Big Little Lies is in the midst of filming for Season 2, and although many of the key plot details are being kept under wraps, we're finally learning more about the character Meryl Streep is taking on.

More: Let's Break Down Some New Big Little Lies Season 2 Photos

While it's already known that Streep will be playing Mary Louise Wright, mother of the recently murdered Perry (played by Alexander Skarsgård) and mother-in-law of the guilt-ridden Celeste (played by Nicole Kidman), we've mostly been kept in the dark about who she is as a character and what we can expect from her. This has left us wondering if Mary Louise will be a kind of villain or obstacle Celeste and her friends will have to contend with as Mary Louise inevitably begins to question the nature of Perry's demise.

Now, a new interview from The Hollywood Reporter with BLL creator David E. Kelley hints at how important Streep and the character she's originating are to Season 2. Kelley, speaking in a vague way about Mary Louise, opened up about the kind of character she will be in the show.

"It’s a delicious character," he told THR, "And I felt bringing her in was both liberating and daunting. Daunting because she sets a high bar and you have to measure up, but liberating in that now the show’s not going to be compared to last year. There was freedom in that."

This may not feel like much, but knowing that Mary Louise, and by extension Streep herself, sets a high bar for the show serves to illustrate that this character will be more of a driving force in Season 2 than we expected. Considering the role was written specifically with Streep in mind and it was a bit of a Herculean task to convince Streep to board for Season 2, it feels good knowing that she'll play a bigger role.

More: Meryl Streep Is Joining Big Little Lies for Season 2, & We're Not OK

The way BLL Season 2 is shaping up, it sounds like this will be some unmissable television. Brace yourselves, folks; it's only going to get more intense from here on out.

We're all looking forward to summer, but as soon as those temps start rising, so too does the risk of developing body issues that are pretty much exclusive to summertime. Here are the most common body issues that crop up during these summer months of fun and how to fix them (and prevent them in the first place).

Excessive sweating

When you go outside and exert yourself in any form or fashion in the summer months (even if it's just walking down the street or from your car to the store if it's really hot), you're going to sweat. Sweating is a natural part of being a human and serves to cool your body off when it gets too warm. That being said, there are a few ways you can cut down on your excessive sweating.

Dr. Joseph Cruise, a board-certified plastic surgeon, tells SheKnows that sweating may have something to do with your food and beverage choices, and his first bit of advice is kind of a bummer, especially if you love your coffee in the morning and spicy foods later in the day.

More: The Best Water Workouts You Should Try This Summer

"Spicy food and caffeine stimulate the neurotransmitters in your brain that can sometimes affect the glands that cause sweating," he explains. "Eating less spicy food and drinking less coffee will help you stay drier in the warmer months."

Alcohol can also be a contributing factor, as it increases your heart rate and causes your body to feel warm — which, of course, triggers more sweat.

It's also important to dress for the weather. Avoid synthetic fabrics (such as nylon and polyester), sticking to breathable cotton or bamboo. And finally, Cruise mentions that if you work on relaxation or deep breathing techniques, this can reduce anxiety and decrease the amount those pesky neurotransmitters trigger sweat glands.

That being said, some folks sweat a lot more than others, which is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Treatment can include Botox, which paralyzes or blocks the sweat gland-triggering neurotransmitters. Of course, you'll have to visit a physician for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Thigh chafing

That lovely experience when you're finally wearing dresses, short shorts or skirts full time and your thighs betray you by rubbing together and becoming a thing of burden and pain? That's thigh chafing, and it's a real problem in the summer months.

To prevent thigh chafing, Cruise recommends that you start by keeping the thighs dry. He notes that you can use baby powder or a sports powder to ensure extra protection.

There are also several products dedicated to getting rid of the dreaded thigh chafing, including Body Glide, Gold Bond Friction Defense stick, sweatWELLth Friction Free anti-chafing spray or Lush Silky Underwear dusting powder. Another option is putting some sort of fabric barrier on or around your thighs, like a pair of bicycle shorts, Bandelettes anti-chafing bands or even a modern take on bloomers.

If your thighs are already angry at you, don't fret — you can treat it too. Cruise says a good moisturizing lotion is your best bet (look for one that has no added fragrances or colors, which can irritate the skin further). He also suggests applying a roll-on deodorant over the lotion, which can help the lotion action last longer.

Swelling of extremities

Yes, summertime can lead to swelling of your extremities, which is a disappointing way to spend your summer days. Dr. David Greuner, head surgeon and cofounder of NYC Surgical Associates, tells SheKnows that in the summer, heat causes people's blood vessels to expand, which in turn causes one's body fluids to drop downward thanks to gravity (but really, no thanks!). The extra fluids in your legs, ankles and feet will then cause that swelling.

"In order to combat this, you can try to keep your body temperature down, but in the summer, that be can very hard," Greuner explains. "You can wear flat shoes to relieve foot swelling or shoes that offer arch and ankle support if you are feeling pain in your ankles. On top of that, massages and pedicures can help increase blood flow, which can reduce the consistent swelling."

Sunburn

You probably know by now how to prevent sunburn. However, it can and still does happen, especially if we forget to reapply or don't cover areas we're not expecting to get burned. For starters, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF and that also offers water resistance. Even though you're using a water-resistant sunscreen, it's crucial to reapply every two hours as well as after swimming or sweating a ton.

Cruise also suggests wearing wide-brim hats, sunglasses with UV protection and clothing that covers the skin (light-colored cotton clothing is best). He also says it's a good idea to stay hydrated while you're out in the sun.

More: Why Wearing Cheap Sunglasses May Actually Be Dangerous

But despite your best efforts, sunburns can happen. If that's the case, they can be treated with a cool compress on the skin for immediate relief. Also, use aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the sunburn.

Insect bites

Bug bites (like mosquitoes, ugh, why are they even a thing?!) are one of the most annoying things ever. Cruise has suggestions for avoiding them, which include applying bug repellent to your skin. You can also invest in citronella candles to burn while you're outside on your patio or avoiding staying outside at dusk, which is when these little pests like to swarm and snack.

Inevitably, you're going to wind up with a bite or two, however. "Resist the urge to scratch insect bites," Cruise warns. "Scratching insect bites will only make them worse and cause inflammation and/or scarring. For bites that itch, apply an ice pack or use an anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone."

Don't stay indoors

While it's tempting to read this list and vow to never, ever exit your home again during the warm summer months, keep living that beautiful life of yours and enjoy the great outdoors. With these precautionary tips and an at-home arsenal to manage anything that crops up, you can still relish summer.

In a matter of weeks, assuming Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll all be living our best lives in the shining sun. But honestly, a lit-from-within (and out) glow is a year-round goal for most. Although it’s obvious self-tanners were pretty much made for this purpose, it’s kind of unclear what the deal with bronzer is.

