Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 28 février 2019
Pack Your Bags - These Top 10 Spring Travel Destinations Are Calling Your Name
In the dead of Winter, it's hard to think about anything other than warmer climates. But luckily, with Spring on the horizon, escaping to a new paradise is closer than ever before. Airbnb has shared the top 10 trending vacation spots for this upcoming season, and we're already packing our swimsuits.
These Spring break destinations range across the globe from Arizona all the way to Germany, and we couldn't be more intrigued by them. "Airbnb travelers are bidding adieu to typical beach locales and instead opting to explore more under-the-radar sandy oases, rich cultural centers, and unexplored regions at a slower pace," according to the travel company. If that sounds like something you're into, take a look at the top destinations - complete with suggested Airbnb rentals - and get ready to jet set! Counting down from No. 10 . . .
Pop Culture and American Politics Continue to Obscure Working Moms' Realities
Midge Maisel at work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Photo courtesy Everett Collection.
I didn't have childcare arrangements for my final class of the teaching semester. My usual sitter had a final exam, relatives were working, and back-up sitters weren't around. I called my eldest son's nursery school and arranged to pay the fee for him to stay late, but I had no one to watch my 10-month-old. I emailed the office to inform them I would have to bring my infant to class. "Sounds like you have taken into consideration that there should not be a disruption in your students' learning," the English coordinator responded. "So it should be all right."
"I rarely see TV shows that capture the gritty truth of a working mother's experience."
I did my best to occupy my son, who whined and thrashed in my arms. I let him crawl on the dirty floor while listening to my students read from their memoir essays. Halfway through the class, I had to excuse myself to change his diaper on the floor of the women's bathroom; my office was full of other instructors meeting with students and there were no changing tables or family bathrooms available. The whole scenario felt right out of a sitcom, as my son tried his darndest to escape the small pad separating his bare bottom from the restroom tile - except I rarely see TV shows that capture the gritty truth of a working mother's experience.
Mothers have faced scrutiny and discrimination since they've pursued equality in the workforce. Today, 70 percent of mothers with children under the age of 18 work outside the home. In the 1960s, only 11 percent of women were the breadwinners, compared to the 40 percent of working mothers who are the sole or primary household earners today, but policies like paid leave or proper nursing rooms to accommodate working mothers lag far behind the sheer number of us in the workforce.
Last year, 102 women were elected to Congress, several of whom have young children. Change on Capitol Hill began with the installation of nursing stations and changing tables, but extensive reform is needed to keep women in positions of power.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reenacts her swearing-in ceremony with her family by her side. Photo courtesy Getty Images.
A current policy bans lawmakers from using official funds on childcare needs, but the congressional schedule makes it difficult for parents to get home to relieve sitters or have dinner with their kids even three times a week. A single mother to three school-aged children, like California Democrat Katie Porter, needs childcare before and after school and during the many overnights, which could easily overwhelm her salary. Many women, like Senator Gillibrand, move their families out of the home states they serve to DC and enroll them in local schools because of the time commitment expected.
Howard and Bernadette dote over their baby on The Big Bang Theory. Photo courtesy CBS.
As is our reality, pop culture often reinforces stereotypes that make it difficult to advocate for the reform working mothers need. In wildly popular shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Big Bang Theory, children hardly factor into the storyline or, in some cases, are reduced to mere whines in the distance. It's easy to forget Howard's wife, Bernadette Wolowitz, has any children as a working mother.
Midge Maisel, an embodiment of the privileged elite, is more mythical than marvelous as she's never had to drag her kids to a nightclub because of a childcare conflict, and hardly receives pushback from her husband, parents, or community for the amount of time she spends away from her children working both a day job and a night gig. At the end of season two, when Midge decides to accept an offer to perform on a world tour for six months, she does so without hesitation or consideration for her children. As refreshing as it is to see a woman make a bold career move without thought of the family she leaves behind, it's grossly unrealistic and problematic, especially when it hurts real working women with all-encompassing careers who need employers who respect familial responsibility. As a mother watching in 2019, the scene feels highly unlikely given it's set in the late '50s. Careers like Mrs. Maisel's exist - see music artist Pink on tour with two kids - which is why it's that much more important our television breathes life back into these real-life complicated scenarios.
It may say something that many of the contemporary shows honoring the complex reality of working motherhood are produced outside of the country. In the British sitcom Catastrophe, Sharon - a grade school teacher and new mom of two - begs her principal to let her come back early from maternity leave after months of isolating childcare at home and a bout with postpartum depression. She has no qualms complaining about the drain her children pose on her body, sex life, and overall well-being.
A still from the Amazon series Catastrophe. Photo courtesy Everett Collection.
If American entertainment portrayed more complexity facing parents in the workforce, maybe the women in Congress would have less of an uphill battle trying to pass reasonable family leave that sustains a working family. For example, in Australia's The Letdown, mothers are judged if they don't work and judged if they work too much, and stay-at-home moms are denied participation in career day at their child's school, which feels a bit more real.
"Little will be done in way of real reform in our government policy if popular culture doesn't accurately reflect our reality."
Many of the policies put forward recently that seem like a great step for families and working mothers fall egregiously short. Ivanka Trump's six-week family leave proposal, which would deplete Social Security benefits even farther for a generation that isn't guaranteed any, simply won't cut it. Senator Amy Klobuchar's former plan, for parents to work three times the leave they took - or pay it back - certainly wasn't it either.
Though we're at an all-time record-high number of women in the workforce, America is still the only developed nation without a mandatory national parental leave across the board from employers. More exposure to the reality we face in entertainment will help to address the other large issues that continue to harm working mothers today, such as the large gender and racial wage gaps, or the limited availability and affordability of good childcare. Something American television could use more of are working moms maintaining both their identities as caretakers and contributors to their communities, and as women who adore their children and sometimes resent the burden they place on their lives. If TV better reflects our reality, maybe our political leaders will be more motivated to address it.
Show creator and star Frankie Shaw in a still from SMILF. Photo courtesy Everett Collection.
