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Here's Why Your Dog Barks All Night Long — & How to Stop It

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You love your dog to pieces, but is it too much to ask for them to shut up at night? If you're trying to figure out how to stop your dog from barking at night, you know what a frustrating situation it is — especially when it seems like they are making noise for no apparent reason.

But your dog probably isn't barking at ghosts that roam the halls of your haunted house. He or she might actually be trying to tell you something.

Up all night

But first the good news. If your dog continues to keep you up at night, even after you have tried every humane method to calm it down, you're far from alone. As the owner of two Chihuahuas, the notoriously "yappy" dogs, I have been woken up many a night from a deep and restful sleep for no good reason at all. In fact, Chihuahuas were named by the Houston Chronicle as one of the loudest dog breeds — along with breeds like beagles, huskies, dachshunds, terriers and basset hounds.

The bad news is that if you just can't get your dog to shut up in the wee hours, you're probably not the only person who has a problem with it. In a 2,000-person survey conducted on dog barking in New Zealand, 75 percent of the participants indicated that they would be bothered by a dog barking at night. Dog barking and howling ranked highest among all other forms of suburban noise pollution. A New York Times article on the same topic confirmed that a nonstop barking dog is one local disturbance that can pit neighbors against each other.

The point is this: Dealing with a dog that won't stop barking day or night is frustrating for everyone. Figuring out the behavioral problem that is causing your dog's barking could save your sanity and keep the peace.

Here's what the animal experts have to say about why your dog is barking all night.

More: 15 Dog Breeds That Don't Bark Excessively

1. Boredom

Just like any human left alone for too long, your dog gets bored, too. And as Heidi Ganahl, founder and CEO of Camp Bow Wow, explains, "If a dog is bored, they are likely to vocalize more often. If dogs are left alone for long periods of time, they can become very bored, especially if there is nothing for them to do. Dogs who are bored should be provided interactive toys such as a KONG or any of PetSafe's Busy Buddy toys to keep your dog occupied until you get home."

2. Fear or alarm

There's a reason we get scared of things that go bump in the night — as humans, we fear the unknown, and dogs also feel the same nighttime anxiety. "If a dog is fearful, they may bark at any noise they hear that is scary to them or startles them. They may also bark as an 'alarm' to tell those around that something is going on that they should be aware of," says Ganahl.

3. Loneliness

While Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture explains that there is not always a universal cause for night barking, loneliness remains one of the top triggers she sees in dogs that can't seem to settle down. Dr. Barrack says, "Dogs are pack animals, so if left alone in another room at night, they may bark to try and get attention. Allowing your dog to sleep in your room should help to eliminate barking due to separation anxiety. If sleeping in your bedroom isn't an option, maybe you need another dog for a source of companionship."

4. Looking for attention

Here's an important distinction to remember as a softhearted animal lover: Attention seeking is different from loneliness in dogs, says Ganahl. She explains, "Many dogs bark for attention, whether they want petting, the food you are eating or something else. It is important that you completely ignore your dog if you feel they are barking for attention, otherwise the barking will continue. If you tell your dog 'quiet,' 'shush' or any other vocalization to tell them to stop, that is considered attention to your dog."

5. Noise sensitivity

Unlike their human companions, dogs aren't able to shut out noise and distraction as easily before bed. According to Dr. Barrack, this is because dogs have such acute hearing. "Although your home or apartment might be very quiet to you, a dog can be extremely sensitive to outside noises and bark in response. Putting on a TV, radio or white noise machine might help block out some of that external noise and hopefully eliminate this cause of bedtime barking."

6. Not enough exercise

This point is a biggie that even Cesar Millan can get behind. Barrack says that if your dog spends all day at home alone while you're at work and has just a few hours of freedom before bed, it only makes sense that it's restless at night. "They have pent up energy, are excited to see you and just want some attention. Exercise is the best solution for this cause of barking. One option is sending your dog to doggie day care where they can have a tiring day, running around and playing all day with other dogs. Alternatively, you and your dog can exercise together. A long walk or run will help tire both of you out before bedtime," she explains.

How to quiet a nighttime barker

While all of these causes can trigger dog barking at night, for Joel Silverman, professional dog trainer seen on Good Dog U on Animal Planet, the solution is simple. When asked about the main culprit behind nighttime barking, Silverman says, "Just stand up and take a look in the mirror."

He continues, "As I have always stated, the completion of the bad behavior is a reward. So you letting your dog play out actions like barking is actually reinforcing it to your dog. It also makes sense that the longer your dog has had this problem, quite often the more difficult it will be to correct."

Fortunately, all hope isn't lost if your dog's barking has been going on for longer than it should. Silverman advises interrupting nighttime barking in a way that does not scare, startle or hurt your dog, while still getting the message across. He explains how to turn a nighttime distraction into a training tool. "You want to make sure that you start off with your dog in a place where he starts to notice, or is aware of a distraction, but is not going crazy. You want to find a way to correct the dog just as he barks. Once your dog responds to the correction, you can move a few feet closer the next training session. Over the course of time, you can see that as he understands to not bark and play out that action, you will eventually be next to the distraction that is making him bark."

More: The 10 Smartest Dogs Breeds Are Some of the Most Popular

A version of this article was originally published in October 2015.


You Can Live in Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake’s Lush Penthouse

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Two questions for you: Have you ever dreamt of living in the home that Justin Timberlake once (probably) sang "Cry Me a River" in? Also, do you happen to have a spare $8 million lying around, just collecting dust, waiting to be used for a good cause?

More: Anna Faris Is Moving, & You Can Buy Her (Expensive) House

Well, if you answered "Yes" to both of these questions, then you're in luck because Timberlake and his wife, Jessica Biel, have put their New York City penthouse on the market. Can you hear that? It's Timberlake gently crooning, "Buy my penthouse..." Sounds good, doesn't it?

According to the real estate company presumably working with Timberlake and Biel to sell this property, Stribling, the penthouse is amazing, top to bottom. A minimalist's dream, the interior (pictured in all its glory on Stribling's website) is all wood and clean lines and white accent walls and an open floor plan that is to die for. Plus, you get a working fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and heated floors and tons of marble in the bathroom.

More:  Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel Are Starting Sex Ed With Their 2-Year-Old

Listed at $8 million and clocking in at 7 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms and close to 2,600 sq. ft. (a veritable castle in NYC's chic Soho district, TBH), Timberlake and Biel's home is stunning. There's plenty of space to house a piano or two (just like Timberlake is currently doing), bask in the glory of downtown NYC from multiple balconies and, best of all, sleep in the same bedroom that Timberlake and Biel slept in. Uh, when can I buy this house?

