Author: Layliana H.

So, contrary to everyone’s belief *insert major sarcasm*…life is effing hard. Whether you are in high school, going to college, working a job, working a second, even third job, a new mom––whatever it is you’re doing, it’s not easy.

And most of the time we handle our shit. We get up every morning, we take on the day, we accomplish what is set before us, and we come home tired, but successful.

We do this EVERY. DAMN. DAY. It’s what’s expected. We should be able to simply live our lives, no questions asked. Everyone else is doing it–you should be able to, too.

While I agree with this, for the most part, I also believe that we get a little extra worn down. We get so worn down that we are not able to come home tired, but successful. 

We start to come home tired and defeated.

We get to the point to where it’s all we can do to simply trudge on. 

That is no quality of life. 

When I started working I was overflowing with energy. I came in every day with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and the ability to tackle obstacles like they were nothing.

Now, I’m tired. This past week I found myself not able to give 110% because I felt like I was drowning. I’m a little behind, I have much to plan for, and I have to do all of that on my own time, after work. 

So, I took what I would like to call a mental health day. I called in to say I wouldn’t be there. I plan to simply chill until 10 a.m. this morning with my favorite coffee mug in one hand and book to read for pleasure in the other. 

After that, I will begin catching up and planning for the future. 

I just needed today. One day.  

Starting tomorrow, I will feel refreshed, caught up, and ready to bring the energy back. 

I should not have to feel ashamed about taking a mental health day when it’s critical for me to do so. It not only affects my health, but it also affects everyone I come into contact with tomorrow. 

I’m not the only one who feels this way. Take a look at this inspiring story on CNN about another woman who took sick days for mental health and got a shocking response.

This isn’t to be confused with skipping work just because you don’t feel like it. But if your brain or body feels like it is struggling to complete a day after weeks of hard work, you are entitled to take a mental health day. 

Do it for yourself. 

Like what you read? Find more of my work on Facebook at Layliana H.

You're FINALLY over that extreme douchelord of a guy and you're ready to get back into the game.

One of the easiest places to look is Facebook. A lot of personal info on a guy is already laid out for you—you can anonymously creep every one of his photos and you can backtrack through his news feed history to see what kind of guy he is. 

Here's a list of 10 things that show he is NOT the kind of guy you should go for:

1. He is constantly bored.

"Nothing to do…HMU.", "So bored, let's hang out.", "Someone text me (insert phone number here)." These statuses should not strike up curiosity or excitement. 

These are red flags that say "I have no life, no hobbies, and I need someone to entertain me." Don't get caught up in that.

2. Drama queen.

If he is always pissed at someone/something and posts rants, that's another red flag. He is easily bothered, doesn't know how to handle a situation, so he whines about it. 

You don't need that negativity in your life.

3. Work history. 

If his work status is hidden, or it says self-employed, you MIGHT do some extra digging. While it's not always the case, there may be a good chance he doesn't have a job.

Don't throw away your dreams of a successful, working man.

4. Party animal.

If all his photos are of him in dimly-lit bars, holding a cold one in one hand and a bro or random chick in the other, just move on to the next fella.

It's clear he has a raging night life and probably won't want to change for you. Unless you're into that scene, he's not your guy.

5. Girl of the month.

If you go back through to find past relationships and find 9 different relationship status updates in a year, you might rethink a future with this guy.

It's clear things go south pretty quickly and whatever you start with him will not end well. Save yourself that month and try someone else. 

6. No friends.

If the guy has less than 150 friends, that's a little suspicious. Fake profiles can easily acquire that many "friends" in a short amount of time.

Check his newsfeed to decide whether or not this guy is even real. But with so many profiles to choose from, why even risk it for fake profile guy?

7. "I ddt go 2 scoole."

You can tell pretty quickly if a guy has a decent education or if he didn't try in school. Grammar and spelling is a good sign for a gentleman or a lazy bum. 

"I luv yu to" is a major turn-off. It should be a basic standard to only go for guys who can correctly spell simple words. 

