7 Ways to Have a Healthy Long-Distance Relationship

Does distance really make the heart grow fonder? Even though it may suck, it’s not impossible.

I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for several months now, with my boyfriend living between New York and California, and me living in Tennessee. Seeing as though he and I have a shared love language of physical touch, distance hasn’t been the easiest thing (which is putting it lightly). But there are things that we’ve done, and you can do, too, to make it a little more bearable.

1. Make a Schedule

One of the things that my boyfriend and I have done is figure out what each of our schedules looks like separately before making one together. Since his work schedule is a little more unpredictable than mine, I plug in the days he’s working into my schedule so that I can look and see when we both can be free at the same time. This also helps when you have other things to do such as errands, cooking, hobbies, etc., and you’re looking for a way to best utilize your time.

2. Communicate

Since you won’t be in the same place as your significant other, communicating is the most important thing you can do to make sure your relationship thrives. This goes for close-distance relationships, too! If there are things you don’t like, communicate that. If there are things that really work, communicate that, too. In doing so, you’ll see your relationship flourish even more.

3. Set Aside a Certain Amount of Time to Talk

Once you’re aware of each other’s schedules, try and designate certain times to spend time together – whether that’s over FaceTime, a phone call, or anything else. Putting effort into your relationship doesn’t mean you have to be in the same place as them, it just means that you actively try and spend time with your significant other in one way or another.

4. Have Virtual Dates

There are ways you can have virtual dates that are just as good as in-person dates. Set aside time for a FaceTime movie night, tune into the same live stream for a concert or comedy show, play video games together, make dinner at the same time… It really comes down to having some sort of bonding experience, even from far away.

5. Take Time For Yourself

Just like in any relationship, time alone is healthy. Making sure you set time to unwind by yourself is something that will make your time spent together as a couple stronger. When you take time for yourself, not only are you making yourself healthy, but that, in turn, will help the health of your relationship.

6. Flirt With Each Other

Just because you’re long-distance doesn’t mean you can’t still flirt with your significant other! One of the best ways to keep your romance alive is by showing your attraction to your partner in one way or another. Although you’re not there to do it in person, flirting over the phone or via text is still possible and an important aspect of a healthy relationship.

7. Talk About Your Goals

Actively talking to your significant other about goals in your relationship will help keep the purpose of your relationship at the center. Before even dating, discuss what you want your relationship to look like. Are you aiming for marriage? Something casual? Not really sure? The best way to navigate is to have those “define the relationship” conversations.

Being in a long-distance relationship may be challenging, but not impossible when they’re with the right person. The key is to communicate, and never stop communicating with your partner. If you feel a little lost in your long-distance relationship, there are other people out there who feel the same! But, by following these seven tips, you might find your relationship will become stronger than ever.

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About The Author

Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

9 Things You Should Know Before Moving In With Your Boyfriend

Sometimes in long-term relationships, there comes a point where a couple discusses taking that next step from “just dating” to “moving in together.” While it seems like a natural progression in any relationship, it’s actually a huge step to take as a couple. Sure, you may think it’s not such a big deal when the two of you spend every other night at each other’s own apartments anyway, but sleeping at someone’s apartment and actually sharing an apartment together are completely different things – trust me. While moving in may seem like an adorable and magical idea – playing “house” always makes every girl excited and happy – it’s a big f*cking deal, especially if there are things you’re unsure about or questions you don’t exactly have the answers to.

1. Make sure it’s something you both want to do.

Everyone feels as though it’s natural to move in together when you are a long term couple and you’re a certain age (in your mid-20’s/early-30’s). And, while it is a normal step to take in many relationships, you want to make sure that you and your partner are both happy and comfortable with the idea of living together. If one person is more into it and the other isn’t ready – don’t f*cking do it. You both need to be ready to take this step together because if one person isn’t ready, resentment will grow and your relationship will suffer because of it. I know a lot of couples who broke up after moving in together because they just weren’t ready or at that stage in their relationship to do so.

2. Make sure you’re doing it for the same reasons.

If you’re moving in with someone because you want to build a life with them, but they’re moving in with you because it’s financially convenient for them – it’s going to create tension. Make sure you discuss your intentions before you move in together. Make sure that you’re both on the same page and understand what living together really means. It’s not the same as just dating someone and staying over their apartment, you two are no cohabitating which means what’s yours is theirs and vice versa. You don’t want to have false expectations and hope and create conflict because you were both unclear of what you want.

