How to ace small talk and make it less awkward

Whether it's at a party, a friend's wedding, or the workplace, some people just dread small talk. And while these events are great places to meet new people, it can bring more anxiety than excitement for some. They might worry that it will be boring, awkward, or that they'll run out of things to say. Then there are people who believe small talk represents meaningless and trivial conversation. But it doesn't have to be that way! In reality, increased well-being and positivity are some of the benefits of small talk. Click on for some tips to help take the stress out of small talk.

'Picasso of pastry' on bringing his sweet art to Abu Dhabi

Pierre Hermé opens his first Abu Dhabi outlet, Majlis by Pierre Hermé. We discover the magic and inspiration behind the chef's renowned desserts

I've Eaten At Nearly Every Single Chain Restaurant—These Are The Best Menu Items

Two years later and 20 restaurants down, this is our official list. People always ask: What are the *best* chain restaurant menu items? Honestly, I've tried too many to count; they've all become a massive blur in my memory. So, to make your lives easier (and, selfishly, mine), I've made the official ranking of the best menu items at each restaurant I've visited. Buckle up y'all.

Here's what to do with your kids on a rainy day indoors

Among the many things that parents have to deal with, entertaining their kids is right up there with the most important! So, when a rainy day rolls around, some inspiration might be needed for activities to beat the doom and gloom. Swipe through this gallery to see what you could add to your list of backup strategies in case the weather decides to rain on your parade.

Which of these royals shares your star sign?

Royals are some of the most highly publicized members of society, particularly in the UK! While they appear in the newspapers on a daily basis, they are also extremely private and often reserved. Let's delve into their zodiac charts to see if we can learn more about these mysterious public figures, and connect the dots with the parts of their personalities they allow us to see. You may even find your astrological soulmate! Click through to get started.

A Look Back at ’90s Red Carpet Style

We’re revisiting the looks and the icons from the end of the 20th century.

Things humans do that cats hate

We all know that cats are mysterious creatures. Even though they're adorable, they're known to be temperamental. And while you try your best to keep them happy with lots of love, playtime, and treats, some of your well-meaning attention could be making your kitty annoyed and standoffish. On top of that, they might react with teeth, claws, and raised hackles. And that's the last thing you want from your pet. Click on to discover the ways people inadvertently irritate their feline friends.

20 sexist compliments you should stop saying

There are many phrases that you might think are a compliment, but are really just a backhanded dig and sexist remark. Comments on physical appearance, intelligence, and a devaluing of so-called “feminine” traits are popular topics when it comes to sexist commentary. Here are 20 compliments that are actually sexist and should really stop being given, to both men and women.

Everything you need to know about Scottish culture and traditions

Scotland boasts a rich heritage of unique customs and traditions. You may know that the flag is blue and white, and the national dish is haggis, but do you know the first-footing tradition or what the Loony Dook is? This gallery covers it all, so whether you're planning a vacation or simply curious about the country's practices, click through to find out all you need to know about Scotland's cultural tapestry.

These Korean Skin Care Brands Will Give You Glass Skin

Inspo for your next K-beauty haul.

How to be more emotionally available in your relationships

Do you struggle to build deeper connections in your relationships? Or do you feel terrified of opening up to new people? If so, you might be emotionally unavailable. More common than you might think, emotional unavailability refers to the difficulty of getting close to others, practicing emotional vulnerability, committing, and connecting on a deeper, more intimate level. Whether you've just ended a serious relationship or you're coping with mental health issues, there are many reasons you may feel emotionally unavailable. But you can do better! Intrigued? Click on to learn how to become more emotionally available in your relationships.

Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Oils

There’s a specific type for all kinds of cooking.

UAE-based Logina Salah on becoming Miss Universe Egypt 2024

The 34-year-old says she is humbled by the crown

Lies kids tell that parents always fall for

We all teach our kids that lying is bad and that we should always be honest in life. However, it turns out that they're probably so good at lying that they're even fooling you! And let's be honest: you likely did the same when you were their age. So why do kids lie? Well, sometimes it's to avoid negative consequences for themselves. Other times it could be to get away from a certain task. Whatever the reason, breaking down some of the most common lies can help stop you from falling for them. Click on to discover the lies kids tell that parents always fall for.

