Middle school sucks, hands down. I don’t know anyone who has ever claimed that middle school was the best three years of their life. And if I did know someone who said that, I would also know that they were a pathological liar. Between the ages of 12 and 14, kids are awkwardly trying to adjust to their pubescent bodies. And they have braces. So things are just awkward all around.

And to make things worse, middle school kids are mean. Like, really mean. Name-calling is like eating for middle schoolers–they do it compulsively. Last time I visited my middle school (don’t ask me why I ever went back to that awful place), the halls were plastered with signs telling kids to stop being so mean to each other. Waste of money, obviously. At least they tried.

It will probably never stop, that’s just the middle school MO. But if you thought you were the only one out there getting called chicken legs on the regular, you are oh so wrong. Even celebs got teased when they were kids. Oh you thought they were perfect? Well they are, of course. But they had to be 13 sometime.

Check out these nicknames celebs were teased with when they were younger.

YouTube trends range from the adorable (kittens and babies, anyone?) to the grimace-worthy (FAILblog’s YouTube channel has over 1 million subscribers). Recently, though, a trend has popped up that is downright inspirational- the It Gets Better Project.

I didn’t hear about the campaign when Dan Savage, a gay columnist and activist, first started it a month ago in response to Billy Lucas’ death. Lucas, a 15-year-old high school freshman from Indiana, hung himself in his grandmother’s barn when the endless name-calling and physical abuse by bullies at his school became too much. Savage had a message for any gay teenager who was considering similar action- it gets better. The feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and confusion fade away, and so do the close-minded bullies. He and his partner posted a video describing their life together to try to show teens that a happy, gay lifestyle is attainable, even if it seems impossible now. Read More »

I’m not really a fan of traditional up-dos. You know, the ones with the spiral curls that are pinned neatly together and sprayed with enough hairspray to destroy the ozone. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never really been into pageant hair. I prefer something a little sleeker and sexier, not to mention something that doesn’t quadruple my carbon footprint.

When it comes to formal or special events, I’m all about taking risks with hair and makeup.

The bigger the risk the better the payoff, right?

That couldn’t be more true with this look. If you’ve got a formal coming up (or you just want to try something different on a Saturday night), this fauxhawk is sophisticated, fun and super easy to do. Read More »

You got a question? Tuffy’s got an answer! To have your question featured (and answered!) in the Tuffster’s weekly column, email her at TuffyLuv@collegecandy.com!

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m a high school junior who’s been having a bit of a problem. I sit in class with 5 guys in my chemistry class who constantly tease me. I’m the only girl on the left side of the room. Sometimes I don’t say anything, and they just start making fun of me. I get the fact that high school boys are immature, and that girls tend to be more mature at the age of 16.  Sometimes I try to defend myself, but no one can hear it over the 5 guys that are laughing in my face. All of my friends tell me they like me, but I don’t trust their judgment. Are they really making fun of me, or are they just doing it to grab my attention? Do I seem like someone vulnerable to them as a person to make fun of? How do I make them see me in a different light?

Thanks, Tuffy!

-Private Prep Girl

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