Do you love the holidays? How about the Hallmark Channel? Well, if you do, you are in for a treat: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries has added yet another film, Last Vermont Christmas, to their 2018 lineup, bringing the total number of seasonal flicks to 37 — a record-breaking number.

More: Hallmark Channel Is Going Where No Channel Has Ever Gone Before

The network's previous record for original Christmas and holiday content was 33, which was set in 2017.

Last Vermont Christmas will star Erin Cahill and Justin Bruening of Grey's Anatomy. According to Entertainment Weekly, the film will focus "on three sisters, Megan (Cahill), Bethany, and Mary, who reunite every Christmas in their childhood home. This year, though, their parents have put the house up for sale, and the buyer is... Nash (Bruening), Megan’s former childhood sweetheart (a little weird to buy your ex’s house, but okay)."

Of course, this isn't the networks only new film. Other 2018 Hallmark holiday features will include Christmas Joy, Road to Christmas, Christmas at Graceland and Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas — not to mention Making Spirits Bright, starring Full House alum Jodie Sweetin.

A full list of Hallmark's holiday movies can be found here.

More: The Best Christmas Movies You Forgot About

As for Last Vermont Christmas, the film will air on Nov. 19 at 9/8c, and the Hallmark Channel will officially kick off their Countdown to Christmas on Oct. 27 with Christmas at Pemberley Manor.

Going into the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, slated to premiere in the first half of 2019, it's unclear whether any of the show's beloved characters will actually make it out alive. The cast has been understandably coy about what's to come, but new comments from star Peter Dinklage (who plays Tyrion Lannister) have us truly fearing the worst.

More: Game of Thrones Is Bringing Back a Character Jon Snow Fans Will Love for Season 8

At the premiere of this new HBO movie, My Dinner with Hervé, Dinklage told Entertainment Tonight that the series' ending is basically perfect. "There are no better writers in television than [showrunners] Dan Weiss and David Benioff," he said. "They ended it brilliantly. Better than I could have imagined and you people are in for it," Dinklage said.

These comments reflect ones made by Dinklage's castmates, including Sophie Turner and Nathalie Emmanuel. However, Dinklage used one word in his comments to ET that made us break out into a cold sweat.

He said the series "ends beautifully for my character whether it be tragic or not."

A tragic ending for Tyrion? Say it ain't so. Although it certainly wouldn't be unheard of for Game of Thrones to kill off such a major and beloved character, especially in its final season (we're still mourning the loss of Robb Stark), we hope Tyrion makes it to the end, even if that's not super-likely. No one in Westeros is ever safe, and Tyrion has already experienced a fair share of tragedy in his life, so who knows what could happen next? Dinklage's comments are slightly too vague to draw any definitive conclusions.

During the course of his seven years on Game of Thrones, Dinklage has taken home eight awards for his performance as Tyrion, including one Golden Globe and three Emmys. He has been nominated an additional 37 times and has received international acclaim for his role.

More: Sophie Turner Says the GoT Finale Will Divide Fans, & We're Nervous

If Tyrion does die in season eight, we can only hope Game of Thrones gives him a proper send-off — but we won't hold our breath for anything just yet.

If your child is an extrovert, chances are you realized that early on. They're the ones who demand attention, never stop talking and are in their element in social situations. (You may also be used to comments from other people like, "Isn't she outgoing?" and "He's not shy, is he?") 

"Extroverts by innate nature will demonstrate several behaviors and characteristics that are different than their introverted peer group," Christine Mann, certified professional coach and Myers-Briggs practitioner, tells SheKnows. "These kiddos are most likely very social and outgoing and enjoy being around activity and other children. Their strengths are communication, socializing in groups and working well with others at school, as they bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to situations. They are most likely very talkative and don’t shy away from meeting new people as they get older — in fact, they often become terrific networkers and connectors of people."  

More: How to Help Your Child Become a Self-Learner

Just like adults, every child has their own unique personality and probably displays both introvert and extrovert traits, depending on the circumstances. But a little insight into your child's unique personality goes a long way toward giving them what they need and helping them develop into well-rounded individuals. 

Provide outlets for extroversion

An extroverted child needs plenty of socializing, so create lots of opportunities for your kid to be around other kids. Licensed child therapist Kimberly Tucker recommends giving them a healthy mix of structured and unstructured activities. "In an unstructured activity, your child will be the natural leader and will set the agenda of play for the group," she tells SheKnows. "In a structured activity, your child may have a hard time giving up that leadership to the coach or teacher who is trying to lead the activity. Your child might be the one that has a hard time staying quiet and following all of the instructions." But it's important that they realize that structured activity is a part of life too.

Mann recommends giving your extroverted child plenty of exercise — they need ample room to disperse their energy. Playgrounds provide the perfect place to combine exercise and fun with no restrictions.  

Focus on social learning skills

According to family therapist Katie Ziskind, while extroverted children can be extremely friendly — your kid is likely to be the first to introduce themselves to new people or welcome the new student in class — they can lack social learning skills. "They can be very talkative or think a group activity is all about them," Ziskind tells SheKnows. "They may be too aggressive when another child really needs a break and some space. They may find poking or punching fun, but another child may not like this behavior. The extrovert may not understand this and may not even stop poking or pinching when asked to." 

More: Why It's Important to Let Your Kid Fail

This means one of the roles of the parent of an extroverted child is helping them learn social skills about sharing and how their behaviors impact others. For example, if your extroverted child has pushed a friend to end or limit a friendship because they’ve been overwhelming them, you need to process this situation emotionally and help your child understand their role in the friendship dissolving. Ziskind suggests helping your extroverted child in group activities by identifying when your child is hogging all the attention in the group and saying something like, "Sharing is caring. Let someone else have a turn." 

Acknowledge their strengths...

According to licensed clinical social worker Dr. Sal Raichbach, the best thing you can do for an extroverted child is to embrace their confident nature. Create opportunities for them to interact with others and compliment your extroverted child’s strengths. For instance, you might say something like, "You did a great job welcoming the new girl on the playground just now. I love the way you were so outgoing and friendly to her. Thanks for being a good friend." 

As the parent of an extroverted child, you have to be ready to engage them in discussion or brainstorming at any time. "Respect and value their spontaneity and show appreciation for their thoughts and ideas," Raichbach tells SheKnows. "And when you talk to them, just say what you think." 

... & champion differences 

At the same time, encourage your extroverted child to be polite and fun to be around. "Sometimes, extroverted kids struggle to grasp why others aren't as outgoing and friendly as they are," says Raichbach. "They might even perceive their more introverted playmates as distant or unfriendly. It's up to you to help them understand and respect others’ need for alone time." 

While your child might be drawn to fellow extroverts, Raichbach recommends encouraging interactions with others who are shy or more withdrawn — this teaches them an important lesson that others are different, and that's OK. "The goal is to get your child to understand and respect everyone's unique traits," he says. "All children grow and develop social skills by interacting and playing with other personalities." 

Make safety a priority

All kids need to be taught to keep themselves safe, but extroverted kids may be particularly susceptible to "stranger danger." "Extroverted children are generally natural helpers, so a malicious adult could take advantage of that instinct and perhaps enlist an extroverted child's 'help' as a rouse to do harm," warns Tucker. "Teach your extroverted child that there is nothing an adult cannot do for themselves that they would need a child's help with."  