The best and strangest waffle toppings and recipes you can find

It's hard to think of a better, more heart-and-soul warming breakfast than a nice stack of waffles. With built-in syrup reservoirs, an easy base recipe, and endless possible variations, waffles truly are the gift that keeps on giving. While surely everyone has experimented with their waffle recipes and toppings, for every variation you've tried there are probably dozens you haven't. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn about the tried and true, the insanely innovative, and the all-around best ways to prepare waffles out there.

The best cuisines in the world, ranked

The annual TasteAtlas ranking of the world's best cuisines has been recently published. This list of the top cuisines on the planet was based on the average ratings of the best-rated dishes and food products of each country. Curious to know which countries made the top 30? Click through the following gallery and discover the best cuisines in the world.

New dog breeds you've probably never heard of

Indeed, it may be shocking to learn that there are still new dog breeds being recognized today. Many of us just assumed that all dog breeds had been figured out some 100 years ago. Sure, there aren’t entirely new dog breeds that have been introduced in the last 10 years, because creating a new breed takes many decades to achieve. Nonetheless, we’ve curated a list of some breeds that have been officially recognized by various kennel clubs around the world. Curious? Click through this gallery to discover what these new breeds are.

The "Penny Method," and how to spot the signs

Recently, you may have seen people on social media referring to something called the "Penny Method." A newly coined term, the Penny Method is a dating behavior where one partner gradually reduces the time and effort they put into the relationship. There are a number of reasons someone may engage in this behavior, and it can be very harmful to relationships and to individuals' mental health. Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.

Colic: What it is, what causes it, and how you can treat it

Welcoming a child into the world can be one of the happiest and most beautiful experiences in a person's life. Countless people around the world hold newborns in their arms and look towards a purposeful future of love, nurturing, and, of course, hard work. Caring for an infant is a roller coaster of emotions, oscillating between extreme joy and extreme exhaustion. For many new parents and caretakers, one of the first extreme hardships will be caring for a colicky baby. Babies with colic are known to cry incessantly into the night, suffer from gastrointestinal pain, and be subjected to so much stress that their face turns red. Thankfully, colic is rarely dangerous, but it can take a massive toll on both the baby and the caretakers who can suffer from irritation and sleep deprivation as well. The more one knows about colic, however, the easier it can be to handle this condition. Read on to find out all you need to know colic, and how to get you and your baby through it.

Are you a victim of the Barnum effect?

Have you ever had your fortune read or heard a general, positive statement and thought to yourself, "That sounds just like me!" If your answer is yes, then you're not alone. The Barnum effect is a real psychological phenomenon that can impact how you see the world. It can make us feel uniquely understood, when the reality is quite the opposite. Curious if you've fallen victim to the Barnum effect? Click through now to find out.

Comforting noodle recipes you need to try

In need of something extra comforting? Or even an easy weeknight dinner? Turn to noodles, the super versatile safe bet. From Asian to Italian style, these dishes are far from boring. Whether you want to jazz it up for a multistep dinner, or cook it all in one pot, these delicious flavors will satisfy your every craving. And the best thing is you don't have to be a master chef to make these! Click on for the ultimate noodle inspo!

Stars you had no idea are Latinos

Even today, people often have a very narrow idea of what Latinos look like. Common stereotypes include having tanned skin, dark hair, and, of course, speaking Spanish. But the truth is that Latinos fall on no particular spot on the spectrum. Don't believe us? Then check out this gallery for celebs you had no idea are Latino.

Are you an awkward person? If you do these things, you might be

Let's be honest: we all have a bit of awkwardness in us. But some of us way more than others, which can sometimes make daily life difficult. If you constantly live in fear that you'll mess something up, or worry about what other people think of you, then you're definitely an awkward person. But don't worry, because you're not alone! Check out the gallery for common struggles every awkward person faces.

Cover girls: memorable female versions of songs written by men

Songs written by men are often reinvented by women, with some tracks interpreted from a uniquely female point of view. Quite often, the finished result sounds better than the original, with female artists bringing to the turntable a lyrical spirit of empowerment and a desire to be different. And while acknowledging their source material, many covers produced by women readdress gender inequality and find a whole new audience. So, what happens when women change their tune and men's words become women's voices? Click through to find out.

Where's whiskers? Test your skills and find the cat in these pictures!

