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Do you ever wake up, look in the mirror, and instantly think you should just go back to bed? It happens to all of us. The worst part is when you know how hideous you look, and then someone says you look great. How can they say that? There is no way they are serious. What if they are, though? Dove, the company that is committed to proving women’s natural beauty, has started a new, groundbreaking campaign that is sure to make you think of yourself a little differently.
The Real Beauty Sketches campaign takes a professional, FBI-trained forensic artist, Gil Zamora, and places him in an empty studio with nothing but paper, an easel, and an empty chair behind a dividing curtain. Unsuspecting women come, sit, and describe how they see themselves by answering Zamora’s questions about their appearance. Afterwards, someone who knows the woman enters the studio and answers the same questions for Zamora. The participants never see the artist and he never sees them, he simply sketches exactly what they describe. He places the two final sketches side-by-side and the results are stunning. When the women described themselves, the resulting sketch was distorted and unrecognizable.
The campaign raises an interesting question, do we see ourselves by our flaws or by our beauty? The women in this viral video campaign clearly witnessed that they see themselves through a judgmental, disparaging eye. The women that their friends described look almost exactly like the real person, but when the women described themselves the final sketch looked completely different. It seems that, as humans, we tend to describe ourselves but what we are lacking, instead of what we are fortunate to have. While this campaign focuses purely on external beauty, it proves that women do not give themselves enough credit for how truly beautiful they are.
Contact Kelsey Fischer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Impress your significant other on Valentine’s Day with these recipes
Read more: Sweets for your Sweetie: Recipes for Valentine's Day
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10. You don’t have to share the treats.
If you’re feeling especially downtrodden this Valentine's Day, treat yourself to a heart-shaped pizza compliments of Pizza Hut. Follow that up with some Cadbury chocolate and wash it all down with an extra helping of red wine, or some Skittles vodka if that’s more your style. Either way, revel in the fact that it’s all yours.
9. You can watch “Parks and Recreation” without any funny business.
This Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, which means you singles can live vicariously through the vivacious fictional couple that is Leslie and Ben instead of being forced to see some foreign film because your date happens to be an art major.
8. You won't have high hopes, and therefore won't be let down.
Many of us, women especially, pretend that we’re not expecting anything of grandeur on February 14, but we’re always kind of let down when our significant other stops short of lighting the sky with a million dollar fireworks display that asks for our hand in marriage. If you’re single, you can just chill in your pajamas until the whole debacle is over with no regrets.
7. You won’t waste money on nonsense.
How many of you still have that Walgreen’s teddy bear your crush bought you in the tenth grade? Exactly. Most of the things we give and receive on Valentine’s Day, with the exception of those long-term couples, are cheap, meaningless atrocities that we relish for a month, or until the relationship ends.
6.You’ll have an opportunity to focus on people who really matter.
If you’re feeling lonely, it’s always a good time to call close family and friends and wish them a “Happy Valentine's Day.” Even better, plan ahead and send everyone a card or some chocolate. Making others feel loved guarantees a few confidence-boosting calls throughout the day.
5. You won't be dumped on Valentine's Day.
If you were in a long-term relationship and found out that morning that your beloved significant other had been unhappy with you for several months — or years — you’d probably associate Valentine’s Day with bitterness and regret for some time. It’s better to avoid it altogether.
4. You have an excuse to do something for you.
Regardless of if you’re newly single or still looking for your first boyfriend, make time to do something for yourself. Maybe there’s something you’ve wanted to try but you’ve been afraid — this is the time to do it. Courage is the best gift you could give yourself. Take yourself out to dinner, or on a solo movie date.
3.You’ll have no arguments over where to go.
So it’s the first date and he decided to surprise you with reservations to a steakhouse. As it turns out, you’re a vegetarian. Never mind all that. You’re single so you won’t have to have that conversation. You also won’t be subjected to Nicholas Sparks’ “Safe Haven” just because it feels expected.
2. The promise of new love.
There’s a good reason you’re single. Instead of being tied down in a dull, lifeless relationship, you have the freedom to go out, meet new people and possibly find Mr. or Ms. Valentine 2014.
1. You could always just hang out with puppies instead.
Instead of moping, dedicate your day to a cause you're passionate about, which is sure to lift your spirits and the spirits of others. Visit an animal shelter, or volunteer at a soup kitchen. Humanitarian efforts are not restricted to religious-oriented holidays only. Plus, what’s better than a pile of puppies?
Contact Christina Suttles at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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She’s perfect. Sure, you can’t remember her name, but that’s irrelevant. She’s beautiful, funny, intriguing and, most importantly, drunk. All you want to do is take her back to your place for the night. After all, you’ve managed to glue yourself to her throughout the party while she threw herself at you the entire evening. However, before you can even get her number, or take her clothes off for that matter, the perfect catch disappears.