"As a parent, raising an extrovert means that you'll have to focus more on boundaries and politeness," agrees Raichbach. "Kids that aren't shy will go up to anyone and start a conversation, which can be a safety concern. You want to encourage their social nature, but keep in mind that they need to be taught what is appropriate and what isn't."

More: How to Deal With Toddler Separation Anxiety

Raising an extroverted child can be a lot of fun — and it's certainly never quiet! While it helps to take expert advice on board, try not to get too caught up in labeling your child. Don't pigeonhole them just because they lean toward a certain personality type. While your little one might get bored faster being alone than an introvert might, it doesn't mean they're not capable of enjoying a little downtime too. Take the time to work out what makes your child tick. Above all, make them feel loved and appreciated, exactly as they are.  

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen — wife of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady — definitely took breastfeeding to the next level. Convinced of her breast milk's curative properties, Bündchen wasn't shy about using it for just about everything. Hey, if you can't get your hands on unicorn milk, we suppose supermodel milk is the next best thing.

Bündchen told People, “My kids never got sick when I was breastfeeding." She referred to her breast milk as “a magical thing.” Really. 

“If they had something in their eyes, I’d put milk in their eyes," Bündchen said. "Before their flight, I would get a dropper and put milk up their nose … to [ward off] the bacteria on the plane." According to People, Bündchen also explained that she added her breast milk to her kids' cereal. So there's that.

We like to wipe down our armrests and seat table with supermodel breast milk whenever possible too. But it's so hard to come by.

Not for Bündchen, though! Apparently, Bündchen was a veritable fount of breast milk. When it was time to wean her kids, she prepared a stockpile of her frozen breast milk to keep around for the future for any ailments — or house repairs. (OK, we're kidding about the house repairs. There's WD-40 for that. But we do kind of love imagining an off-the-grid, underground breast milk bunker in the backyard of the Bündchen-Brady manse.)

Her pediatrician encouraged Bündchen to bottle her milk, saying it would be "the perfect medicine for everything," as Bündchen quoted her doc to People. And she clearly took this advice to heart.

More: Gisele Bündchen Regretted the Boob Job She Got After Weaning Her Kids

“I mean, I was one crazy person,” she told People, “but I felt like it was such a gift that I had.”

What's her secret? From her Instagram, we're guessing yoga — and exposing those breasts regularly to the sunrise.

More: Gisele Bündchen Had Panic Attacks, Considered Suicide

It should be noted, of course, that very few women have it this easy when it comes to breastfeeding. And in her interview with People, Bündchen seemed aware of her good fortune. “[One of my sisters] couldn’t produce enough milk and so it was very challenging for two of them to breastfeed and I was so grateful that I was able to,” she said. “I felt like it was a big gift that I was given to be able to do that.”

Bündchen also referred to breastfeeding as “the most wonderful experience of my life," but did admit that pumping “was very hard" (we're with you on that, Gisele).

Whether breast milk is truly "magical" or not, we're glad to know even supermodels agree that breast pumps suck. Literally and figuratively.

Soon-to-be-billionaire, Kylie Cosmetics mogul and Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner has been a mom for all of a hot minute. But she's already thinking about baby names for her next little girl — a baby sis for daughter Stormi, now 8 months old.

More: Caitlyn Jenner Says Pregnancy Reveal Was Hard on Kylie Jenner

The baby talk happened during a late-night Snapchat Q&A session with her BFF, Jordyn Woods.

Jenner told Woods (and the world), “I want another baby, but when is the question, and I’m definitely not ready right this second." But Jenner insinuated that she might not be so secretive when it comes to baby No. 2, adding, “When I do, I would love to share more of that with you guys."

Jenner is clearly crazy about baby Stormi — whom she refers to on Instagram as "my little princess" — and has made up for her early secretive days by posting tons of Stormi pics and Stormi observations on social media. Turns out Stormi is a daddy's girl for sure, and when papa Travis Scott is around, Jenner says it's like mom's not even there. "They have this crazy connection," she said on Snapchat.

More: Kylie Jenner Shares Epic Slumber Party Pic of Matching Stormi & Chicago

Jenner is already musing about potential names for another baby girl. She told Woods, “I haven’t found anything I love love, but I definitely want another girl, hopefully. And I want her to have a feminine name.”

Just please don't name her Windi or Sunni or Foggi or Misti, Kylie. We can send you a few baby name books, OK?

Keira Knightley is an outspoken feminist and has fought for equal representation in Hollywood and beyond. However, she isn't just concerned with how women are portrayed on-screen; she also has a bone to pick with the IRL societal pressures so many women face. And one "pressure" that's particularly plaguing Knightley is the unrealistic expectations of what women should do and look like after giving birth — the old and dreaded "bounce back" concept.

Case in point: Kate Middleton, aka Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who made public appearances hours after giving birth to all three of her children.

In Knightley's recent essay entitled "The Weaker Sex," she made a point of criticizing the Kate for yielding to these silly standards.

More: See Ya, Maternity Leave: Kate Middleton Is Back to Her Official Royal Duties

“We stand and watch the TV screen. [Kate] was out of hospital seven hours later with her face made up and high heels on,” Knightley wrote in the piece for Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (and Other Lies), as reported by Refinery29. “The face the world wants to see.”

We “hide. Hide our pain, our bodies splitting, our breasts leaking, our hormones raging," Knightley wrote. "Look beautiful. Look stylish, don’t show your battleground, Kate. Seven hours after your fight with life and death, seven hours after your body breaks open, and bloody, screaming life comes out. Don’t show. Don’t tell. Stand there with your girl and be shot by a pack of male photographers.”

Of course, some would argue Kate Middleton's appearances were the ultimate feminist "fuck you," a real, "look at how strong I am" sort of moment. However, others — including Knightley — believe the Duchess of Cambridge simply caved to the aforementioned standards. Why? Simply because it's what was expected of her.

So which standpoint is right? Well, both — and neither. Women should be allowed to do, say and wear whatever they wish — post-childbirth or otherwise. But Knightley does make an important point. Women — particularly women's bodies — are held to very different standards than men, and it's time for that to change.

In the essay, Knightley also spoke about her own birth experience, which was graphic, painful and strangely beautiful. According to Refinery29, the actor wrote, “[M]y vagina split. You came out with your eyes open. Arms up in the air. Screaming. They put you on to me, covered in blood, vernix, your head misshapen from the birth canal. Pulsating, gasping, screaming... [and] you latched on to my breast immediately, hungrily. I remember the pain... the s–t, the vomit, the blood, the stitches. I remember my battleground.”

As do I; as does everyone who's witnessed a birth. But parenthood is what you make of it, and everyone handles their experience differently.

More: Mindy Kaling Hopes Meghan Markle Will Help Plan Her Daughter's First Birthday

As such, when it comes to Knightley and Kate, we say this: Mommy wars are brutal. They are never-ending, and they are real. And while I certainly wouldn't be rocking heels hours after birth, if that makes the duchess happy, she should go for it — because women are divided enough. It's time to prop one another up instead of dragging each other down.

Lately, there's been a lot of talk about when Grey's Anatomy will officially end. In an interview published Tuesday by Entertainment Tonight, Ellen Pompeo once again got honest about the ABC drama's future.

"I think the fans will let us know," the actor who brings Meredith Grey to life said. "When the numbers start to drop and people aren't watching the same, people aren't as passionate about it... it's time to call it." 

Pompeo also said that she and creator Shonda Rhimes "will decide together" when it's the right time to close the Grey's book, but for now, the fans' continued support and love is fueling the drama. "I've been doing it a long time and I do get restless, but the fans are just still so passionate about the show," she told ET.