3. Talk about finances, no matter how weird it may get.

When you move in with someone, your finances are now up front and important in your relationship. Most people will tell you not to discuss money with your partner unless you’re married, but, if you’re living together – everything matters in terms of money. And, it’s more than just rent. You’re going to paying for rent together, electric, cable, internet, food, furniture – everything you want to put in this apartment will be both of yours, not just yours or theirs. If your partner is financially irresponsible, that’s a big consideration you need to weigh before moving in. If you make more than your partner, that’s also something to think about. You don’t ever want to be stuck paying for 90% of the things in your apartment and your partner mooches off of your financial well-being, you’ll begin to get angry and resentful and will end up blowing up on them about it. The best thing you can do is discuss how to split things and make a schedule for things such as laundry, groceries and other necessities.

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13 Signs That Prove You Have A Unicorn Boyfriend

They exist! They really do exist, I PROMISE! How do I know, you ask? You see that’s because I have one! I truly never believed they existed either that was until I met him, my unicorn boyfriend. I have told him time and time again, that he can’t possibly be real. to which he has replied with (oh! Let’s use this morning’s reply!) “Well you hit me in your sleep last night with and that pain was real” Oops!… Sorry, babe!

Here are 13 signs that prove that you truly have a unicorn boyfriend!

He listens to you and takes your feelings into consideration
He knows that when you say you’re “fine” that you are not in fact fine, and tries to actually figure out what is wrong, and tries to find a solution to the problem
Your man knows how to treat a lady and spoils you – cute bag at KateSpade? He won’t let you pay for it
You don’t have to question or worry about what he is doing when you are not with him because he doesn’t give you anything to question or worry about!
Date nights are important and he likes to keep you on your toes with surprise date nights!
He has the patience of a saint! I don’t know about you ladies but my man is trying to teach me how to golf and DAMN! this man deserves an award for trying to teach me this sport!
He knows how to handle the mood swings you throw at him and he takes it like a champ!
CUDDLES! He loves to cuddle and you never have to ask for them!
You two see eye to eye on what you want in the future. you know he wants marriage, kids a house… it’s the dream!
He’s not just your boyfriend but he’s become literally your best friend! not just because you two are dating and “forced” to be best friends but like he is your best friend and knows everything about you.
He knows the importance of girl time with your best friends and he truly gets along with your besties
Your family LOVES him! nothing is better than getting the look of approval from your little sister who has literally hated every one of your boyfriends! ( You truly did something right with this one!)
Totally underrated but if you are not with him when you wake up in the morning or go to bed at night, you always go to bed and wake up with a good morning and goodnight beautiful text message.

If you are lucky enough to have a boyfriend who does these 13 things consider yourself lucky and count your blessings! Men like this are very few and far in between! And you are the unicorn girlfriend he was searching for.

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Wearing Your Boyfriend’s Clothes Boosts Mental Health, So Stealing His Hoodie Is Officially Self-Care

Boyfriend Jean… literally,

If you’re one of those girls who love the comfort of wearing your boyfriend’s oversized clothes, then you should know that there’s more to it than looking hella cute while enjoying the way your guy smells. A new study suggests that wearing your boyfriend’s clothes such as an oversized button-down shirt or college hoodie can be beneficial to your sanity, especially when your guy’s far away. Yes, turns out, your guy’s not just good for your heart but also your mental health, so stealing his hoodie is officially self-care.

The University of British Colombia conducted a study using 96 participating couples. The data was gathered as followed: Men were asked to wear new t-shirts for a period of 24 hours, under a set of guidelines that would prevent them from altering their scent. The t-shirts were then collected and frozen to preserve their scent and then given randomly to the women to smell. Not all women were able to smell their partner’s shirt which helped control biases.

Ready for the results…drum roll!

1. Your guy’s scent could make you zen.

Results gathered by the group of women who were given their boyfriend’s clothes to smell showed that having close access to your partner’s scent as in “wearing their clothes’ lowers the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain. In short, these women were less stressed.

“Our findings suggest that a partner’s scent alone, even without their physical presence, can be a powerful tool to help reduce stress.” – UBC Department of Psychology

2. You can miss your guy and soothe your heart at the same time.

“Many people wear their partner’s shirt or sleep on their partner’s side of the bed when their partner is away, but may not realize why they engage in these behaviors,” said UBC department of psychology grad student and the study’s lead author, Marlise Hofer.

Well, now we know and we’re loving it!