8. Hater.

When he constantly bashes things—the police, political views, racist, ex girlfriends, etc. you really shouldn't be associated with him.

Find a lover, not a hater.

9. Girls, Girls, Girls.

Does he have double the amount of girl friends that he has of guys? Does he "heart" and comment on every girls' post in his newsfeed? Does he have pictures of a different girl every night? (Or even the same ones?).

Looks like he loves the ladies, emphasis on more than one. 

10. Egotistical.

If you find an album dedicated to selfies and an array of shirtless pics, you may want to move along. This also includes holding a fist full of money, showing off the latest toys, and basically one-upping everyone around him. 

He is probably super into himself, and that doesn't leave much room for you.

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Different types of alcohols have us feeling some type of way, just like our majors. And let’s be real, to get that degree and stay sane, we gotta keep our heads up and a drink in our hands. 

Business Major. Beer. 

When they graduate they’re basically going to get paid to drink, so they have to make sure they have a high tolerance. They’ll have a drink to entertain clients, a drink to entertain themselves, and a drink to celebrate a big sale. 

So it’s only logical to see a business major who can do a perfect keg stand and shotguns a beer like no other. 

Psychology Major. Long Island Iced Tea. 

They’ve studied theories, personalities, and behaviors. They’ve sat through lectures where they learned about anal fixations and realized their parents are actually authoritative and that’s why they are the way they are. So, of course, they need a drink with triple sec, tequila, vodka, rum, and gin. 

Nursing Major. Shots. 

Honestly, it doesn’t matter what it’s in it. They’ll take two. 

The amount of shit (literally) they see throughout the day obviously she needs to go home and take a few shots and wind down. Obviously not too many because they also seen enough stomachs pumped to know their limits.   

Biology Major. Gin. 

We’ve all heard that gin makes you cry and 9 times out of 10 you can find a biology major crying, so it’s only fitting. They start off the night much like they started their major off– high hopes and excited to dive into their future– then when the reality of how much work they have due in the next week hits the tears come flowing. Stay strong biology majors, you got this (with a gin and tonic in hand).

Education Major. Margarita. 

It starts with getting tacos and margs after student teaching with their teacher friends and ends with their clothes coming off. Time for a little anatomy quiz. It’s true, no one knows how to have a good time like a teacher.

Criminal Justice Major. Jägerbomb. 

The most righteous of people study criminal justice. They are the rule followers, the ones who believe in social justice, 

With an obvious interest in the law, the Jagerbomb breaks all the laws of alcohol. This drink should be put away.

Accounting Major. Whiskey. 

They look at numbers and statistics day in and day out, so when they get home they’ll pour themselves a mean glass of whiskey to chill their brains out. Two parts whiskey one part coke, the numbers don’t lie. 

Liberal Arts Major. Cosmopolitan. 

One of the classiest majors, full of complex thinkers and intelligent speakers so they deserve a drink to match. They’ll sip their cosmos at the bar and watch all the drunk fools fall all over each other, enjoying every second of it. 

English major. Red Wine. 

As Hemingway said, “A man does not exist until he is drunk.” And you could usually find him holding a very full glass of red wine. They need something to sip on while they read their 1,000 pages a night due the next day so of course, it’s going to be a glass of the finest (cheapest) Chianti they can find.  

History major. Rum.

Rum has a rich history behind it beginning in the 17th century somewhere in the Caribbean. Of course, they could have told you that. Are you even a history major if don’t have a rum and coke in your hand? 

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Loving someone with depression is knowing that there’s little you can do to help him ease his pain. 

When his depression appears, he disappears and that’s the hardest part. Your heart aches not just for what he’s going through but also for how it affects you and the relationship. But you love him, so you do your best to hang in there for the love that you have. 

It’s tough and half the time you have to fight the loneliness you feel when unexpected periods of sadness dim the light of his soul, leaving him a hollow shell of a person. 

I begin to miss his as if he has gone away and I can't reach him. And my heart aches for his to return.

