Taylor Andrews

Welcome to Show the Receipts, a new series where we ask interesting people to share exactly how much it costs to get shit done. No matter the task, we're tracking every last dollar from start to finish. Up next: kinky sex. For Miss Mackenzee, 40, it's easier to list off the kinks she doesn't enjoy than the ones she does. From bondage and breath play to torture and orgasm control, she experiences pleasure even "when genitals aren't exposed or touched," she says. Her kink journey began when she met a professional dominatrix for the first time in 2001, who approached her in a bar and asked if she'd like to learn about the lifestyle. "It was a whole world that I didn't know existed," Miss Mackenzee says, adding that she has since immersed herself in the kink space both personally and professionally. Today, she is a BDSM and intimacy educator, sexual wellness coach, professional dominant mentor, and the proud owner of Elysium Dungeon, the third dungeon she's owned and operated. "My life is saturated in kink," she says. With almost 25 years of experience, Miss Mackenzee knows the ins and outs of what to have on hand during kinky sex, including important safety items like shears. But being kinky can come with a surprisingly steep price tag that accounts for more than just the average condoms and lube. Especially if you own a dungeon. For the dungeon itself, there's the normal costs that come from owning a space, like rent ($3,000), electricity ($300), and water ($100). Then, there's the cost of cleaning supplies, first-aid supplies, shower toiletries, and snacks and beverages for aftercare. As for personal use, she invests in various vibrators and sex toys, a few wardrobe staples like fishnets, leather gloves, and heels, and biweekly manicure and pedicure appointments to appease her partners' fetishes. Here's the full cost breakdown. Task: Being kinky Occupation: BDSM intimacy educator, sexual wellness coach, and professional dominant mentor Location: Delaware The Receipts Dungeon utilities: $3,400 Clothing essentials: $215 Safety items: $48 Cleaning supplies: $118 Grooming: $230 Sex toys and accessories: $762 Total: $4,773 How I Did It Miss Mackenzee understands that no one kink is the same, and her sex life may require different purchases than someone else's. Some of her personal must-haves include an Ameritex Waterproof Blanket ($65), Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil ($7) for lube, Domi 2 by Lovense ($199), her favorite wand vibrator, and Twisted Monk Hemp Rope ($45 for 30 foot bundle). Below, she shares a glimpse into what being kinky looks like for her and where you might be able to save, depending on your preferences. PS: Do you make money from owning a dungeon? MM: I do, but not enough to retire or anything. If someone is booking a session with me - whether that's mentor, coaching, or professional domination services - the money varies based on a number of factors, such as length of session, area to explore, whether it's in person or virtual, supplies required, etc. The cost can range from $200 to $700 for 90 minutes. It will increase if someone wants to add more people into the session because I do offer doubles and triples with other professionals. I also rent the space out for date nights, parties, couples looking to explore, other BDSM professionals, or photoshoots. The rental fee is $80 an hour, and, for the night, $600. PS: What kink accessory is worth the splurge? MM: For someone who is really into impact play, I would suggest investing in a really good set of Suede Floggers ($60). They make really great warmup toys and can be struck at a higher intensity without causing too much pain due to the softness of the material. A well-made flogger can last for a very long time. I have one that is over 15 years old and it's still going strong. Also, if you're new to kink, this may sound silly, but spend the extra money for a premium subscription to Pandora or Spotify to avoid commercial breaks during playtime. (I use Pandora, and the monthly subscription is $15.) Listening to music can be important for a lot of people to help set the mood, and I'm sure you and your partner(s) don't want to hear about Toyotathon. PS: What's the most surprising expense that comes with being kinky? MM: Honestly, cleaning supplies. Proper cleaning procedures are an essential piece in ensuring people's safety that I think a lot of folks don't really think about. For example, I use Cavicide ($25) on my sex toys and implements, and then antibacterial soap after that. For leather materials, I use Leather Honey Leather Cleaner ($25) and the Leather Honey Conditioner ($28). For sterilizing metal, I use an autoclave (which can go for around $40 on Amazon, depending on the brand). It adds up. Another expense that surprises me is the cost of a ticket for sex parties. I feel like an old grandma saying this, but when I first started going to parties, they were maybe $5. Now they can run upward of $80-$100 per person. PS: Any other cost considerations to keep in mind for beginners wanting to get involved in kink? MM: I highly recommend getting involved in kink educational content, which could range from buying books to attending workshops to private lessons with a coach or mentor. Too many people get into this lifestyle and just stumble through it, trying to figure it out on their own. Fortunately, there are so many resources out there, especially now with virtual workshops happening all the time, which is huge to help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all involved. Final Thoughts Ultimately, the great thing about kinky sex is that it can be as expensive or cheap as you want to make it, whether it's at home or elsewhere. "I really pride myself on my ability to never have the same scene or session twice," Miss Mackenzee says. "I offer a variety of types of scenes, from the implements to the furniture to my outfits. Because of this, there's no one way to do a scene or set up for one including preparation. It will all depend on what's been negotiated with my scene partner and what we're in the mood to do that day." No matter where you are at your journey with kinky sex, know that it's less about the sex toys and accessories and more about your pleasure and experience. Related: This Online Kink Test Will Change the Way You Think About Your Sexual Preferences Taylor Andrews is a balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