Black cats: The truth about your superstitions

You don't even have to consider yourself a superstitious person to have that weird feeling crawl up your spine when you come across a black cat. Many of us can't help it, as the beliefs associating black cats with bad luck have been around for quite some time—especially as a staple of Halloween. Even today, The Spruce Pets reports that many animal shelters won’t place black cats in homes during October for fear of them being used sacrificially! But it's about time we tackle this weird feeling in your spine and learn more about the plentiful alternative representations of black cats, from history to pop culture, including how in many cultures they're actually good luck! Click through to cross paths with the black cat.

Celebrity worst date stories guaranteed to make you laugh (or cry)

Bad dates can be scarring. They can make you lose faith in the search for love, or tear down your own self-esteem. They're absolutely terrible to experience, and, yet, they make for the best stories. No matter how bad a date goes, there is always the benefit of having great content to share with your friends for a good laugh. Lucky for us, many celebrities have had positively horrendous dates, which they've also turned into some fun content for us. Click through to read about your favorite celebrities' worst date stories.

Alert: Cosrx's Viral 'Glass Skin’ Serum Is Just $13 for Prime Day

Plus, get major discounts on Kiehl's, Solawave, and more before the sale wraps.

Find Inspiration and Closure in These 50 Moving On Quotes

These sayings will encourage you let go of the past and pursue the future.

30 skills everyone should have

Can you unclog a toilet? How about feign interest during a meeting? There are a number of things people can learn to set themselves up for success in work, life, and play. Here are 30 of them.

Has this famous French hairstyle made a comeback?

In recent years, the French twist has slowly been growing in popularity, with modern variations to suit the tastes of new generations. This updo first became popular when French icon Brigitte Bardot began to sport it, and people started calling it the French bun as it looked like a bread roll or croissant. The French twist is making its way back into fashion, but the question is, did it ever really leave us? Check out this gallery for the full story!

"The Dreaming": The spirit world that accompanies our physical one

Aboriginal culture in Australia is one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. A key concept in this culture is something anthropologists named "The Dreaming." In Aboriginal spiritual belief, the beings that were responsible for creation are as much alive today as they were in the times of mythos. The Dreaming had a beginning, but it has no foreseeable end. It presents a worldview, one that is non-linear and therefore is grounded in the idea of continuity, fluidity, and the importance of story. Intrigued? Click on to learn more about this ancient cultural worldview.

The beauty of nature: Discovering the great outdoors

It almost seems a far too regular occurrence that we don't get out and explore nature the way we want to these days. With the constant pressure and push of modern life, we forget what the great outdoors has to offer us. As a reminder, our gallery takes you on a seasonal journey, revealing the diverse landscapes that define each chapter. From the tranquility of sunrises to the mesmerizing dance of fireflies in moonlit meadows, dive into the ever-evolving beauty of the great outdoors. Just click on!

Surprising uses for baking soda

Baking soda is one of those ingredients that most people have in their cupboard but rarely use. In fact, for lots of people, their little box of baking soda never sees the light of day. You probably know this nifty little product as a rising agent in baking, but did you also know that it can be used for many other purposes around the house? Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.

Pizza Hut is giving out free pizzas in October - here's how to get one

Pizza Hut is giving out free pizza this month to mark a special anniversary.

11 Tips for Making At-Home Cooking Even Healthier

Cooking healthy at home does not have to be a chore.

I Tried the 5 Most Popular Subs at Jersey Mike’s & the Best Was a Spicy Behemoth

Jersey Mike's knows a good sandwich. But after sampling the best items on the menu, there was one very delightful surprise.

Are you a people pleaser?

On the surface, people-pleasing doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world. There’s not much wrong with being nice to people and trying to help them. The problem is when it becomes too extreme and you lose yourself in the process, or your self-worth becomes dependent on the approval of others. Our need to preserve the comfort of others often comes at the cost of our own. It can be so painful to fall short of people’s expectations, or at least the expectations we think they have. Pleasing others can feel like a matter of survival, particularly for women who are put into a category of carers and givers. Let’s explore the key behaviors you’ll find in a people-pleaser, and see how this behavior can be changed. Click through the gallery to get started.

Hilarious responses to 'how are you' that are way better than 'fine'

The question “How are you?” can be so pure on its own, but over time and extensive use it has become something of a mindless greeting, often met with the equally mindless response, “I’m fine, and you?” Sometimes that response comes from feeling that the other person isn't looking for a real answer, and sometimes it's because people don't want to go around telling just anyone how they really are. But if you're not interested in telling the truth, then instead of blasé interactions you can still subvert people’s expectations and give them a response that they’ll laugh about for days! Click through to see some of the wittiest, silliest, and cleverest responses to the ubiquitous question that will spice up your dreaded small talk.