There are some US television shows that are helping the cause. SMILF's struggling single mother Bridgette often has to tote toddler, Larry, to her tutoring job, and once had to leave her son with his father's girlfriend because he had to see the doctor when she had to work. Homeland's Carrie is another example of a woman striving to balance motherhood with her demanding career as a freelance ex-CIA agent. Eventually, she surrenders custody to her sister after her job overruns her ability to provide a safe environment for her daughter. This is Us's Beth, mother of two, asks husband Randall to drop out of a political race when it seems unlikely he'll win. This moment becomes an issue in their marriage after he promised to give her the time to put her career first for once. Allowing women to make these choices onscreen opens possibilities for other women to make difficult work decisions in their own lives - and helps hold fathers accountable as equal partners in child-rearing.
American politics and popular entertainment often hinge on the family, but gendered policies and outdated tropes hurt families. When a baby is born, most men still have limited opportunity for parental leave, and those who do, don't tend to use it. Mandatory paid parental leave for fathers helps women get back to work sooner, keeps them on a leadership track, and prevents gender discrimination in the hiring process. On average, only 13 percent of companies offer paid parental leave and men are unlikely to take more than two weeks because of peer pressure in the office. Like family leave, a nationwide policy should mandate that all public men's restrooms include accommodations for changing their children's diapers. Even as we expect more of fathers than we have in previous generations, we haven't made necessary changes that encourage stay-at-home fatherhood or won't harm a two-father family. In Canada's Workin' Moms, there is a stay-at-home father who enjoys raising his daughter while his wife goes to work.
I spent the drive home from the last day of class worried over my student evaluations. I imagined a few would mention my son on the last day and how it made me less professional than other instructors, affecting my desirability to be hired by the college as an adjunct in following semesters. But as I got home and picked my oldest up from school, I reconsidered the benefits of bringing my child to a college class. I showed my students that you can have a career and a family, you can teach a class and parent at the same time, and that working motherhood is complicated, but most importantly possible. When I checked my student evaluations, not one mentioned my infant. In fact, one student said, "she is really professional and competitive."
Little will be done in way of real reform in our government policy if popular culture doesn't accurately reflect our reality. And as our policies continue to fall behind our growth as a society, it becomes easier for this misrepresentation in our entertainment to continue. It's time to stop celebrating when a show features a female protagonist or when Congress has a record number of women elected, and start fighting for a world where a woman can run a company and a household - even a country - in all the complexity that entails, without scaling unnecessary hurdles that intend to stand in her way.
Why I Introduced a Drag Queen Superhero Into the Marvel Universe
Months before the release of Iceman issue four in December 2018, I made a last-minute decision to write in a new character, one who was merely meant to pepper a scene with a little fun and humor. Little did I know it would change the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in comics.
Amid the drama of our titular hero Iceman preparing to go toe-to-toe with Mr. Sinister, his cohorts run a sprawling parade for Mutant Pride. The emcee? A drag queen named Shade who emerges onstage from a pocket void dimension, harnessed through her fan accessory, natch. A few puns and one fight scene later, readers instantly fell for her. In less than a month, fan art, memes, and drag cosplay galore poured in. The real tea about all of this, however, is that the love caught both Marvel and myself completely by surprise.
" . . . None of us spent much time thinking about the impact a visibly queer drag queen mutant would have on the audience."
Let me rewind a bit. Iceman, which I write, first launched in 2017 and was canceled due to low single-issue sales. But Marvel revived it soon thereafter when its book market afterlife proved strong. With a new arc in mind, I wanted to apply the mutant metaphor - where the thing that makes you unique is also what makes you society's problem - to aspects of my queer identity beyond "coming out" and "I kiss boys." I landed on the story of a hero who is learning how to be a true ally, and how the most privileged often have the system's most marginalized to thank for their safety. While Iceman has the requisite third act fight with Mr. Sinister, Shade helps Bishop, Emma Frost, Christian Frost, and the Morlocks stave off a group of murderous henchmen from attacking Mutant Pride. It's very intentional who I placed on the front lines, thanklessly protecting a bunch of oblivious partygoers in the city where the Stonewall riots took place.
There was no cinematic beauty to my conceiving Shade. I was probably in a coffee shop, thinking: "Wouldn't it be rad if . . ." I always toyed with the idea of a drag queen who becomes a reluctant hero, and I had an unused character in a Generation X proposal that never saw the light of day: a young girl named Shade who could create pocket voids (all for the "throwing shade" pun.) I quickly put the pieces together and sent series artist Nathan Stockman a sketch of what Shade would look like: a drag queen of color who had bold curves and a penchant for incorporating X-Men visual motifs into her "lewk." She'd have green hair like Polaris, the X emblem on any corner of her body, and more pouches than every '90s X-character combined.
Considering we were tackling stories that dealt with a survivor of conversion therapy, and used the underground Morlocks as subtext for the trans-slash-non-binary community, none of us spent much time thinking about the impact a visibly queer drag queen mutant would have on the audience. For me, it was my normal to go to a rally, and then watch some drag queens do death drops for tips at a local bar. Considering the massive success of RuPaul's Drag Race, Shangela and Willam's roles in A Star Is Born, and FX's award season darling Pose, drag queens and ball culture felt very much ingrained in mainstream pop lexicon. I was brought on to tell a story through my lens, and I had no clue just how starved readers were for that authenticity. So that's why LGBTQ+ creators should be hired to make myths!
You always hope to create something that matters to people. Shade is evidence that you can't really guess or control how fans will react. As of typing this, I have collected over 50 pieces of fan art, half a dozen drag interpretations, action figure mods, and a picture of a cake one guy even designed, inspired by the character's visual motifs. Instead of shying away from the ardor, Marvel Comics requested that if we do this character, we do her right. Make her a real Marvel hero, with a fresh name and compelling backstory to match. After some back and forth, the drag queen formerly known as Shade would like to be known from here on out as simply Darkveil. If Kitty Pryde can have multiple aliases like Shadowcat and Spryte, so can Darnell Wade aka Darkveil.
It makes me happy that folks feel seen in pop culture because of Ms. Darkveil. I'm similarly grateful that Marvel took notice of the positive press, and allowed me to sneak her into March's Uncanny X-Men: Winter's End, where Darkveil continues her iconic streak with a '60s-inspired outfit emceeing Iceman's birthday party, and gets a Marvel Hero Spotlight after the letters column. Werk!
11 Real-Life Towns That Are Pretty Much Stars Hollow Come to Life
There are a ton of reasons we've been obsessed with Gilmore Girls for almost 20 years now: its quirky characters, surprisingly great life lessons, and rapid-fire dialogue. But perhaps the best part of the entire show is Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut small town where the Gilmores (and a wide array of colorful townspeople) live. Stars Hollow is basically its own character; its quirks (Taylor), history (the gazebo), and longstanding businesses (Luke's) form the backbone of what makes Gilmore Girls so unique.