I’d imagine you would scour the party looking for her, desperately believing you’ll find her. Or maybe you could care less about her and have already found another girl to keep you occupied for the night. Either way, the reality of the situation is that this girl is long gone, and, boy, you will never see her again.
Before you write her off for good, consider the reasons of why she ditched you at the party and where she went. Maybe she got sick and had to go home? She couldn’t handle her liquor, and all those beers you were shoving down her throat didn’t exactly help the cause either. What if she played you? All she wanted was some attention from a cute boy and free beer for her and her friends. In case she forgot to tell you, it was greatly appreciated. Perhaps she had to help a friend in need? Oh how the tables have turned. Hoes before bros! Girlfriends are always there for each other. Possibly she was invited to another party? You’re a boy, so naturally, there is no way you’re getting let in. Sorry not sorry she had to leave you behind. Or maybe it really was you? One poor glimpse of you caught in better lighting, and suddenly you aren’t the dark and mysterious man she thought you were. She’s not that drunk, and you don’t look good sober. Perhaps you went too far? Shoving your tongue down her throat and getting a little too touchy is a big time no-no. Sloppy is never sexy. Possibly you were too clingy? Parties were meant for socializing and that’s hard to do when you have a human magnet stuck on you. She just wants to meet dudes, so hasta la vista baby!
Now I’m sure this happens to the best of men, so don’t beat yourself up over this loss. She is probably off in a better place, having more fun without you. The sad truth is tonight’s potential slam piece is gone for good, and all you have now is your trusty left hand.
Contact Lily Martis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Simply put, a one night stand is a term we collectively use to describe a single sexual act with no strings attached. However, considering the topic at hand, sex very rarely comes without complications. Reduce the risk of misconceptions and the possibility of awkward future encounters by following some basic rules to having a successful one night stand.
Do...
1 Ask permission. This can go for both guys and girls. Before you do the deed, make sure the both of you give consent first. Nobody wants to be accused of being a rapist.
2 Be honest. Speak up and be up front if you are uncomfortable or have a concern. It may even be a good idea to clarify that this is a one night stand and you do not expect or want anything more from this.
3Choose Your Location Wisely. You may want to avoid bringing a stranger back to your house or dorm room. This way, you leave when you want to leave and don’t have to worry about trying to get rid of them afterwards.
4Use protection. One night stands usually occur between two strangers, and more than likely you will not know their sexual history. Regardless, take the safe route and use a condom.
5Have fun. This is your night of promiscuity, so get weird and go wild! Try out a new sex position, talk dirty to them in a foreign accent, be a selfish lover. If you aren’t having fun, dismiss yourself because having fun is what this night is all about.
6 Have No Regrets. Accept what you did and be glad you did it. Don’t regret last night’s little rendezvous the morning after. Hold your head up high and be confident. After all, you were amazing between those sheets.
Don’t...
1Stay the night. This could lead to cuddling and spooning which is too intimate for a casual one-nighter. Plus, this could lead into far more dangerous territory, and you might not be ready for what you will see in the morning. Chances are, they won’t as attractive as they were when you met them. Avoid this by leaving the scene as silent and speedily as possible.
2Have breakfast. If you followed the first rule, than this won’t be a problem. However, nobody honestly wants to sit down and have a meal with the person they hooked up with last night. Don’t overstay your visit, prolong your walk of shame, or torture them with pancakes.
3 Think too much about it. Live in the moment and enjoy your night of promiscuity. It’s a one night stand and nothing more. Everybody has their indiscretions, and having a one night stand will not make you a whore.
4 Facebook your one-night “friend.” The less of a connection the two of you have, the better. There is no reason why the two of you ever have to see or hear from each other ever again (unless it’s time for round two).
5 Leave something behind. This pathetic ploy of revisiting is not going to bring the two of you together. If you left it, you lost it. Hopefully it wasn’t expensive or important.
6Let the door hit you on your way out. You did it! You were amazing in bed, and you have the bruises and sore legs to prove it! Now it’s time to leave the past in the past and move on.
Anymore rules you and your partner decide upon is between the two of you. Now go and get at it! You have a long night ahead you...
Contact Lily Martis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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After reviewing the behavior of today’s girls en masse, Moses has spoken. The manifesto of modern commandments comes from years of studying the sociology of young women in their natural habitat of high heels and house parties. This group of seemingly sweet, yet deceivingly cunning creatures is more complex than what meets the eye. To better understand this race, here is a glimpse of the formally unspoken commandments of the college girl.
