Facebook Is Actually Making You Less Opinionated

A new survey shows you're less likely to interact in an online debate if you're worried people won't agree with you (via Pew Research Internet Project). Way back before people even had the ability to click "share" on every single news post they came across, a human behavior concept known as the "spiral of silence" was used to explain why people are less likely to speak up in discussions where their opinion or viewpoint is in the minority.

Even with the added buffer of the Internet, people are less likely to comment on posts when they think their opinion might be considered unpopular. In fact, most people are even less likely to join in a debate online: 46 percent of people say they'd participate in a hotly-debated topic online, versus 86 percent of people who would be willing to do it in person. Pew Research used a pretty divisive topic — Edward Snowden sharing classified info — to study the effect that pretty much causes you to clam up if you think everyone around you will disagree with you. Even though the country is pretty much split on whether Snowden was right or wrong, participants were twice as likely to join a discussion where they felt everyone agreed with them. When you're scrolling through your Facebook feed, you're unconsciously scanning for posts that are going to validate your viewpoints, not challenge them.

People might avoid starting an argument on Facebook for other reasons though. If they don't know much about the topic or if they're apathetic about the argument in the first place, they might not bother posting. Just because someone has an opinion, it doesn't mean it's a strong one. But the next time you find a bunch of people patting each other on the back about a controversial topic, go ahead and challenge their opinion. Just don't expect anyone else to agree with you.

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5 Reasons Your Last Breakup Was Actually Awesome

1. Everyone is enveloping you in a cocoon of love. Your BFF even baked you a red velvet cake iced with the words: I hate Chad.

2. Your epic breakup-themed workout mix is making you super buff. So what if you're jogging down the street punching the air? It's so much cheaper than therapy.

3. No time like the present to watch My So-Called Life on Netflix and fantasize about 1995 Jared Leto. You're single and free to fall in love and braid each other's hair for eternity.

4. Tinder ... and Hinge and OkCupid, and hell, FarmersOnly.com! You're three swipes away from a hot reboundhookup — potentially on a scenic farm.

5. Now you can get those leopard-print pillows he thought were too girlie. Because the only person you have to consult with before doing whatever you want is ... you.

This article was originally published as "5 Reasons Your Last Breakup Was Awesome" in the September 2014 issue of Cosmopolitan. Click here to subscribe to the digital edition!

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8 Mind-Bogglingly Dumb Things Actually Said About Gay People

People — public people who actually have other people pay attention to them — say a lot of dumb shit, a lot of the time. Below is a small sampling of ridiculous things said about gay people, and rather than just retorting, “what you just said… that was some dumb shit,” we’ve strengthened our response in the form of GIFs from our favorite show about politics: Parks and Rec. You are all welcome. ..|.. ^__^ ..|..

1. “If the California Supreme Court had allowed the gays to marry, then anybody could have gotten married. You could have married a duck.”
-Bill O’Reilly, The O’Reilly Factor

I have had, like, the biggest crush on this duck in fifth grade and this is SUCH good news. It’s so rare to get laws passed for duck marriage equality in this day and age. For real, though: Drawing a comparison between humans loving other humans and humans wanting to put their penis in a duck is a LITTLE BIT OF A STRETCH NO PUN INTENDED SORRY.

Also that guy from Duck Dynasty is going to be so mad.

2. Homosexuality is “…one man violently cramming his penis into another man’s lower intestine and calling it ‘love.’”
– Matt Barber, Liberty Counsel

You’re right, Matt. Cramming your penis into a woman’s cervix is a much better definition for love.

3. “[Gay marriage] will put more kids at risk for HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, ‘gay bowel syndrome,’ human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases.”
– Robert Knight, draftsman of federal Defense of Marriage Act

Bodily fluids are bodily fluids. Risk in all of them, gay or otherwise, and it’s a well-known fact that kids just love bodily fluids. PS: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GAY BOWEL SYNDROME, YOU WEIRDO.

4. “In history, there has never been a civilization that has embraced homosexuality and has turned away from traditional fidelity, traditional marriage, and traditional child-rearing and has survived.”
- Pat Robertson, (WTF does Pat Robertson do, tho)

*Entire country of Greece waves hello*

5. "If gays are granted rights, next we'll have to give rights to prostitutes and to people who sleep with St. Bernards and to nail biters."
- Anita Bryant, Singer

 

Well, we actually think that human beings, as a general rule, deserve rights, but like, you’re right on one count: We will lose our shit if people who bite their nails start to get rights.