More: Why Super Bowl LII Viewers Really Hated Justin Timberlake's Halftime Show

Basically, this house is a dream come true and it comes pre-blessed with the good vibes of Timberlake and Biel's tenancy. So, what are you waiting for? Put in an offer ASAP, people!

What Every Woman Needs to Pack for Spring Break

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You’ve already scoped out the most Instagrammable-hot spots at your spring break destination, booked the hard-to-get dinner reservations and started zoning out at work — but there might be a must-do on your pre-vacation checklist you’re missing.

Especially if you’re fleeing the below-zero temps in search of something warm and beachy or spending a luxurious amount of time in water, your health down there needs to take a front seat. From period products to, ahem, vibrators that’ll keep you satisfied — no matter where you are — consider this your vagina’s wish list for your upcoming getaway.

Period products

Unfortunately, you can’t give your period an out-of-office. You can, however, make sure you’re prepared by packing plenty of your period product, which will allow you to sightsee, zip-line, hike or surf without worry. After all, if you’re checking off yet another country from your passport bucket list, you need to know you can go, go, go without any WTF stains. So don't forget those tampons, pads, discs or cups.

More: Unique Wellness Retreats That Go Beyond R&R

Adhesive bandages

Did you really think you could wear your brand-new sandals and walk around an ancient city all day without getting blisters? Even if you just throw them on for dinner, your poor feet will probably be ready for a dip in the pool or ocean as soon as it's over. Protect your feet from further damage (and cover up any open wounds) with some sort of adhesive bandage. Just throw a few in your bag regardless of your footwear plans — they're always handy to have around.

Sunscreen

Yes, this one's obvious, but it's also very important. If you're flying with only a carry-on, either buy some when you arrive at your destination or bring a travel-size version with you. But don't skip the SPF!

Insect spray

Zika may not be in the news as much this year, but that doesn't mean it has gone away. And even if it's not as much of a problem as it was two years ago, no one wants their trip ruined by a bunch of mosquito bites. They're ugly and uncomfortable, so your best bet is to give yourself a good spray before heading outside. And before you use the bad smell as an excuse, know that there are newer versions with somewhat pleasant aromas that don't make you smell like you came straight from a Girl Scout camping trip.

Anti-itch cream

No matter how diligent you are with the insect spray, there's a chance one of those little buggers will get you anyway. After months of planning, the last thing you want to do as you're exploring a new city or sitting on the beach is scratch an itchy insect bite. So throw a tube of anti-itch cream in your bag and spend your time exploring, not scratching.

More: What You Need to Know About the Summer of the Tick

Vibrator

Whether you’re newly single, forever single or just want a little extra somethin’-somethin’ in between the sheets with your No. 1, packing a bulky vibrator for a short jaunt might feel like overkill. Instead, you need something small, discrete and portable that won’t set off the attention of the TSA.

Plan B

Hey, he was cute. You were feeling flirty. The night was young — and so are you. There’s no shame in a temporary romance that leads to a morning-after coffee, just make sure you have another morning-after must-have just in case. For when condoms break or you neglect to use them, over-the-counter emergency contraception is never a bad idea to have for those oops moments. Make sure to take it as close to the act as possible, as recommended by gynecologists. And keep in mind that Plan B may not be available over-the-counter all over the world, so your best bet is shopping ahead and bring it with you.

Condoms

Whether you're on birth control pills or a long-term contraceptive like an IUD, if there's a chance you may be having sex with a new person (which, let's face it, can happen during spring break), you're going to want to pack some condoms too.

Now that you're all packed, make sure you get to the airport on time. Above all, be safe and healthy and enjoy your trip!

We Asked Helen Mirren What She Told Jane Fonda Backstage at the Oscars

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There were many empowering moments at the 90th Academy Awards on Sunday evening — among them the time two iconic women in entertainment, Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren, walked across the stage (hand in hand, no less!) to present the award for Best Actor.

More: 23 Beautiful Moments You Missed During the 2018 Oscars

The gravitas of the moment was not lost on anyone watching. Here were two women who have only gotten more vibrant and sharp with passing years and have proven your relevance in no way diminishes as you age.

Yes, those thoughts flooded our minds: awe, respect, solidarity. But, also, please tell us these female forces-to-be-reckoned-with are friends. Can you imagine being part of that social circle? Oh, to dream.

Accordingly, we couldn't resist asking Mirren that very question when we had the chance to chat with her a few days after the Oscars festivities. Full disclosure: Her answer will only further the major fan-girlfriend-ing that Fonda and Mirren's moment on Sunday started.

"I don't know Jane well — she lives in a far more heightened world than I have ever reached, if you know what I mean," Mirren told us. "But she is someone I really have admired a long time. She is an inspiration, and was an inspiration to younger women when she was a younger woman. She was so fierce, so committed, so courageous... talk about an activist, you know? She is an amazing woman."

Although Mirren explains they haven't had the privilege of spending much time together prior to this point, she's holding out hope that will change now.

"I did tell her that before we went onstage. I just wanted to communicate to her how much respect I had for her and, indeed, love for her. And she was so lovely and so sweet. So I hope we stay friends now," Mirren revealed.

More: A Photographic Diary of Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin's 40-Year Friendship

Do you feel that? At the mere notion that Fonda and Mirren could be friends, it's as though the tectonic plates of the planet have shifted and all is right with the world again. All that's left is for Mirren to land a cameo on Fonda's Netflix series, Grace and Frankie, and our lives will be made.

Of course, in all seriousness, there is much work to be done in the world still. However, Mirren says progress is being made.

"It was very different," she noted of this year's Oscars ceremony. "The diversity was noticeable, absolutely. From even two or three years ago, a substantial change had happened. It's interesting that so many issues are being dealt with or confronted or thought about at the same time… diversity, gender, the Time’s Up movement. It’s like a little cultural — or big cultural — wave breaking up on the shore of our society."

More: Helen Mirren's Most Memorable Quotes

Mirren explained to us she is wholly in favor of the necessary changes that are taking place. She just has one major complaint about these movements.

"I’m just so angry that it didn’t happen 30 years ago!" she told us. "It hadn’t, as far as I could make out from my presence in this world. But it was about time then."

We Can't Believe the Next Bachelorette Is [SPOILER]

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Well, we have our next Bachelorette. And while she's certainly got the makings of a fan favorite, we also can't believe she's putting herself through what could potentially be another round of shameless torture sponsored by ABC. That's right: It's Becca Kufrin.