According to the results in this study, if our loved one is not around, we can assume that the next best thing would be to cozy up in one of your boyfriend’s clothes until you get the real thing. Because, although it might not be the real thing, but it can definitely give you the comfort that you need until they’re back.

On the other hand, there are other interesting findings in the study…

3. Another guy’s scent could have the opposite of a stress-free effect.

Not that you’re looking to wear some other guy’s shirt but in case you’re wondering. Results gathered by the group of women who didn’t get to smell their partner’s shirts indicated an elevation in the stress hormone cortisol in their brain. Researchers believe that ‘fear of the unknown played a big role in making these group of women more stressed.

“From a young age, humans fear strangers, especially strange males, so it is possible that a strange male scent triggers the ‘fight or flight response that leads to elevated cortisol. This could happen without us being fully aware of it”

4. Girls have a new way to tell their guys how much they want them by their side.

Sounds corny but hey, you love your guy and now science’s on your side. Next time he rolls his eyes when he catches you grabbing his bottom-down shirt to wear around the house, let him know that his scent puts you in a good mood and also makes you less prone to give him shit about him going away for a few days.

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10 Gifts That Your Girlfriend Secretly Wants

It is very easy to get confused and fell for those traps of the answer consisting of only one word: NOTHING. We are not saying that your girlfriend is lying to you. However, everyone likes to get something when a certain occasion appears. However, it is easy to not know it certainly, or not know it at all, and saying something like “I don’t know” or “Nothing” is easier.

And here you are, knowing nothing about the wishes and expectations. To help you, we created a list of 10 gifts your girlfriend will be happy to receive on all occasions, especially when there is none.

Book of Memories

Hear us out, gifting something that contains the story of both of you is what will make your girl tear up – but in a good way. Make your memories last, add pictures, notes, and your dreams for the future in a handmade book, or choose your own design at any craft shop.

Tickets to Concert

While keeping the theme of memories, a gift of tickets to a concert of her favorite singer or band will surely help you make even more memories together, while also showing her that you know and care about her and what she likes.

Mix CD or Spotify Playlist

Very thoughtful, very easy, and very romantic. No need to stand in her yard and play that music out loud. Simply create a playlist in digital or physical form, and your girl will always have something to listen to when on her way home or when she misses you. All those memorable songs from the times you spend together will surely warm her heart.

Jewelry With Meaning

Jewelry is always a good choice, but one with a meaning is even better. You can choose a date of your first date, first kiss, or even add coordinates of the place you both have met. The options are endless: rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and they all can be engraved.

Perfume

The best way to find the best perfume for your girlfriend is to find ones that smell most similarly to ones she already has. Or maybe you have heard her talking about getting ones, or even better, she needs a refill. Perfume is that finishing touch that may set the whole mood for the day, so finding an empty bottle is not what a girl should deal with.

A Stylish Phone Case

She most likely has her phone by her side all the time, texting you, her girlfriends, or simply scrolling through Instagram on that lazy Sunday evening. A stylish phone case will not only help to keep her precious device safe, but it will also look good in her hands. She surely deserves to have a case that is both pretty and offers heavy-duty protection

A Getaway for Both of You

Take her for adventure, and this does not necessarily mean a foreign country. A simple road trip in your own hometown or around the city will allow you to find things you would not notice when rushing to work or back home. The gift of spontaneity will surely spark interest, grab a coffee and enjoy each other’s company.

A Cozy Blanket

Yes, you indeed give the best hugs, however, when you are not around, and when the weather outside is frightening… A cozy, warm and plushy blanket will come to the rescue. We can guarantee that no girl will say no to a blanket that will keep her warm and snug as a bug.

A Book/Gift-card

You probably know exactly what kind of books your girlfriend likes, but it might be risky to pick them, as they quite possibly have already read them. If you know that it is not the case, go and get that book. However, a bookstore gift card will surely be appreciated by a true book lover.

Mood Plushie

We are not even sure who will appreciate this gift more, you or your girlfriend. But this is a cute and fun way to add more transparency about feelings in your everyday situations. Those reversible plushies will show you that asking questions will only get you in trouble and when hugs are better than trying to start an argument.

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8 Ways To Keep Your Long Distance Relationship Interesting

Maintaining a steady and nourishing relationship can be a challenging task, especially a long-distance one. The distance itself can be a hard thing to handle, but unless you spice up things you might get into an unwanted argument or even a breakup. Let’s leave those thoughts behind and start thinking about some fun, lucrative, and interesting things you can incorporate into your long-distance relationship to make it more interesting.