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If you ventured to a neighborhood swimming pool or a youth soccer league game this summer, chances are you noticed that 90 percent of the moms were reading some form of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the erotic series by E.L. James that took “pleasure reading” to a whole new level. Some considered it the ultimate fantasy while others were repulsed. Love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: It gave us something to talk about.
The dirty details of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission and sadomasochism became everyday conversation topics. Though it’s undeniably a great thing that the modern woman can be loud and proud about subjects that were not so long ago considered taboo, the “Age of Grey” raises an interesting discrepancy in society-prescribed gender roles.
Just think: What if the 50 Shades readership were switched? What if the fan base was a vast majority of men rather than women? The situation would be very different, to say the least. Grown men salivating for an erotic fantasy about complete sexual domination over a young, innocent virgin who is still in college is, well, wrong! At least, that’s what society would say. Here are a few comparisons to illustrate the point:
How it is: Women dissect the story’s theme of dominance and submission on lunch break while the book sits on the table. The server notes that these women are up to date with their pop culture and quite possibly a freak in the bed.
How it would be: Over dinner, men share their opinions on whips, chains, canes and the concept of inflicting pain for pleasure while the book sits on the table. The host overhears and purposely doesn’t seat anyone near them. How it is: A woman reads it on the subway or somewhere public, and it’s the “in” thing to do. Guys give approving glances that say, “Call me maybe?”
How it would be: A man publicly immerses himself in erotica, receiving dirty glances paired with the exclamation “Hide your kids, hide your wife!”
How it is: A woman moves into a new neighborhood, and the ladies that already live there instantly bond with the new girl… over smut.
How it would be: A man moves into a neighborhood and proclaims his love for 50 Shades. The current residents check to see if they are dealing with a registered sex offender
How it is: A woman is so consumed by the story that she stays in her room and reads it for 10 consecutive hours. She tells concerned roommates what she’s reading. They say “Sorry to bother, let me know when you need the next one!”
How it would be: A man can’t put the book down and stays in his room for 10 hours. He tells his roommate that he’s not dead, just reading “Fifty Shades Darker.” The roommate, despite having read the books as well, can’t help but feel a little violated.
However comical it may be to picture millions of men obsessing over 50 Shades, it certainly creates an interesting parallel. Men typically get away with more “locker room talk” because it is widely accepted that “boys will be boys.” But this series completely changed that landscape. It’s a huge step for women to openly read sexually stimulating content without being judged harshly. However, is it really fair to label guys as “pervs” and “fiends” while labeling women “enlightened” and “modern” for essentially the same thing? Perhaps years of women being labeled as “skanks” or “hoes” for doing the same things that promote men to alpha male status will keep the guys from complaining.
Contact Natalie Moses at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . / 3
Alright, we’ve all been there. You really like someone but no matter how much you flirt, smile and “drunk” text them, you're not pursued. No, there is nothing wrong with you. Are they shy? Maybe. But it’s most likely that you’ve found yourself in the bro zone. Here are a few tips as you figure out where you stand.
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How sex, as dirty as it can be, can lead to a healthy livelihood
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We all have lingos for the things that happen in the bedroom. Whether it’s doing the dirty or kicking death in the ass while screaming, there have been many phrases that keep the deed discreet.
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Photo Courtesy of MCT Campus
Let’s face it. Valentines day is pretty much a woman’s holiday. It can be hard to come up with ideas for your girl and how you should prepare so I put together a Men’s Survival Guide:
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Courtesy of MCT Campus
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It’s a lot less stressful not having to worry what you’re going to buy your significant other. In fact, go spend your money on you!
Read more: Ten reason it’s ok to be single on Valentines Day
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Sex is great. Actually, sex is better than great. It’s the best of great—if that makes sense.
I can make an accurate guess that those of you reading this believe that sex is one of the best aspects of life, if not the best aspect of life.
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It’s that time of year again. The time when two people who don’t like each other all year are forced to wait in line two hours for a greasy cheap franchise Olive Garden dinner for two.
Read more: Screw Cupid. Fake holidays better than Valentine’s Day
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If you’re going to celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t just buy the obligatory flowers and call it a day. Do it right! Show your diet-restricted special someone how special you think they are, and go out of your way to pick up these yummy little goodies.
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Break ups are hit or miss when they happen. Either you hate each other or it is a mutual decision. However it ends, there is always that question that can make or break the rest of your existence.
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Through my ups and downs between the sheets, I have come to find what makes up a person’s sex appeal. One of these traits is how good of a sexter the person is. The art of the perfect sext is the key to making an impact on your relationship.
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Homosexuality remained on the American Psychiatric Association’s list of mental illnesses up until 1972.
Yep, apparently, if you were gay or lesbian, you needed help. The social and political movements from activists against this “fact” were supported by scientific evidence.