More: Sara Ramirez Wants to Return to Grey's Anatomy, & We Approve

For those unaware, Rhimes revealed to E! News in November 2017 that she will continue with Grey's as long as Pompeo does. "Ellen and I have a pact that I’m going to do the show as long as she’s going to do the show," she admitted. "So the show will exist as long as both of us want to do it. If she wants to stop, we’re stopping."

As for Pompeo's future as the title character, she said she's sticking around before telling ET, "For right now. Let's take it one season at a time."

This isn't the first time the Golden Globe nominee has touched upon the end of Grey's. In May, Pompeo spoke with ET and reiterated, "Yes, we're starting to think about how you would end a show this iconic. How do you end it? But we're not there yet. We're going to focus on season 15. We just take it one season at a time."

More: Ellen Pompeo's New Contract Means Big Things for Grey's Anatomy

In September, Pompeo also opened up to Entertainment Weekly, where she revealed a career change is something she thinks about, and understandably so.

“I’m clearly not prepared right now to make any kind of formal announcement about what my future is on the show, but I am really feeling like we have told the majority of the stories we can tell," she told EW. "It’s about time that I mix it up. I’m definitely looking for a change."

More: These Grey's Anatomy Fan Favorites Are Officially Done

Deadline reported in January that Pompeo renewed her Grey's contract for two more seasons, meaning she signed on for the current season 15 in addition to season 16, which is definitely good news. That said, it's unclear if she'll renew her contract again.

If fans are starting to get nervous, they'd just better keep tuning in, because it sounds like Pompeo is willing to stick around as long as there's a big audience.

Chances are you know someone or have someone in your life who has dealt with breast cancer in some way, shape or form. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity. According to Breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. (about 12.4 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her life.

While this number seems overwhelming, there is some good news. Breast cancer rates in the U.S. have been decreasing in the year 2000 after increasing for the previous two decades. For example, they dropped by 7 percent from 2002 to 2003, so yay for that.

But what do all these numbers actually mean? Well, for one, it means that while breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer in women, scientists are working overtime to ensure more people are surviving the disease and going on to resume their regularly scheduled lives. They’re going back to work. They’re starting families. They’re advocating for other people who have recently been diagnosed. They’re living the life they had imagined before cancer threw a wrench into those plans.

Most of us call these people "survivors," but there is no promise they will remain survivors. Cancer doesn’t just pack up and walk away after the chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. There is no guarantee that someone who has been through treatment for breast cancer will never hear those four words again: “I’m sorry. It’s cancer.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us, and typically, this time of year is overrun with pink ribbons, pink cookies, pink just about everything you can get your hands on. Before you proudly wear your ribbon in honor of your friend, relative or coworker, here are some other ways you can help those who are surviving after a cancer diagnosis.

More: 15 Breast Cancer Products Patients & Survivors Can Actually Use

Hire those who are surviving

Here’s the thing with surviving cancer: It takes its toll on your entire life. Many of those who have been treated for cancer find themselves unable to work during that time because of the wallop chemotherapy serves to the body. While there are great companies out there that will work with patients during their treatment, many will not, leaving those surviving cancer unemployed. 

This year, rather than raising money through your company for a cancer organization, why not hire someone who is surviving cancer? Chances are you’ll find an employee who is eager to get back to work and will be driven to succeed. You want an employee that’s going to get shit done? Hire someone who’s had cancer; they can crush any challenge you send their way.

Become an advocate

If you work in the legal field, there’s a strong chance those surviving cancer can use your help. There are a number of former patients who have experienced injustices during and after their treatment who could use a legal mind. Organizations like National Cancer Legal Services Network are designed to help those who are in need of legal services they might not be able to afford. Pro bono work is a great way to give back to former cancer patients — one that will have a direct impact on their lives.

More: Organizations Worth Your Time & Money During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Be a source of support

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone surviving breast cancer is to just be there. Most people think as soon as the treatment is over, that person is cured, but that’s not always the case. There are still the emotional and physical side effects that need to be dealt with. 

Just because someone is no longer spending hours at the oncologist's being pumped full of chemicals, doesn’t mean they are no longer dealing with the by-products of treatment. Exhaustion, changes in taste, neuropathy (numbness in extremities) and chemo brain (thinking and memory problems that can occur after chemotherapy has ended) are just a few of the lingering effects of chemotherapy. Your friend could probably use some help around the house or a night out to celebrate the completion of their treatment. Just because they had cancer doesn’t mean they aren’t allowed to party anymore!

Life after cancer can be just as confusing and frustrating as life with cancer, so rather than pinning that ribbon to your shirt in support, reach out to someone actually surviving breast cancer. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel (and how many holes you’ll spare your clothing). 

There are plenty of reasons to love Mark Consuelos, especially if you've watched his career grow since his early days on All My Children. As if it wasn't enough to be a fan for his work in film and television — or the fact that he and his wife, Kelly Ripa, are #CoupleGoals — we have a new reason for you to join Consuelos' fan club: He's currently one of the many male celebrities teaming with the HeForShe campaign, which aims to eradicate gender inequality in all areas of our lives.

In late September, SheKnows got the chance to catch up with Consuelos about his work with HeForShe. We learned just how important the issue of gender equality was to Consuelos and how he and Ripa are passing on this deeply felt importance to their three children, Michael, 21, Lola, 17, and Joaquin, 15.

More: Kelly Ripa Remembers the Exact Moment She Fell in Love With Mark Consuelos

SheKnows: Can you tell us how you got involved with HeForShe?

Mark Consuelos: It came across my desk and, since I'm shooting in Vancouver right now [for Riverdale], it seemed a little impossible. But I read about the campaign, I did my research about it and then I thought about it. I think [this issue, gender equality] is super important. I think especially now, it's absolutely important. I think it's important to be the agents of change: to help, to serve, to assist. That, I think, is essential for gender equality. 

SK: What are the primary gender inequalities in the entertainment industry, like fixing the pay gap or leveling the playing field when it comes to available opportunities for all, that you want to focus on fixing?

MC: Not that there's a magic wand to fix it all, but things like the pay gap or opening doors as you mention are really important. I think that one [about opening doors] was the one that really resonated with me. 

We have a daughter who's a senior this year, and I just see her with her classmates every year and half the population of the classes is female and half the population is male. I know how hard she works and I know what she does in school, and the idea that graduating from high school, going to college and graduating from college with the same type of work ethic [as her male peers] — and yet I worry about the lack of opportunity or the possibility of her wage gap because she's a woman. 

That big disparity in pay because she's a woman is absolutely unconscionable; it's unacceptable. So, I think that [with things like closing the pay gap,] employment and power comes decisions. I think that that would be a good first step, especially in our society here in America.

SK: Have you had to talk about these issues around gender inequality yet with your kids? 

MC: My daughter has an amazing role model in her mother. She has someone that's intelligent, that's dynamic, outspoken, who has integrity, that sticks to her word, that [in our family] it's just not acceptable that there would be some gender inequality. So, for her, I think it's just a general way of life that she expects that things — that's how she is going to comport herself, that's her viewpoint. 

My sons as well, seeing a strong female representation in their mother, I think, has been the biggest lesson. You can talk about this all you want, you can generalize it. But, in my family, when men refer to their wives as their better half, in my case, I actually mean it.

