-
No one treasured his independence more than the late, great photographer Bill Cunningham. Live by his immortal words. “Once people own you,” he said, “they can tell you what to do. So don’t let ’em.”
See also: “Bill Cunningham on Bill Cunningham”
-
This is a timeless tip from Michelle Obama: Let your clothes do some of the talking. The first lady did just that at the Democratic National Convention in July, when she sent a message of inclusion via a simple blue dress.
-
We asked relationship experts what you should discuss before getting hitched. Here are 13 questions they came up with (including, “Will you change diapers?”).
Naturally, readers had more suggestions.
-
He’s the “ultimate wing man.” “It expands me as a human being.” “Friendships with straight men can be very healing.” “There’s a sense of a reprieve.”
These are just a few of the testimonials from men whose best friends have different romantic preferences. Gay men and straight men, unite!
(And while you’re at it, cozy up to the nearest Canadian too. Between Drake, Ryan Gosling and Samantha Bee, “the notion that our neighbor to the north is a frozen cultural wasteland populated with hopelessly unstylish citizens is quickly becoming so outdated as to be almost offensive.”)
-
Meet Marie Kondo on steroids: the self-help guru James Altucher, who found happiness, in part, by whittling down his worldly possessions to 15 items, which he totes around in a carry-on. “If I were to die, my kids get this bag,” he said.
-
It will make your gatherings more fun — for everyone. “They don’t realize they’re the bores, and they’re happy,” advised Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and her long-time party planner. “It’s my biggest tip.”
-
Reap the benefits — and tackle the challenges — of monotasking. By doing less, you’ll get more done (and this is scientifically proven).
-
This is one of Vanessa Friedman’s three tenets of dressing like an adult. (The other two: “Do not distract” and “Think of your clothes as costume.”) Understand why here.
-
Here’s how. Anyone who has navigated this social minefield knows how difficult it can be. Among the tips for the tongue-tied: Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know what to say, and share a positive memory.
-
11. Spoon more.
“When I experience consensual touch, I am more in my body, I’m more comfortable,” the professional cuddler (yes, really) Brianna Quijada says. “It’s like a feeling of being understood. It raises your oxytocin; it calms the fight-or-flight response.”
-
12. But mostly, stick with No. 1.