Kufrin was brutally dumped by Arie Luyendyk Jr. just weeks after he proposed to her on the finale of The Bachelor. Luyendyk went crawling back to his runner-up, Lauren Burnham, and Kufrin was left to pick up the pieces of her shattered fairy tale. And yes, ABC's cameras were solidly in her face the entire time, including during the actual breakup. If anything ever should have been a private moment, it was when Luyendyk told Kufrin he was breaking off their engagement to ask Burnham to take him back. Instead, we saw every heartbreaking second play out, uncut and unedited. ABC should be ashamed for exploiting a woman that way.

More: How All of Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s Bachelor Exes Reacted to the Finale

We expected Kufrin to fulfill her contractual obligation to appear on After the Final Rose and then turn and run, not walk, as far away from this network as humanly possible. Instead, during the special, it was announced that she'll be the next Bachelorette. I mean, if anyone deserves love, it is undoubtedly Kufrin. She is one of the strongest, most put-together women we've ever seen on this franchise, and the way she handled that breakup with so much poise and dignity is nothing short of inspiring. But Becca, there has to be a better way. ABC has shown it gives not one single shit about Kufrin. The network is willing to torture her however it has to to get those sweet, sweet ratings. Ugh.

"She's just been so incredibly strong," an ABC executive told Entertainment Tonight. "She really knows how to handle herself, and she's taking this in stride and you can't help but love her."

Honestly, that statement is gross considering Kufrin's strength was a direct result of ABC's mistreatment of her. But ultimately, this is all Kufrin's choice, and she seems fully invested in being the Bachelorette and having a chance to rewrite the terrible ending to her reality TV story.

"It was easy [to say yes] once I got past the initial heartbreak," she said after the announcement. "I have so much love to give. I just, I want to be the best damn Bachelorette I can be. I want to find love. I'm ready to do this."

More: The Biggest Problem of The Bachelor Finale Had Nothing to Do With Arie

We wish her the best even though we're proceeding with caution after seeing how ABC has already used and abused her. Here's hoping she gets better treatment as the lead.

Usher's Marriage Is Officially Ending

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Usher's marriage may be ending, but he appears to be taking it in stride. He was just spotted last week at the WME pre-Oscar party, where onlookers say he "was in a good mood and hugging people hello." Now, just days later, he and his wife, Grace Miguel, have announced they've been separated for months and are heading for a divorce.

More: 9 Reasons Usher Should Punch Justin Bieber Right Now

Usher and Miguel were married for two years and together for nearly a decade. On Tuesday, March 6, they issued a joint statement about their mutual decision to end their marriage.

"After much thought and consideration we have mutually decided to separate as a couple," their statement read. "We remain deeply connected, loving friends who will continue supporting each other through the next phases of our lives. The enormous amount of love and respect that we have for each other will only increase as we move forward."

At least it sounds like this is amicable. Usher and Miguel started dating in 2009 after Usher split from his first wife, Tameka Foster, with whom he shares two sons, ages 9 and 10. He proposed to Miguel in 2015, and then they quietly eloped and had their honeymoon in Cuba. They've seemed happy ever since, but kept their private life out of the spotlight.

More: Drug Abuse Allegations Surface in Usher Custody Battle

Late last month, Usher may have hinted at his breakup. He posted photos from getting a new tattoo on Instagram, cryptically captioning one of them, "new era // new ink." Is the new era in his life being single again? It's definitely possible. The new tattoo, which covers the entire underside of Usher's chin, can only be seen briefly in a video the singer posted, but appears to be a sort of mandala design.

Usher gets a new tattoo after his breakup

Usher gets a new tattoo after his breakup

Insiders Say Tori Spelling's Family & Friends Are Really Worried

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Updated March 7, 2018, 7:30 a.m. PT: In exclusive interviews with Us Weekly, people close to Tori Spelling say her friends and family are increasingly concerned for her health following her March 1 breakdown that ended in police being called to her home.

"Her friends and family are all very, very worried," an insider told reporters, adding that constant fighting with husband Dean McDermott is probably a huge factor in Spelling's allegedly precarious mental state. "You would think the cheating, money problems and constant arguing would be enough for Tori to decide to divorce Dean, but she refuses to even discuss it. Tori believes a divorce would label her as a failure."

Meanwhile, the family's long-publicized money problems reportedly continue.

"They are heavily in debt," the insider said, and they've moved eight times in the last seven years. "Tori has had enough of Dean’s moaning about not being a working actor and is demanding he get a real job to support their family."

The source said Spelling is expected to pick up McDermott's slack, and she relies heavily on her mother, Candy Spelling, to make ends meet.

"Candy pays for all of the kids’ expenses," the insider said.

Even more troubling for friends and family, the source explained, is that amid all her problems, Spelling is considering having a sixth child.

"She is more concerned with perception than her own relationship," an insider told Us Weekly. "It’s just very sad."

Hopefully things start looking up for Spelling and her family soon.

Updated story, March 1, 2018, 5:50 p.m. PT: New details have emerged mere hours after initial reports broke about Tori Spelling's alleged breakdown, which resulted in two separate phone calls to police. One phone call happened late Wednesday evening, and the second was made in the early hours of Thursday morning.

While it wasn't originally clear why the police were called, we may now know the reasoning thanks to further investigation. According to Entertainment Tonight's ongoing coverage, a source claims that Spelling's alleged breakdown was caused by a variety of concerns related to her marriage, her children and her finances. "There are several things that led up to this, and she really couldn't take the pressure any longer,” the source reportedly told ET. "[Spelling] tries to be the best mom she can be, but with five children and terrible financial issues, her marriage has suffered tremendously."

A source claims that that initial phone call on Wednesday night was reported to be classified as a "female mental call," resulting in the police responding. According to the source, it may have happened after some stress or possibly a fight occurred between Spelling and her husband, Dean McDermott, and McDermott possibly leaving the residence for a couple of days before unexpectedly returning home.

"She had no idea he had walked in the door and it scared her," the source says. “She is obsessed with trying to make her relationship with Dean work despite all their issues. Her breakdown came after she and Dean had been fighting. She literally was hysterical and, sadly, the kids were home and everyone was scared. [...] She is under far too much pressure."

The source also claims Spelling has been "so overwhelmed" with the pressures of motherhood and raising her children, to the point that it may have kept her from getting out of the house. "She spent weeks at home alone with her family," the source claimed to ET. "She has not been active on her social media and also stopped talking to almost all her friends."

Spelling made headlines in 2016 after she was sued by American Express for $87,000 in credit card debt. Additionally, in late 2016, she was also sued by American Express for an unpaid bill of more than $38,000 and was also made to pay an additional $855 in court fees. She had apparently been borrowing money from her mother, Candy Spelling, in order to assist in these payments.