SK: Speaking of women in your life, we're curious: Can you recall a specific moment when you saw your wife, Kelly Ripa, have to fight on these issues? 

MC: I could name a hundred times. She's been in this profession for close to 29 years. So, yes, I mean, that's called Tuesday and Thursday for us [laughs]. 

SK: You’ll be working more closely with your wife behind the scenes on How the Other Half Hamptons. Can you tell me what it’s like working with her as coproducers?

MC: We've always worked together, and we started telling you that it's just working together professionally on the transition for us. It's just another way that we've always worked together. I've always been hard to lives in our careers, so it's just another avenue for us. 

More: Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos Are Peak Proud Parents Over Son's Riverdale Role

SK: Your oldest son, Michael, will soon be seen on your TV show, Riverdale, and he'll be playing a younger version of your character, Hiram Lodge. Can you tell us what that casting process was like from your point of view?

MC: Oh my gosh, that was so great. It was kind of a fluke. [Riverdale season three] will have a flashback episode, and Roberto [Aguirre-Sacasa, Riverdale's creator and producer] was saying to me, "Listen, we'd love to have Michael [audition] to play Hiram as a young wrestler." And they loved it. 

So he [auditioned], got the job and it was such a thrill for us as a family to be able to share that. We also hung out together while we were shooting, and I even went to work one day not so much to watch him but to support him while he worked. It was definitely a bucket list moment for me to have my son on a job with me; it was a thrill for us. 

To find out more about the HeForShe campaign, head over to heforshe.org.

My late grandma had a saying I remember fondly: “I am not a piece of crystal.” It was the sort of thing you might bellow at, say, your granddaughter’s new boyfriend if he’d made you feel feeble by offering you his arm — or in my case, a mantra you might repeat when you’re having a baby as a single mom by choice and need to constantly remind yourself that you are strong and badass.

And yet, just as my grandma eventually started accepting my ex-boyfriend as a personal escort — it’s hard to be an 80-year-old stroke survivor and insist on walking in high heels unaided — I’ve come to learn that even the most determined, fiercely independent pregnant woman could use a little assist here and there.

More: TV Shows That Get Single Motherhood Right

Some of the most touching and helpful gestures have come from strangers: the man who tied my shoe for me when he saw I was struggling to bend over my belly, the nameless neighbors who have taken out my trash and had those who've had key copies made just to make my life a tad easier. Friends have stepped up too, performing both emotional and physical labor. They’ve moved furniture, run errands, volunteered to come to doctor appointments, given me hand-me-downs and listened to me fret over everything from morning sickness to baby names.

As someone who finds it excruciatingly difficult to ask for help, opening myself up to assistance has been a slow, begrudging process. Now that I’m in my third trimester, my fears of appearing needy or weak have come second to practicality; I simply can’t (or shouldn’t) physically lift every suitcase or heavy shopping bag, and there’s no co-parent around to pitch in. Let me tell you: Nothing says “know your limits” like having strangers tie your damn shoelaces.

Want to be a better ally to the single mom in your life? I asked other women who have gone it solo about the gestures that meant the most — and where they felt their friends fell short. We are not pieces of crystal, but we’re not emotionally neutered superheroes, either.

More: As a Poor, Work-from-Home Mom, I Hate Summer "Break"

Show up

When Becca of Alexandria, Vermont, underwent IVF in her late 40s — she’s now a mother of three, including twins — she wasn’t entirely on her own. Her sister was in charge of administering the hormone shots; once the pregnancy was confirmed, a close friend took over, stopping by every evening to give her a progesterone injection in the rear end.

“One girlfriend came to every early ultrasound so I wouldn't be scared or miss something with all the concerns explained by a flurry of doctors,” she tells SheKnows. “One pal came to my gender-reveal sonogram. She snuck out in the middle and returned with two perfect gift baskets — one for a boy and one for a girl. She had bought four of every basic I might need (two boys and two girls) and then assembled them in the waiting room to the delight of the entire staff. Those were my first baby presents, and I will never forget that moment.”

And when Becca was put on early bed rest, her friends brought her baby shower to her rather than cancel it entirely.

Some moms-to-be may be totally fine with going to appointments and prenatal classes by themselves. I’ve yet to attend a scan with a guest and haven’t thought twice about it. Still, it’s comforting to know there are people ready and willing to tag along, even if it’s just to pat your hand or make funny faces when you’re holding a plastic baby doll up to your boob in a breastfeeding tutorial. A good ally will volunteer their services as a plus-one and will come through if Mama decides to accept the offer.

Break a sweat

I can take the odd remark about the size of my bump — no, it’s not twins, and no, I’m not about to go into labor — but nothing makes my blood boil more than a stranger scolding me through pursed lips with a haughty, “You shouldn’t be carrying that.”

“I’m doing this by myself!” I’m tempted to scream as I heave my groceries onto the counter or check in my luggage. “Who else is going to carry it?!”

It’s infinitely more helpful for others to ditch the lectures and simply do. I’ve had strangers hold open doors and hoist my carry-ons without a word and friends who have come by to do the manual chores I no longer can, such as carting away old books for the charity shop and setting up baby furniture. You don’t need a honey to have a honey-do list, and the friends who help you get through it are worth their weight in gold.

Even stepping up to take on small domestic tasks can make a big difference.

“My (now) ex-husband left when I was 8 months pregnant with my youngest, and I remember my friend La Tausha came over and insisted that I put up my feet while she did my laundry and cleaned my kitchen,” Charlene, an Oakland, California-based living coach who raised her two teenagers as a single mom, tells SheKnows. “She brought me water every once in a while and insisted that I rest. This was so helpful because I was very pregnant and trying not to become overstressed from the demise of my marriage.”

Keep the unsolicited advice to yourself

“Can I tell you something about epidurals?” a family friend known for her candor asked me the other day. I paused, contemplating whether I could get away with saying a firm no without seeming rude. I wish I had.

Advice is a tricky issue. Of course I have a million questions about the whole pregnancy process, but it’s difficult to do things my way when I’m wading through countless opinions I didn’t ask for. I have a couple of mom friends I trust implicitly and supplement my doctor’s advice with the requisite baby books, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different and can be impacted by their location, culture and even age. (Older women are often surprised when I mention the foods I’m not supposed to eat because those guidelines weren’t standard during their own pregnancies.)

Single or not, pregnant women are inundated with advice, much of it conflicting. Let us ask the questions before taking it upon yourself to serve up a lecture.

Don’t judge

Every single mom has a story: a breakup, a one-night stand, widowhood, a conscious decision to give motherhood a go using unconventional means. For some, it’s plan A. For others, it’s plan B or even C. But trust me: Any criticism you can throw our way about raising a kid outside the "perfect" nuclear family experience is something we’ve already considered and agonized over. We don’t need your guilt trips; we’ve got our own.

Karen, a divorcée with two teens based in Oklahoma, was surprised when her loved ones reacted negatively to her decision to adopt a third child as a single mom.

“It wasn’t a conventional situation or adoption,” she tells SheKnows. “I was told from friends and family that I was stupid for taking on another child when my two were just about grown and out. No one gave baby showers; no one had the same excitement I had about this new little life.”

Kelly, who is raising her 2-year-old daughter in Southern California, is still reeling from the reactions she received when she got pregnant. Much of the backlash stemmed from the fact that her ex is mixed-race.

“‘Of course a Black guy knocked you up and left. Since you are not married, you're best off having an abortion,’" someone told her.

