I knew that there were some risks associated with birth control pills. But I was healthy and active and have never smoked, so I didn’t think I was in danger. Plus, I’d been on the pill for years, so I assumed any problems would have likely surfaced by then. I took the last birth control pill of my life on May 21st 2012. It began as a typical Saturday morning: I went to Tara Stiles’ STRONG class at Strala Yoga, then met a friend for veggie dosas at Hampton Chutney, and we went window shopping around SoHo....

Whether it’s the middle of a busy work season, motivation is low, or you’re just beginning to build a consistent workout routine, deciding what type of exercise is best for you and how often to do it can be challenging. Because everyone’s goals, age, and other factors will vary, the “right” workout plan will differ. Here are a few general strategies, broken down by goal: Before embarking on a weight loss plan, chat with a physician and/or nutritionist to find out what is safe and what will work best for you....

Big, big caveat: Applying concealer takes some strategy. You can’t wildly swipe on globs of product and expect it to magically erase your dark circles, fine lines, and breakouts. Concealer can be transformative, yes, but it also has the ability to backfire—without the right plan of action, it can bring even more attention to exactly what you’re trying to disguise. “I like to make sure that the skin under the eyes is well moisturized so that it’s nice and plump,” says makeup artist Jenny Patinkin....

South Carolina–based psychotherapist Markesha Miller, Ph.D., also points to cognitive dissonance, our brain’s ability to hold two opposing thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes simultaneously. For instance, believing pollution and natural land degradation are bad yet still driving an SUV or purchasing products made with palm oil. “If people pretend that the problem does not exist, then they don’t have to face the uncomfortable emotions or actions that may come with acknowledging it....

So what are the qualities that inspire this delicious feeling of desire between two people? I had the pleasure of listening to the lovely Esther Perel speak, and she had some phenomenal tips on the subject. The reason playful energy makes us feel desire is really simple — it’s fun! We all want to laugh and enjoy ourselves. When we experience playfulness with another person, we want more. Voilà! Desire is created....

Chances are you have met men with interpersonal difficulties who needed to become attached to women who adore them. This adoration is commonly described as a narcissistic supply that the mother gives the child during his early years. If she doesn’t provide this, the danger of raising a narcissist arises. During these years, it is required by the mother to help her son experience moments of inner separation when he realistically endures that she is not one with him....

Why? It all has to do with that hormone called cortisol. You may know it as one of our “stress hormones.” While cortisol has crucial roles in the body, too much can wreak havoc on your health—and the wrong workout could push you into unhealthy cortisol territory. But now, our “tigers” are things like demanding bosses, a leaky roof, stop-and-go traffic, or even our children. They can also be memories of traumatic experiences or situations like divorce....