6. "I don't believe that you can BE gay."
- Kevin McCullough, The Kevin McCullough Show

 

So the issue here, Kevin, isn’t the homosexuality itself, but rather the verb usage that goes with existence?

“Hi, I’m gay.”

“Impossible.”

“Okay, I exist and I am also gay.”

“Ohhhhhh.”

7. Allow gays to openly serve “if you want a military that just does parades.”
- Tony Perkins, Family Research Council

You know, he’s right. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repealed years ago, and where the F*CK have our extra parades been?!

8. “Is anyone saying same-sex couples can’t love each other? I love my children. I love my friends, my brother. Heck, I even love my mother-in-law. Should we call these relationships marriage, too?”
- Rick Santorum, Former US Senator

RICK SANTORUM WANTS TO MARRY HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW, THAT’S WHAT HE SAID. 

Kristin Russo lives in New York City and holds a master's degree in gender studies. Dannielle Owens-Reid lives in Los Angeles where she rehearses stand-up comedy in front of her cat. Together they run the website everyoneisgay.com. Do you have questions or topic requests for Kristin and Dannielle? Ask them HERE.

Photo Credit: NBC

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28 Reasons Girlfriends Are Actually the Best Boyfriends

1. They always have that thing that you need when you need it. Like Chapstick. Or a Tampon.

2. They're always willing to try something new with you. Like trapeze artistry at that new place by the pier, or whatever. Because looking like a big idiot doesn't stop your girlfriends from doing anything with you.

3. They'll bring you little presents just because. If your girlfriend saw a pen with cat ears on it and thought of you, you bet your shit she bought it for you and gave it to you at brunch. 

4. They'll keep your secrets when you need them to, but will also tactfully spread the word for you about breakups so you don't have to. Men only communicate via grunting, as we all know, which makes them ineffective transmitters of news about anything at all.

5. You can talk about cramps and they get it. And will not mock you for it when you do not have cramps. 

6. You can text entirely in emojis and they understand it all. A man using emojis is like a fish trying to use a pen. It's just impossible.

7. Their emoji-less texts are thorough. No one-sentence answers here! Girls text like they're writing books and it is GREAT.

8. You can be a total mess in front of them and they'll never judge you. Like that time you nonchalantly threw up on yourself in the back of a cab all over your fur vest with your crush sitting to your left and your BFF to your right, and she then helped you clean it up so said crush didn't notice. (Sidenote: he would also have to be as intoxicated to not notice, but whatever — your bestie is, well, the best.)

9. They have their shit together when you do not. It's a law of girlfriendship that when you're a mess, she is fine and ready to take care of you; when she is a mess, you are fine and ready to take care of her. 

10. They know how to make a plan when it comes to ladies' night. Guys, take notes because it drives girls UP THE WALL when you can't decide on a time or place to meet up. (If there was an emoji of a girl pulling her hair out, I'd insert it here.)

11. They're always down for a boozy brunch. Grapefruit ginger mimosas all around!

12. They love to go out and dance — and actually know how to do it. And they wear sparkly get-ups, so you're not the only fool fist-pumping in a sequin minidress.

13. They dress impeccably. Let's be honest, your favorite clothes porn is whatever your best friend has on. #OOTD

14. They take the best pictures with your smartphone. And they know that you need to tap the screen to make the camera focus first.

15. You don't have to think twice when you respond to their texts. Because they're not judging you (see no. 8) — or trying to date you, so you can just be you. 

16. They text you back right away. Unlike men who see multiples movies (or ACT like they're seeing multiple movies) before texting you back.

17. They rarely ever bail on plans. Because it's just not in their DNA.

20. You can watch a tear-jerker kind of movie and don't have to worry about silent crying the entire time. Because chances are your BFF is crying just as hard as you are.

21. They remember when you have an important meeting and call to give you a you-can-do-it pep talk beforehand. They also can't wait to hear how it went immediately after.

22. They'll give you the same endless advice about guys, work, etc., until you don't need their advice anymore about said issue. And they'll do it with a smile on their face no matter how many times you make the same mistakes.