According to Gilmore lore, Stars Hollow was founded by early colonial settlers and even played a (roundabout) part in a battle in the Revolutionary War. It's as proud of its small-town charm as it is its centuries of history. And although some of the antics seem too silly to be real, there are actually plenty of small towns across America that are as historical, charming, and occasionally over-the-top as Stars Hollow. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a real Gilmore experience, add these real-life small towns to your bucket list.
People Are Flocking to This "Cliff" in Thailand to Take Some Truly WILD Photos
Does a photo ever quite literally take the breath right out of your lungs? That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon Instagram pictures of a particularly crazy-looking "cliff" in Thailand. Located on a mountain called Phu Bak Dai (spelling varies) in Thailand's Loei Province, the rock formation attracts adventurous visitors who pose on its edge, making it look as though they're on the brink of falling. In reality, the ground is just a few feet below, and it's all chocked up to clever camera angling and photo cropping.
From what I can tell after attempting to translate Thai and watching some travel vlogs on YouTube, getting to the Phu Bak Dai cliff is pretty tricky - and finding information about how to do so is even trickier if you don't speak Thai. It looks like most people hitch a ride from locals to get to the top of the mountain, and some serous hiking seems to be involved, so the journey is definitely not for the faint of heart. But hey, in the wise words of every millennial, "Do it for the 'gram," am I right?
Keep reading to see some impressive snaps visitors have taken at juuust the right angle on the popular cliffside. They'll definitely make your stomach drop.
23 Signs Your Significant Other Is Also Your Best Friend
Relationships are the best, but they're also hard work, especially if you've been together for a long time. That's why finding a significant other who doubles as your best friend and who you can trust completely is so important. It makes life so much more fun and beautiful! They understand you, accept you, and know everything about you and love you anyway. When you've found this, you know you have a true partner in crime for life. Keep reading for 23 signs that your lover is also your best friend in the entire world.
11 Signs That You're Being Taken For Granted in Your Relationship
A solid relationship calls for mutual appreciation and respect. If one person is putting in all the work while the other sits back and takes without giving anything in return, it could mean serious trouble ahead. It's only natural for the partner who's feeling undervalued to gain resentment and animosity, as people want to feel appreciated and cared for when in a relationship. But there are plenty of signs that that's not the case.
Your partner can show they're taking you for granted in subtle ways, which might be hard to miss if you're very infatuated or in love with them. If that's the case, you might try to deny that these things are happening or focus only on the good in order to settle with the bad. But nobody should have to settle, ever. If you think your partner might not be reciprocating your feelings or gestures, it's time to stand up. Look to these signs if you're unsure.
You Know the Bali Tree House That's All Over Instagram? Yeah, It's Only $38 Per Night
When it comes to bucket list travels, staying in a tree house is probably high on your list. After all, who wouldn't want to live out a childhood dream as an adult? But not all tree houses are made equal, and this particular one in Bali, Indonesia - which you probably recognize from your Instagram feed - is a few steps above the rest (literally).
Located on the island Nusa Penida, which is just southeast of Bali, this photogenic spot has put the relatively undiscovered island on the map. Perched atop a cliff edge, the tree house offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the beach, sea, and rocky outcrops. Naturally, it's the perfect place to watch an epic sunrise or sunset, which is why it seems almost every travel blogger has stopped here.
While the bamboo-style hut offers only basic accommodations for two, it's worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience and, of course, some excellent social media content. Best of all, prices start at just $38 per night! You better move quick if you want in on the action, as it's currently booked up until the Fall.
Keep reading to see more stunning photos of the Bali tree house.
Just 43 Beautiful Photos of Ireland to Fuel Your Irish Pride
Ireland is one of those beautiful countries that deserves a visit any time of year - not just for St. Patrick's Day. The Emerald Isle, home to rolling green hills, stunning cliffs, and Guinness (don't think we'd forget about Guinness), is a stunning European vacation that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
We combed the internet and found 40-plus of the most beautiful photos of Ireland, from Dublin city to the Cliffs of Moher and everything in between, to inspire your next vacation. Or if you don't have any travel plans, let these scenic shots of Ireland brighten your day . . . and maybe make you thirsty for a Guinness.
Fila Has a New Rugrats Collection, and My Inner '90s Baby Is SCREAMING
Fila and Champs Sports have partnered to release an exclusive Rugrats-themed collection, and wow - that's a lot of nostalgia. The collection features Fila's Ray Tracer, Disruptor II, and Original Fitness sneakers with a nostalgic twist. Each piece pays homage to the beloved '90s cartoon and features Tommy, Chucky, Angelica, and even Reptar. From sneakers to hoodies and soon-to-be released accessories, there's no shortage of options for Nickelodeon-lovers.
The collection comes just months after Nickelodeon and Paramount announced the relaunch of the franchise with a new series and movie. In a statement, Jason Brown, vice president of marketing at Champs Sports, said, "Champs Sports and our partners at Fila and Nickelodeon are (also) excited to bring these well-known characters to life for a new generation, ahead of their big-screen premiere."
Even though the collection is only offering men's sizes, that's not enough to hold us back! While the full collection is yet to be released, you can already purchase some cool pieces in select stores or online. Scroll to check out our favorite pieces and then check out some different ways to incorporate menswear into your wardrobe.
Is Dating Outside Your Political Party Impossible in 2019?
A couple months before the 2016 presidential election, I came across a study that revealed that just nine percent of Republicans and eight percent of Democrats said their spouse or partner was a member of the other major political party. The study comprised survey results from the Spring of 2016 - roughly one year since then-candidate Donald Trump had launched his misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, and generally intolerant presidential campaign.
The results seemed to suggest a distinct shift from previous, similar surveys, including one from 1958 that revealed 72 percent of parents had no party preference for their child's spouse - compared to only 45 percent as of 2017. They were also in contrast with a trend of increasing interracial and interfaith marriages through the years. Party politics have indisputably become more polarized since the 1950s, especially as women have become more empowered to partake in politics and share opinions that may be different from their male partners. As feminist journalist Rebecca Solnit has pointed out, unsaid numbers of husbands have influenced or even controlled their wives' votes, and some still do today. But another stark reality is that young women - and women of all ages - are increasingly finding our voices, and this could yield long-term paradigm shifts in the worlds of dating and marriage.