1. Spruce up things with online games

Distance should never be an obstacle, but rather be represented as an invigorating way to make your relationship blossom. One way to make that happen is to play online games together and get competitive. If your partner is a keen gamer, there’s no better way to stay “connected” than by playing online games together, chat, and compete against each other. A little competition might make you connect more.

2. Surprise them with a gift

Social media platforms, texting, and emails help communication get wild, however, a thing that will undoubtedly spark off romance is sending actual presents and gift boxes or baskets. There’s no better way to show someone who is miles away from you how much you care than surprising her with a fantastic gift that will arrive at her doorstep. Nowadays you can find fantastic gift hampers for your loved one that can be delivered to their house, and with a special message inside, they’ll surely be over the moon.

3. Find your favorite show

If you had the opportunity to be in the same city, you’d probably spend hours and hours watching some cool show together. No problem! Just because you’re not in the same city doesn’t mean you can’t do that, what’s more, enjoying quality TV time will actually make you more closer. Set aside a time every day to sit down together to watch an interesting episode at the same time, comment on things afterward and predict a few situations.

4. You’ve got (snail) mail!

Anything handwritten has more meaning than any other printed item. Getting a pen and paper to write a special love letter is, to be honest, more difficult than sending a regular text message. Hence, it’s more meaningful. So, if you desire to keep a long relationship interesting, pick up a nice greeting card, write some dazzling quotes, sketch cute doodles, and send it off. Once you see your partner’s reaction, you might become a loving pen-pals.

5. Go on a weekend getaway

Even if distance impedes from seeing each other on a daily basis, when you do find time to see each other, you should make it memorable. Book a fabulous weekend getaway and choose the perfect villa escape to maximally celebrate your reunion. Plan to meet in a new place to spice up the relationship, go somewhere where neither of you has been there before. It doesn’t have to be a costly trip, but rather a fun vacation where you could enjoy each other adequately.

6. Get sassy

For an utterly sensational long-distance experience, you should get a little bit dirty. As you need to compensate for the lack of quality physical time, you’d better spice things up to keep things active. Send sexy photos to each other, let your partner how much you love him/her in a sassy way, don’t be shy and spruce things up with a hot video. The distance can make things hotter, and when you meet up finally, the result of long-awaited physical attention will be bombastic.

7. Never miss out on anything

Maintaining good communication is a must in a long-distance relationship. Do your best to always keep track of activities your partner is doing, and try not to miss out on anything. Sharing your worries as well as all the positive things that are happening to you daily will undoubtedly make your bond more tightly. Share your dreams and future wishes, and in this way, you will grow together more profoundly. Give your support and advice whenever you can, and try to be “present” even on a video call on every major event your partner is attending.

8. Surprise them with a visit

Planned trips are awesome, but surprising your special someone is even better. Work together with your partner’s best friend or family so that you can surprise them with a visit. There’s nothing more amazing than seeing that shocking grin spread across your loved one’s face when they see you in person. Do this when they’re least expecting, maybe when your partner is having a tough week or when there’s a reason to celebrate something big.

Making a long relationship work is a daunting task, but a doable one. The key to a successful relationship, no matter the miles between, is mutual trust, respect, honesty, and a little bit of spark to make things extra spicy.

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About The Author

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom, with a Fine Arts Bachelor’s degree. Expressing herself through different mediums is what keeps her spirit bright. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet. You can follow Jasmine on Twitter

The Rebellious Girl’s Guide to a Breakup

We’ve all been there… Whether it’s your choice or theirs, you lost someone you cared about. Now, there are a million ways people can deal with breakups ranging from gallons of Ben & Jerrys to crying by a sunset. But, if you’re anything like me and prefer the edgier side of life, this breakup guide is for you.

Try a New Haircut

This is one of the most classic post-breakup actions. This is your time to take drastic measures because this is a new you! If you’re a brunette, try dying your hair bleach blonde. If you have long hair, try a bob. Dye it, chop it, shave a design into the back of your head… Express yourself via your locks.

Get a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is one of my favorite activities, in general. So, if you already have tats, add to the collection. If you’re a tattoo virgin, take a friend and get something tiny. There are shops everywhere, and sometimes tattoo parlors do special deals for Friday the 13th. Whether it’s a tiny lightning bolt or a quote that covers your ribs, take the ink plunge.