For someone with fair skin, it makes total sense. You just brush or swipe it on to give your skin a hint a color. But if your skin is the same tone as what you’re seeing in most bronzer compacts, it all seems pretty pointless, right? Ahead, makeup artist Lavonne Anthony breaks down exactly how to bronze if you’re already melanin-rich or if you simply want to add a brown booster to your product lineup.

More: The 9 Best Face Bronzers to Fake an Insanely Pretty Tan

Know the benefits

At the most basic level, Anthony explains that the purpose of bronzer is to give you the appearance of a tan or a glow. Bronzer is usually applied to give a highlight effect to the cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose and chin. Since these points are already naturally pigmented on deeper skin, bronzer should simply be used to highlight them.

“Bronzer is definitely beneficial for people who have darker skin because what you can do is accentuate a glow that you already have,” says Anthony. The key is to enhance only certain areas of the face. “Instead of looking oily or appearing as though you just finished a SoulCycle class where there’s too much perspiration, bronzer application should appear intentional yet effortless,” she says.

More: 14 Body Oils That Will Give You a Sun-Kissed Glow in Seconds

Steer away from mattes

Before you go out an grab any ol’ compact from the store, here’s what you should know. If your skin is dark, you’re not using bronzer for color, so matte finishes aren’t impactful. If you’re more of a light to medium brown, Anthony says that a matte bronzer needs to be significantly darker (at least two shades) than your natural tone for it to give you a tanned skin effect.

She warns, however, that using a bronzer on already dark skin can end up just looking like you’ve contoured. “You should never use bronzer as a contour because the light reflection in it cancels the purpose. Bronzer should be used for bronzer, and contour should be two shades darker than your skin and matte,” says Anthony.

More: The Best Self-Tanners for Bronzing Your Body

Stick with shimmer

Instead of a matte finish, go for shimmery bronzer with copper and gold undertones that will accentuate and show up on your melanin-rich skin. “The best way to choose a bronzer shade is to determine how much of a glow you would like,” says Anthony. If you want something that is very strobelike, then look for one that has larger shimmering particles.

If a subtle glow is more your speed, Anthony suggests using a softer powder or a loose pigment powder with smaller shimmer flecks. And if you want just a hint of shine, grab a cream bronzer. “My favorite types of bronzers for darker skin would be cream and soft powder formulas. There is a balance between highlighting the skin with the strobe effect and giving the skin a bronzy effect,” Anthony adds.

More: Our Favorite Under-$10 Drugstore Highlighters for an Oil-Free Glow

Apply strategically

Anthony says that the best spots to apply bronzer are on the high planes of your cheekbone — meaning the outer corners of your eye area by the temples — at the top of your forehead, a small amount on the bridge of the nose, the chin and right above the eyebrow arch. Also, keep your skin type in mind. If you’re prone to oiliness, you may want to avoid adding anything shiny, like a glistening bronzer, on your T-zone.

Shop smart

Where you fall on the deeper end of the spectrum will determine how a bronzer reads on your skin. In general, stick with warm undertones, like gold and copper, instead of silvery ones that can read as ashy, even on medium-brown skin. Here are Anthony’s top picks and a few others that have proven track records among bronzer aficionados.

More: How to Apply Makeup That Looks Effortlessly Dewy

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze

The soft coral base with swirls of golden shimmer marbled throughout have the exact undertones that deeper skin tones need to warm skin up and highlight without looking ashy.

Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze, $34 at MAC

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer

This sheer true-bronze cream is suitable on any skin tone, from deep to fair. It also has vitamin A and beta-carotene, so it’s treating skin while giving you all the glisten.

Buriti Bronzer, $28 at RMS Beauty

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Bronze Radiance

It’s tinted just enough to help hide any skin discoloration or blemishes and gives skin a hint of a glow that looks dewy and not oily. Plus, it has SPF, so it’s an all-in-one for fresh and healthy skin.

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Bronze Radiance, $45 at Laura Mercier

Becca Gradient Sunlit Bronzer in Sunset Waves

A combo of copper, bronze and rose gold give brown skin a multidimensional glow, without a ton of glittery chunks.

Gradient Sunlit Bronzer in Sunset Waves, $38 at Becca Cosmetics

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer Powder

A fan fave among beauty pros who use bronzer to contour, this one actually comes in shades dark enough to add some chisel to deeper complexions.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer Powder, $53 at Nordstrom

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Rum

If you’re looking for something that’s statement-making and sparkly, this is it. But it still won’t dole out any huge chunks of glitter that make it unwearable during the day. The bronze undertones are ideal for brown skin.

Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Rum, $25 at Fenty Beauty

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Let's get really real for a minute. Being a mom is hard. You know those people who say it's the toughest job in the world? Well, they're right. In fact, most days just making it through one entire adult conversation without losing your train of thought is pretty much a win — and that's without the added challenge of being a mom with ADHD.

I have a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old, and even without ADHD, every day is a struggle to maintain my focus long enough to handle the barrage of responsibility flying at me from every angle... including shaping the lives of two tiny humans.

Yep, motherhood is basically just one big pressure cooker.

More: Here's What It's Really Like to Be a Mom With ADHD

So you, Mama? You're a rock star in my book. A warrior. And likely a woman who could stand for life to cut her a little slack. To help you get a beat on some much-needed peace of mind, I tapped Terry Matlen, an expert in the field of ADHD with a focus on women and moms. In addition to serving as the director of ADD Consults, Matlen is the author of two ADHD-related books: The Queen of Distraction, and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD.

Here's what she had to say about making things easier on yourself as a mom with ADHD.

Don't be ashamed to seek treatment

Make sure your ADHD is adequately treated. Being a mom with ADHD adds many layers of difficulties for women with ADHD, and without getting the help you need, it will make parenting much, much harder.

More: 8 Tips to Help People With ADHD Make It Through the Workday

Change your expectations

Don't compare your home, your family with your sister, girlfriend or neighbor — the challenges are very real and often debilitating. So stop trying to keep your home as clutter-free as them, especially since we know that when a parent has ADHD, there a good chance one or more of their children will have ADHD (it’s highly genetic).

Get outside help

Women are notoriously hard on themselves about reaching out for help. We have this mindset that we should be able to juggle everything on our own, but with ADHD in the mix, it’s a necessity, not a luxury, to get help such as house cleaning, tutoring for the kids (even if just helping them get their homework done), etc.

More: 9 Ways Having ADHD Affects Relationships (for Better & for Worse!)

Join a support network

Find other moms with ADHD so you don’t feel so alone. The annual CHADD conference takes place every November in Atlanta, Georgia (this year, it's Nov. 8-11). You’d meet a lot of moms with ADHD there and also learn from top experts in the field.

This post is part of a sponsored advertising collaboration. A version of this article was originally published in September 2017.

By Annamarie Houlis

In 1970, about half of all American mothers stayed home to care for their children, but that family model has fallen from 46 percent then to about a quarter in 2015. That means that by 2016, nearly 2 million parents with kids ages 5 and younger had to quit their jobs, turn down jobs or change their work schedules significantly because of childcare conflicts — and, of course, women have been hit the hardest. Since the 1980s, childcare costs have climbed 70 percent, and the population of working mothers in the labor force has declined 13 percent.