Strange foods you won't believe people used to eat

Our ancestors had some unusual tastes. There was very little regard for wildlife preservation, so the entire animal kingdom was theirs to sample. From the most decadent delicacies of medieval royals, to the money-saving innovations of WWII Britain, there's a true assault on the senses ahead. Click on and feast your eyes upon these culinary wonders...

Things parents should never say to their kids

Parenting is quite demanding and it can be very hard at times. It's safe to say that we all lose our patience from time to time, and we certainly all make mistakes. But there are many things we say to our children than can really hurt them. This is not limited to just venting our frustrations on them. In fact, some forms of praise can also be harmful. In this gallery, we look at what the experts have to say about the things we should not say to our children. Click through to learn more.

These Grab-and-Go Breakfast Ideas Will Convince You to Skip the Drive-Thru

One egg and cheese sandwich, please!

The most (and least) intelligent zodiac signs, ranked

Zodiac signs are twelve specific divisions of the sky that the sun, moon, and planets travel through in a year. Each segment corresponds to a constellation and is associated with a particular period of the year. According to astrologers, your zodiac sign can determine your interests, personality, compatibility with others, and even your intelligence. Eager to know how your star sign ranks? Click through this gallery to find out the most (and least) intelligent zodiac signs.

The countries with the highest divorce rates

Marriage is an almost universal rite of passage, so common across countries and cultures that there are no known societies where it doesn't exist. Sadly, however, sometimes marriages don't work out, for whatever reason. Divorce rates are calculated using available census data from each country. Dividing the number of divorces in a given year by total population yields the crude divorce rate. However, this doesn't take into account that the divorce rate is measured as a percentage of the total population, not in relation to the total number of marriages. Where possible, i.e. there is data available, the divorce rate is taken alongside the marriage rate to come to paint a more accurate picture about a country's rate of divorce. Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries with the highest divorce rates worldwide.

How to boost your productivity based on your zodiac sign

When it comes to productivity hacks, there are loads out there to choose from. From breaking your work down into chunks, to rewarding yourself for ticking off tasks, many people have tried everything under the sun! But according to astrologists, the most effective productivity hack for each individual will depend largely on their star sign. Curious? Check out this gallery to learn more.

The marvel that is the minaret

Minarets are an important architectural element in Islamic art. A type of column typically built into or adjacent to mosques, a minaret serves to project the Muslim call to prayer. Commonly tall and slender in appearance, a minaret can also be designed as a thick, squat tower of varying height. Most are distinguished by a highly ornate and decorative veneer. Others are more simplistic in form, though no less functional. While the origin of the minaret is unclear, surviving examples date as far back as the early 9th century. The tallest minaret in the world, meanwhile, was inaugurated as recently as 2019. So, where in the world can you admire these extraordinary landmarks of Islam's presence? Click through and discover the most mesmerizing mosque minarets on the planet.

These mammals make the best human companions (according to science)

Not all mammals are created equal. Though all wonderful creatures, some are more suited to human companionship than others. Cats and dogs are the most common types of pets from this animal class, but there are many more that don't mind our friendship and attention. A group of scientists established this fact by researching animal temperament and assigning various scores against their subjects' level of friendliness towards humans. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, excluded farm animals and of course, cats and dogs. Those that rank above 0 are said to be the best companions for humans. Click on to find out which mammals made the list, together with their score.

Do you recognize these forms of self-sabotage?

Even though the term "self-sabotage" implies that something's intentional, some demonstrated behaviors could simply be a result of habit or absent-mindedness. All the same, we need to keep an eye on our behavior. Life is going to be tough all by itself, and there's no point in getting in our own way. However, most of us will be guilty of self-sabotage in one way or another. To learn if you're putting yourself through some of the most common forms of self-sabotage, click through this gallery. You're likely to be surprised!

Victoria of Sweden: a modern princess with an extraordinary destiny

The spiciest dishes around the world

For the spice lovers among us - those who always have a bottle of hot sauce within arm’s reach - here’s a list of 20 of the spiciest dishes in the world! To be consumed with a large glass of milk...and a few antacids.