For many, the option to stay silent about politics and social-justice issues with a partner in this political reality feels like a symptom of privilege at best and an impossibility at worst.
Of course, the divides between millennial women's experiences in relationships and previous generations aren't limited to politics: millennial women are getting married later, having fewer children - if having children at all - and more of them are the breadwinners in their households than ever. But their politics are different: young women have become one of the most reliably liberal political blocs, and an increasingly politically engaged one, too. Our growing independence and our politics are inextricably linked, and we're not afraid to disagree with and challenge differing views around us.
In either case, I didn't think much of the study about declining interpolitical couples at the time, even over the course of my own almost year-long relationship with a libertarian, Republican-leaning white man. (I'm an Asian-American woman.) We started dating a few months after I stumbled across the study. It would be almost three years later, at the onset of 2019, that I found myself thinking of the study once again and interrogating my own experience with an interpolitical, heterosexual, and cisgender romantic relationship.
It wasn't that my then-partner and I hadn't discussed politics. Frankly, politics was sometimes all we'd discussed, often in long, drawn out, and emotionally laborious debates that left me exhausted and disheartened. It often seemed that no amount of statistics or moral arguments I offered could convince him that something Trump had said was offensive, or that reproductive rights comprised an urgent, existential issue for many women - and specifically for me. As deeply as I wanted to show him my lived implications around issues over which we'd shared disagreements, comments he often made during our arguments deterred me from ever opening up about them. As a result, I never felt fully emotionally safe or close to him.
But why hadn't his politics bothered me enough to leave? Especially as an Asian-American daughter of immigrants, whose life had been deeply, personally affected by sexual violence and a taxing journey to access reproductive health care? The end of our relationship had been the result of disagreements over commitment; not whether abortion was a fundamental human right or the fact that he'd cast his ballot for Gary Johnson in a swing state. Three years later, with that question nagging at me, I decided to ask other women like me - specifically, liberal women of color who date men - to share their experiences in the hopes of shedding some light on my own.
What It's Really Like to Date Someone With Different Political Views
Well before 2018, Trump made his true colors clear as day. His actions since - overseeing the separation of migrant families, turning away survivors of domestic violence and children at the borders, locking migrant children in cages, and forcing a man credibly accused of sexual assault onto the Supreme Court - should have surprised no one. For many, the option to stay silent about politics and social-justice issues with a partner in this political reality feels like a symptom of privilege at best and an impossibility at worst.
In straight relationships, political gender divides carry deep implications. (Fifty-three percent of men voted for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016, compared with 42 percent of women.) From #MeToo and the annual Women's March to the cultural ramifications of the president's notorious "grab 'em by the p-ssy" comments, gender and politics have become deeply interwoven into the American social landscape. It's no wonder the political, gendered conflicts that play out in public spill over into personal relationships.
As I continued to think of the 2016 study, I realized my assumption had been that the only way straight couples from opposing political parties could still exist was if those couples avoided talking about politics altogether. But when I started talking to such couples, I learned it wasn't that simple. These people had a wide range of experiences based on what, exactly, was being disagreed upon, the extent of the disagreement, and general feelings about whether discussions of politics and social justice issues were respectful and productive.
Melina*, 21, dated a man who shared her Filipino heritage for three months starting in 2017. She eventually ended their relationship over their vast differences - but not, she said, before plenty of lengthy, seemingly endless conversations and debates about a range of issues. She remembers that many of their disagreements weren't always as straightforward as Democrat vs. Republican, but, as she stated several times: "Existence is political."
Melina said her then-boyfriend made victim-blaming comments about the way women dressed, expressed discomfort with the idea of having an LGBTQ+ child, was frustrated with the #MeToo movement, and seemed "overly sensitive" in conversations about race. He also pushed back on her hypothetical preference to keep her last name if she were to marry, calling it "disrespectful." She said she challenged these views every time, requiring what she called "deep emotional labor" and significant amounts of time researching facts to counter his often problematic and troubling beliefs.
"All of it showed me that in your relationship, you have to feel mentally and emotionally safe," Melina said. She said social justice had been a deeply important part of her life for years, and her relationship had started to feel contrary to these values. "I thought a lot about privilege and the ability to 'opt out' of social justice, and whether social justice really means that much to you if you can coexist with and reward harmful views."
"Coming from a diverse, liberal part of California, and meeting his traditional family in Connecticut, showed me a side of the country I hadn't known before."
Jill Serron, 20, an Indian-American student at Boston University, also talked about the realities of privilege and its role in her ongoing relationship with a white man who voted for Trump in the 2016 election. According to Serron - who said her boyfriend has since recanted his support for Trump - their relationship is not only enabled but empowered by their ability to learn from each other and examine the vastly different cultural experiences and upbringing that were the source of their disagreements.
"Coming from a diverse, liberal part of California, and meeting his traditional family in Connecticut, showed me a side of the country I hadn't known before," Serron said. "Our conversations have shown me how other people think and helped both me and him grow."
But Serron acknowledged the presence of privilege in how their desire to be together, despite their differences, sometimes relies on agreeing to drop a topic. Occasionally, she said, they simply determine that something that divides them actually has little bearing on their lives, and therefore isn't worth fighting or harming their relationship over. "And obviously, there's privilege in that," Serron said. "We can avoid talking about some things, like how we disagree sometimes about LGBTQ+ and trans issues, or about people are overreacting to things Trump does, because we're not directly affected by those things ourselves."
According to Serron, she maintains boundaries and standards for decency she would require of any partner, noting that her boyfriend has been supportive of #MeToo and survivors of sexual assault. She said their relationship has expanded both their ways of thinking despite the fact that she's a Democrat and he's a Republican
Mariah*, 21, a graphic designer based in Orange County, California, shares Serron's sense of boundaries as to how far disagreements can stretch. She met her then-boyfriend, a white man whose experiences differed vastly from hers as a Vietnamese daughter of immigrants raised in a predominantly immigrant community, on Tinder. On their first date, Mariah said he had wasted no time in launching into a "conservative rant" about economic policies and his strong support for Trump's immigration policies.
"I never interrupted him, and that seemed to surprise him: that we could have mutually very respectful conversations despite our disagreements," Mariah said. "But meeting my parents, and learning their stories - that changed and moved him a bit. We both learned a lot from each other and that was so interesting."