“One woman even went so far as to schedule an appointment for me at Planned Parenthood. I thank God every day that I listened to my heart and not to any naysayers. But I am equally grateful that I stuck to my guns and said that no matter what the circumstances, I would give my baby an amazing life. I was astounded by the utter cruelty of others,” she tells SheKnows.

The bottom line: A true friend offers support, not condemnation.

Offer to babysit

Single moms aren’t just doing their thing without a co-parent; they’re likely also missing out on the support network provided by a second set of grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends. Making a plan without the baby often means relying on babysitters, an expense that can quickly add up. So why not pitch in?

“Because I am a single parent with a demanding career, I need to find a babysitter to watch her when I attend work events,” Nikoleta, a Chicago-based mom with a 7-year-old daughter, tells SheKnows. “And that is where one of the many challenges lies — who can watch my child? Having a support group of other single mom friends who understand me and my situation is crucial for my well-being and survival. My babysitter is a close single friend of mine who has two kids herself, and anytime I need her to help me, she is there for me!”

Charlene of Oakland agrees, crediting a married couple with whisking off her kids on the weekend so she could rest up and have a break to tackle other errands.

Ease up the pressure

Prepping for a baby with no co-parent to split responsibilities with often feels like a full-time job. And guess what: I already have a full-time job. So when friends beg me to go out for drinks (which I can’t drink), book vacations (which could cover the cost of multiple top-of-the-line strollers) or commit to pretty much any plans after my due date (which involves making intense calculations on how my baby will act, how I’ll be feeling and countless other factors), it feels suffocating. It’s not that I want to be a hermit; it’s just that grabbing lunch or having a shopping date feels so much more manageable and productive than making small talk with drunk people at a party. Making big plans for the future — particularly those that will involve travel, money and childcare — feels daunting until I have a better handle on motherhood. It’s fine to ask, but don’t push if the answer is no or we say, “I need to wait and see.”

Don’t flake

If I’d wanted to be subject to the whims of an unreliable partner, I honestly wouldn’t have decided to have a baby on my own. It’s hard to shake off the “it’s easier to do it by myself” mentality, which is why it can be so galling and frustrating when someone who has offered to help out suddenly bails because they’re hungover or just have something better to do. It’s obviously not a friend’s responsibility to raise this baby, but it is their responsibility to honor whatever commitments they’ve made. Whether it’s babysitting, showing up for a prenatal class, or coming by to help set up the nursery, pulling out with a half-baked excuse is the opposite of helpful.

More: What Being a Single Mom for One Month Taught Me About Parenting

Ultimately, being a supportive friend can involve a gesture as small as picking up a bag of the Flamin' Hot Cheetos your single mama-to-be pal is craving. Listen. Be sensitive. Roll up your sleeves. Recognize that being a single mom is about being fearless, not helpless — but a back rub or finished load of laundry never goes unappreciated.

Busy Philipps and James Franco may have played a couple on NBC’s Freaks and Geeks, but the fondness between the two stopped there. In Philipps new memoir, This Will Only Hurt a Little, she claims Franco was a “fucking bully” who assaulted her on set. Per RadarOnline and as further reported by People magazine, Philipps describes a particularly tense day filming the series, which ran from 1999 to 2000. 

More: Busy Philipps Reams Delta for Rerouting Her Daughter

In the book, Philipps alleges the physical assault occurred while filming the “We’ve Got Spirit" episode of Freaks and Geeks. Philipps and Franco were supposed to shoot a scene in which her character hit Franco in the chest. Only, instead of reacting in a manner outlined by the script, Franco lost his cool. 

Philipps alleges Franco "grabbed both my arms and screamed in my face, ‘DON’T EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!’” before throwing her to the ground.

While one would hope punitive measures were taken, Philipps insists in her memoir that the response was minimal. Reportedly, executive producer Judd Apatow made Franco watch a video of the incident the following day. 

After seeing it, Franco told Philipps he was sorry — he’d had a bad reaction to his character being treated poorly. That was the extent of it, she says.  

This isn’t the first time Philipps has opened up about the bad blood between herself and Franco. In 2016, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, she detailed the tense working environment she experienced on the Freaks and Geeks set. 

“James Franco and I really didn’t get along when we were on Freaks and Geeks. We were 19, and we really, really disliked each other — it’s well-documented. He shoved me to the ground once. It was really brutal," she shared.

More: 6 Questions About Motherhood With Busy Philipps

At the time, Philipps stated that she and Franco had since made amends, a claim she essentially bolstered in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Monday. 

“James and I have talked about it over the years. At one point he apologized to me,” she explained, adding, “I was always acutely aware of my expendability, and so I felt I needed to never complain, always show up on time and not be difficult. If someone else was being difficult, it was my job to be the easy one or figure out a way to soothe the situation.” 

Philipps memoir arrives Oct. 16, and her new talk show, Busy Tonight, premieres on E! on Oct. 28. 

Lady Gaga's new film, A Star Is Born, was highly anticipated. When the 2018 remake of the classic film premiered, it received rave reviews, but since its theatrical release, many have raised concerns over its content.

In fact, some fans believe the film should have a trigger warning, as A Star Is Born depicts addiction, depression and suicide — and does so vividly at times.

More: Gisele Bündchen Once Had Panic Attacks So Severe She Contemplated Suicide

Of course, the story is not a new one: A Star Is Born was first made in 1937 and has been remade on three separate occasions (including in 1954 starring Judy Garland). However, since the last version of the film was made in 1976 — starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson — many may not have seen it and/or may have forgotten how it ends, not to mention the previous version alluded to suicide and did not depict it.

More: I Attempted Suicide, but I Didn't Want to Die

That said, it should be noted that Gaga's A Star Is Born does not show the aforementioned suicide scene — at least not on-screen. However, it does discuss the act in fairly graphic detail, explaining both the means and method. As such, if you are or may be triggered by talk of suicide, this film may be one to skip.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org, or text “START” to 741-741 to immediately speak to a trained counselor at Crisis Text Line.

Italian-American chef Laura Vitale is a rising superstar in the culinary world. The host of her own YouTube show, Laura in the Kitchen, and now host of the Cooking Channel's Simply Laura, this cook is quickly becoming known for her Italian twists on American classics. She focuses on seasonal and simple foods but brings them to life with lots of fresh ingredients and spices. 

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Vitale about all things food, and she even let us take a look inside her fridge. 

SheKnows: Tell us a little bit about what’s in your fridge. 

Laura Vitale: I always like to keep things I know I can pull together in no time at all. Things like greens that I always wash and prep when I bring them home from the store, whether that’s spinach, kale, broccoli rabe, dandelion greens, whatever I can get my hands on. I wash them first, spin them in the salad spinner and keep them in food storage bags with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture and avoid them going bad too quickly. This way, I can make salads and other dishes without this added prep.

You’ll never find my fridge without homemade marinara sauce. I keep plain marinara sauce, and that way I can doctor it up in a lot of different ways with cooked bacon, caramelized onions, anchovy paste. This gives me the flexibility to create a quick meal. 

We’re also a big fans of anything pickled or marinated. I have artichokes, olives, capers, marinated cauliflower, baby carrots. They are perfect to snack on, add to salads or even soups and stews to add some different flavor. 

Overall, I like to keep things that I can cook quickly, make quickly and add flavors to other things I can cook quickly. That’s the phase of life my husband and I are in now. We’re really busy with a 1-1/2-year-old, so everything I have in the fridge right now can be made in 30 minutes or less, often in one pan.