If there's anything Taylor Swift's new album "The Tortured Poets Department" has taught me, it's that no one is immune to the fuckery that comes from being in a situationship. Not even Swift herself. Despite being a professed romantic, even Swift has been "down bad" for mediocre dudes with tattoos. But among the many relationship experiences Swift candidly alludes to throughout "TTPD," perhaps the most relatable lyric comes from track 11: "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)." In it, Swift sings, "They shake their heads saying 'God help her' when I tell them he's my man. But your good lord doesn't need to lift a finger, I can fix him - no, really, I can." For anyone who's ever thought they could fix someone, and has since lived to tell the tale, you know all too well that it's a canon event. It allows women everywhere to attempt to fix someone only to eventually realize the hard way that people can't be fixed - not even the super hot Tinder match who swears they're "really into you." "If you want to be with someone that you think you can 'fix,' you are setting yourself up for disappointment," clinical psychologist Roxy Zarrabi, PsyD, says. "Pursuing a relationship with the hope that someone will change is similar to accepting crumbs and hoping for a meal that never arrives." Because you may read the above and still think "OK, but I can actually fix him," we had Dr. Zarrabi and four other relationship experts weigh in on whether it's actually possible to fix someone. Can You Fix Someone You're Dating? In the traditional sense, no. "The only thing in life that you have true control over is yourself," psychotherapist Ronald Hoang says. "You cannot (as much as you hope you can) enforce change upon your partner." If the problem you have with the person you're dating is a part of their core self, like their values, religious beliefs, political stance, or a basic personality trait, you likely won't have any luck "fixing" them. "People will only change through their own motivation to do so." You may, however, be able to improve relationship issues, like communication skills, the way conflict is handled, and coping mechanisms, as long as you and your partner are willing to work on them together, sex therapist Brittney Fortin, LMFT, says. This is contingent on if your partner wants to work on it, though. "Someone cannot be fixed unless they agree to be fixed," says Nicholette Leanza, a therapist at LifeStance Health. "People will only change through their own motivation to do so." Bottom line: No matter how great you are or whatever your "certain skill set" is, as Swift refers to, it's not possible to fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed. What to Do If You Want to Fix the Person You're Dating The simple solution is to find someone who doesn't need to be fixed. You are likely not compatible with someone who you think needs to be fixed in order to be your person. "This is not only unfair to you, but also to your partner, who deserves to be with someone who accepts them as they are," Dr. Zarrabi says. But because it's not always that simple, try to pin down what exactly you want to change about the person you're seeing. Is it something that's inherently a part of who they are? Or is it a behavior that can be changed? If it's a behavior, know that they won't "fix" anything if they don't want it to be fixed. But you can positively influence their behavior with your presence, support, and love, clinical psychologist Christina Iglesia, PsyD, says. That said, if you find yourself repeatedly feeling drawn to fixing people you date, it may have more to do with you than it does with them. "Consider the role you are playing in this dynamic, what purpose this role serves for you, and what past painful experiences you've had that may have shaped this pattern for you," Dr. Zarrabi says. A good place to explore why you may feel the need to fix your partners is in therapy. "Sometimes we fix others because we equate love with someone needing us. Sometimes we try and fix others because we grew up in codependent relationships and therefore believe it is our responsibility to save people from themselves. Sometimes we attempt to fix others because we would rather focus our mental energy on fixing someone else's issues than fixing our own," Dr. Igleisa says. Whatever the case, fixing someone is not worth the time and energy 99 percent of the time. So even if Swift made "fixing" someone seem cool again, "focus on being the right partner for yourself," Leanza says. It's way less stressful. Related: "The Tortured Poets Department" Is Cathartic as Hell - Experts Explain Why Taylor Andrews is a balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