23. They know exactly what to get you for your birthday without you having to leave hints (i.e. magazine clippings) around the house/apartment. You: "OMG, you got me a Paris necklace?!!! I love Paris." Her: "I know."

24. If you breakup with your real boyfriend, they don't ask questions and are at your place in seconds with wine, tissues, and Ben and Jerry's on hand ready to listen to every single detail. They already know your favorite wine and B&J flavor (Half Baked Frozen Yogurt). Oh, and that you like Puff's tissues with lotion because they don't make your nose red.

25. They're genuinely happy for you when you do finally find a significant other. Because even if they haven't found the man of their dreams yet, seeing you happy will not only make them happy, it will give them hope.

26. They don't make you watch sports. Instead, they make you watch shows you haven't had time to watch yet. You then become totally addicted to said show because your BFF has the same taste in life as you.

27. You can totally call them at 7:45 a.m. just to talk about whatever happened last night. And they pick up because they truly give a shit.

28. They like kale just as much as you. It's the new spinach, and if you can't get behind that then you can't sit with us.

Follow Carly on Twitter.

Related:
40 Signs You've Been BFFs Forever

14 Ridiculous Conversations All Female Friends Have Had

20 Things Women Absolutely Cannot Do Without Each Other

Photo Credit: Getty

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9 Christmas Movies Your Man Actually Wants to Watch

Don't believe what your cable listings are telling you! The most popular Christmas movies are not the best ones. These movies might not be the first ones to pop into your head, but they are fun for the whole family. Especially if your family includes guys.

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
For those who can't see their families this season, just spend a few hours with the Griswolds and relish the fact that you're not traveling anywhere.

8. Millions
I am a sucker for really good child actors, and this movie is up there with Slumdog Millionaire in that category. It's an absurdly clever heist movie (+100 already) wrapped in an adorable coming-of-age Christmas story. Plus, all the cute kids have British accents.

7. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Want to get a lively debate going with your friends? Simply ask, "What Muppet are you?" We all have such a connection to these wonderful creatures, and this movie represents that.

6. The Hudsucker Proxy
Tim Robbins gives his best performance other than The Shawshank Redemption. Plus, not many people saw it (just $2.8MM at the box office), so you can feel really hipster cool by including it among your fav's.

5. Scrooged
If Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, and Space Jam weren't enough to convince you that Bill Murray is the greatest living comedy actor, go watch Scrooged again. He has perfected Comedy Anger.

4. Rocky IV
Did you know that Sylvester Stallone single-handedly salvaged US-Russian relations in the '80s? Because he did with this scene.

3. Trading Places
Jamie Lee Curtis might be my favorite actress of all time, and she is at the top of her game. Plus, listen to this episode of NPR's Planet Money to learn how crazily accurate this movie is from a finance perspective. Props for that.

2. Home Alone
I was about Kevin's age when this movie came out. Did I try to booby trap my house when my parents went to sleep? You bet I did. Plus, Mr. Culkin gave us the gift of an iconic American facial expression.

1. Die Hard
It's one of the greatest action movies ever made, and it just happens to have a nice Christmas-y vibe layered in. Also, say "Shoot the glass" to any man over 25 and watch his eyes light up.

Follow David on Twitter.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

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Street Style-Inspired Nail Art You Can Actually Do Yourself

What is a nail without nail art? Naked. Wanting. Lonesome. Since everyone's taking fashion lessons from street style these days, why not look to some of the best-dressed street style stars for some nail art inspiration? Let's do case studies of Cosmopolitan fashion director Aya Kanai's half-moon manicure, and casting director Natalie Joos' striped one. 

Manicurist Simcha Whitehill (aka Miss Pop) helped come up with the below tutorials, so your nails can also look like they just walked out of fashion week. 

First up, meet Aya Kanai. Her half-moon manicure looks intimidating, but don't be fooled.

You can also get the look. Here's how:

1. "Starting with a clean nail free of polish, apply a basecoat so the polish you paint on doesn't chip as fast," says Whitehill. "Then, apply reinforcement stickers (you can buy these at Office Max) onto each nail, lining the middle of the inner circle up with your cuticle, so that it peeks through. This masks off the half moon part of your nail and helps create that perfect crescent shape as you paint on the color."