Neither Spelling nor her reps — nor anyone directly related to Spelling, as it happens — has released a statement at this time. Whatever the cause is for her distress, we can only hope the turmoil subsides quickly and that she, as well as her family, is able to find a safe and happy resolution to the concerns.

Original story, published March 1, 2:30 p.m. PT: Tori Spelling may or may not be going through something serious right now, and the reports emerging from multiple news outlets seem to indicate the former. There is one report in particular from a former contestant on The Bachelor (of all places) that implies there were warning signs of trouble with Spelling just before the calls were made.

More: Tori Spelling Put Makeup on Her 9-Year-Old & the Internet Isn't Having It

TMZ reports that on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 28, the police were called to the Spelling residence by Spelling because she believed that someone was breaking into her home; it was her husband, Dean McDermott. While TMZ's report has yet to be updated, we know that the police were called back to the Spelling home early on Thursday morning local time, although it's unclear at this time, as E! News' follow-up report notes, who called and why the police were called again, although TMZ speculates this could be linked back to what they're alleging is Spelling's breakdown. The police visits have now led to an investigation by authorities.

For the most part, there seems to be no immediately discernible reason there would be discord or cause for worry about Spelling's mental health or her well-being. However, there's a chance that something could be simmering just beneath the surface, if there is any truth to the comments popular Bachelor Nation personality Corinne Olympios (yes, the Corinne Olympios) made to Entertainment Tonight.

More: Tori Spelling Wants a 6th Kid, Because The Brady Bunch

During the daytime on Wednesday, Olympios recalls that she got to spend some one-on-one time with Spelling while the two were taking part in filming an episode of the yet-to-premiere Facebook cooking show Secrets in the Sauce. Olympios notes that the whole experience was surreal, mostly because she never thought she'd be hanging out with Spelling, but also because Spelling appeared a bit quiet, tired and withdrawn.

"This is the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me in my life," Olympios told ET. "The host of the show said [Tori] wanted to stay and hang out to meet me. We were kind of chatting, but she was kind of silent."

When it seemed like Spelling was tired, Olympios said, "I was thinking, 'Well, she does have five kids.' She was saying it's stressful, it's a lot. Someone was joking around with her like, 'Don't go home yet, say you're getting a manicure.' She was like, 'Oh my god, yeah right.'"

MoreWhy Can't We All Just Be Happy for Tori Spelling?

Perhaps the most troubling detail is that at one point, Spelling was given gifts for her kids from the show, and Olympios recalled, "[S]he kept dropping them [and] kept picking them up. [It was] like her mind was somewhere else." The police were called just hours after this incident.

Neither Spelling nor her reps have released a statement at this time. It's still unclear whether this is something truly worrisome or just a blip on the radar, so let's hope for the best where Spelling and her family are concerned.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Mattress in a Box

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We buy everything online these days, from books to groceries to lingerie to, yes, mattresses. And though buying something so large and so tactile online can seem strange — is it really wise to buy a mattress without testing it first? — there are a ton of benefits to going the mattress-in-a-box route over the traditional innerspring mattress showroom experience. If you're considering buying a boxed mattress, here's everything you need to know.

What makes a boxed mattress different?

Boxed mattresses vary from traditional innerspring spring mattresses in a number of ways. The best is probably that you don't have to go to a mattress showroom to deal with pushy salespeople and confusing seasonal pricing in order to get your hands on one. Companies like Casper, Leesa, Tuft & Needle and more all sell online.

Delivery: Traditional mattresses are hugely bulky, and getting them inside your home can require an extra set of hands and pricey shipping and delivery. Mattresses in a box are compressed and stuffed into a large box you can easily fit through your door, and most companies offer free or cheaper-than-average shipping.

Material: Boxed mattresses can be made of a variety of materials. Most of them do not have inner springs and are instead made up of layers of memory foam, latex and other proprietary materials. It depends on which company you go with, so make sure to do your research if you have a preference.

Cost: In general, mattresses that come in a box are less expensive than their showroom counterparts (the exception being Ikea). These companies don't have to worry about footing the cost of rent for all their showrooms, nor do they have to worry about paying salespeople to staff them, so the cost is lower. You can get a mattress in a box starting at about $600 for a queen-size depending on the brand you choose.

Setup: Most mattress-in-a-box companies ship their products straight to your door. Once you unbox, the mattress will need up to a day to properly fluff up to its full size. You can use a traditional box spring with your mattress in a box, though most work just fine on a platform bed or a slatted base too. Many companies have a generous trial period, so you can sleep on your mattress for a while before deciding if you need to return it. That's a relief — mattresses are an investment, and making sure yours is comfortable is essential.

More: Things to consider when buying a new bed

How supportive are boxed mattresses?

Like traditional innerspring mattresses, you can find boxed mattresses at different levels of firmness. In general, they offer more consistent support than a traditional mattress, though some models offer variable firmness in each mattress to support the contours of your body. They do also tend to be a little softer than an innerspring mattress due to their foam content.

How long do boxed mattresses last?

Most companies selling mattresses in a box claim that their mattresses will last at least 10 years, though some, like Nectar, offer a lifetime guarantee. Traditional innerspring mattresses will last at least seven to 10 years, but often longer.

More: How to clean a mattress in 6 simple steps

Will boxed mattresses make me hot at night?

The first boxed mattresses that came out were mostly made of memory foam, which is notorious for making hot sleepers feel even warmer than usual at night. Luckily, these days, most companies use different layers of foam to create channels that will keep you cool.

More: How to make your bed the most comfortable place on Earth

So, is getting a boxed mattress worth it?

That depends! If you do have the chance to try one out (at a friend's or at a store) before making the purchase, then you should definitely do that. But even without testing one first, if you're on a budget, don't want to deal with salespeople at a mattress showroom and don't have any super-specific support needs, then it's definitely worth a try. Since most of the mattress-in-a-box companies have generous trial periods, at worst, you'll end up sending it back and getting a traditional mattress, but at best, you'll have a hassle-free experience that costs hundreds of dollars less than buying an innerspring mattress. Sounds pretty good to me!


M&M’s Is Releasing 3 New Flavors, & You Can Choose Which Ones Stick Around

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When you're stuck in a line at the grocery store waiting to be checked out, chances are you're standing face-to-face with a very strategically placed assortment of candy. If you're anything like me, the first thing your eye is drawn to is the package of M&M's seemingly calling your name, asking to be eaten. Of course you can't resist the temptation, so you grab a bag and open it right there.

Now, what if I told you your candy decision-making was about to get three times harder? Don't worry; this is actually good news.