While the cost of childcare is dependent upon where families live, their children's ages and how many hours a week their child or children spend in day care, the average cost of day care in the United States is $11,666 per year (or $972 a month) according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Prices range from $3,582 to $18,773 a year (or $300 to $1,564 monthly), which means that regardless of how inexpensive a day care center feels comparatively, it still costs a pretty penny. In fact, annuals costs can outpace what families typically spend on food, and in many states, even housing and college tuition.

More: 8 Things Moms Who Homeschool Their Kids Want

"In Massachusetts, for example, where child care costs are some of the highest in the country, a parent with an infant spends an average of $20,125 each year on day care; freshman-year tuition at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, runs only $14,596," writes New Republic contributor Bryce Covert in his piece, "A New Deal for Day Care." "The expense doesn’t necessarily result in good care: Fewer than 10 percent of day care centers, according to a 2006 survey, have well-trained and well-educated providers, who read books aloud to children, respond to them, ask questions, and encourage their development."

Sure there are options like turning to family or friends, joining babysitting cooperatives, hiring college students for less money, forming babysitting exchanges with other parents, looking to nonprofit centers and more, but Covert recommends that America consider a childcare program for everyone, regardless of income.

Nearly 8 million families pay these hefty prices for nannies, day care centers or some sort of childcare alternative, according to census data. And though that's a high number, many parents can't afford it or don't even have access to it because they live in "childcare deserts," where day care centers don't exist or there are more than three times as many kids as available spots in them.

"The extent of the economic damage has forced politicians from both parties to alter their views of child care," Covert writes. "Within the last five years, some Republicans, who have typically hewed to traditional ideas about families and households, have adopted more modern ideas about how to help parents find care for their children... There is a growing willingness to address the problem, though, which leaves Democrats with an opening to put forward something better. But in September, when the party unveiled the child care plank of its 'Better Deal' agenda, it consisted of a punishing maze of technical details."

More: Your Personal Mary Poppins: How to Find a Nanny in 3 Steps

Lawmakers could instead create a system that'd make high-quality childcare available to and affordable for all American families for the entire working day, Covert suggests, admitting that it sounds fanciful.

Other countries already do so. He refers to France, where parents can send their babies to both publicly and privately run nurseries, called crèches, when their children turn 3 months old, according to Expatica. The centers, which are open most of the workday and require at least half of their providers to have degrees in early education, charge based on parental income. Then, once children turn 3, they’re guaranteed a spot in the country’s universal preschool program until they turn 6 — and more than 95 percent of kids are enrolled. To pull this off, France spent about €27 billion (about $33 billion USD) in 2013 — about 1.3 percent of its GDP. Meanwhile, the United States spends less on childcare and early childhood education than all other developed countries except Turkey, Latvia and Croatia, Covert explains.

But it wasn't always this way, and the country doesn't need to necessarily mirror France. In fact, an American model already exists, Covert says. As women went to work in factories during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt built a nationwide network of public childcare centers in every state but New Mexico. The centers were open 12 hours a day year-round for about $10 a day in today’s dollars, regardless of income. And for each additional $100 a state spent on centers, children who were enrolled later saw a 1.8 percentage point increase in earnings and a 0.7 percent increase in their employment rate. Alas, President Truman closed them when the war ended despite the wealth of research that suggested it was working and the positive feedback from mothers who were able to work longer hours and earn more money.

More: How I Manage Postpartum Depression & a Fortune 500 

"There are many proposals for how to provide that care, but a universal program would be the most effective and durable," Covert recommends. "A targeted, technocratic program, of the sort proposed in the Better Deal, is in danger of falling prey to stereotypes about failed Big Government — digging up documents to prove that you’re eligible, going to appointments to argue you should stay enrolled, repeating the whole process annually or even monthly. Such bureaucracy discourages people from signing up in the first place and breeds resentment from those just above the cutoff. A childcare program for everyone isn’t just a smart investment in parents, children and our economy; it’s the smartest way to deliver it."

Originally published on Fairygodboss.

When Willow Smith released her debut single, “Whip My Hair,” in 2010, her life, from the outside, looked like it couldn’t be better. Her song reached No. 11 on Billboard‘s Hot 100, she performed at the White House and as Justin Bieber's opening act on his world tour, and critics everywhere were dubbing her a “baby Rihanna.” But behind the scenes, Smith, who was 9 at the time, was dealing with serious mental health issues and was self-harming as a way to cope.

In a conversation on mom Jada Pinkett Smith‘s web show, Red Table Talk, on May 14, Smith, who is now 17, opened up about losing her sense of self and cutting her wrists from the aftermath of her breakout success. “It was after that whole ‘Whip My Hair’ thing, and I had just stopped doing singing lessons, and I was kind of just in this gray area of, ‘Who am I? Do I have a purpose? Is there anything I can do besides this?’” Smith said.

She continued, “After the tour and the promotion and all of that, they wanted me to finish my album,” she said. “And I was like, ‘I’m not gonna do that.’ And after all of that kinda settled down and it was like a kind of lull, I was just listening to a lot of dark music. It was just so crazy and I was plunged into this black hole, and I was cutting myself.”

More: 17 Celebs on Dealing With Mental Illness

The reveal surprised even Smith’s mom, who asked her when and where. “What? When were you cutting yourself?” Pinkett Smith asked. “I didn’t see that part. Cutting yourself where?”

Smith then clarified that she cut herself on her wrists, showing her mom the barely visible scars from where she harmed herself. “On my wrist. I mean, you can’t even see it, but there’s still a little something there. But like, totally lost my sanity for a moment there. I never talk about it because it was such a short, weird point in my life. But you have to pull yourself out of it,” Smith said.

More: 6 Tips for Dating Someone With a Mental Illness

Though more than 450 million people deal with mental health issues (that’s 1 in 4 people), depression and other mental health issues are still not widely discussed. We’re glad to know Smith is in a better place, and we’re also glad she shared her story, which can have a positive influence on many fans who are dealing with similar struggles.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Life under the media microscope can be grueling. With paparazzi lurking around and fans clamoring for attention, it can be tough to maintain perspective about what’s real and what matters. But Ben Affleck’s current love, Lindsay Shookus, is talking about her new life in the spotlight, and it sounds like this woman has a good head on her shoulders.

More: 3 Things To Know About Lindsay Shookus, Ben Affleck's Main Squeeze

Shookus spoke to Elle recently in what could be called a "rare interview" considering how infrequently she gives big interviews like this. She told the publication she finds all the attention kind of entertaining.

"Being considered a public figure honestly makes me laugh,” she said. “Someone thinks about you for one minute and then says, ‘What do I want for lunch?”

That’s a healthy outlook for someone dating such a high-profile star like Affleck. But the actor isn’t Shookus’ first brush with fame. As a Saturday Night Live producer and after working on 30 Rock, she’s more than familiar with the circus that can accompany huge stars.