Image Source: Getty / Martin Barraud My boyfriend and I have lots of things in common, but music is not one of them. My Spotify Wrapped is basically a Taylor Swift shrine, while his taste is a little all over the place; he likes a little bit of country, some Latin music hits here and there, and definitely all the head-banging EDM, too. In other words, he appreciates a good beat, while I prioritize poetic lyricism. Fortunately, for the health of our relationship, our varying music taste has never been an issue. But when I saw that Spotify's Blend feature claimed to gauge not just our musical compatibility, but our relationship compatibility, I knew we had to try it out. He had passed the orange peel theory test, but could he pass this one? If you're not familiar with the feature, Blend is under the "Made For You" hub in the Spotify app. As the name implies, it "blends" one person's listening preferences with another's, creating a joint Spotify playlist filled with songs the app thinks both of you will enjoy. Most people probably use it with their friends, but I think using it with your partner is the move. When I asked my boyfriend if he wanted to blend with me, which was literally just sending him an invite from my Spotify account, he accepted. "This should be interesting," he said over dinner. "I'm not sure how they're going to combine Venezuelan hits with whatever that new Taylor Swift album is called, but let's see." Here's How Compatible My Boyfriend and I Are, Based on Our Spotify Blend When my boyfriend accepted the Blend invite, Spotify immediately started curating our playlist. Within a minute, it sent us to the Spotify app to see the results. Similarly to how Spotify Wrapped works, the app took us through a few slides first, revealing our "taste match" and the song that brings us together. As it turned out, our taste match is 85 percent, which, according to the app, is "something to brag about." I interpreted that percentage as we would both be able to successfully listen to this playlist without wanting to rip our ears off - 85 percent of the time, at least. When the Blend feature revealed that "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift was the song that brought us together, meaning it's a song both of us listen to on the reg, my boyfriend immediately knew the results were slightly off. His Spotify is connected to his truck, which means, as a passenger princess, I control what we listen to a large majority of the time. And if I have control over what we listen to, you know that means lots of Taylor Swift. "You need to clarify in your article that I don't listen to 'Cruel Summer' myself," he said in response. (This is me clarifying, bb . . . but you don't have to pretend you don't like it!) Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Taylor Andrews Upon first glance, the nearly three-hour playlist looked tolerable. There were songs from artists I knew I liked (Taylor Swift) and songs I knew I didn't (Lainey Wilson). But again, I knew I could tolerate it. My boyfriend was more impressed that we were able to get Taylor Swift, Jelly Roll, and Carlos Vives all into one playlist together. "In what other world would a playlist like that exist?" he said, and I totally agreed. When it was time to work our way through the playlist, it went just as I expected. I sang loudly to all the songs I knew, and listened quietly to the ones I didn't (or resisted the urge to scroll on Instagram). Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Taylor Andrews When we finally finished the playlist over the span of a few days, not much changed in our relationship. Did I think the experience brought us together? Maybe a little. Did I discover a new song or genre I love? Not really. Will I continue to listen to the playlist? Probably not. But was the Spotify Blend test a good way to gauge compatibility? Yes, but not in the way you think. I've always known that music was not going to be something that ended my relationship with my boyfriend. The fact that we have varying music tastes just really isn't a big deal to us. But the respect you show while listening to something your partner enjoys is important. And if there's one golden rule of relationships I've learned, it's that it's OK to not like something, as long as you don't yuck the other person's yum, so to speak. So while my boyfriend may not like Taylor Swift himself, he loves that I love her as much as I do. And even though I don't like a lot of EDM, I'll go to a music festival with him because I know that will make him happy. Our musical compatibility may just be 85 percent, but I'd like to think the respect we have for each other's individual interests equals more like 100-percent compatibility. Isn't that what really matters? Related: How to Take the Moon-Phase Compatibility Test You've Seen All Over AstroTok Taylor Andrews is a balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

If you're to believe the Reddit threads and TikTok videos, there's a reason the song "It's My Party" and the entire subplot of "Sixteen Candles" still resonates with countless people today: crying on your birthday has become just as much a part of the celebration as scoring yourself a free Crumbl cookie. Whether the tears come from happiness, sadness, or the existential crisis of being one year older, the birthday cries are a very real phenomenon that just so happen to plague hot humans everywhere. Even though crying on your birthday is very normal, that doesn't mean it feels normal, Anna Harris, a clinical mental health counselor, says. "Many people who cry on their birthday end up crying even more because they feel bad about feeling the way they're feeling." (Call it the domino effect of birthday tears.) To uncover the truth about why we cry on our birthdays - as in, if it's a case of the birthday blues or something else entirely - we've enlisted the help of Harris and other mental health professionals to explain. Why Do I Cry On My Birthday? Asking someone why they cry on their birthday is a lot like asking someone why the sky is blue. Is it because it's science? Is it because aging is scary? Below, experts share their thoughts. 1. You feel disappointed with how your birthday went. Because birthdays are an annual event, people put a lot of pressure on the day, which can lead to disappointment. "Since our birthday is that one special day in a year that's all about us, we often have high expectations for how the day should go and what kind of attention and love we'll receive," Michelle Beaupre, LCSW, clinical director at Village Oasis, says. "When these expectations aren't met, we can feel let down and disappointed, which can lead to tears." 2. You feel unforgotten or unimportant. "Birthdays are supposed to be a special day when we feel loved and celebrated; however, not everyone has people around them to make that happen," Mary Lawrence, LCSW, clinical director at Acera Health, says. This disappointment can sometimes stem from feeling like you do more for your loved ones' on their birthdays than what they do for yours. 3. You are anxious about getting older. Birthdays are a reminder that aging and time passing is unavoidable. For many people, "it can be daunting to think about the future and all the unknowns that come with it," Beaupre says. 4. You are overwhelmed with love and gratitude. In good news, you could have a case of the birthday cries because you are filled with happiness. "Sometimes we can be overcome with emotion when we receive an abundance of love and appreciation from our loved ones," Beaupre says - especially if you find yourself reflecting on all the good things in your life, which can bring on the tears. How to Avoid Crying on Your Birthday If you want to prevent yourself from crying on your birthday, Beaupre recommends managing your expectations. You don't have to lower them, but focus on appreciating whatever comes your way instead of thinking about whatever didn't. "Once you realize that gifts and grand gestures aren't the most important things about your birthday, but rather the people you share it with, it can help prevent any disappointment or tears," she says. That said, if your love language is gifts or you do have high expectations for your birthday (which is valid), make sure to communicate those to your loved ones ahead of time. If you want to wake up to breakfast in bed or a donut from your favorite coffee shop, tell your significant other that's how you'd like to start your birthday instead of assuming they already know. Direct communication is key. Alternatively, you could make the plans yourself so there's no room for disappointment. "Whether it's treating yourself to a spa day or indulging in your favorite hobbies, you have control over how you celebrate and can ensure that it will be a happy and tear-free day," Beaupre says. If you're feeling oddly existential and it's putting you into a panic about aging and death, practice mindfulness. "Being mindful and present can help you appreciate the moment and not get overwhelmed by thoughts of the past or future," Lawrence says. A good way to do this is by counting five things you can see, four things you can physically feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise helps ground your mind in the here and now, as recommended in a previous PS article. Creating a vision board and setting new goals for the new year may also be helpful. "This can be a great way to shift your focus toward the future and all the exciting things that are yet to come," psychiatrist Michael Kane, MD, chief medical officer at Indiana Center of Recovery, says. Most importantly though, embrace the tears. Emotion is what makes us human. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling for a cathartic release. Once you're finished, take a bite of that free Crumbl cookie (or the other birthday freebie you got earlier in the day) and you'll forget why you were crying in the first place. Related: Let's Settle This: Who Pays For the Birthday Dinner? Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

The "Bridgerton" series may be best known for its enticing plot, a cast that looks like they were sculpted by Michelangelo himself, and an amazing soundtrack with instrumental covers of modern songs like Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams." But allow me to put you on to the one thing that sets the Netflix show apart from everything else: the "Bridgerton" sex scenes. Sure, some of said scenes may have caused some concerns from an actual ob-gyn, and yes, they're also maybe not the most realistic, but there's a lot of voyeuristic pleasure that comes from watching the Shonda Rhimes production, too. In Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon's (Regé-Jean Page) season one love story, there was an epic oral sex scene, a solo masturbation session, and a five-minute montage of Daphne and Simon experimenting with every sex position out there. In the second season, however, which focused on Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony's (Jonathan Bailey) enemies-to-lovers storyline, the sexy Netflix show teased viewers with a slow, aching build. It wasn't until episode eight until we got to watch a sex scene between the two. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until May 16 to see the newest "Bridgerton" sex scenes between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicole Coughlan) in season three. But if you want to get in the mood before the new season comes out, we've got you. For your viewing pleasure, here's a horny list of the best "Bridgerton" sex scenes from both season and and two - yes, time stamps included. Related: I Sent "Bridgerton"-Inspired Pickup Lines on Tinder, and It Led to Some Seriously Hot Convos

Although there are many different kinks and common fetishes in the world, voyeurism is one of the most popular - so popular that you may not even know you're a voyeur yourself. "Voyeurism involves becoming aroused when watching someone undress or engage in sexual activity," sex therapist Nicolle Dirksen says. In other words, if seeing your partner undress for the shower or mutually masturbate alongside you, or you just enjoy watching porn, it's possible you could be into voyeurism. Not to be confused with voyeuristic disorder, which is the act of watching an unsuspecting person who is naked or having sex, voyeurism in the kink community is always consensual. Below, Dirksen explains more on what voyeurism is and how to have voyeur sex. What Is Voyeurism? Voyeurism is the enjoyment of consensually seeing someone naked or having sex. However, many people mistakenly confuse voyeurism with voyeuristic disorder, which Dirken says is the compulsive desire to see unsuspecting and non-consenting individuals in the above scenarios. For voyeurism, "informed consent is received, safe words are obtained, and any non-consent is role-played," she says. Those who enjoy voyeurism may also refer to themselves as voyeurs. Some signs you could be a voyeur include that you enjoy watching other people have sex (or the idea of watching other people have sex turns you on), you enjoy seeing your partner masturbate or undress in front of you, or you like watching porn. How to Explore Voyeurism During Sex Just like how you would incorporate any other type of kink or fetish into your sex life, introducing voyeurism should begin by communicating your wants and needs with your partner. Have a conversation about what you enjoy about being a voyeur, why you think it's hot, and what specific acts you'd like to try with your partner. Then, discuss any hard boundaries, anxieties, and safe words. Once you and your partner are on the same page, it's on to the fun part: exploring your voyeurism kink. Dirksen says the easiest way to start is by watching porn since it's "naturally a bit voyeuristic no matter what you're into." Then, you can move into more role-play scenarios with your partner. For example, you can role-play a scenario where you get home from work early and see your partner masturbating in bed by themself. Another role-play scenario could be watching your partner undress and get in the shower without them seeing you. You could also ask your partner to spend some time masturbating in front of you before having sex. If you're single, a great option is to explore different porn-viewing options. You can try watching ethical porn, listening to audio porn, or reading erotic short stories. Another option is to visit nearby sex clubs or parties where people may encourage you to watch them have sex with someone. There, you could meet someone who is an exhibitionist. "Exhibitionism means that a person is turned on by being watched during sexual activity, while voyeurism is a kink in which a person has a desire to watch others engage in sexual activity," Dirksen previously told POPSUGAR. Is Voyeurism a Crime? Yes, voyeurism is illegal if there's a lack of informed consent, Dirksen says. "In the United States, there are both federal and state laws in place preventing various forms of criminal voyeurism including video voyeurism without consent. Make sure that everyone involved is fully informed and consenting to everything that will happen before it happens," she says. That said, there's nothing to be afraid of if you and your partner(s) consent to the voyeurism at play. So long as voyeurism is explored consensually, it can be a great way to spice things up in your relationship or discover a new part of yourself. Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

As someone who could put cookie dough on almost anything, TikTok's recent obsession with cookie dough croissants comes as no surprise. With almond croissants and chocolate croissants already staples of bakery menus, it was really only a matter of time before they started experimenting and adding cookie dough to their croissants, too. In my opinion though, croissants are grossly overrated. If I step into a bakery, the French breakfast item is probably the last thing I'm ordering. So when I decided to taste test the cookie dough croissants recently trending on TikTok, I wasn't sure how I'd like it. Of course, I knew I'd love the cookie part, but I didn't want the flakiness of the croissant to take away from the gooey sweetness of the dough. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. When I bit into the croissant fresh out of the oven, the sweetness of the barely-cooked cookie dough and the crispness of the croissant melted in my mouth. The flavors didn't work against each other like I imagined they would. Instead, the cookie dough and croissant complemented each other almost perfectly. It was like a sweet dessert sandwich that satisfied both sides of savory and sweet goodness. Clearly, when TikTok tells you to put cookie dough on a croissant, you should put cookie dough on a croissant. @moribyan cookie dough meets croissant 🍪🥐 ♬ Oui oui oui oui - Sacha Distel How to Make a Cookie Dough Croissant Fortunately for all of you who don't have the time or patience to make Nara Smith's homemade recipes or Benny Blanco's fried pickles, this cookie dough croissant recipe couldn't be any easier. It only requires two ingredients: a croissant and some cookie dough. I decided to follow Hajar Larbah's cookie dough croissant recipe from TikTok because it seemed the most simple and also has over 1.3 million likes. Obviously she was doing something right. Like Larbah, I bought my croissants. (Again, I'm not a croissant eater, so I definitely wasn't venturing into croissant making either.) Unlike Larbah, however, I did not make my cookie dough from scratch. I used Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough, which I highly recommend if you are on a time crunch or just lazy like me. "We're going to start by cutting the croissant open down the middle and then you basically stuff them with cookie dough and add a little dollop on top," Larbah instructs in the TikTok, so that's exactly what I did. For me, it was approximately two cookie dough squares in the middle of the croissant, and then I ripped bits of a third cookie-dough square all over the top. Larbah then said to stick the croissants in the oven "until crispy along the edges," but as someone who doesn't bake, I needed more specific instructions on baking time and oven temperature. I decided to refer to the cooking instructions for the cookies, so I set the oven temperature to 350ºF and expected them to bake for 15 to 20 minutes. That said, I ended up baking them for only around 11 minutes because I prefer my cookies to be gooey and undercooked. The whole point is that they're cookie dough croissants, not cookie croissants. After about the fourth time my boyfriend asked if they were ready, I pulled the croissants out of the oven and admired their beauty. The top part of the croissant was crispy in a cookie-like texture, while the inside of the croissant was melty and soft - the kind of consistency worth getting a cavity for. I couldn't wait any longer, so I tasted the croissant a mere 30 seconds after I popped it out of the oven, and it was one of the richest desserts I've ever tasted. I slowly took a few bites before setting it down and needing a salty-snack break because of how decadent it was. But when I returned to the dessert 30 minutes later, I was reminded again just how good it was. As someone who wasn't a croissant girlie before, I was surprised by how much I loved it; the blended flavors really did make for the most perfect Sunday night dessert. If croissants weren't my thing before, cookie dough croissants definitely are now. Ingredients 2 bakery croissants 1 pack of Pillsbury Eat or Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Optional: a sprinkle of powdered sugar Directions Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place your croissants on a nonstick baking sheet and cut them in half. Firmly press two squares of cookie dough into the middle of each croissant. Fold the croissant and firmly press 1 cookie dough square on top of it. Place the croissants in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes or until the cookie dough is at your desired consistency. Remove the croissants from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Optional: sprinkle powdered sugar on top before eating. Related: This 5-Ingredient Oreo Dump Cake Is a Fan-Favorite TikTok Dessert Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

When Jesse Sullivan and Francesca Farago shared their pregnancy news on March 31, it was no coincidence the announcement also fell on Trans Day of Visibility. Sullivan, who came out as transgender when he was 19, has been documenting his and Farago's journey with IVF treatments on social media for months. "We're pregnant! It's been such a struggle to get here, but we felt like TDOV was the perfect day to let you all in on our celebration," Sullivan wrote in the caption of the TikTok announcement. "Thank you for following our journey, and here's to more trans joy!" Even though Sullivan already parents his 15-year-old child Arlo, there has since been an onslaught of questions about how Sullivan and Farago will raise their child, including what gender pronouns they will use for the baby. "When they are babies, will you say he/him or she/her or what?" one TikTok commenter asked. In response, Sullivan shared his thoughts in a viral video that has already been viewed more than 1.7 million times. @jessesulli Replying to @Han I think this is a great question. I have 17 neices and nephews, and 1 kid, and I promise you kids’ interests and behaviors only differ based on their unique personalities, not their sex. This doesnt mean I don’t provide guidance as the adult. It just means I dont believe in limiting a child’s true self expression based on M or F. ♬ original sound - Sulli "Let's say we have a child who is male; his chromosomes are XY and he's assigned male at birth. I will go ahead and use he/him, but this is where my parenting differs. I'm not going to put these expectations on him or her based on those pronouns or however they're assigned at birth," Sullivan says in the video. "I don't think there's anything wrong with having a daughter and calling her she/her until she decides otherwise. I think what is wrong is that when you make them boxed in based on those pronouns." For Sullivan, this means he won't make his daughter do the dishes or his son take out the trash; he won't tell his son it's not OK to cry or tell his daughter what a great mother she'll be one day. "Essentially, I'm going to raise my kids to be great people no matter what," Sullivan added. Many people in the comment section showed support for Sullivan's take on parenting, and LGBTQ+ therapist Natasha Camille, LCSW, also agreed with the approach. "Jesse's video provided an important perspective on how people can parent in a way that fosters their children's ability to feel safe and encouraged to explore all aspects of themselves, including gender," Camille says. Below, Camille shares more about Sullivan's take and what parents can do as they navigate these same decisions with their own children. How to Navigate Gender Pronouns For Your Children Sullivan's parenting style is also known as blank-slate parenting, a term Camille says is popular in the LGBTQ+ community. As Sullivan describes in the TikTok, blank-slate parenting is what happens when you give your child a blank slate to discover who they are without forcing gender stereotypes or norms on them. "It calls for parents to relinquish any assumptions and expectations that they may be holding onto as they enter into parenthood, because these assumptions and expectations could later be harmful to their child," Camille adds. But this isn't the only "right" way to handle gender pronouns while parenting. In fact, Camille says it doesn't matter what pronouns you decide to use "as long as the parents are open to the fact that one day this child may discover that whatever pronouns you've been using for them doesn't feel affirming of their gender." They also add it's important parents remain "dedicated" to not boxing their children into particular gender norms. For parents, the process starts by assessing your own relationship with gender growing up. As Camille puts it: "Parents would benefit from reflecting on how they learned about gender roles and norms during their own upbringings. We need to be questioning why it was so important for us to play with certain toys or wear certain colors." Camille suggests doing this through therapy or by writing down your thoughts and experiences in a journal. Once you have a general understanding of how arbitrary gender is, you can use this experience to ensure you're not projecting gender expectations onto your child, Camille adds. Additionally, as Sullivan mentions in the TikTok, a good way of trying to help your child not get boxed into gender stereotypes involves exposing them to many different activities, toys, and entertainment, regardless of their gender. This includes having them try out various household chores, sports, colors, clothes, and more. Whether you decide to practice Sullivan's blank-slate approach or not, know that there's no right or wrong way to navigate these conversations. According to Camille, what's most important is allowing your child to express their interests and desires to you. "Foster a relationship in which your child can feel safe to share anything with you," they say. Related: Expert-Approved Strategies to Help Your Family Understand Gender-Neutral Pronouns Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

I may be in a happy, healthy relationship, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the concept of a divorce ring. Yes, I know they're the products of a bad breakup, and no, I don't ever want to get a divorce, but there is something chic about a divorce ring and the subtle "fuck you, ex" of it all. Take, for example, Emily Ratajkowski, who filed for divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022. On March 19, the 32-year-old model and podcast host debuted her gorgeous divorce rings on Instagram, crediting New York City jeweler Alison Lou, the same brand that created her engagement ring. Though you may hear the word "divorce ring" and assume it's a brand-new piece of jewelry, a divorce ring is actually a reconstruction of the original engagement or wedding ring, Barkev Meserlian, founder and CEO of Barkev's jewelry store, tells POPSUGAR. In Ratajkowski's case, her two new divorce rings were repurposed from her original two-stone engagement ring. "There has been a recent increase in clients seeking to reconstruct their wedding rings into what are now known as divorce rings," Meserlian says. "People are seeking ways to symbolically move on from their relationships while retaining the sentimental value of their original jewelry." In one example posted on TikTok, jewelry brand Fewer Finer shared how they reset the diamond from an old wedding ring into a new "evil eye looking signet style." They also engraved the word "badass" inside. Engagement ring designer Zache Emigh also shared his experience repurposing rings for divorcees on TikTok. "The idea of wearing diamonds from a previous marriage might make some people uncomfortable, but I think it's a beautiful way to repurpose something beautiful and symbolize a fresh start," he says in the video. According to Meserlian, repurposing an old wedding ring can be done many different ways. "Techniques can range from simple changes, such as resizing or reshaping, to more complex ones, such as melting down metal to create a new design," he says. "I'm not starting over, I'm starting from experience." Some people may choose to engrave messages and symbols into the divorce ring, while others may want to incorporate new gemstones. "Introducing new stones, especially those associated with healing properties (like amethyst or rose quartz), can signify the start of a healing journey," Meserlian says. Whatever you decide, repurposing your engagement or wedding ring is a good idea if you're not sure what to do with it, Meserlian says. He also notes it's an environmentally and financially conscious decision, since it repurposes existing materials. Meserlian adds, "It's a way of reclaiming one's identity and moving forward with a tangible symbol of resilience and self-love." That said, there are other options: Jennifer, 27, didn't make another ring, but she did reset the diamond into a pendant she wears on her necklace. "I decided instead of keeping it in a box, I'd wear it and remember that I'm not starting over, I'm starting from experience," she tells POPSUGAR. Jill, 32, on the other hand, bought an entirely new ring. "It was so empowering, and I don't regret it one bit. Get the ring and do it however it helps heal or empower you on the new path," she adds. Of course, there are many ways you can process a divorce. But converting your wedding ring into a divorce ring sounds like the most badass way to signal a fresh start. Meserlian says, "It transforms an item that may trigger painful memories into a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope for the future." Related: After My Divorce, I Came Down With "This Is My Husband" Syndrome Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.