More: Aldi Groceries Will Now Be Sold at Kohl's

M&M's announced today three new limited-edition flavors — Crunchy Espresso, Crunchy Raspberry and Crunchy Mint — will soon be hitting store shelves for a limited time, but only one will end up sticking around for the long haul, and that decision is actually up to us!

Yup, M&M's is asking us to try out these new flavors and vote for our favorite. Now, this is an election I can honestly say will have a great outcome and will be way less stressful than other elections. To vote for your fave new flavor, take a “selfie” at flavorvote.mms.com and click the sticker with your favorite flavor pick. If you'd rather, you can also vote via twitter by tweeting #VoteCrunchyEspresso, #VoteCrunchyRaspberry or #VoteCrunchyMint. And if those weren't enough ways to vote, you can also text the word “VOTE” to 84444 where you will be asked for your favorite flavor.

More: Millennial Pink Lettuce Is Now a Thing, & We Would Feed It to Unicorns

No matter what flavor wins, though, the future looks sweet: Each candy is filled with dark chocolate and raspberry, mint or espresso flavoring with a rice-crisp center. We wish we could keep them all around to be honest.

All three flavors are available in select stores now, but will be available nationwide starting April 1, with voting going on thru May 25. However, we'll have to wait until August to learn the winning flavor, and that flavor will get to stick around for 18 months.

Voting is so stressful!

ABC Is Pouring Millions of Dollars Into the American Idol Reboot

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ABC is full steam ahead on its revival of American Idol, and as more details about the show emerge, it becomes clearer and clearer how much stake the network is putting in this idea. If the new American Idol flops, it's going to be very, very bad news for ABC.

More: American Idol's Reboot Is Stirring Up Some Behind-the-Scenes Drama

The Wall Street Journal just released some of the financial information about the show, including the judges' salaries. Katy Perry, easily the most hypeworthy judge on the panel, is making a staggering $25 million for the season, just short of the $30 million paid to Simon Cowell, a much larger draw for viewers due to his abrasive judging style during the show's heyday. Country star Luke Bryan is reportedly being paid $12 million, while Lionel Richie is set to receive $10 million for the season.

Basically, ABC is betting big bucks audiences are ready for a revival of American Idol, even though it's been fewer than two years since the so-called final episode aired on Fox. And while Idol was massively successful in its early years, by the time Fox canceled it at 15 seasons, it was losing money for the network. In short, this is a risky investment and a very bold move by ABC.

Plus, there are the rumors of sexual misconduct that have been plaguing host Ryan Seacrest in recent weeks. While the allegations made against him have failed to pick up as much steam as those that toppled the careers of Harvey Weinstein, Brett Ratner, Kevin Spacey and other powerful men, Seacrest felt the backlash at Sunday's Oscars, when many A-listers refused to stop to answer his questions for E! on the red carpet. Will the questions surrounding his career affect Idol's viewership? The network has the option to cut Seacrest loose and hire a new host for the new show, but an ABC exec who spoke to The Wall Street Journal said the network is standing by Seacrest.

More: Apparently, Kim Kardashian West Wants to Be an American Idol Judge

The revival of American Idol is set to premiere March 11, and we'll probably start to get some answers then. Until then, though, we can't help but wonder: What is ABC thinking?

How Men Can Continue to Support the Time's Up Movement

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2018 kicked off with the Time's Up movement at the Golden Globes in January. Both men and women dressed in all black to symbolize the power and strength of the movement. In addition to the wardrobe, pins were worn, hashtags were used and symbolic photos were taken. However, that’s not enough.

More: Emma Watson Is Bringing the Time's Up Movement to the U.K.

While female powerhouses in the entertainment industry like America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Reese Witherspoon and Shonda Rhimes formed a legal defense fund to aid women who “have experienced sexual harassment or related retaliation in the workplace,” their mission is not only to fight sexual assault and harassment in the workplace, but fight inequality in all industries as well.

Now that we’ve seen powerful women step forward for an action plan, what are the men doing? Without the support of men in the workforce, the entire Time's Up movement becomes shallow and nothing but a mere blip on the radar.

Here are three steps men can take to support opportunities for women in the entertainment industry and allow females to have the same growth that men have had for decades.

Take action

Ryan Murphy put his money where his mouth was long before the Time's Up era even came into play. He created Half, a foundation that aims to have 50 percent of all the director jobs on his shows filled by women, LGBTQ individuals and people of color. Murphy admitted to The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, "I personally can do better.”

And do better is exactly what Murphy did. As his Half website states, “Less than one year after launching Half, Ryan Murphy Television’s director slate hired 60% women directors and 90% met its women and minority requirement."

Instead of just talking, Murphy saw exactly where he could help fill in the gaps in the entertainment industry by tackling his hiring practices on his own shows. It’s something Shonda Rhimes has also done on her show portfolio, but it’s time for other people to step up.

More: Women Are Dominating the 2018 Oscars in Surprising Ways

Speak up

William H. Macy is another great example of a man who doesn’t need a fancy hashtag. When Shameless costar Emmy Rossum was locked in a tough contract negotiation with Warner Bros. TV and Showtime, it was Macy who explained very colorfully that she deserved equal pay.

William H. Macy speaks up for Emmy Rossum

William H. Macy speaks up for Emmy Rossum

“They wrote the Equal Rights Amendment in 1927; it didn’t get passed by both houses of Congress until 1972. It still hasn’t been approved by all the states," he told TMZ in December 2016. “It’s about fucking time, don’t you think?”

Rossum said Macy’s public and private support meant the world to her.

Emmy Rossum appreciates William H. Macy's support

Emmy Rossum appreciates William H. Macy's support

"As it was happening, I'll tell you the person who supported me the most was William H. Macy," she said in a Hollywood Reporter interview. “To have the man counterpart on my show be like, 'Yes, she does deserve this and more' was so validating. And after it became public, it was a quick resolution.” 

More: Time's Person of the Year 2017 Honors the #MeToo Movement

Give money

While $500,000 donations from Witherspoon, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Aniston helped seed the initial Time’s Up campaign, it’s almost more meaningful when men contribute to the fund. We are talking about men who contribute money because they really believe in the cause, not actors like Mark Wahlberg who donate their salary after a controversy surrounding a film.

Seth Meyers jumped in with $50,000. Gerard Butler and Edward Norton each gave $10,000 and Aziz Ansari donated $5,000 before his own #MeToo scandal surfaced. If men are willing to come forward and help fund this important movement, it shines through with more authenticity than any Time’s Up button or words in an acceptance speech.

The tide has turned and women are done with making 80 cents to the dollar compared to men — and that is Caucasian women we are talking about. According to the Economic Policy Institute, that number goes down significantly for women of color — black and Hispanic women are paid only 65 cents and 59 cents, respectively.

