Blog Posts by Cosmopolitan.com

Considering all the solid evidence about how smoking seriously messes up your health, it's hard to believe that some people still light up. But they do - except these days, they smoke with one caveat. Instead of chain-smoking or indulging a pack-a-day habit, increasing numbers of young smokers say they only puff on a part-time basis, say fewer than six cigarettes daily.

So why do they do it at all? Some of these part-timers are attracted to the taboo aspect of the habit, so they only puff while out socially to appear more badass. We got guys to tell us why they love badass chicks, trust us, smoking was not on the list. Others say that cigarettes help them relieve stress, so limit their smoking to when work gets hectic or when they're dealing with relationship issues. So look into these healthy ways to de-stress.

Thing is, when it comes to the damage cigarettes can do, less isn't any better. Experts say that smoking any amount of cigarettes - even a few on Saturday nights -

Need some inspiration for how to keep romance alive?
These women got creative with these cute things they did for their boyfriends. Take note and try one (or all!) of these brilliant strategies for bonding with your boyfriend or husband.

1. Dream Up a Hot Vacation

Get out of your cold-weather rut by fantasizing about a sexy European getaway with your guy. We found his vacation wishlist. While the two of you are sipping coffee and sharing the Sunday paper, take a detour to the travel section. Grab your guy's attention by reading an irresistible description of some totally romantic locale (charming old cities, a lush green countryside, gorgeous sunsets, and delicious local dishes should capture his attention pretty quickly). Then start concocting your own ultimate escape together.

2. Plan Two Hot Dates with Him

Instead of orchestrating a perfect evening you'll both love, make a deal that you'll do whatever he wants one night as long as he does the same for you the

Even if you're single (And if you've forgotten how awesome that is, here's a little reminder.) February 14th is a good day to be a chick. That's because you can get away with these decadent, pampering, self-indulgent little moves.

1. Browse Bargain Stores

A recent study found that women between the age of 20 and 40 get enjoyment out of shopping for a dress, shoes, or a bag on sale. Snagging a deal gives chicks such a thrill, in fact, that it can raise their heart rate by 39%. Hit up stores with marked down designer goods like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and Filene's Basement, and give yourself a budget of $30-$40. The challenge of finding cute cheapo items is extra satisfying and it'll get your pulse racing, literally. Not sure what to buy? We found 10 gifts you'll totally love- and deserve.

2. Have a Sunday Fun-Day

Valentine's Day falls on a weekend this year, which means that you can actually spend the holiday having fun, rather than sitting at work doing the

Valentine's Day is a loaded holiday when it comes to picking out the right gift for your man. What you buy reflects how you see him and the relationship, so you want to get something thoughtful, creative, and appropriate for the amount of time you've been together. We know guys are notoriously tough to shop for, so our guide is full of great outside-the-box ideas for every stage of coupledom. And while you are shopping, don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself.

Less Than 3 Months

If you've just started dating, keep your gift casual. At this point, anything expensive or too personal will send a scary I-like-you-a-little-too-much message. Plan to spend around $20-$25 on something simple but sweet, like a DVD of a movie he really liked - such as The Hangover) - or a book by one of his favorite authors (A Michael Crichton novel was just published).

3-6 Months

This is a tricky in-between phase: You're an official couple, but are still getting to know

We knew the U.S. Senator back when he was "just" a nude centerfold. Now that he's headed to Washington we're calling in some favors.

The Republican politician shocked the nation yesterday by winning a special election for the U.S. Senate seat of the late uber-liberal Ted Kennedy. We're not sure if he actually used the campaign slogans we wrote, but his Cosmo centerfold has made the media rounds- from major newspapers to The Daily Show.

Sen. Brown, or as we like to call him, Scott Six-Pack, won "Cosmo's 1st Male Centerfold Contest" and appeared nude in the June 1982 issue. In those days he was a 22-year-old law student at Boston College and even admitted to being "a bit of a patriot." Click here for a bigger pic of Scott's photo spread in Cosmo.

Since we, um, thrust him into the spotlight back in the 1980s, we think it's only fair that the former bachelor does a few favors for us during his term. Of course, he's not the only bachelor that found fame.

His to-

It's January, which means that everyone and their mother is thinking of ways to get a jump on the year ahead. Hitting the gym, getting organized, tossing all the clothes you never wear...they're all great goals (if a little, yawn, boring). But why not think bigger? Scientists across the country recently uncovered some truly incredible secrets about what causes our happiness and success levels to skyrocket.

1. Be Bad More Often

We'll gladly take any advice that gives us the green light to naughty it up in the boudoir or let our bitchy side out of its cage. Luckily, researchers have discovered how good for you being bad is. "Breaking the rules is empowering," says John Portmann, PhD, author of Bad for Us. "It shows you that you have freedom to do what you want and are in charge of your life." Take a cue from Megan Fox, Lily Allen, Kate Moss or one of the other girls we have a major girl crush on.

Remember how thrilling it felt in high school to sneak out or throw a

Suggest one of these dates and we promise he won't say, "Nah, I'd rather just take a long walk on the beach and talk about my feelings."

1) The Date: Rent a Vespa and Go for a Ride

Why He'll Love It: Your guy will feel like a badass on two wheels and you'll have the perfect excuse to wrap your arms around him.

What to Wear: Channel Kristen Stewart and wear a leather jacket, skinny jeans, biker boots, and a helmet.

The Bad Girl Move to Make: After your joyride, head back to your place and take off everything...except the motorcycle boots.

2) The Date: Take Him to a Classic Rock Concert

Why He'll Love It: He's been dying to see Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, or Cheap Trick since he was a kid - and you'll be the girl who made his dream happen. If his favorite band isn't touring in your city, find a local paper and pick out an up-and-coming band you both want to check out.

What to Wear: Put on a

Firing off too many messages can kill a budding relationship. We tell you when to step away from the cell. Before you hit send, find out the 10 most annoying texting habits.

1) When you're drunk.

Since phones don't come with Breathalyzers, it's up to you to stop yourself from sending a tipsy message - especially one that suggests you two meet up ASAP. "Being too available lets a guy know he has all the leverage," Krieger says. You might come off looking kind of crazy or out of control.

2) When you're angry.

It's annoying when a guy flakes, but sending a "Why haven't you called me?!" inquiry makes you look massively insecure. Avoid angry texts once you're in a relationship too. "When it's in writing, you can't easily take it back," Kirschner says. It's even smart to ban bitchy humor, which can sound meaner than it is. Warning: If he's trying to make you look like the bad guy, he might just want out of the relationship.

3) When you've already