Exhibitionism is one of the most common fetishes in the world, but it's also a type of kink that is wildly misunderstood. This is because many people hear exhibitionism and mistake it for exhibitionistic disorder, the illegal and grotesque act of exposing oneself to non-consenting individuals in public. However, the type of exhibitionism embraced by the kink community is always consensual. It's important to know the difference between consensual exhibitionism and exhibitionistic disorder because "conflating the two leads to a lot of shame and stigma," says sex therapist Nicolle Dirksen. But as long as exhibitionism is explored safely and consensually, it can be a great addition to your sex life. To help you feel more confident exploring exhibitionism, Dirksen shares additional tips explaining what an exhibitionist is and how to incorporate exhibitionism into your sex life. What Is Exhibitionism? Not to be confused with exhibitionistic disorder, which is not consensual, exhibitionism is what happens when a person has a desire to be consensually watched during sex or to be seen naked, Dirksen says. Those who enjoy exhibitionism may also refer to themselves as exhibitionists. Though every exhibitionist has their own preferences, you may be into exhibitionism if the thought of getting caught having sex excites you, the thought of group sex sounds hot because others would see you engaging in sex, and/or if you enjoy watching porn, listening to audio porn, or reading erotic short stories that involve others getting caught having sex, according to Dirksen. If you're interested in pursuing exhibitionism, you may enjoy being with a partner who is into voyeurism. "While exhibitionism means that a person is turned on by being watched during sexual activity, voyeurism is a kink in which a person has a desire to watch others engage in sexual activity," Dirksen adds. How to Explore Exhibitionism During Sex If you're curious about exhibitionism, rid yourself of any feelings of embarrassment or shame and know that it's completely normal. So long as exhibitionism is explored consensually, it can be a fun way to try something new with a long-term partner or discover a new side of yourself. "Start by talking with your partner(s) about your fantasy to make sure everyone involved has a chance to ask any questions and set boundaries," Dirksen recommends. You can start by explaining to your partner what interests you and why you think it's so hot. Then, as Dirksen suggests, talk about any fears or anxieties, and establish a good safe word so you'll be able to stop play if the scenario ever becomes overwhelming. Once you've communicated with your partner(s) and agreed on boundaries, you can start exploring. Dirksen recommends recording yourself masturbating and letting your partner(s) watch it. (If you don't feel comfortable recording yourself, mutual masturbation is a great option, too.) You could also have sex in front of a window, though it should be "one that is high up to avoid non-consenting onlookers," Dirksen adds. Another option is to encourage your partner to watch you undress before entering the shower or getting into bed. If you want to explore exhibitionism by yourself, you could check out nearby sex clubs or parties. There, you could let others watch you as you masturbate, undress, or walk around naked. Is Exhibitionism in Public OK? Exhibitionism is best explored in private. Although it may sound hot to engage in public sex, the legal implications of having public sex are serious: you could get arrested for public lewdness, indecent exposure, or even disorderly conduct. Plus, even if you and your partner consent to public sex, other public bystanders do not. Bottom line: while exhibitionism can be a great way to add something different to your sex life, it should always, always, always be done consensually and in private. Related: This Online Kink Test Will Change the Way You Think About Your Sexual Preferences Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.