"It’s strange to me,” Shookus told Elle about having the media attention turned toward her these days. “My entire career has been behind the camera, and that’s definitely where I’m most comfortable. I’m a producer, I’m a mom, a friend."

More: Ben Affleck & Lindsay Shookus Were Spotted Doing Very Couple-y Things

Shookus and Affleck went public with their relationship last summer, soon after Affleck and Jennifer Garner filed for divorce. A source close to Affleck told Us Weekly that he and Shookus had actually been dating for several years at that point and were perhaps even embroiled in an affair while he was still married. Shookus was also previously married to Kevin Miller, an SNL coworker with whom she shares a daughter. She’s apparently always been fiercely protective of her privacy — she doesn’t have any social media accounts — and rarely discusses her relationship with Affleck.

More: Ben Affleck & Lindsay Shookus Made a Major Date Night Out of the Emmys

For her part, Shookus told Elle she’s recently been intent on focusing on herself.

"I’ve put a lot of time in the past two years into just making myself better internally. Self-love means something. I thought it was all a joke for a long time. It’s really important. Giving yourself a break is really important,” she said. “I’ve gone through some really hard times, but I believe in who I am more, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything.”

Sounds like the kind of attitude that’s healthy to have regardless of someone’s celebrity status. And for that, we applaud Shookus.

You may recall that the queen already gave her permission for Harry and Meghan Markle to marry back in March. Now, the official document making this royal wedding possible is on display for the world to see thanks to the royal family publishing images of it just days before the royal wedding. The document, so beautiful to look at, is definitely worth framing, but it's also kind of intense. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

More: Meghan Markle Has the Approval of the Most Important Royal

Queen Elizabeth II's official decree of consent for Harry and Markle to marry was something that had to be drafted since Harry, who is the sixth person in the line of succession to the throne, required his grandmother's official consent per monarchical tradition. The website for the royal family describes the document, a work of art in its own right, as “hand-written and illuminated on vellum by one of a panel of scrivener artists retained by the Crown Office. Vellum is used only for important State documents.” Vellum is actually a thin material made from animal skin so, as Refinery29 points out, an actual animal had to die to make this thing. Yikes!

The consent decree is printed in illuminated text on the left side with official emblems representing the country and Prince Harry’s royal position. It also includes three small scallops representing Princess Diana’s family, the Spencers, which is kind of nice to see. On the right, the decorations represent Markle, and they really did put together a lovely symbol for her. The website describes it as a rose, which is the national flower of the U.S., two golden poppies, which is the state flower of California, where Markle is from, and olive branches adopted from the Great Seal of the U.S. Between the flowers are symbols representing Harry and the country of Wales.

More: Everything We Know About Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Wedding So Far

The text also manages to make everything sound so official: “Now know ye that We have consented and do by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, K.C.V.O., and Rachel Meghan Markle."

"KCVO" stands for Harry’s title as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order according to Good Housekeeping. The letter is signed by the queen and will be presented to Harry and Markle as a gift after the ceremony.

More: How to Watch Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Wedding

All this talk of official documents only makes us more excited for the royal wedding on May 19; we totally can’t wait for the big day to arrive.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be debilitatingly painful and is one of the leading causes of infertility among people with ovaries, but little is known about why and how the condition develops. Now, thanks to a new study, we're one step closer to understanding what causes PCOS and how we might be able to treat it more effectively.

PCOS affects 10 percent of reproductive-age people with a uterus and yet remains relatively mysterious to medical professionals. This is hardly surprising given the lack of research into related areas like menstrual pain, which have traditionally been ignored by scientists and funding bodies (because painful periods are just a part of being a woman, right?).

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

But beyond the painful and/or irregular periods, PCOS can also come with elevated levels of androgen (a male hormone), which may result in excess facial and body hair and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness. In addition to that (and the increased risk of infertility), people with PCOS are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes.

So, what do we know about the potential causes of PCOS? Not much at this point, unfortunately. Initially, doctors thought it began in the ovaries, but recent research suggests that it may actually start in the brain. In an article published in Nature Medicine, scientists found that the conditions under which a person develops PCOS likely start in the womb, when interactions between a hormone produced by the ovaries and certain neurons in the expectant mother's brain can impact the fetus by disrupting enzymes in the placenta, potentially causing PCOS.

More: Unfiltered Confessions of Real Women Living With PCOS

At this point, the research has only been conducted on mice, so scientists aren't sure whether the findings will translate to humans — nor does the research provide methods for stopping these in utero hormonal interactions. Additional research is required in this area, but at least we're heading in the right direction and are closer to knowing the cause and treatment of this condition.

Five-year-olds are so much fun — and going through so many changes. And those changes make for some unique challenges for parents.

When you realize your 5-year-old has grown from a toddler into a little person, it can feel like it's all happened way too fast. At this age, kids show us a glimpse of the adult they will one day become. There are a number of factors that contribute to that development, including some universal milestones that usually show up in a child's fifth year.

Below, you'll find development, behavior and parenting tips specifically for 5-year-olds.

More: Surefire Ways to Lose a Good Babysitter

5-year-old developmental milestones

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and PBS, kids should reach the following milestones by the time they turn 5.

Social skills

This year, a typical 5-year-old:

• Can tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
• Shows more independence
• Shows empathy
• Likes to entertain (sing, dance and act)
• Is more likely to agree with rules
• Wants to please and be like their friends
• Displays social problem-solving
• Is sometimes demanding, sometimes very cooperative
• Shows less aggressive behavior

Motor skills

This year, a typical 5-year-old:

• Has better coordination
• Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
• Skips, jumps and hops with good balance
• Can do a somersault
• Uses a fork and spoon, sometimes a table knife
• Can use the toilet on his or her own
• Swings and climbs
• Gains about 4 to 5 pounds
• Grows about 2 to 3 inches
• Vision reaches twenty-twenty
• Can copy a triangle
• Can draw a person with at least six body parts

Language & cognitive skills

This year, a typical 5-year-old: 

• Can count to 10
• Has improved math skills
• Speaks very clearly
• Tells a simple story using full sentences
• Uses future tense
• Has a vocabulary of more than 2,000 words
• Speaks in sentences of five or more words
• Can identify different coins
• Can answer "why" questions
• Knows his or her telephone number
• Knows about things used every day, like money and food
• Can properly name the primary colors, possibly more colors
• Asks deeper questions that address meaning, purpose
• Accepts other points of view (but may not understand them)
• Questions others, including parents

More: 4-Year-Old Development Moments to Watch For

Parenting survival tips

Every parent can use some tips when it comes to raising a 5-year-old. Dr. Robyn McKay, formerly a psychologist at Arizona State University and more currently the founder of She{ology}, offers the following nuggets of wisdom:

• Encourage your child's curiosity (which, yes, can be tiresome and frustrating sometimes). Ask them, "What do you think?" You'll be amazed at their creative responses.
• Keep challenging your own mind. One of the best predictors of a child's future success is their parents' own education level. When you keep learning, you grow, and your child most certainly benefits. So why not take a creative writing class or finish your master's degree? Or you could even learn a second language and involve your child too.
• Focus on what your child does well. Do they belt out songs from the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack? Are they already a math whiz? Celebrate your child's strengths and encourage them to continue focusing on what's right. The world is full of critics; be your child's biggest fan.