It’s time for men to make this a team effort to help enforce safe working conditions and ensure equal pay for women. The more they embrace the Time’s Up movement beyond a red carpet fad, the sooner all industries will see progress.

What Is Protein & Why Is It Important?

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Most of us are familiar with the macronutrients of fat, carbohydrates and protein. Of the three, protein has a consistently good reputation. It’s reported to keep you full and build muscle, which makes it hard not to love. But what is protein exactly, and what does your body do with it? SheKnows health editor Dr. Elizabeth Yuko broke it down for us and shared a few interesting facts about protein.

First, let's go over the chemistry: Proteins are compounds made up of amino acids, and there are at least 10,000 different types that serve distinct functions. For example, proteins make up essential parts of our bodies, like muscles, bones, organs, hair and skin, and they’re also important to vital bodily functions like carrying oxygen through the blood, regulating the immune system and repairing tissue. Plus, protein is brain food. The amino acids in it help with concentration, memory and alertness.

Protein can be found in animal foods like meat, poultry, fish and dairy, but that doesn’t mean vegetarians and vegans are out of luck. Seeds, beans, nuts, tofu and even peas are good sources, too. And you don’t need a lot of it. Most women only need about 50 to 60 grams of protein every day — the equivalent of about 4 ounces of chicken and 1 cup of cottage cheese.

Watch the video above to learn more about satiating and delicious protein.

This post was powered by thinkThin®.

Meg Ryan & John Mellencamp Might Be Wedding-Planning

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John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan may have had a slightly rocky relationship in the past, but it seems like things are back on track for the longtime on-again, off-again couple. And now, there are rumors they're solidifying their relationship even more by finally tying the knot. Could it be true?

More: Meg Ryan & John Mellencamp Are Back Together, Making the World Right Again

The couple spends a lot of time at Mellencamp's beachfront mansion on Daufuskie Island in South Carolina, and other residents of the island have been noticing some strange behavior lately. They told Page Six Ryan and Mellencamp have been seen out and about all over the island, and the places they've been spotted and things they've been shopping for seem to indicate they're putting together some kind of celebration. Ya know, like a wedding.

Unfortunately, Ryan's rep shut that speculation right down, just telling the site, "Not true." But if Mellencamp and Ryan were trying to pull off a quiet, private wedding, it would make sense they'd instruct their reps not to spill the tea. So while we're not exactly hearing wedding bells yet, we're not writing this off as just a baseless rumor, either.

More: Sorry Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan Is the Real Star of Top Gun

Regardless, Mellencamp and Ryan are one of our favorite celebrity couples. They've had their speed bumps since they started dating in 2011. They even broke up for a few years starting in 2014. But last year, they got back together and have seemed to be solid since. And with all their history, it's no wonder they realized they needed to give this thing one more shot. But whether or not they end up getting married, their love is the important thing, and that's clearly there.

Hoda Kotb Addresses Marriage Rumors: 'He Will Be With Me the Rest of My Life'

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As regular Today viewers, we can start to feel like we really know the hosts of the show. They just share so much of their lives with us on a daily basis. Realistically, though, we only know what they decide to share. And in the case of Hoda Kotb and her longtime boyfriend, Joel Schiffman, that hasn't been much. How serious are they? Are they getting married? We've never had an answer to that until now.

More: Hoda Kotb's New Today Salary Might Shock You — & Not in a Good Way

Kotb gushed about her relationship with Schiffman to Entertainment Tonight this week and finally opened up about whether all those wedding bell rumors will ever come true.

"I have never teased a marriage — the Internet is teasing a marriage," Kotb said. "I met the right man at the right time in my life, and Joel is the perfect fit for me. The fact that I found the man I've dreamt of and the life I've dreamt of at this stage in my life should let other women know sometimes if you wait, it comes later."

She continued, "Joel is not only a great life partner, he will be with me the rest of my life."

When she puts it that way, it sounds like she doesn't have any reason not to tie the knot with Schiffman. And they do have a 1-year-old daughter, Haley Joy, together, so they're clearly in this for the long haul. But at the end of the day, if Kotb and Schiffman get married or don't, it's up to them. As of now, they seem to have decided not to, and there's nothing wrong with that.

More: Matt Lauer's Replacement Has Been Named, & Yes, It's a Familiar Face

What matters is their relationship and that they're both happy, and from this interview, that very much appears to be the case. Marriage is just a legality, after all, and doesn't affect their relationship or the love they share.

What International Women's Day Has to Do With Health Care

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When you think of International Women's Day, health and wellness may not be the first topic that comes to mind, but in reality, there's a strong connection. The first International Women's Day had its roots in the labor movement and was organized by women primarily working as garment workers. While they were rallying for improved working conditions, including improved hours and pay, there were also other factors in play: health and safety.

Early 20th-century garment factories (or any factories for that matter) were not known for their strict health and safety standards in the workplace, let alone how the long hours and minuscule pay was affecting the workers' well-being during off-hours. Now, more than 100 years later, we can and should use IWD to highlight other concerns regarding women's access to health care.

More: What Is International Women's Day & Why Do We Celebrate It on March 8?

Medicine is not one-size-fits-all

Medical and health care technologies are advancing at such a rapid pace that sometimes it's hard remember how these breakthroughs happen. In most cases, we gain medical knowledge and know-how through research: organized clinical trials later published in peer-reviewed medical journals. While that's great in theory, it could be problematic in practice if different groups — like women — are excluded from the research.

Historically, in clinical research involving conditions that affect both men and women, most of the subjects were men. This means that the findings were then generalized and applied to women. But given size, hormonal and physiological differences in various bodies, this doesn't exactly work. Signs and symptoms of conditions may be different between men and women, and treatment — especially dosage of medications — isn't typically the same for everyone.

The most obvious example of this is heart disease. For years, we were told that the signs of a heart attack involve clutching an arm and your chest and collapsing on the ground. While that is true in some cases for men, heart conditions present in completely different ways in women, centered more on extreme fatigue and what feels like indigestion. We know that now because of what doctors have witnessed in clinical practice as well as more recent research. One of the many reasons these misconceptions about heart disease in women lasted so long was because they were excluded from much of the early clinical trials.

More: Knowing the Signs of Cardiac Arrest & a Heart Attack in Women Could Save a Life

Then, on top of this, women's pain is taken less seriously than men's. Researchers at the University of Maryland found that even though women reported more severe levels of pain at more frequent rates than men, their pain was treated less aggressively. The study hypothesizes that because women have more effective coping mechanisms for dealing with pain, it may contribute to a general perception that they can put up with more pain and in turn don't require the same level of treatment. On top of that, the researchers found that often, women's pain is also overlooked because doctors dismiss it as being "emotional" and not worthy of the same care as men's pain.

