Rachel Shatto

Sometimes, relationships can end seemingly out of nowhere. One day, you're happily coupled up; the next day, you're single and maybe even sad. But usually, there is some kind of quiet build-up behind the scenes and below the surface, where one or bot…

I don't know if you've heard, but the internet has learned that John Krasinski is smoking hot. I know what you're thinking. "Duh, I've been knowing about JK's hotness since season one of The Office." That's the right answer, but even if the rest of t…

When you're on the lookout for a new hookup buddy, no doubt you have some essential criteria. They have to be attractive, available, and know the rules. (Aka, don’t be catching any feelings.) But there's one more thing you should add to your list of …

Maybe I'm corny, but my favorite relationship milestone is probably the first "I love you." It's just so sweet and exciting, because by the time you finally say it, you've probably been feeling it for a while but have been holding back, waiting for o…

What's been your worst breakup? I've had some real heartbreakers over the years, but for me the most painful breakup stories by far are ones I've had with friends. I had two close friends — one who had been my bestie for nearly 20 years. They were fr…

When we think about the honeymoon phase, we automatically think about all the sex —which, of course, is part of it, but that’s not the only thing that makes it special. There's also the excitement you feel whenever you talk or see each other. It's th…

OK so, confession time. I am a serial ghoster. I know, I know, I'm not proud of it. I know ghosting is not a cute look, but here we are. I'm working on it though, because having been on the receiving end a time or two, I know what a bummer it can be …

I have a horrible ex. We dated on and off for a couple of years, during which time they slowly but surely hacked away at my self esteem. So much so, that when I finally called things off for good I felt like a shell of my former self. Looking back, t…

Most people probably first fell for Zac Efron during his High School Musical days, but I can't claim to be a stan from way back then. For me, the celebrity crush started with Neighbors once he had fully evolved into the super stunner he is today. (Al…

Have you seen A Quiet Place, yet? If not, you should. It's an incredible movie that's both emotionally devastating and absolutely terrifying. I've never found silence as tense as I did while shoving anxious fistfuls of popcorn in my mouth throughout …

Ever wondered what the the six most fraught words are in every serious relationship? Well, here you go: "My parents want to meet you." Just typing those words sent a little chill down my spine, not because I've had particularly bad experiences (not t…

My first trip to Planned Parenthood was in high school. All my friends were getting on the pill. I didn't have any real sexual prospects, but everyone else was doing it, so in a rare case of positive peer pressure, I marched myself down to the clinic…

I was never very good at first dates. I tended to treat them like they were job interviews, but with more alcohol. I was so focused on making a good impression, on generally doing as little to embarrass myself as possible (failed on that pretty regul…

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You're hooking up with a guy (could be your SO or a rando) and he tries to sell you on the idea of not using a condom. You stand your ground, declaring, "no glove, no love,” only to have them pout about condoms not "f…

I've got some bad news. Almost every single relationship you will ever have is going to end. Sorry, but I did warn you it was bad news. Here's the good news: The one that doesn't end is worth all the trial, error, and heartbreak along the way. Each b…

Are you as obsessed with all things Cardi B and Offset as I am? Silly question — who isn't? These two are quickly becoming hip-hop couple royalty, and the fact that they've been through public breakups, makeups, and even cheating scandals and sex tap…

If there is one thing we've all heard about being committed to someone, it’s that relationships are "hard work." It’s a phrase you will inevitably hear any time the topic of relationships comes up, but honestly, every relationship is so different, t…

When you're in a relationship with someone, it's rarely just with them. To some degree, you’re also connecting your life with their family and circle of friends. That can be a really incredible experience where you gain new friends and maybe even fam…

Oh, the honeymoon phase. We all love that time early on in every relationship where each moment feels magical and every love song feels like it finally makes sense. You and your new boo go into a kind of love hibernation during the honeymoon phase, w…

First dates give me instant anxiety. What are we going to do? Where are we going to go? What if we have nothing to talk about? It's just a mess. But what if I told you a first date could actually be fun and — gasp! — chill? Crazy, right? One way to m…