that homeowners think long term when making this decision. “A bank will lock in your cost [rate] for 30 years,” he says. “You might not be earning 4 percent today, but can you make more than that on your investments over the long term?” he adds. “A mortgage is probably the cheapest money you will ever borrow, so if you have any other debt (credit cards, student loans) or anticipate needing money in the near future, you should probably not rush to pay back a mortgage,” he shares.

Consider your personal situation and investigate all of these angles before deciding to pay off your home mortgage early.

Resources:

AARP mortgage payoff calculator
MSN Money article on ways to pay off your mortgage early
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau information on mortgages

Originally published June 2014. Updated October 2017.

It would appear that Priscilla Presley is still a devout Scientologist, contrary to recent reports claiming otherwise. Over the weekend, erroneous reports were made by U.K. outlet Daily Mail that Presley allegedly said she was "done" with Scientology and had plans to leave. The only problem was that the initial report was spotty and failed to state to whom Presley had even made her statement of intention to leave Scientology, which only casts doubt on how truthful that initial report was.

More: Leah Remini's Got a Lot Planned for the Second Season of Her Scientology Series

To People magazine, Presley's reps confirmed that Presley was still a member of Scientology and did not indicate whether her affiliation with the church was going to change anytime soon. Presley has been a member of Scientology for years now, and it's rumored she joined the church shortly after the death of her late husband, Elvis Presley, in 1977. For a while, their daughter, Lisa-Marie, was also a Scientologist, but it's believed she may have quietly left the church (she has neither confirmed nor denied this claim).

More: The Craziest, Most Mind-Blowing Things We've Learned About Scientology

The Presleys are among some of the highest-profile members of the Church of Scientology. While actor Tom Cruise is perhaps the face of the church, other celebrity members reportedly include The Handmaid's Tale star Elisabeth Moss, Orange Is the New Black star Laura Prepon and John Travolta. The church has been in the headlines recently for a famous ex-member, Kevin Can Wait star Leah Remini, whose explosive A&E documentary about the church has earned her an Emmy as well as serious attention for the grave claims she has made about the church's practices.

More: Scientology Wants Lisa Marie Presley

For now, though, it would appear there is no separation between Presley and Scientology.

Is it just us, or is playing Twister indoors kinda, oh, hazardous? Someone's always falling off the mat and knocking over a lamp or crashing into a coffee table. It's gotta be the most dangerous family game known to man — but it's also the most fun.

When you take the party outside onto the lawn, however, you remove all the hazards and are free to fall as you please. The best part? Making your own outdoor mat is super-easy. All you need are a few cans of spray paint, and you're on your way to cooking up the best outdoor shindig you've had in years.

More: 7 Halloween Playlists for Every Type of Party

Supplies:

• 4 Cans of spray paint (1 can each in red, yellow, blue and green)
• 5 Sheets poster paper
• A marker & scissors

Make your template

1. Use a round object, such as a plate, to trace a circle in the center of your poster paper.

2. Place your tracing object where you believe the next circle will go, and trace the arch that overhangs on the paper.

3. Cut your shapes, grab your spray paint and head outside!

Lay out the grid

1. Gather your template and one can of spray paint for each color (red, blue, yellow, and green).

2. Repeat this process, changing colors as you enter each new row.

3. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

4. Duplicate this process until you have a total of four rows, one in each color with six circles each.

More: A Simple Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Spray-Painting Mason Jars

No spinner? No problem!

We all know that Twister is a game of odds, and those odds are handed to us through use of a spinner. But, if you don't already own the indoor version of the game, what other options do you have? We came up with a simple way to accomplish the same game of odds with paint chips and paint.

1. To begin, collect matching paint chips from your local hardware store. You will need two matching chips per color, in red, blue, green and yellow.

2. Create a template in the shape of a hand and one in the shape of a foot. Use white acrylic paint to stencil the shape onto your paint chip square.

3. Label one hand and one foot from each color with an “R”, and the other set with an “L.”  This will become your instructions for “Left foot green,” etc.