Next: More about your 5-year-old's development

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What's happening physically?

Your child continues to grow, and this is a crucial time for gross and fine motor skill development. McKay says, "If you have not done so already, this is a great time to start training in dance, gymnastics, swimming and soccer — activities that encourage a child's awareness of her body, help improve focus and concentration and engage her in collaborative relationships with other children."

What's happening neurologically?

A 5-year-old's brain is almost the size of an adult's, but will continue to develop for the next 20 years, according to Dr. Sandra Aamodt, neuroscientist and coauthor of the book Welcome to Your Child's Brain.

"The language centers of the brain are maturing, and a child's speech is becoming increasingly like that of the adults around her," adds McKay. This is also a perfect time to start teaching your child a new language or instrument.

"The brain is incredibly plastic, which means that children at this age love to memorize facts, song lyrics and can readily learn new languages," says McKay. "Learning a second (or even third) language during early childhood improves processing speed and cognitive flexibility — two key aspects of intelligence and creativity."

What's happening socially & emotionally?

At 5, many kids are becoming aware of their individuality and learn the concept of self-confidence. While some are beginning to understand other people's moods and feelings, most are not too interested in relationships as we understand them. "For those children who are sensitive and intuitive, this can be a difficult time," says McKay. "Hurt feelings, misunderstandings and even bullying and victimization can begin to shape social relationships. The good news is that many 5-year-olds are more interested in learning about dinosaurs, insects and human anatomy than they are about navigating social relationships."

More: Polite but Deadly Clapbacks to Unsolicited Parenting Advice

And the extra-good news is that, with a little patience and learning, your child's fifth year can be a fun adventure — for both of you.

A version of this article was originally published in August 2010.

When you are ready to start planning your next vacation, what's the first thing you do? If you're like me, you visit a site like Kayak so you can scan all the major travel-booking sites at once. It saves you a ton of time and usually a ton of money by being able to comparison shop in just a few minutes. If you want to book a stay at a home-sharing site like VRBO, it can be a little more time-consuming because until now, there hasn't been a site that scans all of our favorite home-share vacation rentals at once.

More: The Best (& Least Crowded) Beaches in the U.S.

So, home rental lovers, let me introduce you to the site that is about to change your vacation planning forever. It's called VacationRenter, and it basically works just like Kayak except it scans sites like VRBO and HomeAway.

Their website says, "We love vacation rentals, but not how time consuming and complex it can be to find the right one. So we reimagined a better way. We eliminated the need to search across several different sites and scroll through pages of irrelevant results just to find the perfect home away from home...We bring all the rental options from the leading travel sites together in one place and showcase only the best results."

More: The Most Unique Houses Available on Airbnb

Just like Kayak or Travelocity, all you need to do is pop in your dates and preferred destination and voilà! A whole list of super-affordable housing options. So, what are you waiting for? Go book your next vacation already.

Pink confessed in a recent interview with Redbook that Mama don't take no silent treatment. The iconic singer admitted that she once pulled off a "sit-in" on the pavement outside daughter Willow's school to get Willow to talk to her about why she was "upset."

Oh, for the love of (long-haired) Jesus. Megan Fox is the latest target of gleeful, vicious mommy-shaming — all for a May 5 Instagram photo showing her two eldest boys chilling on the beach in wetsuits. Nope, it wasn't the wetsuits (but it's just a matter of time before the mommy-shamers find some way to slam wetsuits on kids, so good guess). The trolls came out in full force to complain about Fox's choice to let her boys (*gasp!*) have long hair.

Seriously. Grown adults trashed Fox's children on Instagram, insulting their appearance. For real. Some mocked the kids as "girls" — which is wrong for so many reasons we can't even hit on them all.

“I used to think you had two daughters," mocked one commenter.

"If you want a girl so bad why don't you try to adopt or have more kids. Let your boys be boys," another said.

“Poor darlings they look like they’re wearing wigs!” said one user.

One vicious commenter went with full-blown cutting sarcasm: “‘My boys are girls I’m so progressive!’ Yeah progressively assisting suicide and mass delusion.” Wow. Just wow.

Fox shares three sons — Noah, Bodhi and Journey — with fellow actor Brian Austin Green. Green also has another son, Kassius, from a previous relationship with actor Vanessa Marcil.

More: Megan Fox's New TV Job Is So Very Random

Fortunately, a whole lot of fans defended the boys.

"If I had gorgeous curly hair like that, I would grow it long no matter what my gender identity was," one said.

"Thank you for being you... and teaching your boys for doing the same #beautifulbabyboys," another commented.

"As a mom of a son with long hair, I applaud this!!!! THANK YOU for posting this and letting your kids be who they are! They’re perfect!" enthused still another commenter.

This isn't the first time Fox and Green's kids have been on the receiving end of nasty attention. In August, Noah rocked a Frozen dress, and Fox happily shared it with the world. And Brian Austin Green had a message for anyone who has a problem with his son sporting dresses and skirts: "I don't care." Yes, Papa Bear, preach.

More: Megan Fox Reveals Her Son Is Definitely Living His Best Life — in a Frozen Dress

Fox told Jimmy Kimmel in a 2016 appearance on his show that she was brought up in a strict Pentecostal household with endless rules about what women and men could wear. Fox said no way to this approach for her own family.

Gwyneth Paltrow posted a photo on Tuesday to wish her daughter, Apple Martin, a happy 14th birthday and, in a rare glimpse of Apple, the world was shown a photo of a young woman who bears a striking resemblance to her mother.

More: Why Gwyneth Paltrow Doesn't Deserve All the Hate She Receives

Paltrow posted a close-up photo of her daughter enjoying a beach day to her Instagram account with the sweet caption, “Happy birthday, my darling girl. You make every day feel like Christmas morning. You are the most vibrant, hilarious, twirling all over the place, beautiful (inside and out) young women.”

She also celebrated Apple’s affinity for music, which is right in line with her dad's line of work, which makes that old saying about the apple not falling far from the tree feel quite literal. “You are an amazing thinker and an incredible songwriter,” Paltrow wrote about her daughter's talents before ending the birthday note with a remark about their close relationship: “Thanks for still hanging out with me, even though you’re 14.”

More: Gwyneth Paltrow Reveals Miscarriage That Nearly Killed Her

Apple shares a lot of her mom’s facial traits, especially that smirking smile Paltrow shares with her own mother, Blythe Danner. But she’s also clearly her dad’s offspring too, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s large and expressive eyes. What’s best is that most of the comments on the photo have been positive and complimentary toward the girl, wishing her a happy birthday and lauding the fact that she’s close to her mom.

