We’ll Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends [Confessions of a Twenty-Something]
While we all love our families, there are just some things that we can’t share with them in the same way we can with others. There are some thoughts and feelings and moments and stories that are saved for another special group of people—our friends. You might not live in the same state as your family. You may only see them on special occasions. That’s where your friends come in.
No Kids, No Cares [Sex in the News]
New research from the Journal of Marriage and Family suggests that, despite the pressure your Great Aunt Mildred may be putting on you to reproduce, if you decide you simply don’t want kids you’ll turn out just fine!

Communication Mediums Ranked: From Face Time To Pokes
As someone who spends her days studying communciations, I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating the ways we get in touch with one another. It used to be simple. A phone call here, meeting for coffee there. Maybe an e-mail or an AIM chat if you were feeling adventurous.
Why Won’t He Let Me Meet The Family? [Ask A Dude]
See, my first question is – and I’m not saying it’s a fair one – is he an only child? Is he from Texas?
How To Survive Your Family Over Break
Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays! After an overly caffeinated week of library sleepovers and final exams, the perfect way to retreat and rejuvenate is by heading back to your hometown. You know, because of all the overachieving siblings, screaming cousins, and the ongoing drama between too many members of your extended family to keep it all straight in your head.
True Life: I’m The Ugly Sister
The Ugly Duckling, not Cinderella, not Snow White, not Sleeping Beauty, ruined my childhood. You don’t go from being ugly to beautiful. Trust me I know. I’ve tried my whole life. And what’s this? His mother AND brothers shun him. Now that is the life I want. My family tries to cheer me up. I have three sisters and each one is more gorgeous than the next with their shiny locks and long legs. Here I am frizzy and stout. Winner.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Parents Weekend
First, there are a couple of simple rules to follow when hoping to master Parents Weekend. Since mom and dad are going to spoil you silly with gifts, homemade favorites, dinner at your restaurant of choice (we all know you’re picking the most expensive) and maybe even a mini-shopping spree to get you those must-have dorm and wardrobe necessities, we’ve got a detailed list of a few subtle ways to give back.

Around the Web

Put This on Your iPod: AWOLNATION’s Back From Earth
Not only do I want to mourn the end of my last semester break of college, but to also drink away this past week with my entire family under the same roof for the first time in a year. For this last weekend of break, I highly recommend AWOLNATION’s debut EP, Back From Earth.
The Weekly Ten: Worst Christmas Gifts Ever
Christmas is fast approaching. (Five days, but hey, who’s counting?) While I’m sure you’ve already picked out the perfect gift for everyone on your list, I bet you haven’t given much thought to what you’re getting this holiday season. Well…I have.
True Story: My Parents Moved to a Different State While I Was in College
I was born in Quincy, Illinois. I moved to Abilene, Texas when I was eight years old when my mom was offered a huge promotion from the company she worked for. I moved to Austin, Texas for college when I was eighteen, which is where I am now. And then a year ago, the company my mom had worked for for 21 years laid her off (damn recession).
Candy Dish: This is Real Life Drama
• Did Taylor Momsen get kicked off GG? Or not?
• Help Cookie Monster host SNL
• Fun exercises for the perfect body
• Is there any hope for the Gosselin kids?
• 5 unforgivable food mistakes
• Awesome Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals
• How to find a good gyno
True Story: My Parents Divorced When I Was in College
I think most people look back on their college years with nostalgia, wishing for the sunny football Saturdays, the insane parties, and even the long weeknights nights spent in the library. I’m no different, of course, having had a similar experience with every other American college student.

The Post-Grad Journey: Geographically Speaking
ve been in California for nearly two months now, but everyone I run into asks the same question: “Are you going to move here permanently?” Those back in Georgia frequently ask me “Do you see yourself moving back home?” And of course, with the LSAT on my mind 24/7, the inevitable question of “Where do you want to go to law school?” comes up.