4. Place your pieces into a bowl or jar that is large enough to stir them around. Between each play, stir your fingers through the pieces, and draw them blindly to create the random draw that would be found if you had the spinner.

Originally published June 2013. Updated October 2017.

We all have complicated and at times unhealthy relationships with food. If you’ve lived with an eating disorder, though, you know that healing your relationship to food and to yourself can be a challenging process that continues throughout your lifetime. Recovery from bulimia, anorexia, binge eating and other EDs is consuming and impacts all aspects of one’s behavior, including sex.

According to a study released in 2011 involving 242 women with EDs, 66.9 percent experienced decreased libido, and 592 percent experienced sexual anxiety. In other words, if you live or are recovering from an eating disorder and sex is an emotional and physical challenge for you, you are not alone. Restricting fat can result in reduced estrogen, and reduced estrogen can lead to reduced testosterone and with that goes the sex drive.

More: 5 Things You Need to Know About Eating Disorders & Your Heart

“It’s important to know that the behavior of restricting food intake can impact the physical aspects of your body that make up your sex drive,” says Morgan Statt, a safety investigator with ConsumerSafety.org. “Specifically for women with anorexia, the malnutrition can change the way nervous system neurotransmitters function, resulting in a decreased libido.”

Treatment for EDs involves a combination of psychotherapy (individual and/or group), medication, nutrition counseling and medical care. Psychiatric medicines like antidepressants and mood stabilizers can impact your sex drive, although this can be a temporary side effect, and can sometimes be changed by adjusting your dosage or switching to a new medication.

Recovering from an ED is as much about healing your relationship with your body as it is about healing your relationship with food. You might want to have sex, but be uncertain or afraid of sharing your body with someone. Your sex drive might increase as you maintain the weight that’s right for you and as you work through the source of your ED with a therapist. Or you might be completely consumed with the task of recalibrating your mind around the lifestyle changes you’re making in recovery.

“Negative thoughts may arise during sex about your body, you may feel uncomfortable being touched and it may be difficult to be fully present,” says Kimberly Hershenson, a New York City-based therapist who treats patients with EDs. "Sex may not be enjoyable while you are still adjusting mentally and physically, but that’s OK.”

Hershenson stresses that while your mind and body are in flux (your periods might also be irregular during recovery, as they might have been before), things can return to normal, and you can enjoy sex again.

“Be patient and gentle with yourself,” says psychotherapist Brooke Novick. “Allow yourself time on this journey to heal, grow and bloom. Know that it is OK if you are not where you would like to be today.”

It’s one thing, of course, to navigate the experience of sex during ED recovery in your own mind, but what about with a partner? What should they know in order to help you feel good about sex and to support you?

“It may be difficult for your partner who is in early recovery to be intimate as often as you would like them to be,” says Novick. For instance, their energy may be focused on following a food plan and not engaging in ED behaviors that they may not have enough time or energy to consider sex.

“This lifestyle will become easier as they progress, but at first, it will take a lot out of them and it will be difficult.” Novick also advises that partners of folks in ED recovery should not take lack of interest in sex personally and that they might want to consider couples therapy for processing feelings that arise so the onus for handling the emotions of the person who isn’t in recovery doesn’t fall on the person who is.

In "Sex and Eating Disorders: A Guide" published in Ravishly in 2015, author Melissa Fabello, in ED recovery herself, urges partners of ED survivors to consider the complexities of their loved one’s relationship to their body and to give them the opportunity to talk about what’s comfortable or triggering for them before an intimate situation arises.

More: What's the Difference Between Binge-Eating Disorder & Just Eating Too Much

Also, rid yourself of the idea that you can presume to know anything about their experience (even if you’ve been in a relationship with or known someone with an ED before — every person is different). An eating disorder can be about control, but it can also be a coping mechanism for trauma.  “Don’t ever assume that because you understand someone’s eating disorder history that you suddenly understand their sexual history, too — or vice versa,” writes Fabello.