Mariah said she draws the line when someone's beliefs shape their treatment of other people, or when their treatment of others is fueled by feelings of supremacy and disrespect. "The fact that he wasn't like that, and he respected and listened to me, made it easy to be with him," she said. Their relationship ultimately ended for other reasons, but Mariah said they remain friends, and she would not only be open to but may even prefer to date someone with different political views again.
Can Liberal-Conservative Romances Last?
Dr. Gary Brown, a Los Angeles-based couple's therapist who has been in practice for 25 years and takes pride in his diverse practice serving couples from all backgrounds, has encountered marriages and relationships troubled with political differences before. But according to Brown, political differences are seldom the sole issue rocking romantic relationships. Instead, couples often seek his help for a litany of other serious, relatively apolitical issues.
"Whether or not you stay in a relationship with someone with whom you have opposite views, I think, might be more about whether you really love each other and have a good relationship in the first place, all of that aside," he said, noting that tolerance "can very well help a couple transcend" their political disagreements.
""With all this polarization, there comes a lot of passion."
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, a clinical psychologist and couple's therapist based in the Chicago area, agreed that when couples who are deeply divided by political disagreements often initially come to her office seeking help with other problems. And certainly, this has become more of a trend in the last three years. "With all this polarization, there comes a lot of passion," she said.
That polarization has reached a head in the Trump era, and Lombardo said it often works in tandem with an inability to hear other views. "I call it 'conditional self-worth,' when you need others to agree with or see eye-to-eye or validate your views, to feel self-worth, when you need to be heard, so you don't let the other person speak," she said.
Lombardo posits that this is especially the case in a social media age, as we've become increasingly accustomed to sharing our views in tweets and posts in communities of mostly like-minded people. As a result, Lombardo believes people's growing need for validation could impact what they expect and demand from their partners. While she can't quite speak to generational differences in how women approach political disagreement with their partners, she can see a connection between social media and a growing need to have our beliefs validated and approved of.
According to Lombardo, there's "always a way" couples in disagreement can remain together. But certainly, that's a choice for each person to make based on their values and priorities.
How Boundaries, Mutual Respect, and Values Play a Role
But others, like Melina, see things differently, and view having basic agreements with your partner as a matter of standing up for social justice and morality in one's personal life.
For Melina, looking back at her relationship made her think of that of her parents and their upbringing in the Philippines. "I know there are things they disagree really sharply about," she said. While both of her parents are deeply religious, she said her mother tends to vote conservatively in contrast with her father's Democratic voting record. "But they don't really talk about this, and that's not always about privilege, but the cultural contexts in which some people are raised and what they're raised to see as too taboo to talk about - like LGBTQ+ identity or abortion rights, maybe."
Ultimately, as I tried to neatly tie together my thoughts about the 2016 study on interpolitical relationships in a fresh, 2019 context, I thought again of what Dr. Brown had said about a baseline of "mutual respect." Certainly, everyone has different boundaries and standards for what they seek in a partner, often shaped by identity and lived experience. But is it possible to feel respected by someone whose views and political participation disrespect the existence of other people like you? Of other groups you regard as equal? Of the fundamental values you hold at a time of nearly unprecedented assaults on these values? For all the frequent op-eds and cultural essays by men who refuse to date feminists - and by conservative women who refuse to date feminist men - don't women and feminists have standards of our own? Don't we have a fundamental need to feel respected, to be consistent in our values?
When I think about my own experience in a relationship with someone with whom I shared deep political and ideological differences today, what comes to mind first is how young I was. My conversations with Melina, Jill, Mariah, and doctors Brown and Lombardo prompted me to reevaluate my own past and all that I hadn't considered at the time. I realize I'd held an unshakable belief that I had not just the power, but the obligation, to change and unconditionally support someone - no matter the exhaustive cost to me personally. As I've struggled to take care of myself amid a constantly either draining or terrifying news cycle in the last almost three years, I've gradually come to shed that mindset altogether.
Relationships and human connections don't exist in a vacuum; different people find different interactions and conversations rewarding. But we are living in an age of children in cages and alleged abusers in the White House and Supreme Court. I understand the choice to opt out of the debilitating emotional labor of discussing with a partner why children do not belong in cages and abusers do not belong in power.
In the years since my last and only interpolitical relationship, the events that have transpired have shown me the importance of building relationships with those who share my fundamental values - those who see what is happening in the country and the world, and care. I'm proud to identify as a feminist and Democratic voter, with little patience for political stances propped up by misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance - and to say with confidence that I wouldn't enter my 2016 relationship as the woman I am in 2019.
The 1 Spring Shoe You'll Wear Absolutely Everywhere - Starting at Just $55
On the hunt for the perfect Spring shoe? Look no further than a pair of stylish espadrilles. These versatile pairs are easy to style with jeans, dresses, and skirts for just about any occasion. Plus, they come in a variety of shapes, from wedges to comfy flats. Need more convincing? Ahead, you can shop our 14 favorite picks of the season. From brands like Sam Edelman to Micheal Kors, take a look.
Anthropologie's Bridal Brand, BHLDN, Will Whisk You Away With Its Elegant Gowns
There's nothing more striking than a bride on her wedding day, and with all eyes on the happy couple, it's important that their dreamy day is as picturesque as they imagined. Therefore, before the big "I do," there's one specific, instrumental decision to be made that, to some, is just as tolling as the rest of the planning: the dress. Whether your wedding takes place on a beautiful beach in Mexico or in an astounding temple, there's no moment, place, or decoration that's more breathtaking than the reveal of the bride. Luckily, Anthropologie's bridal brand, BHLDN, understands all bridal styles, designs, and prices. Take one step closer to making your dreams a reality and have a peek at these gorgeous dresses ahead!
19 Belted Swimsuits That Will Flatter Your Figure Like Never Before
If you're on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit, we have a solution for you. This year, try investing in a belted swimsuit. Not only do they accentuate your waist and flatter your figure, but they're also so stylish. Need more convincing? Ahead, you'll find 19 chic picks that we think are the best pieces on the internet right now. From fun one-pieces to sexy bikinis, prepare to want them all. Take a look.
14 Silk Dresses That Are Perfect For When You Don't Know What to Wear
We're getting ready for a new season, and that means a fresh new take on our wardrobe. Right now, we're crushing hard on silk dresses. They're the perfect mix of timeless and modern, sexy and sophisticated. If you're looking for something fun and versatile to build your Spring closet off of, why not try one of these gorgeous picks?