When his depression shows its face, his face shows nothing. Not a smile, not a hint of humor, not a sign of happiness. 

When his sadness speaks to me, his voice is gone— his playful, sarcastic remarks are replaced by robotic, half-hearted responses.

When he sleeps beside me, his warmth is gone. his comforting embrace becomes a forced action that soon turns into a chasm of space between us.

When his depression eats dinner with me, his appetite is gone. He doesn’t ask me about my day or tells me anything of his own. Silence and clinking silverware echo in our kitchen.

When his depression drives with me in the passenger seat, his radio is silent. There is no music, no singing, no tune to hum along with. 

When his depression comes home to me, he doesn’t. I'm by myself, alone in our house. There may be a man with me, but he's only a ghost. 

It feels sad and lonely to feel like he's gone but I hope he knows that when his depression rears its ugly head, he’s not alone…I’m here to fight with him. 

Want to read more like this? Find Layliana H on Facebook! 

The few people I've told about my depression don't understand it. They don't understand why I am depressed and they don't understand the effect it has on me. 

That's okay. 

I don't exactly understand it either. It's there every day, whether as a single cloud in the sky or as a torrential downpour, it's there. 

My depression tells me there's no point. There's no point in trying my best at work, no point in any hobbies, no point in having friends, no point in even getting out of bed sometimes. 

Sometimes, this translates to there being no point in life. Those days are the toughest. I try my best to push it aside, I know the intent of my depression.

But I won't let it succeed. I won't allow it to ruin me. So I'm constantly having to prove it wrong. I tell myself that there is a point. There is reason for being here.

I battle depression by forcing myself to act like it doesn't exist. 

Sometimes it's simply enjoying an evening sitting on my deck with a book in hand. Sometimes it's just sitting next to my friends on the couch watching them laugh at something on TV. Sometimes it's trying a new recipe or crafting something I saw on Pinterest.

Whatever it is, however small or great, I'm constantly having to remind myself that this is proving my depression wrong.

My depression tells me there's no point. I say there are so many points, that it's creating the masterpiece that is me. 

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Unless you were home-schooled, there's a good chance you had a crush on one of your teachers at some point. Back then, you were too young to stand a chance with a teacher. 

But now that you're within legal age range, they're totally fair game.

1. Anything you could possibly want in a romantic partner, we have it.

Passion, kindness, dedication, patience, decisiveness, flexibility, understanding, the list goes on. Go ahead and check off each of your must-haves, we meet all the requirements.

2. Spontaneity is our thing.

Throw us into any situation and we'll have a plan before you can say "What are we gonna do?" Don't you worry about a thing.

3. We aren't clingy. 

In fact, you'll get plenty of "me time". We'll just be grading papers, creating lesson plans, attending school events, talking to parents on the phone, etc. 

4. Surprise us with any type of gift and we'll be overjoyed. 

After a day of kids taking, asking, needing, wanting, arguing, and cursing us…. a card, dinner, flowers, or even just giving us a moment to ourselves is so appreciated.

5. Our snack game is on point. 

After class parties for holidays, birthdays, or other celebrations, guess who brings home the leftovers? This winner right here. And we know our way around a box of cupcake mix.

6. Summers are wide open.

Summers are for recharging our batteries, and giving you all of our attention! You know, the time we aren't in professional development workshops, team meetings, summer programs, or planning for another year of school.  

7. Saturdays are chill AF. 

Don't worry about taking us out on dates or showing us off, we're way too exhausted for that. We'd rather you just sleep in with us, sit on the couch, and watch Netflix all day. 

8. We know how to budget. 

It's not the size of the bank account, it's how you use it, amiright? We're good at making the most out of what we have.

9. There's no shortage of creativity with us.

We have expanded our minds to be able to create fun, engaging activities that not only cover standards but keep the kids interested. Not an easy task. Date night will always be interesting.

10. We're hella chill. 

The waiting game is no stranger to us. We're used to waiting. And waiting. And waiting. And explaining. And explaining again. And again. We literally have the patience of a saint.