Paltrow and Martin, who famously “consciously uncoupled” in 2014, have always been protective of their kids' privacy, so this kind of personal glimpse is rare. Perhaps now that the kids are getting older Paltrow's more willing to share them with her fans. Last month, she also posted a snap for her son Moses’ 12th birthday.

“Happy birthday, my son. You are the sweetest, most brilliant young man I’ve ever met. You broke the mold 12 years ago today when you came into the world. #Iwasbornthedayyouwereborn,” she captioned the picture she posted to Instagram for his special day.

More: Gwyneth Paltrow Calls Out Misogyny in Business in One Surprising Way

We wish the best birthday to Apple, and we hope she has many more happy, twirling, singing days ahead.

Who doesn't love love? And when your baby comes into the world, it can feel like the word takes on a whole new, deeper meaning. The second you lay eyes on her, your first priority becomes showing your new bundle of joy all the love you can muster. One way to do that? By giving her a lovely and romantic name.

From romantic destinations and regal flowers to names that quite literally mean "love," here are 62 of our favorite baby names that the Romantic poets would have loved.

More: 52 Fairy-Tale Baby Names for Your Little Royal

Girl names based on romantic destinations

Why not name your daughter after a favorite place, whether it's where you grew up or a honeymoon destination? For example, back in 2010, Amy Adams named her daughter Aviana, inspired by her birthplace of Aviano, Italy.

Here are some ideas for girl names after romantic destinations.

• Paris
• London
• Venice
• Brazil
• Ireland
• Tuscany
• York (after New York)
• Angela (after Los Angeles)
• Dominica (Dominican Republic)
• Athena (after Athens)
• Maui
• Monaco
• Lucia (after St. Lucia)

Girl names that mean "love"

The following girl names actually mean "love" or a variation of it. You'll find both popular and uncommon names on this list — and all are lovely.

• Amor: Spanish name
• Amora: Spanish name
• Carys: Welsh name
• Grania: Celtic
• Mina: German
• Prema: Indian name meaning "love" in Sanskrit
• Tivona: Hebrew name meaning "love's nature"
• Cheryl: Welsh name
• Grania: Irish name
• Maitea: Spanish name
• Grace: Irish name
• Philomena: Greek name meaning "greatly loved"

More: 30 West Coast Baby Names With a Laid-Back Vibe

Romantic flower names

Flowers are romantic and beautiful — and also make great baby names.

• Rose
• Tulip
• Bluebell
• Alyssum
• Calla
• Chrysanthemum (or shorten to Chrysann)
• Iris
• Holly
• Fern
• Dahlia
• Danica
• Dianthus
• Hyacinth
• Ivy
• Jasmine
• Lilac
• Lily
• Leilani
• Marigold
• Violet
• Zahra
• Petunia

Elaborate girl names

Girl names that are long, elegant and feminine have a very romantic feel to them. Many of these names are classics that will stand the test of time.

• Angelina
• Magdalena
• Genevieve
• Seraphina
• Tatiana
• Adelaide
• Lillian
• Makayla
• Brianna
• Valentina
• Giuliana
• Anastasia
• Evangelina

Romantic girl names

The word "love" itself would make a great first name or middle name (hi, Jennifer Love Hewitt) and an adorable nickname for your baby girl. You could also consider the word in other languages — for instance, Amour means "love" in French. Or you could always name your daughter after a great classic love story — like Jane Eyre or Romeo and Juliet. (Just make sure she knows she'll have a happier ending than the latter.)

No matter how badly you think you want to get a photo or autograph from one of your favorite celebrities if you're lucky enough to see them in person, it's best to read the room and see if it's appropriate to do so. But you should probably also take it one step further and assess whether your approach to asking them for said souvenirs is appropriate, too, and it doesn't cross any major lines. We can learn from the horrific fan encounter This Is Us star Justin Hartley had that he is now comfortable enough to speak about.

More: Jack Didn't Have To Die On This Is Us

While speaking with Good Housekeeping, Hartley has claimed that a fan simply ran up to him and started kissing him while he was enjoying dinner with friends in Chicago. The star recounted the whole shocking story: "This woman — who I don’t know, a stranger to me — recognized me and started screaming, going crazy. She ran over and started kissing me.” Not to be all judgy but, seriously, who does that?

More: Beth Is The Most Important Character On This Is Us

Hartley wasn’t having it and told the woman so in no uncertain terms, saying, “You do not walk up to people that you do not know and put your mouth on their face. If I did that to you, I would be in prison. Please do not do that. And not that I’m trying to teach you life lessons, but I feel like this is a really good one for you. Don’t do that to anybody ever again.” Good for you, Justin.

Hartley said the woman seemed to calm down and was embarrassed so the two made peace and she went away. But apparently, she was undeterred and came back later to ask for a photo. The actor went one step further to try to get her to understand the gravity of her actions.

“I’m not taking photos with you after you sexually harassed me,” he said. The woman called him a name and eventually left.

More: How This Is Us' Justin Hartley Is Celebrating The Holidays With His New Wife

Hartley told Good Housekeeping that he wasn’t afraid to tell the story, “because I think she should be ashamed of herself.”

We hope Hartley’s experience with this woman doesn’t sour him on fan interaction but that in no way excuses this awful fan or invalidates Hartley's story. He should never have had to go through that and it's awful that he did.

So many of us struggle with things like depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety and chronic illness. They can have deep, lasting effects on our everyday life, friendship and relationships. But what role do they play in our sex lives, and how can we help if we (or our partner) are suffering from a low libido caused by mental illness?

We got the scoop from experts about how our sex drive, relationships and mental health all go hand in hand and what we can do to try to recover if this is happening in our relationship.

Everything is connected

First, we need to understand everything in our mind affects our body and visa versa. "Everything in our body is connected, and this extends to sex," Dr. Andy Zamar, founder of the London Psychiatry Centre and creator the Prolong Device and Control Training Program, tells SheKnows. It's the same as when you are feeling physically ill, tired or unhappy about something and your "sexual stamina drops," he says.

A person's mental health not only affects their energy and drive to want to have sex, but it affects their confidence and how they feel about themselves. This can make it hard to relax and enjoy the experience. If we are feeling depressed or anxious, it is hard to be present and in the right space to be intimate.

More: Why the Brain Is Our Most Important Sex Organ

Low libido can affect our relationships

Zamar says there is no such thing as a "normal" sex life since the amount of sex a couple (or person) has is unique to them. However, if your libido is low and you are having less sex than your usual amount, or an amount that might make your partner feel rejected, it can have an impact on your relationship as a whole. It’s important to realize sex isn’t the only thing that matters in a relationship, but if your lack of sex drive is on your mind, it’s probably on your partner’s mind too and can be hurtful.

Our brain is where our sexual desires start

We're not joking when we say that our brain is a sex organ.