Gigi Hadid's All-Black Ensemble Is Anything but Boring, Thanks to This 1 Small Detail
Leave it to Gigi Hadid to give us all a lesson on how to jazz up a simple black dress when she's not dominating the runway. The 23-year-old model stepped out during Paris Fashion Week dressed from head to toe in all-black Prada, with the exception of a sweet heart-shaped patch that she pinned to her ensemble.
Gigi wore a strapless, black midi straight off Prada's Fall 2019 runway, and on one side of the dress was fastened a heart bearing her name - likely a custom-made keepsake after she walked in the fashion brand's show. She finished off her look by adding a bit of edge with a pair of patent-leather booties and ankle socks. Read ahead to see more photos of her look and to shop similar styles - though you may have to DIY your own monogrammed patch.
10 Winter Boots That Any Fashion Girl Would Be Excited to Wear
Even the most heel-happy girls have to admit, there comes a time when snow boots are unavoidable. Because as much as we love to wear cute shoes, we love not slipping on ice and twisting our ankles even more. To combat the fashion fear that can come with forecasts of cold winds and inches upon inches of snow, we're prepping the best way possible, choosing to be optimistic and think about the shopping such weather necessitates. Our number one pick? A great pair of snow boots, which these days can be so sleekly stylish, you'd never guess they were crafted with storms in mind. We rounded up our favorite pairs for inclement weather, making sure to find styles ready for serious snow and others intended only for quick tromping to your local (heated) brunch spot.
- Additional reporting by Leah Melby
Reformation Collaborated With Cosabella to Create the Lingerie of Your Dreams
Reformation makes the clothes we want to live in, so when we heard it was collaborating with one of our favorite lingerie brands, we knew it was going to be good. The Reformation x Cosabella collaboration just dropped, and all we have to say is wow. The pieces are both sexy and wearable for everyday; think lace bralettes, cheeky panties, and the perfect bodysuit. Plus, the collection was made with over 50 percent recycled materials, so it's good for the planet, too. Trust us when we say you're going to want to grab these before they're gone.
Everyone Else Can Go Home, Because Gisele Bündchen Wins the Met Gala Every Year
If the Met Gala were prom, then Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady would take home prom queen and king every year. Ever since the Brazilian model and New England Patriots quarterback began attending the annual gala together in 2008, they have wowed with incredibly chic ensembles (though, in our opinion, it's really the 38-year-old leggy beauty who steals the show - Tom is just there to serve as arm candy). From slinky gowns to dangerously high heels, read on to see all of the sultry looks Gisele has stepped out in over the years (as well as all of the designers who helped make them happen).
Emily Ratajkowski Released New Swimsuit Designs, and Hot Damn, We Need a Vacation
Emily Ratajkowski not only looks hot as hell in a swimsuit, but she also designs really cute ones. On Wednesday, she released new designs for her popular Inamorata Swim line, and they'll make you want to be somewhere warm with sand in your toes ASAP. Emily's suits are known for their fun prints and strategically placed cutouts and ties that really accentuate a woman's shape - and no one demonstrates that better than the model herself. She shared photos wearing each new piece, from a cleavage-baring red one-piece to an eye-catching electric-blue version of one of her popular bikinis, Stone Steps.
Each new look is available to shop on Inamorata's site. ICYMI, you'll also find Emily's recently released body line, which includes lingerie in addition to comfy basics and loungewear. Good luck to you and your credit card as you shop the new items ahead. In the wise words of Emily's captions for her new swimwear pieces, "Be chic. Look hot."
Related: Emily Ratajkowski's $5,000 Oscars Dress Is Almost Too Pretty For Words - See the Photos
These 18 POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Pieces Are on Big-Time Sale This Weekend
If you've had an eye on one of our latest POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's designs, now is the time to treat yourself. Dozens of customer favorites are majorly marked down both online and in stores. Our editors styled many of the pieces themselves so you can see exactly how you can rock these must haves. Read on to see the smile-inducing prices and how real women are wearing these items every day.
Related: I Got This $38 Dress Because It's So Versatile, but Then I Discovered It Has Pockets!
17 Models Bringing Their Black Girl Magic to the Fashion Week Runways
More black models walked the Fashion Week runways in 2018 than ever before. Almost 40 percent of the models in the Fall 2018 shows were models of color, almost double the percentage reported in 2015. Black models are making strides that in years past would have never seemed possible: opening and closing some of the biggest shows, appearing in groundbreaking campaigns, and splashing the covers of some of the biggest magazines. These models are showing what the power of a little melanin and a lot of strength can do for the fashion industry.
There is still a long way to go for inclusion on the runway. It's not often you see someone who is differently abled, trans, or any size that would qualify as plus-size walking the catwalk. But tides are shifting in the world of fashion, and it's cause for celebration. Read ahead for some of the black models who are changing the catwalk one step at a time.
Ashley Graham's Latest Pretty Little Thing Collection Is Sexy as Hell and Size-Inclusive
Ashley Graham is the latest celebrity to partner with the affordable retailer Pretty Little Thing. In an effort to be size inclusive, the brand teamed up with the curve model for the second time for its new collection. Of course, Ashley also stars in the gorgeous #EveryBODYinPLT campaign showing off the new collection, which is available now on PLT's website.
For her second collection, Ashley stated, "The #EveryBODYinPLT campaign shows customers that their size cannot define them and will not restrict them from having access to clothing that they love. Brands like PrettyLittleThing influence millions of people who want to dress on trend, and I'm excited to reach even more people with this second collection." Read on to see the campaign and shop all the pieces ahead.
Customers Can't Say Enough Good Things About These 16 Top-Rated Flats From Nordstrom
Nordstrom, you got us again. The department store is filled with envy-inducing apparel, but it's the shoes that are capturing our hearts right now. If you love flats, prepare to drain your bank account. We found lots of pretty picks that are great for work or the weekend. Check them out and treat yourself to a new pair or two.