11. Dinner conversation will have you rolling. 

You will hear all of the amazing stories we bring home from the day. From the boy who thought New Orleans was a country to the girl who wrote his passionate essay over a pet chicken. 

12. You'll be dating a local celebrity. 

Because we're basically the mayor of our areas. Parents and kids are so excited to greet us at our local Wal-Marts, malls, and restaurants. 

13. We already have the sexy teacher thing down. 

If we ever come home and say you've been a bad boy or you need to stay after class, get ready for some play time.

So the next time you see that teacher at your local coffee shop, buy her a coffee, ask if she has any funny student stories, and ask to see her again soon. Because you need to date a teacher. 

Like what you see? Find Layliana H on Facebook!

Being a taco enthusiast requires dedication, passion, and overall good taste. Below is a list of random, inspiring, and too-good-to-be-true happenings in the taco world. 

From people to unique destinations to out-of-this-world tacos, you HAVE to be aware of this list if you say you love tacos.

Let's begin:

1. Taco Sweets– Is it a taco? Is it ice cream? I'm not sure, but this IG-worthy destination in Austin, Texas has tacos that are sure to beat your taco craving! 

2. Sweet Cup– Similar to Taco Sweets, this ice cream shop in Garden Grove, California serves tacos that look too good for this world. Is this your life? It could be!

3. TACO– Apparently there's a guy who goes by the name TACO? Although he does look yummy, I think I'll stick to the real thing 😉 

4. Taco Cake– If this isn't my next birthday cake, I don't want one. Turning 22 with my taco cake, like what? 

5. Taco Bell Throwdown– PLEASE watch with sound. This guy ain't about to let a lack-luster fight stop him from getting his soft tacos. A true die hard fan.

6. Taco Coma– Speaking of true fans, this guy dies, comes back to life, and the first thing he wants is TACO BELL. It's actually a really heart-warming video.

7. Taco Cleanse– Yes, tacos CAN be good for you! So next time your friend makes a snarky comment about the number of tacos you eat, he's actually the unhealthy one. Not everyone can be as health-conscious as you. 

8. You may now kiss the taco– You can now officially get married in Taco Bell. Taco lovers rejoice, there is nothing more romantic than your two loves in one place!

9. Ultimate Taco– Bacon. Mac-n-Cheese. Has this taco gone too far or has your life only just started? This is taco AF.

10. Taco Baby– These parents love tacos so much they had a Taco Bell inspired photo shoot for their baby's first birthday. Talk about passion.

11. Cheers– In case you hadn't heard, you can now grab a beer along with your taco at a Taco Bell in Chicago, IL. I mean, it's not like you don't already hit that drive through after a night out, but it's a nice thought. 

So many things to experience in the world of tacos, so little time. 

Like what you read? Find Layliana H on Facebook! She loves tacos. 

So there are a lot of besties out there. You have the glossy blondes, the fiery redheads, the fierce jet-blacks, and every other non-traditional color under the sun to choose from.

When it comes down to it, brunette besties are the ones who run the world. 

Here are 7 reasons why brunette besties win at life:

1. Brunettes exude intelligence. No more wondering what a 20% tip would be…she's got you covered. 

She can help you think through whatever tough situation you're in, keep you organized, and lead you to make smart decisions. She's smart AF.

2. Brunettes are the sweetest. Ever notice that a brunette's hair kinda reminds you of chocolate? It's not a coincidence. They're hella sweet.

She will surprise you with Starbucks, compliment your new shoes, and remind you of what an awesome human you are.

3. Brunettes are versatile. Need a fun girls night out to forget your douche-y ex? A brunette can turn into an absolute goddess when needed to complete your #squadgoals.

Need to be the center of attention because it's your night? A brunette can easily dial back to become more subtle, leaving you plenty of room to shine. You couldn't ask for more!

4. Brunettes are classy. If you and your brunette bestie are at a rocky point in your relationship, you don't have to worry about any of your secrets showing up on Facebook or her smearing your name.