2. Pick your first color to paint on the tips of your nails. We chose Dior Gris Montaigne. Polish them from pinky to pinky, giving them ample time to dry, and then apply the second coat. Immediately after painting each nail with the second coat, peel off the sticker. "Waiting even a second makes the polish tacky and leaves you with a less clean-looking half moon," Whitehills explains.

3. "Apply 10 new reinforcement stickers to your nails, this time placing the top of the circle directly over your cuticle. Be careful not to move it down too far or you'll lose the effect of the half moon. Then, paint on your accent polish," says Whitehill. We picked a silver shade called Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Stardust. "If the polish you choose as your second shade is opaque, apply one coat and then immediately peel off the sticker. If it's sheer, paint on two coats, and then, apply a top coat to seal in your look."

4. Show off your mani! We're assuming your friends will be jealous and want to copy you asap, so make sure you Instagram this look quick to get the street-style cred you deserve.

Next up, meet Natalie Joos, casting agent, fashion consultant and author and photographer for Tales of Endearment, "a wicked blog about vintage clothing and the funky-cool girls who wear it." Her stripes are perfect for spring, but that season's over so let's update the look for fall.

Here's how to get your own striped nail look:

This look couldn't be easier to duplicate, but there are a few things about it that you need to know:

1. After you've removed any old polish and applied your basecoat, choose two light colors to alternate from finger to finger as your base. We chose China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, a gorgeous opaque yellow, and Deborah Lipppman Girls Collection in Jessa, a reddish-burgundy, "since yellow was a surprise nail hit on the fall runways and oxblood is an autumn season staple," says Whitehill.

2. Create three to four vertical stripes on each nail using a striper brush (this is a long skinny nail polish brush that you can get at any art or beauty supply store) and this cool technique: First dip the brush into the red polish and, starting at the cuticle of the nail, hold it there steady and then slowly pull your finger away from the brush. That helps you draw a straight, not wiggly, vertical line in five seconds. Then, after you've created several lines on each nail using the red hue, wipe the brush down with acetone to remove the polish remnants. 

3. Switch up your color palette by using the darkest shade out of the three polishes you chose, which in our case is a navy by Essie called After School Boy Blazer. "It's a color that is big for fall fashion-wise, so this is a cool way to translate it to the nail," says Whitehill. Apply this color to the nails that don't already have red lines on them, and then finish with a topcoat.

4. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy while those puppies dry. 

Photo Credit: FameFlynet/SplashNews

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Street Style-Inspired Makeup Looks You'll Actually Want to Copy

Who doesn't want to wear a bold red lip or a smoldering, smoky eye from time to time? Even if your daily look is casual, it's always fun to punch it up occasionally. Ahead are tutorials for a bold lip and eye look inspired, respectively, by two of street style's most famous stars: eccentric brand consultant and entrepreneur Michelle Harper and supermodel Joan Smalls. 

Makeup artist Lauren Cosenza shows us how it's done. 

First up, meet Michelle Harper. Her red lip seems too perfect to duplicate, but good news: that's all an illusion.

Here's how to get her look:

1. "When wearing red (or any pop of color for that matter), the lips command full attention, so dry, flaky skin is a no-no," says Cosenza. "Exfoliate your lips using a disposable mascara wand or a dry toothbrush."

2. "After you've sloughed away any dead skin on your lips, prep them with a balm or a lip conditioner," she says. "Carly used Aquaphor and then blotted her lips with a tissue after a minute or so to lift any excess. Leaving a lot of lip balm on before you apply red lipstick tends to make it look sheer, which you don't want if you're going for an opaque effect."

3. "Apply lip liner (that's similar in color to the red lipstick you'll be using later) to the border of the lips," explains Cozenza. "This creates a boundary that will prevent the lipstick from bleeding or feathering onto your skin. Carly used MAC Lip Liner in Redd here."

4. "Then, lightly fill in your lips with the same lip liner used to outline them to give the lipstick something to adhere to," she adds. "This trick also makes a non long-wearing lipstick last for hours."

5. "Coat your lips in a red lipstick that works best for your coloring (go for orange-based shades if you have a warmer skin tone, and blue-based ones for cooler complexions)," says Cosenza. "Carly used Lancome Rouge in Love 170N, a cool red because her skin is on the fair side. One way to find out if your skin is warm or cool is to look at the veins in your wrist. If they look blue, you're cool and if they're green, you're warm-toned."