Wow, Urban Outfitters' New Swimwear Is So Sexy, We Want It All
We love Urban Outfitters for its cool home decor and stylish clothes, but every Spring, we get even more excited for the brand's killer swimwear collection. The retailer just dropped its latest additions, and we're already daydreaming about our next vacation. From sultry bikinis to flattering one-pieces, it will be hard to leave without wanting it all. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
Related: 17 New Bikinis So Cute, You'll Want to Start Planning a Vacation For 2019
Meghan Markle's Royal Tour Wardrobe Is a Lesson in How to Pack For Every Occasion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle landed in Morocco on Saturday evening for a short tour of the North African country. The duke and duchess visited Morocco on behalf of the British government, and their tour focused on learning more about youth empowerment and girls' education in the country, causes that are close to both of their hearts.
The trip included a whole host of different events, and we were treated to so many outfit changes from Meghan. She kicked things off in style after the short flight from London when she stepped off the plane in Casablanca, wearing a gorgeous red Valentino dress with an off-the-shoulder cape detail, her second chic travel look in less than a week. On Sunday morning, she appeared in a more casual outfit, sporting black jeans, a navy coat, and a gray scarf for a trip to the Atlas Mountains, before switching gears to a glamorous Dior gown for an evening banquet. She began her final day in Morocco and stepped out in jeans and boots, a classic breton top, and a khaki jacket before dressing up for the afternoon in a pleated dress and white blazer.
For the final evening in Morocco, Meghan opted for a floral-printed custom Carolina Herrera gown for the couple's visit to King Mohammed VI's residence in Rabat. Keep reading for all the photos from this miniature royal tour.
We're Sitting Here Gazing at Kate Middleton's Glittering Dress With Wonder
Kate Middleton looked incredibly stunning when she stepped out in Northern Ireland for an evening visit to the Empire Music Hall. After touching down in a bold red Carolina Herrera coat, then showing off her sporty side in a striped sweater and sneakers, the duchess wore one of the most exciting looks we've seen from her in awhile: this glittering Lurex Missoni midi dress, which retails for $2,480.
Not as glamorous as a gown, but definitely more eye-catching than a standard skirt suit, Kate's dress impressed us from every angle. Scroll to see how she accessorized with suede accessories, a gold pendant necklace, and her sapphire engagement ring, then pick up her Missoni piece if you do so fancy it.
This Is the New Weekend Uniform For the Lazy, but Stylish Girl
I may work in fashion, but that doesn't mean I don't deal with the daily struggle of figuring out what to wear because I'm over everything in my closet. In fact, one could say that I've just mastered the art of dressing for the lazy girl with my go-to jeans-and-top combination. (I'm the girl who has three separate alarms set every morning, JIC I don't wake up to the first alarm, and I'm honestly OK with it.)
Since I'm always on the lookout for easy outfits that look cute but require minimal effort, I decided to check out our POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection rack in the office to see if I could come up with an updated weekend uniform. (It's like having a second wardrobe, and it's pretty darn amazing!)
Most days (weekends included), I usually wear some iteration of jeans and a top, so I wanted to give my uniform a fresh spin, whether it was by styling a cardigan with a chic beret or paring a ribbed top with a fun fanny pack. I came up with three outfit ideas for the weekend that are so easy, I spent less time worrying about what to wear and more time unwinding with my friends and family! Read on to take a look, and shop key pieces if you're feeling inspired.
Kate's a Lady in Red as She and Meghan Wear the Same Designer Only Days Apart
Carolina Herrera appears to be the toast of the British royal family right now. After Meghan Markle stepped out in a flowing, embroidered dress by the designer for her last engagement in Morocco on Monday, her sister-in-law Kate Middleton also decided to wear a Herrera piece as she arrived in Belfast ahead of a two-day visit to Northern Ireland.
Kate's red double-breasted coat is an old faithful, which we previously saw on the royal tour to Canada in 2016. For this outing, she gave it a modern twist by teaming it with black skinny jeans and her new L.K. Bennett lace-up ankle boots, which she debuted earlier in the month. She finished the look, as she so often does, with her beloved gold Kiki McDonough Lauren leaf earrings. Take a closer look at the whole ensemble ahead.
The Pink Pearls on Julia Roberts's Earrings Are 7.39 Carats Alone, Now Check Out the Diamonds
A surprise appearance by Julia Roberts at the 2019 Oscars was just what we needed. The star emerged on stage to present the award for best picture (Green Book FYI), dressed in a pink one-shoulder Elie Saab gown. Apparently, Julia's stylist, Elizbeth Stewart, knows magenta is her color, because she found her a pair of earrings with pearls in the same shade too.
The Cindy Chao architectural jewels were made up of 34.67 carats, 7.39 of which came from the 16 bright conches that stick out from the 18k yellow gold spine. The baubles might remind you of a coral reef, if you're anything like me and you dream about the ocean all day long.
Julia was wearing a total of 1,106 diamonds when she glided gracefully across the stage and congratulated the winners. Meanwhile, I think I'd be sweating like I was stuck in a sauna for four hours just knowing how luxurious my earrings were. But, hey, that's why she's Julia Roberts, and I'm . . . not. Scroll down to zoom in on Julia's majestic accessory, and shop some similar pieces if you're into the look.
200 Anthropologie Home Items That Are Worth Every Freakin' Penny
With it being the season (and honestly, thus far, the year) of cleaning and organizing our scattered homes, it's easy to heed the phrase "out with the old, in with the new" - especially in the wake of Marie Kondo. Which is why once the hard Spring-cleaning labor is over, your fresh space may shed light on empty corners and blank walls that could use a little TLC. To rework a bland room, a reward from a beloved store like Anthropologie will definitely spark joy. Whether you're searching for couches, pillows, wall art, or kitchen supplies, Anthropologie has all of the trendy pieces that are worthy of a splurge. Not to mention, Chip and Joanna Gaines just collaborated with the brand for a new collection, so we're even more obsessed than we were before. Ahead, see our favorite Anthropologie home items that are worth the price tag!
Pack Your Bags - These Top 10 Spring Travel Destinations Are Calling Your Name
In the dead of Winter, it's hard to think about anything other than warmer climates. But luckily, with Spring on the horizon, escaping to a new paradise is closer than ever before. Airbnb has shared the top 10 trending vacation spots for this upcoming season, and we're already packing our swimsuits.
These Spring break destinations range across the globe from Arizona all the way to Germany, and we couldn't be more intrigued by them. "Airbnb travelers are bidding adieu to typical beach locales and instead opting to explore more under-the-radar sandy oases, rich cultural centers, and unexplored regions at a slower pace," according to the travel company. If that sounds like something you're into, take a look at the top destinations - complete with suggested Airbnb rentals - and get ready to jet set! Counting down from No. 10 . . .