SK: What about your freezer?

LV: The freezer is my best friend. I keep a lot of things in the freezer that help me throughout weeknight cooking, and even weekends. I have a variety of specialty meats from the local butcher that I like to stock up on. Then I have things that help me if I’m really busy during the week, like meatballs and perogies that I’ve already made. I also keep a few boxes of delicious pizza that I can throw into the oven or on the grill for easy weeknight cooking. Right now, our favorite is Dr. Oetker Virtuoso pizza and the flavor we just love is the pepperoni pesto. So I just have one of those. On a busy weeknight, I can throw it into the oven, pair it with an easy salad with my prewashed greens, and I have a meal in 20 minutes.

I also like to keep fish in the freezer, picking up the individually wrapped fishes at the local supermarket. I keep some salmon and cod. I can take them out. They thaw really quickly, and I can sauté them with an Asian marinade or some lemon pepper and butter — it makes a really easy, quick dish. 

I really tailor everything in my freezer, fridge and pantry with the phase of life we’re in. Right now, that’s things we can create into a meal at a moment’s notice.

SK: Are there any items you always make sure to keep in stock? 

LV: I always make sure I have my marinara sauce in my fridge. In the freezer, it’s some sort of protein like cooked beans that I’ve already soaked, and I always have lots of bread in the freezer because I can thaw it out quickly, warm it in the oven and serve it with soup, pasta, chicken — whenever you need a little carb.

For my daughter, Mia, I always keep a bag of frozen potato wedges because she really loves those. She’s a little bit of a picky eater right now and know if I roast some for her with a little bit of protein, she’s content. 

SK: What’s your go-to healthy snack? 

LV: I’m really not the biggest snacker because I like to eat three really good meals a day. If I do, we always have fruit that I wash immediately as I get it from the store so you can grab and go and roasted nuts without any sugar or anything on them. I like to put them on top of Greek yogurt and then drizzle some really good local New Jersey all-natural honey on top. 

SK: Can you give us an example of one of your favorite weeknight meals? 

LV: One of my favorites that I made two nights ago and making again tonight is a Parmesan-crusted pork chop with an avocado and arugula salad and roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with paprika, chili powder and cumin. It’s so good and so easy. 

We love pork chops even more than chicken breasts. I know it sounds crazy, but we do. They are flavorful, juicy and a quarter of the price of chicken breasts.

We also really like salmon with a dill sauce with some cauliflower rice and sautéed spinach. Those are our two go-to that we can’t get enough of.

SK: What would you consider the ultimate comfort food?

LV: It would have to be a pasta with a red meat sauce. We make sugo, which is a slow-cooked sauce with lots of red wine and lots of different kinds of meat. We do meatballs and ribs that I cook for 5 to 6 hours. Then I take the sauce and make an eggplant Parmesan and baked ziti, and that’s my ultimate comfort food.

Pair it with some broccoli rabe on the side with crunchy, fresh Italian bread with a good olive oil — that is what is home for me. That’s comfort food.

SK: What’s one of your favorite dishes from your hometown of Naples, Italy?

LV: That’s really hard to choose. Naples is really known for their seafood. I probably eat more seafood there in two weeks than the rest of the year. One dish I just absolutely love is this really simple grilled seafood salad. They take octopus, squid, mussels, clams and shrimp and marinate everything together with celery and lemon and a little bit of garlic and good olive oil and parsley. It’s heaven on a plate.

Every time I see it, I have to have it. It’s so fresh and light and vibrant — it’s really my favorite.

SK: What’s a common misconception about Italian food that really drives you nuts? 

LV: Probably that everything is loaded with cheese and carbs, which is not at all the truth. I was in Tuscany in the spring and had the most beautiful vegetable dishes, like eggplant and cabbage. Hardly any pasta at all, just lots of different vegetables and meats. I was there for five days and didn’t eat pasta once.

On the Amalfi Coast, there is an abundance of fresh, locally caught seafood, and that’s what most diets are made of. Lots of legumes, chickpeas and lentils.

Everyone always says Italian food is nothing more than chicken Parmesan and baked ziti, and that is not at all the truth.

SK: Any foods you absolutely can’t stand? 

LV: I don’t like anything unicorn themed. The unicorn cookies and drinks I’m not a fan of. I like real food, home-cooked, and try to stay away from that.

I don’t like any canned Parmesan cheese — it’s not the real thing — or any pre-crumbled cheese like feta or blue cheese. I want a chunk of feta or chunk of blue cheese and then crumble it myself. I think when you buy it pre-crumbled, it tastes nothing like the real thing. It’s dry, oversalted, just sitting in a container for who knows how long.

SK: What’s the strangest food you have ever eaten?

LV: In Italy, we have these stands, like a carnival stand, all over that sell really strange cuts of meats that are preserved, like cow tongue. It’s strange, but I grew up eating it with a lot of salt and a lot of lemon. My husband cannot stand it, but I love it. Whenever my brother and I are in Italy, we always stop and indulge because my husband will not let us when he’s around.

SK: Would you eat it again? 

LV: Yes! I eat it every time I visit home.

On Monday, Bravo released the official trailer for its upcoming limited series Dirty John — and, y’all, this is gonna be good. Nashville fans in particular can go ahead and get hype, because the based-on-a-true-crime-story show stars none other than Rayna Jaymes, er, Connie Britton. 

But can we also just point out that the trailer boasts a certain soapy, Ryan Murphy-esque quality to it, too? Between this and Chris Carmack’s guest stint on Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville fans may just have enough substance to fill the guitar-sized hole in our hearts. 

More: The Best True Crime Podcasts Besides Serial & S-Town

Dirty John, which premieres Nov. 25, is based on a true case documented by the Los Angeles Times’ Christopher Goffard and a subsequent podcast. So, there’s plenty of juicy backstory for the show, in which Britton plays a successful businesswoman named Debra who falls hard for Eric Bana’s John. 

However, when something seems to good to be true, it probably is. Debra learns this the hard way upon discovering John is a conman. Cue all the drama, intrigue, mystery and dubious side glances! 

“John makes me feel so special,” Debra gushes in one scene, before later being shown snapping smartphone photos in a dark corner of presumably incriminating documents. Uh oh, Deb. 

Since the Dirty John podcast was such an undeniable success (it reportedly has more than 25 million downloads), the show has a lot to live up to. But, according to series creator Alexandra Cunningham, they’re confident this television adaptation will do well — and it has a lot to do with casting Britton. 

“Connie is the actress that you think of when you want to tap into the headspace of intelligent women on screen,” Cunningham told EW. “[John] goes to church with [Debra], he loves that she’s a mom…. I want to show what that’s like — when John, in the body of Eric Bana, turns his eye upon you and is like, ‘You’re a goddess.’” 

The show also stars Julia Garner (The Americans, Ozark) and Juno Temple (Maleficent, Unsane) as the daughters of Britton’s character, Debra, and Jean Smart (Designing Women, A Simple Favor) will be playing Debra’s mother. 

More: Which Actress Stole Connie Britton's Role of a Lifetime?

The show has already been renewed for a second season but, alas, Britton will not be returning. Rather, the series will pick up with a new storyline and cast. On the plus side, that could arguably be good news for fans of Britton’s other recent TV series, Fox’s 9-1-1 (another excellent Murphy offering). Although Britton originally only signed on for one season, perhaps she’ll be open to returning now that her commitment to Dirty John is complete.