6. Powder your lips to finish the look. "To mimic Michelle's satin-y matte finish—and to make the lip color that much more long-wearing—dust your lips with a translucent powder to instantly mattify them," says Cozenza. "Carly used Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder to get this effect."

7. Pucker up, because, girl, you're done!

8. Go out and show off that signature lip color on Saturday night. Just be prepared for the barage of compliments you're going to get. You're welcome.

Next up, meet Joan Smalls, model and dresser extraordinaire. Her smoky eye looks daunting, but it's completely doable. 

Here's how to get Joan's sexy smoky look:

1. "Prep your eyes with a shadow primer," suggests Cozenza. "This helps the eye shadow you're about to apply stay put. Model Diandra used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion."

2. Run a flesh-tone eyeliner along your lower waterline. "This opens the eyes a bit so the jet black liner that's about to fully rim them doesn’t make them appear smaller. Diandra applied Stila Kajal eyeliner in Topaz here," explains Cosenza.

3. "Dust an eyeshadow that mimics your natural skintone from your top lash line to the brow bone," she says. "This provides a touch of added depth for the black shadow to be layered over, so it look multidimensional instead of dull. In this case, MAC Cork was used." 

4. Define the eye by gliding a jet black eyeliner along your upper and lower lash line. "Then, use an eyeshadow brush with short dense bristles to smudge the black liner. You want top pull the color downward slightly from your lower lashes and upward toward the crease along your upper lash line," adds Cosenza. "The effect should be a sooty, sultry one. You're going for that imperfect on purpose look."

5. "Apply black eyeshadow starting at your upper lash line towards the brow bone, concentrating the color along the lashes and toward the outer corner," she says. "Then, blend the black shadow into the base shadow (see step 3) so it appears seamless and gradated."

6. "Layer a metallic cream product onto the center of your smoky eye to give it that on-trend sheen," suggests Cosenza. "Diandra used Victoria’s Secret HyperGloss in Black—it dries down and has staying power, but still looks wet and shimmery—aka very sexy."

7. Finish with mascara and really layer it on. Diandra used Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara to get her full-looking lashes.

8. Werk this look like the confident girl you are. You can even pair it with the red lip above if you're ballsy enough to go for it. Otherwise, a nude lip is a smoky eye's best friend.

Photo Credit: FameFlynet/SplashNews

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The Bird Poop Facial—Yep, We Actually Tried It

This is pre-facial. #Selfie

I've never had a facial before. So I decided, why not make my first one shitty?

I will do just about anything in the name of beauty. When I heard that bird poop facials were a thing, I obviously had to try it. You guys already know. I will try anything. In the past I've had someone wash me from head to toe, and I've also paid for a nap. Ugh. Trying all these luxurious treatments are sooo exhausting. But someone's gotta do it! :)

The proper name for the treatment is The Geisha Facial and it is currently only found at NYC’s Shizuka New York Day Spa. When I read about it, I immediately booked an appointment. I was ready to have my face lathered with Japanese nightingale droppings.

At the spa, I stripped down to my skivvies and put on a Geisha-like robe and cotton slippers. It was part of the entire experience.

I was ushered to a room and laid down on a super-comfy bed. As soon as celebrity facialist Shizuka Bernstein got started, I said, "IS THIS THE BIRD POOP?!" I was kind of excited. She assured me that she would let me know when she was rubbing the poop all over my face. Shizuka told me that the bird poop really isn't the main part of treatment, it's just one of the steps. Oh, poop. I was expecting to spend a whole 60 minutes with bird feces caked on my face.

Anyway, the bird feces is the third step in the treatment. First a clay is applied to your face, then your face is cleansed, and then...Shizuka first mixes the bird poop with a rice bran to mask the shitty scent, and applies it to your face with a brush and then scrubs your skin to exfoliate.

The formula feels a little gloopy, but doesn't smell bad. It kind of smelled like oatmeal.

The bird poop comes in the form of a powder. It turns out that Japanese nightingale droppings are manufactured in Japan, where they are sanitized with UV rays and turned into a powder. I envision an entire warehouse of birds shitting into trays and it being someone's job to go scrape it and then pass it on to be sanitized.

