If someone you know commits suicide, you may be more likely to contemplate it yourself. | Source: ShutterStock

Suicide is a really scary thing–and now it’s about to get even scarier, because teen suicide may be almost contagious. Seriously.

Studies show that teens who experience the suicide of a friend or classmate at school are a lot more likely to attempt suicide themselves–or to at least consider it. This is horrifying and really, really sad.

When someone close to you commits suicide and it makes you contemplate suicide yourself, experts call it a “suicide contagion.” Apparently it’s strongest among younger teens, but the contagion can last two to three years after the incident occurs.

Here’s what’s bad, too: Whether or not you know the person at school who committed suicide personally, it can still really affect you. By the numbers, in terms of teens who have contemplated or attempted their own suicides: 12 to 13-year-olds were five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts after exposure to a school friend’s suicide (15 percent) than those who had had no exposure to suicide (three percent); 7.5 percent attempted suicide after a friend’s suicide compared with 1.7 percent who had no exposure to suicide before.

Those are some pretty scary statistics. If you’ve ever contemplated suicide–or if you know someone who has–it does get better if you get help. If you think someone you know is contemplating suicide, or if you are, you can find resources here or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 to help yourself or someone you love. Prevent suicide and the suicide contagion. Don’t wait.

Have you ever contemplated suicide? Have you ever known someone who committed or attempted suicide? Did it make you think more about suicide? Tell us in the comments!

Depression may be contagious too. Bummer!

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While there are some really sucky things about being a tall girl, there are also some great things. I mean, every feature has its benefits and letdowns, right? And so I’ve come to be easier on myself in terms of tall acceptance.

Here are 10 reasons why being tall is pretty awesome, in GIFs!

You can reach stuff.

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You don’t have to hem your pants, maxi dresses or long skirts.

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You can wear flats instead of heels like all.the.time!

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You can always claim the front seat because you need the leg room.

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At concerts you’re just like

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If someone sits in front of you at the movies, it’s not a big deal.

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You don’t have to fight for the mirror with your friends when you get ready because you can stand behind them.

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Overhead compartments on airplanes are a cinch!

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People perceive you as more powerful when you’re tall.

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And all your friends want to be your height so enjoy it!

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Here’s how you can boost your self-esteem

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Confidence and loving yourself in your own skin helps you let go, relax and enjoy yourself in bed, but you can’t do that if you’re too focused on covering your “imperfections”–and chances are those very imperfections are things guys either love about you or don’t even notice! And here’s what’s weird–about a third of us admit our bodies are actually pretty slammin’, but we just have too low self esteem to flaunt it comfortably.

Here’s why you need to learn to love yourself and love being naked. Because, well, if you’re not, you’re probably having bad sex. It’s hard to have good sex when you’re too busy focusing on whatever angle hides the cellulite that everyone has but only you can see!

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Because Pants Suck

Seriously, admit it: When you're home alone, unless you have lots of windows, you probably walk around naked and love the way it feels. Guess what? It still feels good even if someone else is around. You just have to move past your self esteem and focus on the breeze.

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Because Taking Off Your Bra Feels Amazing

Look, I get it. Bras make your boobs look good. But you know what makes your boobs look good to dudes? The fact that they exist. They're just happy to see them, even if they aren't quite as full or perky as your undergarments may make them seem. Plus, how uncomfortable does this girl look? Free the girls!

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Because He Really Loves You Naked

Whether or not you like yourself naked, guess what? If a guy is in bed with you, he likes you naked. In fact, he probably loves you naked. Don't make him question his undeniably wonderful taste!

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Because He's Probably Self-Conscious Too

You already know how much he loves to see you naked. (If you don't, scroll back one image and get a refresher, hot stuff.) But if you're too critical of yourself, he's going to think you're critical of him too--and that won't be a good situation for either of you. You both look great, now own it and enjoy it!

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Because You'll Communicate Better

If you're not happy being naked in front of your guy in bed, chances are you're not going to be happy telling him what you want and need to make it a good experience, either. That can lead to resentment if only one of you is getting what they need in bed. Remember: Good communication + confidence = better sex. Remind yourself of how hot you are (and you are, trust us), then go get what you want!

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Because You'll Be More Comfortable

It's cool to be a contortionist if that's your thing, especially in bed. But if you're twisting yourself into a pretzel to look thinner instead of to do something that feels good, you're not going to be happy or satisfied. See how cramped and pensive this girl looks? You should look a lot happier and more blissful than that in bed.

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Because When All Else Fails, There Are Blankets And Light Switches

Sex is more about feeling than seeing, so if you're nervous about seeing yourself naked, don't let it kill your bedroom mojo. Confidence and self-esteem won't come magically overnight, which is why we're glad sheets and electricity. If you're self-conscious naked, you can always hit the lights and cozy up under some sheets until you're ready to flaunt your ultimately flawless bod. (How do we know it's flawless? Because it's yours.)

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Have your body image issues led to bad sex? Do you think you’d have better sex if you didn’t have low self esteem? How do you boost your confidence before sex? Tell us in the comments!

When do we feel the sexiest?!