As a person in recovery, your highest priority is taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself while you do that. You don’t need to be in any situations that are causing you further stress as you heal, and that includes relationships, sexual or not. “Take recovery one day at a time,” says Hershenson. “It becomes too overwhelming to think that you must maintain recovery behaviors for the rest of your life. Just get through the day following your plan and worry about tomorrow and what the day brings tomorrow.”

By Chanel Dubofsky

A woman’s vagina is a complicated place full of nerve endings, erogenous zones and pleasure points. Even for us ladies, it can be tough to figure out what exactly gets us off. Fortunately, science can also shed some light on what it takes to achieve glorious orgasm — and we’ll take all the help we can get. And that help is here thanks to a very helpful synthesis of data on the subject recently published by Medical News Today.

The impressions we get about sex are by and large through our culture. We’re bombarded with the subject through TV, ads and, of course, porn. Porn in particular has the potential to show people what pleasurable sex looks like, but most of the time it’s focused on the man’s orgasm — not the woman’s, according to a 2017 study by human sexuality researcher and Ph.D. candidate Léa J. Séguin. (Not that we needed a study to tell us that, am I right?)

Plenty of other research supports the fact that women don’t orgasm as often as men in general during sex. For instance, a 2015 study by professor Osmo Kontula from the Population Research Institute at the Family Federation of Finland found that in a pool of 8,000 Finnish women, only 6 percent reported always having an orgasm during penile-vaginal intercourse. Forty percent reported having an orgasm nearly always; 16 percent had an orgasm half the time; and 38 percent had one infrequently. A total of 14 percent of women under 35 had never had an orgasm from intercourse. Damn.

More: 6 Tips for Watching Porn as a Couple

It may come as no surprise that the female orgasm is still being researched because from about 3,000 B.C. up until 1952, doctors thought orgasm was a way to treat hysteria, and after that, people thought women could only come from penile penetration. C’mon.

But don’t worry. 2017 is the year we start to understand how to achieve the female orgasm every time — or at the very least, more often than before — thanks to our good friend science. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the biology of getting off as a woman during sex.

Think positive

Sabotaging yourself with negative thoughts about your performance or not having “erotic thoughts” during sex can majorly lower your orgasm odds, a study of 926 women reveals. Yet thinking positively and using your mind to fantasize can increase your chances to come. After looking at brain MRIs of women visualizing dildo stimulation, Dr. Nan J. Wise says areas of the brain lit up that were “previously shown to be active in the process of genital stimulation leading up to and including orgasm.” Obviously, the brain has pretty strong powers when it comes to visualizing, so use it (and some other things) to help you climax next time you’re under the sheets.

More: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Type of Orgasm

Never underestimate the clit

There have been tons of memes, jokes and all-around confusion about the clitoris, but the upshot, ICYMI, is that it’s pretty damn important. In professor Debby Herbenick’s study in 2017, 36.6 percent of women needed clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm during intercourse. So it’s not needed 100 percent of the time to get you there, but it does enhance the orgasm experience according to 36 percent of the women surveyed.

Next time you’re in bed with your partner or pleasuring yourself, try the motions Herbenick says women preferred the most: up and down, circular movements and side to side. It’s all about perfecting what you like, so if you need time to figure that out, go for it — it’ll make everything a whole lot more exciting.

Know what turns you on

Herbenick polled 1,046 women and 975 men across the U.S. about a list of sexual behaviors and asked if they found them “very appealing,” “somewhat appealing,” “not appealing,” or “not at all appealing.” Ultimately, the women found no category not appealing. But there are 10 behaviors that women found very appealing, and you should take note for inspiration.