The Coca-Cola company is constantly reinventing itself. In fact, every year, the iconic beverage brand offers a slew of new products — and this year is no different. The company just announced a new limited-edition flavor, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cinnamon, and according to the press release, the spicy beverage will be here just in time for the holidays. "The new addition to the Coca-Cola family is bursting full of warming flavours and is guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit as we head into the Christmas season," the release explains. 

More: Chili's Is Serving a Pumpkin Spice Margarita — Just in Time for Halloween

While Coca-Cola Cinnamon will be on store shelves later this week and should be available until the end of the year, we do have some bad news to report. According to the press release, Coca-Cola Cinnamon will only be available in the U.K., meaning you may need to travel to try this seasonal selection.

Of course, if you live in the U.K. — or are planning to spend your holiday abroad — you're in luck. Coca-Cola Cinnamon could be in your hands soon, and with no calories and no added sugar, this drink is a win-win. 

However, reactions to the new Coke product are mixed.

More: Get Into the Holiday Spirit With These Booze-Filled Ornaments

So, how will the cinnamony product stack up? Well, we guess you'll just have to try it for yourself. But don't wait. Time is already running out.

Target is the crush you have that just gets more and more delicious. Did we already love the guaranteed low prices? The cute bull terrier with the bullseye? The in-house Starbucks? Yes, yes, and make-mine-a-grande yes.

But consumer competition is brutal, with new lines and collections being dropped all the time. So Target is upping their game with a — please position my fainting couch, thank you — a brand-spankin' new brand of household essentials under the label Smartly.

Say what? Oh yes. Get your smelling salts and fetch a red shopping cart. Smartly will be Target's newest addition to its five in-house home decor brands. 

More: Build Your Art Collection With Target's Affordable Society6 Collection

Yeah, you say, but how affordable does Smartly actually look? Um, most items slide in under the two-buck mark. Think razors, household goods, cleaning supplies, all that jazz that one must have to do any proper adulting. Which is why we expect this line to soar when it comes to millennial shoppers just starting out.

Smartly products will be sold as single items or in teensy multi-packs (like, imagine four rolls of toilet paper for 99 cents). No dragging home Costco-sized monstrosities to snag monster discounts. It's bulk savings without the need for bulk storage. Sweet, no?

And you know it had to be aesthetically savvy, too. Younger millennials apparently dig color colorful combined with sleekness. Smartly packaging will have that vibe, along with catchy phrases on packaging (i.e., "Do Lunch" on sandwich baggies). 

More:Bey and Jay Shop at Target Just Like Us

If that sounds familiar, well, it's because it is. Brandless — the online grocer that launched in mid-2017 — sells all products from sauce to spoons for $3. Quartz reports that both Brandless and Smartly are all about a simpler model, skipping the fluff to provide more stuff.

“Where we see white space and an opportunity to bring Target’s guests something differentiated, we’ll go for it. The introduction of Smartly to our owned brand portfolio is another example of how we are listening to consumers and bringing them differentiated solutions to make their lives easier,” Mark Tritton, Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in the official announcement.

We're just excited that Smartly products will cost us about 70 percent less than national brandy-brands. It doesn't get smarter than that.

NBC’s tear-jerking drama This Is Us is no longer just a TV show — it’s a cultural phenomenon. And as one of the show’s leads, Sterling K. Brown understands the significance of that, especially in today’s current socio-political climate. 

When asked why he thinks the show resonates so much with people, Brown told InStyle, “It brings people together. Whether you’re from a red or blue state, whether you’re gay or straight, and no matter your nationality or ethnicity, everybody has the same sort of relationships to their family.” 

More: The Cast of  This Is Us Is Making So Much Money Per Episode for Season 3

There are many reasons Brown, whose career kicked off in 2002 with an unnamed role in the rom-com Brown Sugar, loves playing This Is Us’ Randall Pearson. 

The 2018 Golden Globe he took home for the role is undoubtedly one of them. 

It was in his acceptance speech for that historic award — he was the first black actor to be awarded best performance by an actor in a television drama — that Brown first pointed out the importance of his character being “purposefully black.”

And during his interview with InStyle, the actor touched on this significance of playing characters who aren’t the result of color-blind casting.

More: You Need to See Sterling K. Brown's Historic Golden Globes Win & Speech

“I have benefited greatly over the course of my career from being the, uh, black guy. Often characters are written as white by default and then producers or whoever will say, ‘OK, well, which character could we go ethnic with?’” Brown explained, adding, “Then you’re plugged into a role — which is a good role, but it wasn’t necessarily written with what you bring to the table in mind.” 

It is roles like Randall, says Brown, that are changing the fabric of television for the better. 

“So once you find a role that’s created with intention — for me it would be Randall, and Darden too, as these parts were written for African-American men — you get a chance to bring all of who you are to these characters. Color blindness has its place, and it’s opened up multiple doors. But being recognized and appreciated for your difference, that is what we’re all striving for,” he told InStyle.

More: Turns Out Sterling K. Brown Isn't the Perfect Husband in Real Life

Of course, the added bonus with Randall is that he also happens to be a caring, empathetic, sensitive man of color — a trope that hasn’t often been explored on television. 

The fact that his character is so emotional isn’t lost on Brown either. In discussing the ways he prioritizes his health, his This Is Us character finds a way to creep into the conversation. And, spoiler alert, it has everything to do with tear ducts. 

“People ask me as Randall how all the tears come. Well, I drink a ton of water, and it’s just trying to get out of whatever orifice it possibly can!” he joked. 

Earlier this month, the United Nations issued a dire warning: If we do not change our behaviors and energy consumption soon, it could have a damning effect. In fact, the organization says that we have until 2030 to stop climate change; if not, temperatures could exceed a threshold level. However, more is at stake than we initially imagined. According to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, the increased heat could also lead to a decline in mental health.

In fact, the research reports that short-term exposure to more extreme weather — like getting increasingly hotter over time — and tropical cyclone exposure can be associated with a decline in mental health.

More: Why Some Think Lady Gaga's New Film,  A Star Is Born , Should Have a Trigger Warning 

The study analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a self-reported mental health database of nearly 2 million randomly sampled U.S. residents, as well as meteorological data over a 10-year period (from 2002 to 2012). What researchers found was that even a moderate temperature increase could have a negative effect on one's mental well-being.

In fact, a 1-degree C change — or a 1.8-degree F increase — could cause a 2 percent increase in mental health problems in just five years.

What's more, the shift from average monthly temperatures between 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) greatly increased one's likelihood of experiencing mental health difficulties.

That said, Nick Obradovich, lead author of the study and a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, told CNN that the exact correlation between mental health problems and increased temperatures is unclear. 

"We don't exactly know why we see high temperatures or increasing temperatures produce mental health problems," Obradovich told CNN. "For example, is poor sleep due to hot temperatures the thing that produces mental health problems?" But he notes, "[W]e have a lot of work to do to figure out precisely what is causing what," as those affected by the rising temperatures experienced everything from increased stress to depression, anxiety and/or other emotional issues.

More: The Link Between Hay Fever & Mental Health

Obradovich also acknowledges the elephant in the room, i.e., that this data raises other questions, like why don't individuals living in warmer places have worse mental health than those who live in colder locales? "Warming over time associates with worsened mental health over time," Obradovich told CNN. However, "there are many other place-specific factors that may moderate the effect."

As such, he and his colleagues concluded additional research is necessary. In the meantime, take care of yourself and keep an eye on the weather.