When asked why bird poop, Shizuka says, "The bird poop actually has a natural enzyme in it that will cleanse the skin. It also has guanine, which is found in many makeup products that help produce shine."

After the bird poop part of the facial a few more steps follow, including extraction. Once she was done, my face felt as smooth as a baby's butt. I think I'd do it again.

Want more from Dara? Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @dadeeyo.

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Are These Diet Pills Actually Legit?

 Yes, yes, I know that regular exercise is good for my mind, body, sprit, and hopefully-never-saggy butt. I do my Pilates. I go to yoga. I recently bought boxing gloves so I can take those hardcore hit-the-hanging-bag classes.

But would I rather sit on my aforementioned bum eating salted caramel chip ice cream than sweat myself dizzy at the gym? Um, yeah.

So, not gonna lie, I'm more than a bit interested in some new research that may allow us to exercise without actually moving. A team of researchers injected a protein called REV-ERB into overweight mice, and it helped them not just lose weight, but caused them to use more energy throughout the day—even when they were just laying around.

Basically, the protein made it seem like the mice had exercised, even though they did nothing of the sort. And when the protein was given to active mice, the little guys were able to run longer (time-wise and distance-wise) without any training.

I won't hang up my gloves or put away my yoga mat just yet, but if this is the future—taking a pill that does your exercising for you—then it sure is bright for lazy peeps like me. 

(H/T goes to the New York Times for this find.)

Want more from Natasha? Follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.

Photo: Getty Images/Eyecandy Images 

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25 Dates You'll Actually Want to Go On

Sneak into a nice hotel through the lobby and beeline to the pool area. Spend the afternoon swimming, Jacuzzi-ing and lounging about like you’re on vacation.

Find a unique restaurant at least an hour away from your place and road trip there for lunch one Saturday, just because.

Have your futures read by a string of psychics in your area, then compare to see if any of their predictions match up.

Pick a random cocktail you’re both into, like a Sidecar or Manhattan, and conduct a taste test at three different bars to see who makes it best.

Celebrate Taco Tuesday by hitting up the best Mexican place in town and ordering up as many as you both can eat. Wash them down with a few festive margs.

On a rainy day, grab a DVD, two pairs of headphones and your laptop, then head to a café. Grab a table in the corner and sip coffee as you turn the place into your own personal theater.

Snag tickets to a minor league soccer game (or any other sporting event in your town) and try to get some spectator chants started when the home team scores.

Go to a museum, pick one room to chill in and spend the afternoon checking out the tourists instead of the exhibits.

Pick up a bucket of sidewalk chalk at a craft store (vintage!) and create a masterpiece together on the sidewalk at a local park.

Tour a local winery and ask to blind-sample different varieties during the tasting afterward. Test whether you can distinguish the different notes, and take turns guessing which is which based on what you remember from the guide’s spiel.

Split a pitcher of brew at a nearby sports bar. Once you’ve had a few pints, challenge him to a game of darts—loser buys the next round.

Go on an impromptu gelato crawl in your town—just like a pub crawl, but with ice cream. (Genius, we know.) Cut the sweetness by splitting a plate of bacon fries at a greasy diner afterward.

Go to a hipster bar and see who can play the most popular classic rock song on the jukebox.

Take a wonton-making class together and pick up tips for your next dinner party. Marvel over your mad wrapping skills post-class over a glass of sake.

When it’s nice out, rent a kayak and spend an hour or two enjoying the afternoon while paddling around on whatever body of water is closest.

Splurge on the fanciest-looking steaks you can find at a butcher shop, then take them back to your place and sip on vino as you grill them up for a nice dinner in.

Meet up at a used bookstore and pick out a few quirky books for each other to read.

Sign up for salsa lessons at a local dance studio (keep an eye on Groupon—they run deals all the time). Then the next weekend, go to a club together and take over the dance floor.

Take a cheesy haunted walking tour of your city. You’ll see the place in a whole new way, and who knows—you might even get spooked.

Go for wings and attempt to sample one in each flavor, no matter how spicy. Whoever makes it to the hotter variety gets bragging rights and a free meal.

Search around your area for a Classic Car Club—they’re everywhere, and essentially rent out luxury, old-school cars to members. Get a one-day pass and spend the afternoon cruising the town together in your sweet new ride.

Go to a Japanese teahouse and relax as you enjoy an authentic tea service, which traditionally includes pouring ceremonies and other cool rituals.