1. Vaginal intercourse: 69.9 percent
2. Cuddling more often: 62.8 percent
3. Kissing more often during sex: 49.3 percent
4. Saying sweet, romantic things during sex: 46.6 percent
5. Giving or receiving a massage before sex: 45.9 percent
6. Having gentle sex: 45.4 percent
7. Receiving oral sex: 43.3 percent
8. Watching a romantic movie: 41.9 percent
9. Making the room feel more romantic: 41.3 percent
10. Wearing sexy underwear or lingerie: 41.2 percent

As open-minded as the women were, their idea of what was “very appealing” differed from men’s in certain categories, which means the last and final key advice is…

Talk it out

You might not want to be, but you truly do have to be open about what you like and listen to what your partner says about their own needs. As shown in a joint university study in the U.K., couples who talk about sexual preference, desire and passion tend to orgasm more and don’t experience low sex drives. If it makes you uncomfortable, try writing it down, texting it or even take a shot before blurting it out. Whatever your method, communicating definitely helps and can not only please you, but assure your partner is having their best experience too.

More: 6 Steps for Overcoming Anxiety About Oral Sex

In light of all these studies, it’s imperative to remember Kontula’s point “that women differ greatly from one another in terms of their tendency and capacity to experience orgasms.” To this, we kindly say, "Thanks, science, for confirming what women have been saying for a very, very long time."

But next time you’re thinking your orgasm could get a little better, it’s definitely worth trying these science-proven methods. We know we’ll be taking them to the bank.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Everybody knew something about Harvey Weinstein. That’s the foregone conclusion in most of the stories we are hearing from men and women in Hollywood, including Matt Damon and George Clooney on Good Morning America on Monday.

More: A Timeline of Harvey Weinstein's Life in Hollywood

To their credit, they admitted they knew a few things, but didn’t put all of the pieces together. However, they knew enough that perhaps they should have supported their female co-stars and friends a bit better.

Damon clarified what he knew to GMA host Michael Strahan.

“When people say everybody knew, yeah, I knew he was an asshole. He was proud of that. That’s how he carried himself,” he explained. “I knew he was a womanizer. I wouldn’t want to be married to the guy, but that’s not my business, really.”

Weinstein’s first wife Eve Chilton and second wife Georgina Chapman probably wish someone had made it their business. It might have saved both women a lot of pain and anguish.

More: Kelly Clarkson on Talking to Her Kids About Weinstein & Sexual Harassment

Damon continued to tell his side of the story.

“But this level of criminal sexual predation is not something that I ever thought was going on. Absolutely not. I knew the story about Gwyneth [Paltrow] from Ben [Affleck] because he was with her after Brad [Pitt]. I knew that story, but I was working with Gwyneth, with Harvey, on [The Talented Mr. Ripley]. I never talked to Gwyneth about it," Damon said. “Ben told me, but I knew that they had come to whatever agreement or understanding they had come to. She had handled it. She was the first lady of Miramax, and he treated her incredibly respectfully. Always.”

Clooney, who has always been a strong advocate for women's rights, admitted he knew Weinstein bragged about having affairs with women who were his friends or colleagues.

“Harvey would talk to me about women he had affairs with. I didn’t necessarily believe him quite honestly because it would be to believe the worst about some actresses who were friends of mine,” explained Clooney. “I didn’t think they were going to have affairs with Harvey — and clearly they didn’t.”

Even Clooney didn’t do more than that. He just brushed off Weinstein’s lurid gossip as his own version of locker-room talk. However, Clooney seems truly upset by all of the stories.

More: George Clooney Accused of Misconduct by Former ER Co-star

"The idea that this predator, this assaulter, is out there silencing women? It’s beyond infuriating, and the fact that the story is coming out now? The more it comes out...” he said. “I want to know all of it.”

Both actors were apologetic about missing some of the signs, but it seems like the lightbulb has gone off in men and women. Hollywood has allowed sexual harassment and sexual assault to be swept under the rug for far too long.

“There has to be a comeuppance for all of this,” Clooney said. “All of the people who were a part of that chain. Then we have to make it safe for people to feel that they can talk about this. And in doing that, I think that will scare away that kind of behavior.”

And for anyone in the entertainment industry who thinks they will get away with this horrific behavior, Clooney has a warning for all of the perpetrators.

“You will be outed, and you will be out of the business,” he said. “More than that, you might be prosecuted.”

If you're experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace and are unsure what to do, call the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 800-669-4000 for help.