"Our brain's neurotransmitters and neural/nerve pathways tell our sexual organs we are interested," Dr. Mindy Beth Lipson, a psychologist, tells SheKnows. So, if we have a disorder that is affecting our brain, our sex drive will either increase or decrease because of that disorder, just as our appetite or sleep can be impacted.

Communication is key

If you aren't feeling like you are in the mood (or your partner isn't) and think it may be for mental health reasons, it's important you are open and talk about the problem. You need support and your partner needs to know it's nothing they've done.

Zamar says it's important no one is feeling pressured to perform sexually if their mind isn't into it. This can make the problem worse. He also adds that it's important to reach out for medical help and says it's more than possible to get your mental health and sex life back on track.

More: These Things Could Be Behind Your Low Libido

What can you do if one of you is suffering?

If you are currently on medication and you are suffering from a lower libido, Lipson says you can request to get it changed. For example, some people experience a low sex drive as a side effect of taking antidepressants. Although this side effect is completely normal, it's not something you necessarily need to live with, so feel free to discuss it with your doctor to see if there are other options available.

You must also be open and willing to talk to a skilled therapist, psychologist and your partner. You can also use "art, music and movement to help brain hormones," Lipson says.

Learning how to connect in other ways besides being sexual can also help your relationship stay strong. Lipton says it's important not to view sex as the only important part of your relationship and says, "Communicating open[ly] and honestly, sharing other forms of intimacy like deep thoughts, values and goals" can help us connect and build trust. This can make us feel safe and make room for us to feel desirable again.

Ultimately, how often you have sex is your decision, but if you feel like your low sex drive is a symptom of mental illness or a side effect of medication, it's probably time to speak with a professional about it.

Pint-size Copenhagen is a great city to visit as a family. Known for its modern design pedigree and literary connections — local children's writer Hans Christian Andersen is still much celebrated in the city today — Copenhagen can feel like a fairy tale, especially when you're strolling around the cobbled streets in summer watching roses climb house walls. So set your imagination alight on this trip with a fun mix of old and new the whole family will enjoy.

One thing you need to know right off the bat is that here, bikes are more important than cars. Look both ways before crossing the road, and then look again; you don’t want to incur the wrath of an angry cyclist! Or better yet, make like a Dane and hire a bike for your stay. Throw the kids in a cargo bike (I’d recommend an electric one) and pedal around this bijou city so you can go at your own pace — and be sure not to miss pretty street corners, colorful graffiti and playgrounds along the way.

More: The Mom's Guide to Cannes

The Harbour Baths

You have to get down with the Viking spirit at least once while you’re in town. For my family, that means getting into the water. On Islands Brygge in the heart of the city, there is a floating harbor swimming pool that’s perfect in the summer. The water is really clean, and everybody takes their kids there to paddle and splash about. (I’d be lying if I said it was actually warm, but it can be refreshing on a summer day.) Older kids love to jump off the platform, and it's a Danish design fix for you too; the Harbour Baths were designed by superstar Danish architects, the Bjarke Ingels Group.

The added fairy tale element here is that a swim in the harbor makes you feel like you're Andersen's Little Mermaid. And if you want to see her statue, which might be one of the only true "sights" of the city, cycle up to Langelinie and see her perched on the rocks. Warning: Not a fun cycle on a windy day.

Amager Strand

Yes, Copenhagen has a beach, which you can easily reach by public transportation from the city center. It’s long and lovely, with white sand, occasional ice cream stalls, clear water and views across to Sweden. You can spend a lovely day here, especially if you have a bike, skateboard or scooters, as the beach path is really smooth. It leads along to the Kastrup Sea Baths at the end, a gorgeous sheltered sculptural enclosure where you can swim and sunbathe or just take pictures to share on Instagram.

The Louisiana & Arken

This incredible modern art gallery is in Humlebæk, a short train ride from the city, and is really worth the effort. Set in beautiful gardens studded with sculptures from the likes of Henry Moore and Jean Dubuffet, it is huge and filled with treasures. Even the shop is beautiful. It has a special wing just for families — there, you can experiment with art yourselves over three floors (and yes, there are aprons, so the mess is a bit contained). It’s impossible not to feel inspired here.

And while you're on a modern art kick, the Arken Museum is also a gem; it's not as big as the Louisiana, but has a cool room where kids can get creative and some of the chicest Copenhagen gifts for kids.

More: The Mom's Guide to Chicago

Tivoli Gardens

This mini theme park is in the heart of the city. You can’t miss it; the golden towers and roller coasters really stand out against the city skyline. If you’ve got older children, they will love it — buy a day pass and try everything. You can apparently see Sweden from the top of the towers. If your children are under 5, it’s better to buy tickets to the rides as you go along. Little ones like mine will probably spend most of their time in the playground — and will likely be too small for a lot of the rides. We love to eat toffee apples, climb aboard the pirate ship restaurant just for fun and wander the grounds in search of peacocks.

Copenhagen Zoo

This is one of my favorite places to take the kids. The zoo has a great new playground on one side, plus a petting zoo with goats and bunnies, plus just about every big animal you could want to see. There are tigers and bears and elephants and, as of 2018, giant pandas — in a brand-new enclosure also designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group. If you’re wild about stories, read the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon before you visit and imagine the Copenhagen Zoo polar bears are princes stuck in off-white fur. (The polar bears here are my absolute favorites.)

A lot of people bring a picnic with them to the zoo, but there’s also a great café just on the way in called Konnild's — complete with a Scandinavian buffet of meat, cheese, freshly baked bread, waffles and fruit. It’s good for all ages. If you arrive by bike or bus but have a small child with you, don’t worry. You won’t have to carry them around the whole zoo; just rent a small wagon on your way in, and you can pull them and any picnic gear around with ease.

Torvehallerne

Food market Torvehallerne is a great place to head for lunch. It’s a collective of up-market food stalls and is always good for ice cream, people-watching and families in which everyone wants to eat something different. You can find pizza, Brazilian food, Italian food, tapas, smørrebrød and much more — and you can all eat them together on a wooden table in the sunshine. If you like that kind of thing, a new food market called Broens Gadekøkken opened in spring 2018, and it’s another option like this, where you can eat street food in the open air (just across the main bridge from Nyhavn in the heart of the city).

Playgrounds

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to at least two playgrounds every day. This is where renting a bike will help you out — by cycling the city, you’ll see snatches of colorful playgrounds, sandboxes and more irresistible spots. I have yet to find a Copenhagen playground I haven’t liked. Many of them are staffed and have a selection of bikes and trikes to play on as well as play structures; some also have animals and an indoor space if it’s raining. Some of our favorites include The King's Garden, which has a dragon-themed play area, Skydebanehaven, which has a huge parrot slide and a coffee shop, and Fælledparken, where the kids can try cycling in a traffic light-themed zone, bounce on trampolines or play with a replica of the city’s skyline.