So what's the solution? Like many deeply ingrained problems with health care culture, there is no quick fix. But a good first step is paying attention and getting others to do the same. Greater awareness of this is needed in order for more people — doctors and patients — to start taking women's pain more seriously, and International Women's Day is a great time to start making noise.


Table Manners 101: Your Guide to Teaching Kids

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Does it feel like teaching your young kids table manners is an impossible feat? Well, for one thing, it's not impossible. And for another thing, it's never too early.

After all, from the lunchroom to the boardroom, kids will inevitably have to eat in front of others throughout their lives. And unfortunately, the task of ensuring the eating-in-public experience is a positive one for all involved falls to us, the parents. "Meals are one of the primary ways humans connect with others," says Elisabeth Stitt of Joyful Parenting Coaching. "When meals are pleasant and people well-mannered, they are nourishing to the soul as well as to the body and strengthen the connection in families."

So roll up your sleeves, keep your elbows off the table and get ready to dive in to our Table Manners 101 crash course for kids.

More:  10 Books to Read With Your Kids for Women's History Month

Teach napkin skills

Napkins are a crucial component of a polite meal. Teach kids to use napkins to keep their faces and hands as tidy as possible, but also remind them to keep those napkins on their laps — not on the table. Why? Because nobody wants to look at a dirty napkin while they eat, duh. Also, remind kids not to spit food into said napkins, because you never know when those bits might tumble out again later. Ew.

Model how to sit down (& sit up) at the table

Maybe you're dealing with a superslouch or a kid who refuses to sit down to eat or one who repeatedly gets up and down from the table during a meal — in general, turning dinnertime into a distracting event for all. To ward this off, start early by encouraging dinnertime conversation even with the littlest kids. That said, keep your expectations reasonable; toddlers won't typically sit for an hour-long dinner no matter how hard you try. "The most important table manners lesson for any child is learning to sit at the table for a reasonable length of time — at least 20 minutes for children under the age of 3, and for older kids, up to 30 minutes," says Melanie Potock, pediatric speech language pathologist and feeding specialist.

Explain chewing etiquette

Nobody wants to see the inside of your mouth when you're chewing food. Nobody. Explain to kids that chewing with the mouth closed is where it's at. Additionally, according to etiquette coach Jennifer Porter, it's important to instruct kids to chew their food thoroughly (to ward off impolite gulping but also, more important, choking) and to wait to speak until their mouth is empty of food.

More: How to Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems — at Any Age

Engage young kids in table-setting

Kids as young as 3 and 4 can learn essential table manners, such as how to set the table properly (with help) and when to use which utensils, according to Stitt. "Teach that utensils are used to cut food into bite-size pieces — and to keep our hands away from the food," she explains. Be prepared with gentle reminders, but also model proper table skills so kids can learn from your example.

Stick to "use your words"

Teach kids that they should practice using their words during mealtime. That includes saying please and thank you and never dashing off without being excused. Also, encourage them to thank whoever prepared the food for their time and energy. You can also model good mealtime conversation skills (even with very young kids) by developing conversation routines, such as asking everyone at the table to talk about three things they experienced today. "By setting a routine, preschoolers know that they will get their turn [to talk], and that helps them learn to be good listeners to others," notes Stitt.

More:  Affordable Family Spring Break Destinations

Table manners are an essential skill set kids need to learn — and starting that learning process young helps. While you certainly shouldn't worry about setting the table perfectly and keeping kids planted on their rears for an hour-long fancy dinner (um, you are a parent, after all), teaching these few key points will keep kids — and their tablemates — well-mannered and well fed.

"When you teach children table manners, you are teaching them more than simply chewing with their mouth closed and keeping their elbows off the table," explains Porter. "You are teaching them to respect the people in their family and community by sharing their best self." Is that the nicest way ever of looking at napkin skills or what?

Barbie's New Collection Honors Badass Women, & We're Here for It

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Winning Women banner

We live every day like it's International Women's Day, and that's why we're totally here for Barbie's newest collection. The brand announced it will release a line featuring 17 dolls, all in the likeness of trailblazing women from herstory as well as the present day.

The new dolls include three historical figures: artist Frida Kahlo, aviator Amelia Earhart and NASA mathematician and physicist Katherine Johnson. The collection also features 14 living legends, including Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Chloe Kim, director Ava DuVernay and conservationist Bindi Irwin. Each doll comes with educational information about the contributions that her namesake (and face-sake?) has made to society.

Barbie New Collection

Barbie New Collection

Ava Duvernay Barbie

Ava Duvernay Barbie

More: Whether She's LGBTQ or an Ally, the Newest Barbie Is Awesome

"As a brand that inspires the limitless potential in girls, Barbie will be honoring its largest line up of role models timed to International Women's Day because we know that you can't be what you can't see," Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and general manager of Barbie said in a press release. "Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real life role models to remind them that they can be anything."

Chloe Kim Barbie

Chloe Kim Barbie

More: New "Curvy" Barbie Will Actually Look Like Our Daughters

To be honest, Barbie dolls haven't always been the most feminist toys to buy for your kids; the brand has previously been lacking in diversity and has certainly promoted unhealthy beauty standards. But it's definitely begun to turn things around over the past few years by adding dolls from different ethnic backgrounds and with more realistic body shapes.

Although an official release date has yet to be announced, this new collection is arguably the biggest step forward because (at long last!) it features a diverse group of women and provides a fun way to educate kids about these badass trailblazers. Now can we please bring Abby Wambach Barbie back already?

Britney Spears' Child Support Battle Has Reportedly Taken a Dramatic Turn

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Britney Spears recently completed a successful residency in Las Vegas to the tune of over $137 million, but all is not well between the pop star and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. Apparently, a "source" spilled the tea to Us Weekly, telling the outlet that Federline has requested an increase to the (wait for it) $20,000 per month he currently receives from Spears in child support.

“[Federline] could have threatened to cut off access to the kids, but has not," the source said, referencing the period of time in which Federline had full custody of their two sons while Spears sought treatment for mental health problems.

Now that Spears is in good health, she and Federline share joint custody of 12-year-old Sean Preston and 11-year-old Jayden James.

Britney Spears With Sons

Britney Spears With Sons

More: You Won't Believe Who Britney Spears Is Bringing on Tour With Her

"She’s angry Kevin is asking for more money, because she pays for everything," the source added. “Those boys are her world. She is an amazing mother... Yes, she has her career. But her job as their mom is the most important role in her life."