ICYMI, Paris Jackson is having a bit of a moment. From taking on neo-nazis in awards show speeches to encouraging body positivity, the 19-year-old keeps winning us over. And now, thanks to an Instagram video of Paris singing, we like this free spirit even more.

More: Paris Jackson Is Making a Name for Herself — She's Not Just the King of Pop's Daughter Anymore

The magic took place at West Hollywood's Soho House over the weekend, where her cousin Austin Brown was performing.

Brown shared what happened with Jackson during his performance, captioning his Insta post of the video, "Nothing better than when your little cousin knows the words to your record 'Smile' and wants to sing it with you. Love u so much @parisjackson thanks to everyone who came out to watch @mannythedrummer and I rock out."

More: Internet Trolls Are Attacking Paris Jackson Over This

Two things are readily apparent upon watching this clip. First, Jackson has a fantastic set of pipes. You been holding out on us, P? Second, the tone of her voice sounds so much like her late father, Michael — aka the King of Pop. It could only be a matter of time before she takes the stage of her own accord to carry on his legacy. And, hey, we're here for it.

More: Paris Jackson Put Nazis & White Nationalists On Blast at 2017 VMAs

Paris has paid tribute to her famous father before, a recent example of which is one of her tattoos. The ink reads "Applehead," which was apparently an affectionate nickname Michael's kids called him.

Can a matching music career be far behind? Here's hoping!

If you're anything like us, you've been sitting around sulking on Wednesday nights ever since Sophia Bush left Chicago P.D. And while it won't bring her back, at least Bush has finally addressed the reason for her departure. Well, sort of.

More: Chicago P.D. Is Ruined Now That Sophia Bush Quit the Show

According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was in the comment section of her Instagram account that Bush gave a rare glimpse into her thought process behind the decision.

"Took me a long time and a lot of hard work to get out of that show," she said of leaving after four seasons as Detective Erin Lindsay. "I left because I wanted to. End of story."

More: Sophia Bush on Body Image: 'I'm No Runway Model'

Bush, who has never officially offered an explanation before, did not elaborate. And you know what? We think she's more badass than ever for it — especially since the no-nonsense response was reportedly directed at a troll who claimed her departure wasn't a mutual agreement.

"Please don't demean my capabilities by degrading my position," she continued.

The conversation started when Bush shared a photo on her Instagram feed linking out to an article about the development deal she recently inked with 20th Century Fox TV. According to Variety, the deal calls for Bush to star in a comedy or drama for the studio, as well as serve as executive producer on other projects.

More: Sophia Bush on Starting a New Chapter

Bush said it best when she said of the deal, "Now more than ever, vital female voices need to heard." And we, for one, are looking forward to what she has to say.

Christian Bale is known for transforming for roles, and his latest gig is proving to be no exception. In set photos that have surfaced from his as-of-yet-untitled film about Dick Cheney, Bale is basically unrecognizable.

More: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Christian Bale

Bale, 43, is set to play the former Vice President alongside Amy Adams, who will be stepping into the role of Lynne Cheney. And let's just say they both really committed to looking the part — especially Bale.

So how did Bale complete his Cheney transformation? According to a recent interview with Variety, "a lot of pies." That was what Bale joked he'd been eating in order to gain the weight needed to mimic Cheney.

More: Christian Bale Spills on His Chemistry with Jennifer Lawrence

Of course, the answer is likely a bit more complicated for that. But at this point in his career, Bale probably knows precisely what to do in order to pack on the pounds... and take them away.

For the 2004 psychological thriller The Machinist, Bale shed an extreme amount of weight (guesses put it at half his body weight!) to play a gaunt insomniac. And let's not forget the way he manipulated his looks in order to play the sketchy con artist Irving Rosenfeld in American Hustle.

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Bale is arguably one of the best method actors in Hollywood, so it's not entirely surprising that he would totally immerse himself in this new role. Still, it doesn't make it any less impressive when you see photos of the actor on set and quite literally wouldn't be able to pick him out of a lineup.

Bale was more recognizable as Batman, and he was wearing a mask for half of those movies!