Get a Piercing

Again, getting piercings is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I’m running out of places to pierce. Especially if you’re wary of a tattoo, a piercing could be your best option. This could include your ears, belly button, nose, eyebrow… If it’s piercable, look into it. If you don’t like it, you can take it out – plain and simple. This can be done at almost any tattoo shop which may have deals from time to time on piercings, too.

Cut Up Pictures

You know those hundreds of pictures you have saved on your phone of you and your S.O.? Get them printed cheap at Walmart, delete them from your phone, and take a scissor to them! After you’re done, you can throw the shreds out, burn them (if it’s safe for the environment), whatever. Trust me, it feels better to chop up something than just deleting the pictures from wherever they’re saved.

(Safely) Destroy Some of Their Things

Now, let’s be clear. Arson is never okay. Destroying things that will cause harm to the environment in the end is never okay. But, if you have some old t-shirts, maybe a baseball cap, or any other little thing that is okay to destroy, do it. Of course, never destroy anything that the other person may want back. But, if they’re okay with losing it, throw it in a fire pit and light a match. Cut their clothes up into little rags and use them for cleaning. Do what you have to do (safely, of course).

Put Together a Playlist

If that means sad songs, then go with that. But, if you’re looking for a way to take out your anger, I suggest some of the best breakup anthems ever created. If you’re not in the mood to create one from scratch, Spotify has hundreds that will fit with how you’re feeling.

Let Yourself Feel

Yes, I know. This is not very “rebellious.” But, letting yourself feel emotions is healthy. What’s not healthy is clinging onto them for dear life. But, it’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be angry. It’s what you do in those moments that can lead to toxicity.

In the end, you need to handle a breakup in a way that is most positive for you and your mental health. As someone who has tried every single post-breakup action in the book, I can positively say that the ones listed above are what worked best for me. But, remember, go at your own speed and always put your mental health first.

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Getting Over the “Maybe” Guy

We’ve all been there… Going out with someone a few times, living in that weird dating limbo. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it gives you those butterflies in your stomach. Then, unfortunately, something happens and you both realize that the relationship won’t work in the long haul. It’s not exactly a breakup, but it sure feels like it. Why? Because you lived through those moments of newness and thrill and didn’t have the chance to see if it lasted.

In a way, it almost hurts more than ending an official relationship.

Most likely, you’ve probably put in a good amount of effort getting to know this person, seeing how you click, understanding their sense of humor, and figuring out how your personalities mix. Heavy topics usually aren’t talked about much, which could be a good or bad thing.

I’ve been there – getting to know “maybe” guys who I actually ended up really liking.

Why did the almost-relationships go south? Nothing toxic one or the other did, but a realization that some qualities, in fact, won’t mesh in the long run, if that’s what you’re looking for. It could be a difference in opinions. It could be differences in how you view life. Whatever it is, both people can rest assured knowing that the connection, at least, was actually really great.

What made you fall for the “maybe” guy, then? The only-romanticized version of them.

You probably didn’t know them long enough to see their more of-fputting qualities. You were interested in their exciting, challenging, and attractive qualities. That’s the person you started to have feelings for, which would make sense why it hurts when they’re not in your life anymore. The “maybe” guy will get you 10x more than the “all-in” guy.

So, how you do get over him?

The easiest answer? Unfollow, unfriend, delete texts… Treat it like a normal breakup. Rip the band-aid off and cleanse your life as best you can. Even if you only knew them for a month, if your heart was starting to get involved, the best course of action may be the classic things: change up your hair, get a tattoo, start a new exercise routine, go vegan for a week. Do whatever big things you can to drag your mind away from the “maybe” guy.

The harder answer? Let yourself feel the feels. Be sad, eat a gallon of ice cream, watch those completely unrealistic romcoms that you love so much. Be present. Be in your feelings. Feel all the things that you need to. Then, after the Rocky Road is gone and Matthew McConaughey says his last cheesy line, wipe your tears, pick yourself up, and start new the next day.

Getting over someone is rarely a straight line.

There’s no one-size-fits-all for a breakup, no matter how intense it was. People feel things differently and that’s okay. In fact, that’s what makes us all special. So, if you need to get over that “maybe” guy who, for some reason, still has your heart, do whatever you feel like you need to do. In my case, I always keep my freezer stocked with Ben & Jerrys, have my yoga mat nearby, and keep 10 Things I Hate About You queued up. Remember: you’ll get through this, too.

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A Valentine’s Day Date with Me, Myself, and I

Listen. I just don’t understand all the bitterness that surrounds Valentine’s Day for people that aren’t in relationships. I’ve been single for eight years, and it’s one of my favorite holidays. I’m serious. Everything in stores are bright pinks and reds, the chocolate selection is top-notch, and it’s just a day to spread love… So, why the hate?