Find the schedule for a local music venue and go to a concert for a band neither of you has heard of. If you’re into them, hang around afterward and see if you can snag an autograph.

One Saturday, have your guy meet you at the local animal shelter and volunteer to walk a few of the dogs through the park.

Book the chef’s table at your favorite fancy restaurant and watch your meal come together from scratch as the chef works his magic in the kitchen.

Sources: Ariana Anthony, HowAboutWe media strategist; Chiara Atik, HowAboutWe dating expert and author of Modern Dating: A Field Guide

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Never Forget: The 90s Actually Happened

The 90’s were all that and a bag of chips. From overalls with one strap down to car phones to the Dick Tracy soundtrack, the decade was pretty much America’s golden age. Don’t agree? Talk to the hand. Below I round up the best dating shows of the 90’s for a reminder of the incredible fashion, music, and celebs of the day. Remember brown lipstick? Turtleneck crop tops? Carmen Electra? It’s so good/bad! Check it.

Studs - I was eight years old when this show first aired and I thought it was the sexiest thing since shirtless Prince Eric in the The Little Mermaid. The way the show works is that two guys, AKA studs, go out with three different women. Then they all gather on the show and try to guess what happened on the dates and who likes who. It’s like the game Clue but someone got fingered instead of murdered. Make sure to get a good look at the guy with the long curly perm and a lace-up Renaissance top in the clip. FASHION, you guys!

Best line from the clip - “Those hungry tiger eyes brought out the jungle beast in me.”

Singled Out - Dating is a numbers game. On Singled Out the show starts off with 50 horny singles competing for one special someone. The most important thing about this show is that it skyrocketed Jenny McCarthy to...actually what is she up to these days? Famous for her love of fart jokes and her Playboy looks she is basically Howard Stern’s dream girl. Jenny taught Americans that all it takes to get on TV is a huge gazongas and a terrible personality. Namaste.

Best line from clip - “Hi Michelle, My name is Tony, come to Boston, no bologna.” -

Change of Heart - Change of Heart is the Jerry Springer of dating shows. Every guest is like a feral animal who is THIS CLOSE to breaking some chairs or pulling some hair. In short, it’s fabulous television. The basic concept is that a (creepy) couple comes on the show and one of them goes on a date with a new person. Then all three gather on the couch for some real talk and the contestant decides if they want to stay in their original relationship or break up after ONE DATE with someone else. Nothing says class like dumping your partner on national TV after hooking up with a stranger. USA! USA! USA!

Best line from the clip - “He said he wanted me to meet his mom at his mom’s club and when we got there I didn’t realize it was a strip club. “

Bzzz! - This show was only on for a year because it was kind of boring and there were too many rules. Kind of like actual dating. Basically, a contestant has to choose between four people who are slowly eliminated through a series of ridiculous tests and questions. The best question from this clip is when the bachelorette asks a potential date, “Where are you taking me to our honeymoon?” Slow down girl! All you know about this dude is that he’s a bartender who waxes his eyebrows.

Best line from the clip - “I believe in everything; g-d, what horoscope tells me to do, ghosts. You name it, I believe it!”

Blind Date - Before OK Cupid and Match, the idea of going on a date with a total stranger was pure terror. Now, it’s just a Tuesday. On Blind Date, the producers set up two people who have never met and follow them around with a camera all night. Then they playback the date on TV adding funny commentary in the form of subtitles, animations, and thought bubbles. In the below clip, a woman gets matched up on date with a guy wearing a leopard fedora, a neck-scarf and a red jumpsuit. We can’t blame the 90’s for that fashion, that's all him.

Best line from the clip - “So I gotta ask, what’s with the outfit?”

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Annoying Facebook Couples Are Actually More In Love

People do a lot of annoying things on Facebook (myself definitely included). One of the worst offenders, hands down, is the chick we all have in our newsfeeds who posts photos of her wedding for an entire year after her nuptials takes place. (Seriously, how many photos are there of you looking down demurely at your bouquet?!)

But even more eye-roll-inducing are those couples who constantly tag each other in their status updates, wall-post "cute" messages that should be sent via text, and upload photos of the two of them doing really nauseating things together (like having picnics while watching the sunset while holding hands).