Meanwhile, Federline reportedly claims Spears' comeback is largely due to the fact that the boys are back in her custody. We're curious for an explanation of how he reached this conclusion, but it looks like that mystery will be one for the ages.

Britney Spears With Sons 2

Britney Spears With Sons 2

More: Britney Spears Made a Political Statement on the Eve of Christmas Eve

Also according to said mystery source, Spears believes her monthly $20,000 child support check is being used to cover the expenses of Federline's four (did you know about this? We did not know about this) other children from a previous relationship. Both Spears and her dad, Jamie, plan to fight this demand every step of the way — and Jamie has assured his daughter he won't allow her to be taken advantage of. Way to go, Pops.

Well, if all these reports are to be believed, it's looking like Spears' drama days may not be quite over yet. But hey, she's stronger than yesterday.

How to Tell a Friend You're Concerned About Their Relationship

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When you think your best friend is in an abusive relationship, bringing it up to them can be difficult. You don’t want to jump to conclusions, and it’s important to know you may risk losing your friend if they’re reluctant to talk about it. This doesn't mean you shouldn't say anything. As a friend, this can be a very sad and painful thing to witness, especially when you care about someone and are worried for their well-being. So, here are some common signs to look out for if you suspect your friend is in an abusive relationship…and how to talk to them about it.

Your friend starts to abandon beloved hobbies & routines

This is a common sign of an abusive relationship. Before getting in the relationship, your friend used to paint, sing, volunteer and do everything they were passionate about. Now, they don't do anything anymore. “If she doesn’t seem thrilled or clear about why she's giving them up, there may be some emotionally abusive manipulation happening at home,” explains Annie Wright, a licensed psychotherapist.

Your friend seems overly concerned with wanting/needing to check in with their partner

This has less to do with their desire and preference to be with their partner and more to do with your friend’s fear of their partner’s reaction to making plans without them. “Usually, it doesn't look like the typical courtesy of needing to check a partner's calendar — it looks like heightened anxiety when thinking about how the partner might respond if not checked in with about the plans first,” explains Wright.

More: How to Identify & Fix a Motivational Imbalance in Your Relationship

You start to notice a drop in your friend's self-esteem

Relationships should build people up, not bring them down. “There may also be an escalation in her own negative self-talk that doesn't seem to correlate with any major change in her life (weight gain, job loss, etc.),” says Wright. “This could be a clue that she's being negatively impacted by emotionally abusive messages she's getting at home.”

Begin the conversation by telling them how much you care about them

And be sure to use "I" statements in order to minimize defensiveness, says Bianca L. Rodriguez, a licensed marriage and family therapist. “For example, 'Debra, I want you to know how much I care about you and value our friendship. There's been something on my mind that I've been wanting to talk with you about. I feel really worried about your safety when I see X raise his/her voice at you.'” 

Wait for your friend’s response

It's very likely they will minimize their S.O.'s behavior. After all, one must be in denial if they are participating in an abusive relationship. “Don't attempt to convince your friend of anything as this will lead to a power struggle. Instead, inquire if she ever feels afraid of her partner, express your earnest concern for her safety and recommend that she seek professional help,” says Rodriguez. Ask, “Do you get scared that X is going to hurt or yell at you if you come home late?”

Be someone safe they can talk to

Usually, people who are being emotionally abused are too scared or ashamed to talk about it and won't proactively bring it up, says Wright. “It can be helpful to let your friend gently know that if anything at all is going on for her, you want to be a confidential person she can share with.”  Reiterating to your friend that you’re there for them may be all you need to say to have them open up.

More: 11 Little Things That Can Totally Transform Your Relationship

Be positive about suggesting therapy

If your friend doesn't seem to be open to talking with you about what's going on, it may be a good idea to bring up the possibility of talking with a therapist. “You can let her know about any positive experiences you've had working with one (if you have) and/or share stories of people you know who had positive experiences,” says Wright. “Planting the seed of your friend seeking out professional help to cope with what's going on at home can be a great support if gently suggested and not insisted upon.” 

Be loving yet affirmative

When people are being emotionally abused and are starting to internalize that abuse. Once you notice a drop in their self-esteem, their vitality, their joy, and their overall good opinion of themselves, do what friends are supposed to do for each other. “Heap lots of love, praise and positive feedback on her. She probably really needs to hear this,” says Wright.

Continue to recommend they get professional support

“Abusive relationships are very insidious. Often the person is afraid of what their partner will do if they speak up or try to leave. They likely have also been manipulated to the point of no longer trusting themselves,” says Rodriguez. You can’t be her only main source of support, so continue to suggest your friend get professional therapeutic or legal support if necessary. You’ll be saving her self-worth and possibly her life.

If you or anyone you know may be experiencing emotional or physical abuse, please don't hesitate to contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

Chrissy Teigen Mourns the Loss of Her Dog Puddy With Dozens of Pics

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Chrissy Teigen mourned the death of her beloved dog, Puddy, on Instagram Wednesday, March 7 with a series of Instagram pictures celebrating the pup's life.

Teigen shared that she and husband, John Legend, got Puddy during their first year of dating.

More: Chrissy Teigen & John Legend Gearing Up to Use Their Last Frozen Embryo

"10 years ago, on May 30th, I found the dog that would be there for us through every up, down, new house, new city, new tour, new travel," Teigen wrote. "He welcomed new pups and loved on new babies and new bellies. He was there for everything. Every time I needed a taste tester, someone to kiss or needed to sob into his stinky rolls, he was there. It’s true what they say. We are their entire lives and it is the greatest shame that they can only bless us with a short spark of time in ours. I always knew I would lose a piece of me when he left us. I feel the hole now. I will love you forever, my boy. My heart aches. Thank you so much for everything, everything."

chrissy teigen instagram pic 1

chrissy teigen instagram pic 1

chrissy teigen instagram pic 2

chrissy teigen instagram pic 2

Puddy was clearly a member of the Legend-Teigen family, even bonding with their daughter, Luna.

More: John Legend Says IVF Journey With Chrissy Teigen Has Made Their Bond Rock-Solid

chrissy teigen instagram pic 3

chrissy teigen instagram pic 3

chrissy teigen instagram pic 4

chrissy teigen instagram pic 4

Teigen and Legend also have another pup, Pablo, who they adopted last October.

Chrissy teigen instagram pic 5

Chrissy teigen instagram pic 5

Legend took to social media to mourn Puddy's passing too.

More: Chrissy Teigen Is Pondering Some Unusual Name Choices for Her Baby Boy

"RIP our baby boy Puddy," he wrote. "He would’ve been 10 next week. The first dog I ever had. We love him so much."

john legend instagram pic 1

john legend instagram pic 1

RIP, Puddy!

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