ONE POINT FOR THE INSECURE

Great news, most people see your vulnerability as "alluring"

Deep down we're all a little flawed, and we're all a little scared. We've been taught this isn't a good look, so we pretend to keep it together in the company of other people. But, hey, you can stop that now: A study found that exposing your flaws and being vulnerable will make other people like you more.

So confess your love, make that apology, admit your mistakes, and ask for help

People will eat that sh*t up. It's a psychological concept the researchers are calling "the beautiful mess effect," and it boils down to this: People like seeing other people's messes. Exposing yourself emotionally will make you seem good, strong, sympathetic, and brave.

There is a catch, though

It works best if, in general, the people you're opening up to already like you and know you're usually strong and capable. Otherwise you might damage your credibility or come across as needy, which is what we're scared of in the first place.

Still, when it comes to friends, significant others, or colleagues, you're probably safe. So go 'head and emotionally prostrate yourself. Happy Saturday!

(T he Atlantic)

Try this

It's cold out—time to hygge up your home with nature. Open up curtains and use natural light whenever you can. Use candles at night or hang string lights if an open flame is too much of a hazard. Get a few pieces of wooden furniture or decor and don't skimp on plants! It'll help your mental health this winter. Greatist

LET IT GROW

#Januhairy is No Shave November but for women

It's a lot harder for women to have body hair than men. Like, a lot. But a new Instagram campaign tagged #Januhairy is encouraging women to spend a month growing body hair and flaunting it in photos.

The thought is that the more female body hair we see on a daily basis, the easier it will be for women who want to give up shaving outside of January. Plus, the founders of the movement are raising money for Body Gossip, a charity that deals with body image and stigmas surrounding physical appearances.

(Allure)

Pop quiz: When was the last time you replaced your shower loofah?

If you're anything like me, it's been at least two months. Sure, you think about it every time you get in the shower, but by the time you're in the checkout line at Target, you realize it’s not one of the items in your $100 cart. Oops.

Sorry to make you gag, but a study found loofahs grow an overwhelming amount of bacteria after just the first use. Assuming you don’t store your loofah in the freezer, boil it frequently, or wash it with bleach every morning, you're smearing that bacteria on your body when you're in the shower. It’s recommended that you replace your precious poof at least every three to four weeks, if not weekly. Again: oops.

I finally found the perfect upgrade

I kept seeing this UFO-looking thing on Instagram, and eventually I decided that since it was only $8, it was worth a shot. And it’s great—there's silver in the silicone so it's antimicrobial and lasts a full six months. No more putting gross stuff all over my body instead of getting the gross stuff off.

Bacteria are, of course, invisible, so I never noticed I was gross before, but knowing I’m cleaner makes me feel as amazing as Titus Andromedon in the "Lemonade" parody. Bye, loofah, not playing with you anymore.

-- Sarah Argus, digital designer

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