I've always thought (er, hoped) that those tag-happy, ultra lovey-dovey-on-social-media couples were just overcompensating for feeling lonely or trapped in their relationships. (What can I say? I'm a horrible person.) But, alas, it just means that they really do love each other more than the rest of us do.

According to a new study about Facebook habits, people who report appearing in more photos with their partner and who regularly tag their partner in their status updates tend to have closer romantic relationships. Researchers say that Facebook can actually be a window into people's worlds, at least in part, to how couples interact, and maybe even feel, in real life.

So, before you gag over status updates like "Can't wait for my love-a-boo to get home from work so he can hold me ever so gently," you might want to take a long, hard look at your black heart instead.

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Photo: Izabela Habur/ Istock

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5 Times the Silent Treatment Is Actually Mature and Wise

If you’re so angry you're prepared to ream him out and issue a few low blows, resist the urge. When you you’re flooded with emotions, your limbic system takes over and your logical mind goes into sleep mode, which means you’re likely to say things you’ll later regret. Distance yourself from him until you calm down.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Amazon Beauty Ceneter here

5 Times the Silent Treatment Is Actually Mature and Wise

If you’re so angry you're prepared to ream him out and issue a few low blows, resist the urge. When you you’re flooded with emotions, your limbic system takes over and your logical mind goes into sleep mode, which means you’re likely to say things you’ll later regret. Distance yourself from him until you calm down.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags Review Center here

5 Times the Silent Treatment Is Actually Mature and Wise

If you’re so angry you're prepared to ream him out and issue a few low blows, resist the urge. When you you’re flooded with emotions, your limbic system takes over and your logical mind goes into sleep mode, which means you’re likely to say things you’ll later regret. Distance yourself from him until you calm down.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Handbags Review Center here

5 Times the Silent Treatment Is Actually Mature and Wise

If you’re so angry you're prepared to ream him out and issue a few low blows, resist the urge. When you you’re flooded with emotions, your limbic system takes over and your logical mind goes into sleep mode, which means you’re likely to say things you’ll later regret. Distance yourself from him until you calm down.

From Cosmopolitan.com. Visit Amazon Beauty Ceneter here

PDA Moves He's Actually Okay With

PDA has gotten a bad rap over the years, and we understand why. After all, few guys want to get caught gazing lovingly into your eyes across a coffee-shop table or watch manly athletic events while cuddling all cutesy in a sports bar. But there are some moves that guys really dig.

For example, new couple Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana were reportedly recently spotted stealing kisses and whispering to each other at a cocktail party. Onlookers say Bradley looked infatuated with his new girlfriend. We're not surprised: She clearly knows which forms of PDA drive men wild—in this case, she reached for The Whisper. It's a great way to convey how tight you and your guy are. The best way to work it: Lean in close, making sure your lips graze his ear, and whisper something. In case you need any more incentive, the ear is a neglected erogenous zone, so your warm breath can trigger full-body tingles.

Of course, this isn't the only move that makes guys hot in public. These three also make them want to rip your clothes off.

The Arm Lock
That casual way you lace your arm through his as you walk side by side might seem subtle, but it’s one of those traditional, old-school gestures that makes dudes feel strong, protective, and desirable — even if they're actually more skinny than studly. “I love knowing my girlfriend feels safe around me,” says Andrew, 23. “And when she grabs my arm, it’s like she is excited to be seen with me and wants other women to know I’m hers.”

The Stealth Caress
The key to this under-the-table stroke is knowing the difference between sexy and inappropriate. “I was at dinner with a girl and her friends and was kind of zoning out when she grazed my leg with her fingertips,” says Owen, 26. “I was at full attention after that, literally and figuratively.” So let a hand stray onto his thigh, and if it gravitates a little north of there, so be it. The whole “we’re not supposed to be doing this” vibe is a massive turn-on, and the contact heightens anticipation for what you have in store for later.

The Ass Grab
Take him by surprise by pinching his butt. This gesture is a silent way of saying that you’re, well, horny...and what’s not to like about that? Plus, it makes him feel great to know that you can look but then you have to touch. Brendan, 30, explains the ego stroke: “It makes me feel like my girl can’t keep her hands off me, and I’m totally okay with that.” Just remember not to squeeze while he's holding a beer, a plate of wings, or anything else that might spill — dudes startle easily.

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