Blog Posts by TresSugar

POPSUGAR Sex & CultureSource: 5 Thoughtful Tips For Being a Long-Distance BFF

Long-distance friendships may be easier to maintain than romantic relationships, but that doesn't mean they don't require effort. In fact, when you make your friendship a priority, living apart can bring you even closer because you have to be more purposeful about staying in touch. To be there without being there, follow these five thoughtful tips:

• Honor the major moments. It's easy to get wrapped up in your routine and forget about your friend's big promotion or that exciting trip she's planned, but you should make a point to remember those important moments. Keep it simple by marking it on your calendar the first time she mentions it, and when the date arrives, let her know you're thinking of her by sending flowers to her office, leaving a sweet voicemail, or even writing a simple text message - it really is the thought that counts.
• Connect with your favorite pastimes. Similar interests are what brought you

POPSUGAR Sex & CultureSource: 9 Books to Put the Spring Back in Your Dating Step

Spring is officially here, which means it's almost time to take out your flirty sundresses and sandals for the warmer season. In case you're feeling a bit rusty in the dating department, these nine books will help you regain some confidence and perhaps figure out your dating blind spots. Whether you are single and just want to have fun or looking to have a committed relationship, see what you should pick off the bookshelves to put the spring back in your dating step.

• Meeting Your Half-Orange: Half-orange, derived from the Spanish phrase mi media naranja, is your perfect other half. You just haven't met him yet, according to Meeting Your Half-Orange: An Utterly Upbeat Guide to Using Dating Optimism to Find Your Perfect Match. But in addition to being feel-good, the book promises to be results-oriented and pragmatic, with tips on how to change your thinking, perceptions of others, and body language.
• The Gaggle : Just

POPSUGAR Sex & CultureSource: 5 Simple Steps to Move Past Jealousy

Envy is inevitable, but how you deal with it can be the difference between healthy, positive relationships and petty fights. Although every situation is different, there are a few tactics you can try that may help you get rid of the green monster. Next time you're feeling jealous, follow these five steps to move past it.

• Acknowledge the source. First, you need to be honest with yourself. What exactly has upset you? If your usual tendency is to ignore the problem, then it may be difficult, but you'll need to narrow down the issue so that you're completely clear on what's triggered the envy. It's not enough to say that you're jealous because your friend spends too much time with her boyfriend - instead, realize that it doesn't matter how much time she spends with him; you just want to see her more often.
• Relate it back to your own life. By jealousy's definition, you can only be envious of something you don't have, so think

POPSUGAR Sex & CultureSource: 8 Dating Myths to Ignore

There are all kinds of cliché dating "rules" that get tossed around in conversation, but are they really worth following? Thanks to books, TV shows, and movies like He's Just Not That Into You, it's easy to get caught up in the supposed dos and don'ts of communication, emotions, and timing. But before you convince yourself that there's a template for every relationship, take a look at these common dating myths, debunked:

• Wait to respond. There's something to be said for playing hard to get every once in a while, but that doesn't mean you need to let hours pass before you text him back. Instead, communicate with the people you date in the same way you'd communicate with friends to avoid any unnecessary games.
• Never mention your ex. While exes don't need to come up in every conversation, it's OK to talk about past relationships as a way to get to know each other's dating history. Steer clear of awkward or uncomfortable specifics, but feel free

POPSUGAR Sex & CultureSource: March Must Reads

Welcome to March madness and the most anticipated new book releases of the month! For those who've waiting impatiently for Hillary Clinton's yet-to-be-written new memoir to hit bookshelves, there's a new page-turner that follows the former secretary of state from Beirut to the "heart of American power." If you have a weakness for baby sloths - à la Kristen Bell - then you'll melt over A Little Book of Sloth. And if you're a fan of Downton Abbey, then there's a novel you may find hauntingly delightful. Check out all these and the rest of our must reads for March!

• Contagious: Contagious: Why Things Catch On looks into what makes certain ideas or products stick, while others don't. So if you're wondering why that Taylor Swift goat video went viral, for example, then this book might have some answers.
• The Secretary: The Secretary: A Journey With Hillary Clinton From Beirut to the Heart of American Power is an inside account of Hillary Clinton's

Source: 5 Ways to Ease the Burn of a Breakup

No matter who ended the relationship, a breakup is never easy - and while nothing can erase the pain entirely, these simple steps may lessen the blow. When you're struggling to let go of an ex, it's tempting to turn to ultimatums like "I'll never talk to him again," but those black-and-white plans aren't always realistic. Rather than setting strict rules for yourself and beating yourself up if you break them, try these strategies to move on:

• Set some goals. If there's a passion that you put on the back burner during your relationship, now's the time to pick it back up again. Been missing book club lately? Wishing you had more time for exercise or a cooking class? Erase "date night" from your calendar and fill that time with your favorite hobbies instead.
• Do a digital cleanup. Relationships don't just exist in the real world anymore; now they live on the Internet, too. Luckily, the upcoming KillSwitch app ($1) is making it

Source: 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Dating Style

Now's the time to kick start your Spring cleaning, so why not spruce up your dating approach, too? From new hobbies to a fresh, self-loving attitude, a little bit of change can go a long way - both for your confidence and for your dating habits. Love is in the air this season, so boost your odds of meeting someone by following these five simple tips:

• Sign up for a class. You're not going to meet someone if you're sitting around all day, so take the initiative and join a class of some kind. Whether it's a fitness class or a cooking workshop, you're bound to meet new people - and the more people you know, the more likely it is that you'll find a connection, so boost your odds by getting out there.
• Stick to smaller groups. A giant crowd of females can be more than a little intimidating, so ease up on the estrogen and go out with just a few close pals instead. Smaller numbers mean less pressure, making it much easier for guys to

Source: 6 Cost-Conscious Ways For Singles to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is not just a holiday for couples - it's a holiday of love, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate your love for yourself or for your friends. Read on for some fun and frugal ways to celebrate V-Day!

• Make a Meal: Who says you need to cook for a guy? Treat yourself or some girlfriends to a nice juicy steak or a recipe you've been dying to try.
• Wine Tasting: Invite a couple of gal pals over for a wine tasting party at your place. Have each friend bring a bottle of wine so you'll have a variety of wine to test out.
• Read a Romance Novel: Cozy up with a good romance novel and read it while sipping a mug of hot chocolate. Browse through the romance section on Amazon for options if you're not familiar with the genre.
• Chocolate Strawberries: Spend some time after work making delectable chocolate strawberries with these tips from YumSugar.
• Facial Time: