The 14 Best Things About Being in a Relationship

Because some things are just better with a buddy (who you happen to be dating)

There's no doubt that being a single lady is definitely fun, but that doesn't mean that you turn into some boring twosome when you enter a relationship. In case you need some reassurance while your single girlfriends are busy going on Grouper dates, check these out:

Real-talk: Being "Facebook official" is kind of awesome. Going from single to in a relationship with one little click feels as good now as it did when you were in college. Plus, all those "likes" and comments on your new relationship status totally give you warm, fuzzy feelings.

You know those times when you want to be alone—but not completely alone? That's when your sidekick comes in. Whether you're bingeing on Netflix together or taking a nap outside in the park, it's totally normal to just enjoy each other's company in silence.

The 6 Most Common Makeup Mistakes—and How to Fix Them

Why didn't anyone help you out YEARS ago?
No matter how good you are at applying makeup, mess-ups do happen.

Whether you accidentally swipe your mascara too quickly or dab on one too many coats of bronzer, these tiny flubs can have a big effect on your final look—and cost you major time when you’re getting ready. But don’t fret: You don’t actually have to redo your entire face. Here’s how to do damage control when you make a makeup boo-boo.

The mishap: Uneven eyeliner. We all have those off days—when our cat eye looks more squiggled than flicked.

The fix: Use a pointed cotton swab dipped in makeup remover, says Rick DiCecca, global makeup artist for Artistry. After squeezing any excess makeup remover onto a tissue, carefully swipe the cotton swab over the uneven area that you want to erase. “This technique will help you create a more perfect line so you don't need to remove all of your eye makeup," says DiCecca.

5 Signs You're in a 'Better Than Nothing' Relationship

Are you a serial monogamist—or a serial settler?

You’ve heard it said a million times that you’re better off alone than with someone who’s not right for you, but clearly the people who say that have never experienced the special sadness that comes with a mall food court dinner for one. You may not be with Mr. Right, but if you’re a serial monogamist, you’ve likely become so accustomed to having someone beside you that (almost) anyone will do. Here are five signs that what you have is not the real deal, but rather another notch on your codependent belt.

1. You're Meh About Whether You Guys Have Sex This Week

Sex is the connective tissue in a romantic relationship. Without it, you guys aren’t a couple; you’re just a couple of people who sometimes eat dinner in the same room. If you’ve been with him for a while, you may have convinced yourself that plenty of couples have sex once a month—and you’re right.  It’s just that generally those are the couples who are about to break up. If you’re not interested in seeing him naked, you might want to get very interested in seeing him to the door.
 

5 Weird Reasons Women Sometimes Fall for A-holes

It's not you, it's his striking resemblance to your father.

You probably think you have a good sense for what gets you totally smitten. A whip-smart wit, an awesome sense of adventure, a seriously huge heart—whatever it is, you can usually spot a good one. So why is it that you sometimes find yourself drawn to a guy who makes your head say no, no, no…but makes your heart say yes, yes, yes? Here are just a few things that science says might lead to you falling hard, despite your best intentions:

1. He's the Male Version of You
We know, we know, it's opposites that are supposed to attract—but several studies over the years have shown that the more alike you are, the stronger the attraction. From having the same sense of humor to looking similar, all the stuff you have in common could cancel out his more unsavory qualities (you know, the ones you don't share).   

2. You Met in a High-Pressure Situation
You may remember this one from Psych 101: When the adrenaline starts pumping, so does attraction. Suddenly, the crazy dates on The Bachelor make so much more sense—nothing forces you to fall quick and hard like bungee jumping, free falling, and climbing the San Francisco Bay Bridge on a date, right?

How To Get Younger-Looking Hands

Moisturizing isn't the only skin-care routine you need.

This article was written by Aly Walansky and repurposed with permission from Daily Makeover.

True story: Hands show a person’s age more than any other part of the body, due largely to the fact that people frequently wash and strip them of natural oils, says Revision Skincare expert Emily Velez. Hands also end up with more sun damage due to constant exposure, and washing them throughout the day makes consistent protection difficult. Finally, the hands tend to lose fat and volume as you age, which leads them to have a bony and veiny appearance. Treat them to some TLC for a healthy, younger-looking complexion.

Always Wear Sunscreen
Hands get extra sun exposure from their position on the steering wheel when you’re driving your car—the backs of your hands get all the sun’s damaging rays right through the windshield, says board-certified dermatologist David Bank, M.D. Use a higher SPF sunscreen on the backs of your hands when you know they’ll be exposed for long periods of time, just as you would on the rest of your body.

Easiest Ways Ever to Improve Your Diet

You won't even notice these changes—swear!

Of course you know that eating healthy is a lifelong goal—but that doesn't mean that it takes ages to make it happen. In fact, there are tons of quick, easy ways to be sure you're eating well that basically involve zero effort. Here are a few to get you started:

Add Broccoli Sprouts to Salads and Sandwiches
Here's an easy way to be sure your lunch is extra healthy: Add broccoli sprouts. A recent study from Cancer Prevention Research found that they're the one veggie that may actually remove pollutants from your body. That's because the sprouts contain a compound called glucoraphanin, which has been linked to anti-cancer properties in animal studies. The best part? They don't have a strong flavor, so you'll barely even notice they’re there.

Use Red Plates
Yep, you read that correctly: Your health could be determined by the color of your dinnerware. Gotta love science! Seriously, though: A study from Appetite found that people who eat off of red plates tend to eat less than those who eat off of red and blue. The researchers say that could be because our brains associate the color red with stopping—meaning just seeing the bold hue could send a signal to your brain not to overeat.

Easy Ways to Crush Your Food Cravings

Show your sweet tooth who's boss.

Is your sweet tooth getting out of control, or do you feel like that bag of chips is always calling your name? Thankfully, dietitian Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., of Appetite for Health is here to offer some great tips on how the pros knock out their food cravings.

Research shows that virtually all women have food cravings, especially for chocolate, but also for foods rich in fat, sugar, and salt. While many believe cravings stem from nutrient deficiencies, studies show that jonesing for French fries or Swedish Fish happens from habit and emotional eating, not from lacking vitamins or minerals. If that were the case, we'd all be craving nutrient-packed veggies—not chocolate and chips.

There are ways to cave to cravings without destroying your diet. Research shows that those who restrict food suffer the most from intense cravings, compared to women who don't make specific foods off-limits. The key is to indulge—in moderation—and with healthier substitutions. In addition, studies reveal that adequate sleep, avoiding alcohol, not skipping meals, and exercise can all help reduce cravings.