With the release of the 2016 TV series The Girlfriend Experience and the 2009 film of the same name, the term has found its way into the limelight, but what exactly is the girlfriend experience, and why would someone want it?

When visiting a legal brothel for the first time, many visitors find it very difficult to pick which activities to enjoy and what type of party experience will truly satisfy them. In truth, all the services we’re able to provide can feel a little overwhelming at first if you just reach for a menu. In my experience, I’ve found that the girlfriend experience is the most common request I receive.

It’s sex and intimacy with all the warmth, passion and enthusiasm that always seems to be missing from casual encounters. You’ll get to enjoy and appreciate all the best parts of a relationship without any of the commitment or strings that would normally be attached. As long as you remember it’s a professional interaction first and an experience second, the GFE is the perfect choice for someone looking to rediscover emotional and physical intimacy.

1. Engaged, enthusiastic companionship

Throughout our time together, be that an afternoon, a day or a weekend, we will get to explore the things you’re passionate about. From leisurely hikes through the local Nevada hills to one-on-one activities in private, a lady like me can be right there on your arm helping you to enjoy a much-deserved getaway. Most people don’t like to travel alone, and the girlfriend experience lets you have a companion to share experiences with. You can expect that as a local, a lady will have different suggestions for things to do, places to eat and activities we can enjoy in and out of the bedroom.

More: How to Enjoy Sex (If You Don't Already)

2. Genuine connection

Part of the girlfriend experience is building a genuine human connection. The human company is part of a paid service, but the interactions are as real as they can get. You can expect a lady like me to be interested in getting to know you and to be willing to invest the time to form a deep meaningful friendship. Sex and romance are so much more intense if we spend time getting to know each other prior to our special date. Weeks of texting, exchanging photos and flirtation help to build excitement for our face-to-face encounter. Rather than meeting a stranger, you’ll be greeting a familiar, flirty friend. When you see their eyes light up and see them smile before they throw themselves into your arms and give you a kiss, you’ll understand what makes the GFE so special and such a frequent request.

3. Unparalleled lovemaking skills

A lady like myself is an expert at the art of lovemaking, and we always enjoy sharing our craft with others. Allow someone like me to guide you through different positions, sensations, toys and experiences that will delight all your senses. From soft kisses trailed down the side of your neck to whispered quiet moans of pleasure when our bodies meet, you can expect to be thoroughly pleasured during our time together and to really feel the passion of another person’s presence.

4. Intimacy

Many of my visitors complain genuine intimacy is missing from their lives. Picture having someone in your life who feels like a lover and best friend. That’s what GFE is like when it’s done properly. Legal ladies who want to really offer a proper GFE will exchange numbers with you after you make an appointment so you can spend a little time getting to know one another and plan your fun. Valentine’s Day cards, birthday wishes, pictures of my cats — you’ll get to intimately know me while I get to know you.

Intimacy is my favorite aspect of GFE encounters. I find that I grow as a person with each new experience I have, so I always enthusiastically look forward to it. There are so many interesting things you can learn and explore about yourself by learning to explore someone else.

More: How to Be More Vocal in the Bedroom Without Feeling Ridiculous

5. Virginity

GFE is, in my opinion, the way to lose your virginity. You get to express and enjoy yourself in a pressure-free environment, go out on a date, enjoy a real human connection and then fall into the arms of a person who truly understands and appreciates you for the person you are. Adult virginity can be very stigmatizing and can cause a lot of anxiety, so knowing you’re with an expert who cares only about your experience and confidence can lift that veil of tension and let you really explore and define what sexuality means to you.

6. Back in the saddle

Have you been out of relationships for a long time? Has it been months, years or even decades since you’ve been on a date? As we go through life, we start to take certain things for granted. For example, once we’re in a committed relationship, we don’t expect to return to the dating game and perhaps forget altogether how to even date someone new.

This occurrence is more common than you’d believe and frequently one that is resolved here at legal brothels. It’s expected that you’ll be nervous. Perhaps your partner died years ago, and you’ve finally now got it in you to open your heart again. Perhaps you’ve been through an uncomfortable divorce and aren’t comfortable with flirting anymore. Regardless of the reason, GFE is the perfect way to rediscover your romantic self.

As you can see, there are myriad reasons someone would be interested in the GFE. Some visitors don’t have the time or inclination to be in a standard reciprocal relationship, have disabilities or other health conditions or have personality quirks that make dating difficult or even impossible. The girlfriend experience can be a godsend to those who are interested in all of the joy of dating and intimacy without any of the crippling pressure of rejection, performance anxiety or the give-and-take that a normal partner would come to expect.

Alice Little is a courtesan at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.

It’s taken nearly three years to come together but, on Oct. 19, Making a Murderer Part 2 will premiere on Netflix. For fans of the true-crime saga, a follow-up installment couldn’t come fast enough. When Netflix introduced Making a Murderer in 2015, viewers quickly became engrossed in the murder convictions of Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey. Were they guilty? Or were they the victims of an elaborate frame job? 

More: 8 Things to Know If You Don't Feel Like Watching  Making a Murderer

Since the show’s first season aired, viewers have been following headlines for any new developments in Avery's and Dassey’s cases. With the official trailer dropping on Tuesday, it’s clear that the focus of season two will be on the major developments that have occurred in the last three years as well as the intense public scrutiny the case has received. 

While there’s a lot to unpack in the trailer, we’ve singled out five highlights that should be all the reasons you need to binge-watch this sequel series. 

1. Fans have potentially affected these men’s fate

Right at the onset, the trailer touches on the fact that the Netflix series continues to bring attention to this now high-profile case. Even Avery is acutely aware of this sort of cult status surrounding his conviction.

“You know, some people feel really bad and sad that everything happened to me, and you know, sometimes, it feels like you want to cry but you can’t. Kinda sucks sometimes,” he can be heard saying in a voice clip. “I didn’t think all of these people would care.”

2. Brendan Dassey’s lawyers are ready to battle

In the trailer, Laura Nirider — one of Dassey’s lawyers — emphasizes the challenge ahead. “Once somebody is convicted, we have to move mountains to get them out of prison. Our task now is to upend an entire system that favors the prosecutors,” she says. 

3. Steven Avery has a serious advantage 

It’s isn’t just Dassey who has a fierce legal team in place. Prominent attorney Kathleen Zellner, who has more righted wrongful prosecutions than any private attorney in the country, has taken Avery’s case. “I have one goal, and that’s to overturn the conviction of Steven Avery,” she says in the trailer. 

4. This new season addresses the “confession”

A compelling part of the prosecution’s case (arguably the most compelling) has always been the fact that Dassey confessed to being a coconspirator in raping and murdering Teresa Halbach. However, Making a Murderer suggested that confession was coerced, which will be addressed in the second installment. 

More: This Is When Making a Murderer Season 2 Returns to Netflix

“They wanted this information in the worst way, so Brendan thinks, ‘If I tell them what they want to hear, I’m going to go home,’” one of his lawyers explains. 

5. New evidence will be presented

Just like the original Making a Murderer, Making a Murderer Part 2 will provide plenty of evidence that casts doubt on Avery's and Dassey’s convictions. In the trailer, Zellner references Halbach’s cell phone, new suspects and a bullet casing. “There is an abundance of evidence,” she says. “This could flip the whole case.” 

Well, this all sounds very exciting, and between us, we're so looking forward to seeing how things pan out.