National Museum

On a cold, wet day, you’re going to want to have some indoor ideas to entertain the family. (And up here in Northern Europe, it isn’t always sunny.) Grab yourselves a slice of culture at the National Museum on Ny Vestergade; here, you can marvel at Viking gold and runic stones, but more important, do lots of dressing up in the children’s museum section, which is basically an indoor playground for kids. The whole museum could keep you busy for well over half a day (and there’s a picnic room if you want to bring something to eat too).

The nearest outdoor playground to the museum, if the skies clear up later in the day, is just around the corner at Blox, the city’s new architecture center. An alternative rainy-day spot is at Kube in Frederiksberg.

And speaking of cubes and blocks, you really should buy the kids some Legos as a little souvenir. (Legos are made in Denmark — the toy's name is an abbreviation for leg godt, which means "play well" in Danish.)

More:  The Mom's Guide to London

Where to stay

Copenhagen certainly isn't lacking in well-reviewed hotels, but my personal (albeit biased) recommendation for families is always going to be one of Copenhagen's gorgeous Kid & Coe rental properties.

While Copenhagen isn't the biggest city around — nor is it one of the world's most epic sightseeing capitals — it has great livability and an unparalleled artsy, green and design-focused vibe. Plus, it’s a very relaxing capital city to experience — yes, even with small children. I’m hoping you feel inspired to visit, because it’s a truly fun place to be.

Arguments, believe it or not, are a healthy and normal part of relationships. In many cases, they help you to grow, mature and strengthen a relationship. Of course, these conversations can get out of hand. Here are nine basic ground rules for couples on how to argue the right way.

Don't use defensive body language

If you want your argument to be as healthy a debate as it can be, it not only involves using the right words but also using your body language to convey a sense of openness. “In other words, don't cross your arms, point your finger or roll your eyes,” says resident dating expert for WhatsYourPrice Heather Ebert. Many studies on communication point to the fact that nonverbal communication is more effective than verbal communication. “Your partner is going to use your nonverbal behavior to determine your intentions and formulate their approach to the argument.”

More: Why You Shouldn't Try to Make Your Partner Happy

Don't blame, judge or criticize

Arguing puts us in instant reactive mode, making it impossible to hear one another. “This is how things escalate and becomes an emotional tennis match of slinging insults. Nothing gets accomplished and things are said that compromise trust,” says Lisa Concepcion, a relationship expert and founder of LoveQuest Coaching. “When you blame, judge or criticize during an argument, it divides you as a couple. You're not looking at a solution. You're looking to be right and make the other person wrong.”

Stick to the subject at hand

“Don't go off topic and introduce something new or from a previous conversation,” says Gail Crowder, a certified marriage and life coach. For example, if you’re arguing about the rent, it’s not a good time to also bring up his or her drinking habit. Save that discussion for another time.

Say what you mean

You want to come across strong, decisive and poignant in an argument, right? “Often, when we try to use the words that will have the most impact, we miss the mark and create an even larger firestorm than before,” explains Ebert. “Don't just say things just because they sound good. You shouldn't have to hurt someone in order to get your point across. And dig deep to find the best way to articulate your thoughts and feelings.” 

More: My Phone Ruined My Relationship

Set a mental time limit for arguing

“Ask yourself, 'How long can I engage in this argument before I lose my temper and say something I don't mean?'” suggests Crowder. You also don’t want these arguments going on all night long and then continuing when you wake up. If you set a limit of fifteen minutes, you can always tell your partner, “Let's continue this discussion later or tomorrow.”

Frame the conversation positively

“When you are communicating with your partner, if you have a negative spin, your partner will respond with their guard up and will be less likely to hear you out,” says relationship expert and CEO of Platinum Poire, Rori Sassoon.

Don’t hit below the belt

Don't "say things that you know you are going to regret later. Wounds of the words from a loved one are worse than wounds of war,” says Sassoon. “In addition, don’t yell and be too tough on them. You want them to be able to speak openly and feel safe.” 

Don’t threaten with separation or divorce

If you are throwing, “It makes me want to break up with you,” or “Why don’t we just divorce then?” every time you argue, stop! “Do that too often and it may backfire. You may end up in court and not want to break up,” says Crowder. Even if you aren’t serious, it’s still hurtful for your partner to hear.

Don’t play to win

When you argue with your partner, the end goal should be solving a problem. “It’s not a game of being right. You would rather be happy that your partner understands you and respects you than just being 'right,'” says Sassoon.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup: Name a better duo. We'll wait.

OK, fine, you're right. There are plenty of other great duos, but none as tasty and delicious as this one. This pairing is the ultimate form of comfort food that can be enjoyed really any time of the year for lunch or for dinner.

To level up the experience, it's time to experiment with all types of grilled cheese sandwiches — from grilled cheese rolls to a hot buffalo chicken grilled cheese. Below, we've listed the 12 most delicious-looking grilled cheeses you'll want to try for yourself tonight.

More: 11 Healthier Alternatives to Your Favorite Comfort Foods

1. Grilled cheese rolls

Add a twist — literally — to ordinary grilled cheese sandwiches by making these grilled cheese rolls.

2. Spinach, goat cheese & avocado grilled cheese

Add excitement to traditional grilled cheese sandwiches with spinach, goat cheese and avocado.

3. Ultimate nacho grilled cheese recipe

Mexican food meets grilled cheese in this sandwich filled with gooey colby-jack cheese, black beans, guacamole and more.

4. White pizza grilled cheese

Give tomato soup an Italian flair by pairing it with this white pizza grilled cheese. Fried, buttery bread sandwiches mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta cheeses plus spices for the ultimate white grilled cheese sandwich.

More: Does Comfort Food Really Help You Feel Better?

5. Grilled cheese sandwich with Brie & red onion marmalade

Enjoy your tomato soup with this bistro-style grilled cheese with Brie and red onion marmalade. The marmalade can be made in advance.

6. Hawaiian grilled cheese

Add ham and pineapple to cheese grilled on ciabatta rolls to say aloha to a warm bowl of tomato soup.

7. Apple-butter grilled cheese sandwiches

Apple butter turns an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich into a sweet treat by adding hints of buttery apple flavor — a perfect pairing with tomato soup.

8. Hot Buffalo chicken & bacon grilled cheese

More: 30 Simple Summer Dinner Party Recipes Your Guests Will Love

9. Jalapeño popper grilled cheese sandwich

This hot take on a grilled cheese combines jalapeños, cream cheese, Muenster cheese slices and plenty of butter.

10. Blueberry Brie grilled cheese sandwich

Are you bold enough to try a dessert grilled cheese with your tomato soup? Blueberries and Brie sound like the perfect pairing.

11. Pizza Margherita grilled cheese

Now this is more like it: A pizza-inspired grilled cheese will pair beautifully with that warm bowl of soup.

More: How to Make the Perfect Pancake: An Easy, 6-Step Recipe

12. Gruyère & caramelized onions grilled cheese

Loaded with herbs, caramelized onions, Gruyère and white cheddar cheeses — we're in grilled cheese heaven.

A version of this article was originally published in November 2013.