Lay's Is Releasing a Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle Flavor, and I'm Weirdly Into It
Lay's has been known to introduce fans to some pretty out-of-the-box potato chip flavors in the past, so if you're wondering if I was surprised to see that the brand is releasing a Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle flavor next month, the answer would be no. The exciting new chip is a product of Lay's new "Turn Up the Flavor" program, which is rolling out three brand-new flavors inspired by the most popular genres of music: pop, hip-hop, and rock.
Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle chips were designed to mimic the "distinct beats and spicy lyrics" of hip-hop, while the two other newbies, Wavy Electric Lime Sea Salt and Kettle Cooked Classic Beer Cheese, were inspired by pop and rock, respectively. Each flavor will be available in stores nationwide beginning on March 4 for a limited time. Read ahead to get a better look at the flavors and their packaging.
79 Urban Outfitters Gadgets You Had No Idea You Needed but Now Can't Live Without
With technology so advanced, it's hard to think of a need that's not already fulfilled from our smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches . . . and then, there are gadgets. Gadgets are some of the most strange and helpful pieces of technology on the market, and although they're not totally necessary in our day-to-day lives, they're extremely useful (and admittedly fun). All of these reasons are why we've rounded up the coolest gizmos we've come across on the Urban Outfitters site, so you can expand your gadget-verse. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and have a look at the mesmerizing products ahead!
- Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams and India Yaffe
11 Real-Life Towns That Are Pretty Much Stars Hollow Come to Life
There are a ton of reasons we've been obsessed with Gilmore Girls for almost 20 years now: its quirky characters, surprisingly great life lessons, and rapid-fire dialogue. But perhaps the best part of the entire show is Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut small town where the Gilmores (and a wide array of colorful townspeople) live. Stars Hollow is basically its own character; its quirks (Taylor), history (the gazebo), and longstanding businesses (Luke's) form the backbone of what makes Gilmore Girls so unique.
According to Gilmore lore, Stars Hollow was founded by early colonial settlers and even played a (roundabout) part in a battle in the Revolutionary War. It's as proud of its small-town charm as it is its centuries of history. And although some of the antics seem too silly to be real, there are actually plenty of small towns across America that are as historical, charming, and occasionally over-the-top as Stars Hollow. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a real Gilmore experience, add these real-life small towns to your bucket list.
People Are Flocking to This "Cliff" in Thailand to Take Some Truly WILD Photos
Does a photo ever quite literally take the breath right out of your lungs? That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon Instagram pictures of a particularly crazy-looking "cliff" in Thailand. Located on a mountain called Phu Bak Dai (spelling varies) in Thailand's Loei Province, the rock formation attracts adventurous visitors who pose on its edge, making it look as though they're on the brink of falling. In reality, the ground is just a few feet below, and it's all chocked up to clever camera angling and photo cropping.
From what I can tell after attempting to translate Thai and watching some travel vlogs on YouTube, getting to the Phu Bak Dai cliff is pretty tricky - and finding information about how to do so is even trickier if you don't speak Thai. It looks like most people hitch a ride from locals to get to the top of the mountain, and some serous hiking seems to be involved, so the journey is definitely not for the faint of heart. But hey, in the wise words of every millennial, "Do it for the 'gram," am I right?
Keep reading to see some impressive snaps visitors have taken at juuust the right angle on the popular cliffside. They'll definitely make your stomach drop.
17 Bedroom Furniture Pieces That Are Straight-Up Dreamy - Starting at Just $90
If you're looking to totally revamp your bedroom, Urban Outfitters is here to help. The retailer's ever-evolving home selection gets better and better every time we shop, but its most recent bedroom selection is better than ever. From luxurious beds to cool dressers and vanities, we want it all. To save you time, we round up its 17 best picks right now, so all you have to do is choose your favorites. Keep scrolling to find your match.
I Want Every Single One of These Adorable Pet Toys, and I Don't Even Have a Dog
Urban Outfitters is a treasure trove of cute clothes, chic furniture, and fun novelty items. But, what we never expected to find was a stock of seriously adorable pet toys. Yes, you read that right. Urban Outfitters has some of the cutest pet toys we've ever seen. Why go for a classic squeaky toy when you could get your fur baby a toy Shake Shack milkshake, poop emoji, or flower crown? Yes, these are all real toys you can buy, and they're all under $15.
Here's Exactly How to Hand-Wash Your Favorite Sweaters So They Don't Ruin or Stretch
Anyone who's ever done laundry knows how delicate some items can be. Whether it's lacy intimates or bulky knit sweaters, sometimes the washer and dryer aren't exactly kind to your favorite items of clothing. And unfortunately, you can only wear sweaters so many times before they start to be in need of a refresh. When it comes to pullovers, cardigans, and other knits, the idea of washing them by hand can seem tedious, but spending the time can be worth it to avoid a snag or tear. From cashmere to wool, and even down to polyester, this is a great hand-washing method for your coziest clothes!
1. Wash Sweaters in the Sink
Before you wash any sweater by hand, turn it inside out. This can help to prevent any pilling or friction in the fibers. Next, fill a clean sink (or bathtub, if you're doing a few sweaters at a time) with lukewarm water and a mild soap, shampoo, or dish soap. It's important not to use water that's too hot or too cold to avoid shrinkage or stretching. If it's been a really long time since you last washed your sweater, add a bit of white vinegar to get rid of body odor. Make sure the sweater is fully immersed in the water, then let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. For tough stains, gently work in a stain remover (I personally swear by OxiClean!) with your hands and let the sweater soak again.
2. Dry Sweaters Carefully
When the sweater has had time to soak, rinse it with clean water. Then, squeeze as much of the water out as possible by wringing it out gently, being careful not to stretch the sweater. You can put some sweaters in the dryer on a low spin cycle for five minutes to get more moisture out; just check your sweater's label to be sure. Sweaters are best left to dry on a flat, hard surface with a clean towel underneath, out of the sun and heat.
3. Avoid Clothes Hangers
When it's dry, fold the sweater neatly and place it in a drawer or on a shelf. Never hang sweaters on clothes hangers, as this can cause stretching and leave your sweaters misshapen - sometimes irreversibly. A neatly folded sweater will stay fresh and wrinkle-free, and will be good as new when you're ready to wear it again.
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