This year, we’re all approaching a year of quarantine, and while I have my moments of desperation to go out to dinner and a Broadway show, I must say I’ve really started to take to this shelter in place lifestyle. The 14th will be no different for moi; I’ll be home alone, but I have more plans than Macaulay Culkin on Christmas Eve.

Allow me to explain.

First and foremost, it’s the perfect time for me to make an excuse to spend money on myself, being that it’s nestled right in between Christmas and my birthday. Do I need an excuse? No, not at all. There have been so many Zara boxes delivered to my building; I feel like my neighbors are starting to judge. Regardless, it’s impeccable timing for me to just check-in and make sure I’m not neglecting myself in any way… Ya know?

This year, for Valentine’s Day, I’ll be receiving a spin bike for the last unoccupied corner of my tiny NYC apartment, and it’ll be brought to me by my one and only true love: the Amazon Prime delivery man.

I will also be trudging through the mountains of snow to the local cookie shop called Chip NYC, which I frequent. Their V-Day selection includes Red Velvet Cheesecake, Strawberries and Cream, XOXO Funfetti, and, of course, traditional Chocolate Chip. Yes, I looked up their cookie schedule ahead of time and I have to say… I’m so jazzed.

Next, despite all the bodega guys doubling their flower prices on Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing I love more than buying myself flowers.

As our girl Lizzo says, “I get flowers every Sunday; I’mma marry me one day.” Since the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, I can’t possibly defy Saint Valentine AND Lizzo, so I shall sleep easy knowing my $20 bill got $10 worth of roses; inflation be damned.

Now, if you’re thinking the plan is to eat cookies while putting together my new workout equipment: stop. I’m not a monster! I would never do manual labor without cookies AND wine… A nice, full-bodied, Napa Cab to be precise. I will tread cautiously, though. Last year, I bought myself a desk and got a little too carried away with the wine, super-glued it backward, and had to throw it out and order a new one.

I nailed it the second time, though – literally.

While 22-year-old me might have been a little bummed about not having a “Valentine’s date,” 28-year-old me couldn’t be happier scrubbing my bathtub for a deep soak and a face mask. I’ve actually been saving one for the occasion. I got this $1200 set of face masks for $40 on GILT (I highly recommend for skincare savings). They’re made with 24k gold and snail eggs or something crazy. I expect to take it off and have the plump skin of an eight-year-old, but, like, without the baby fat.

I guess what I’m trying to say is there’s no need for the Valentine’s Day blues!

Bottom line: it’s a day to celebrate love, and whether that love is for your friends, your family, your dog, or yourself; it’s worth celebrating. So, while I look forward to future Valentine’s Days spent with a significant other in a California king bed at the Plaza Hotel drinking mimosas and eating pancakes in robes with their logo on them (Macaulay Culkin style), that’s just simply not my narrative right now. I do have one, and only one concern: I hope all my red lipsticks last to see another V-day, post KN95s. *Googles expiry time on lipstick*

*Disclaimer: You should throw out lipsticks after a year and lip glosses after only six months! Apparently, the wax has the tendency to trap bacteria. Ew. Will I follow this advice? TBD.

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About the Author

Kaitlyn-Renee Urban is an actor and writer with a passion for highlighting feminism in the arts. She hosts an IGTV show (coming January 2021) called “What We Know Now” centered around supporting local, women-run businesses while picking their brains for advice they’d give their younger selves. She lives in New York City, but it’s easier to find her on Instagram.

To The Girl With A Brave Face And Broken Heart

“Be That strong girl that everyone knew would make it through the worst, be that fearless girl, the one who would dare do anything, be that independent girl who didn’t need a man. Be the girl who never backed down.” -Taylor Swift

The thing I find most interesting about broken hearts is anyone at any moment can be crumbling before you. You’d never know because they go through the motions, they have to and put on a brave face. You’d never know they cried themselves to sleep that night, or woke up with a knot in their stomach, not wanting to move. You wouldn’t know how often they look at the pictures and look back at the past, to a time when things were simple.

You don’t know these things, because sometimes it’s easier to pretend everything is okay than actually admit someone blew your heart to shreds and left you to pick up the pieces.

“The hard part is pretending not to give a f$ck when you really do. The worst part is trying to close your heart when it’s doors have been blown to pieces,” R.M Drake

To the girl who has mastered the brave face,

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