A brunette has class because her mama taught her that. As soon as things are smoothed over, you two can keep on rocking without any ill will because nothing left the sanctity of the friendship. 

5. Brunettes are wifey material. If your best friend isn't also your wifey, what are you even doing? A brunette can cook for you, take you out, and sleep over when you need someone there. 

She's there for every major moment of your life, she supports you in all that you do, and she will be there for you the rest of your life—Wifey for the win!

6. Every celebrity has a brunette bestie. She's the Selena to your T-Swift. Or the Zendaya to your Bella Thorne. Or the La La to your Kim K.

You can't hope to be successful without a brown-haired beauty by your side. You two will rise to the top together!

7. Because she will be the best friend you ever have. Brunettes are statistically shown to be the most loyal humans out there. She will never betray your trust and she will stand by your side through thick and thin.

A brunette has all the qualities you search for in a best friend. She is sweet, smart, versatile, classy, and straight up wifey material. Even the celebrities know what's up. 

Find a brunette bestie and never let her go.

Want to read more from this author? Find Layliana H on Facebook!

Have you run out of clever captions for your limitless amount of selfies with your bestie? Have no fear, the best IG-worthy captions are here!

Try some of these on for size:

1. The best memories come from bad ideas.

2. You’re pretty much my most favorite of all time in the history of ever.

3. Of all the annoying things in the world, you’re my favorite.

4. Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.

5. You don’t even need to ask…I got you.

6. You can’t do epic shit with basic people.

7. No one will ever be as entertained by us as us.

8. You are my favorite notification.

9. I like you because you join in on my weirdness.

10. We’ve been friends for so long I can’t remember which one of us is the bad influence.

11. Without me you’re just “aweso”.

12. It doesn’t matter who likes us…We like us.

13. Sometimes being with your best friend is all the therapy you need.

14. You’re the “she” to my “nanigans”. 

15. A good friend knows all your stories. A best friend helps you write them.

16. You’re the Monica to my Rachel.

17. I’d take a nerf bullet for you.

18. Definition of a bestie: someone who opens their mouth just to insult you.

19. I don’t know what’s tighter, our jeans or our friendship.

20. Friends come and go like the waves of the ocean, but true friends stick like an octopus on your face. 

21. u ever look at your best friend like wow this human right here…dis my favorite human.

22. We’re more than friends but less than a couple.

23. You are my blue crayon, the one I never have enough of, the one I use to color my sky.                                                                              -A. R. Asher

24. Have a friend that is like a mirror and a shadow—a mirror never lies and a shadow never leaves.

25. We are #squadgoals.

26. Yes, we are aware of how obnoxious we are together. No, we do not care. 

27. The uglier the Snapchat, the closer the friendship.

28. Friends who slay together, stay together.

29. Good girls are made of sugar and spice…my girl and I are made of whiskey and ice.

30. I know I’m a handful, but that’s why you got two hands.

31. “As long as we don’t die, this is gonna be one hell of a story”     -John Green

32. Absofuckinlutely.

33. Trouble never looked so fine.

34. Be picky with your clothes, friends, and time.

35. Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me. Then I remember I put up with you. So we’re even.

36. Doing hoodrat thangs with my hoodrat friends.

37. We go together like cupcakes and frosting.

38. I love that I don’t have to act socially acceptable around you. 

39. Here’s to the nights that turned into morning, and the friends who turned into family.

40. I only roll with goddesses. 

41. Girls just wanna have sun.

42. Your vibe attracts your tribe.

43. If you are lucky enough to find a weirdo never let them go. 

44. Just remember if we get caught, you’re deaf and I don’t speak English.

45. This is why we’re single.

46. You drink too much. You cuss too much. You have questionable morals. You’re everything I ever wanted in a friend. 

47. The tans will fade but the memories will last forever. 

48. Always better together.

49. My me loves your you.

50. What would I be without my best friend? Probably normal. 

And there you go! Your next 50 bestie selfies are covered. You’re welcome.

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