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NBA star Jason Collins came out as gay in this issue of Sports Illustrated. | Source: SI.com

NBA player Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards made waves when he announced his coming out on the cover of Sports Illustrated. And it’s awesome that he was so brave and proud of being gay in an industry where, until now, there have been literally no openly gay role models.

Jason Collins didn’t set out to be the poster boy for gay athletes, and he admits that. “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation,” he told Sports Illustrated. “I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

That’s pretty commendable and awesome, right?

But, not gonna lie, it sort of bums me out that this is such a big deal. It’s 2013!

By this point, most of us–especially our generation–know that, hey, a lot of people are gay. And a lot of people play sports. It was sort of inevitable that, at some point, those would have some sort of overlap. And most of us are well aware that, hey, gay people are a lot like us. The biggest difference between someone gay and someone not gay is who they’re having sex with, and let’s be real: That’s not our business either way.

Jason addresses this, too, in his essay, which actually reads more like a cover letter than a coming out letter. (He’s a free agent, so I don’t think it’s necessarily a coincidence. But being a free agent–meaning his contract is up this year–may also have made him feel safer coming out so he wouldn’t be putting his teammates in a weird situation if they weren’t cool with it.) ”I go against the gay stereotype, which is why I think a lot of players will be shocked: ‘That guy is gay?’ But I’ve always been an aggressive player, even in high school,” he wrote. “Who knows? That’s something for a psychologist to unravel. My motivations, like my contributions, don’t show up in box scores, and frankly I don’t care about stats. Winning is what counts. I want to be evaluated as a team player.”

It’s awesome that Jason Collins coming out was received so well throughout the NBA and beyond, and hopefully it inspires more professional athletes to be comfortable enough in their sexuality as well as their own skin to come out of the closet. But I hope even more than eventually, this will be a complete non-story, because most of us don’t think it’s a big deal that someone is gay or bi or trans or into furries. Basically, I don’t care who’s boning who in basketball.

But I might just be bitter because I’m so short.

Do you think Jason Collins coming out to Sports Illustrated is a big deal? Do you think gay athletes should all come out publicly? Do you think the NBA would have hired Jason Collins if they knew he was gay before? Do you think Jason Collins coming out will help or hurt his career now that he’s an NBA free agent? Tell us in the comments!

Coming out makes gay people happier!

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The creator of My Knitted Boyfriend made Arthur when she couldn’t find a boyfriend for real! | Source: Vimeo

Want a boyfriend but can’t find a good guy? Instead of struggling to find a boyfriend, why not just make one?

I’m not talking about any sort of bizarre Manti T’eo nonsense. If you learn to knit, you can have a really awesome guy: A good listener, an awesome cuddler–and he won’t get fresh or hog the covers or argue with your best friend. Your dad would probably like him, too.

That’s what one gal did. Noortje de Keijzer felt like she needed a man in her life, so she sewed one together and named him Arthur. He’s got a pal named Steve for when she wants someone else around–and for a price, you can find a boyfriend for her to stitch together for you. Thing is, since they’re hand sewn and custom made, they’re one of a kind . . . and that’s expensive.

“I’m still busy developing this project and creating a book with all my drawings about My Knitted Boyfriend, that will hopefully will be for sale in autumn,” Noortje said. “This project is more about the story around My Knitted Boyfriend to me. I don’t have serious ambitions to stop making people feel lonely (this is something everyone needs to do for themselves). I just try to bring out a smile or offer a feeling of recognition in order to start a conversation.”

Would you want a boyfriend stand-in like My Knitted Boyfriend? Do you think My Knitted Boyfriend is a fun way to bide your time if you don’t want to or can’t find a boyfriend? Tell us in the comments!

Thinking of a nickname for your boyfriend? Use these guidelines!

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Some proms are early and some happen later in the spring, but either way you should start preparing for it now! There is a lot to think about besides who you’re going with. Prom takes tons of planning, and if you want the night to be just how you imagine it, you have to take matters into your own hands.

Prom night can be really stressful, so make sure give yourself enough time to plan for it. We don’t want you freaking out and getting a big zit the week of, right?!

Click through for your complete guide on prom prep!

But guess what? All you really need to talk your crush is a healthy dose of confidence. If you walk up to him/her thinking you’re awesome and worth talking to, chances are, they’re going to respond the way you want them to. And if they don’t? Just getting the confidence to approach someone who gives you butterflies is enough of an accomplishment. Need a confidence boost? We’ve got it – read these 10 quotes about getting confident and go talk to your crush!

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How do you build your confidence? Have you ever made the first move with a crush? Which of these quotes is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

10 quotes to celebrate Black History Month

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Many of you turned to the comments with some musical musings this week. Whether it was special memories tied to music, concerts you’d want to attend or lyrics with personal significance, it’s clear that music can be a part of our lives in many different ways. Here’s what some of you were saying in the comments this week:

From “Survey: All About Valentine’s Day”

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From “Survey Says: Your iPod”

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From “Things I Hate: Blabby DJs”

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From “Survey: All About Valentine’s Day”

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From Survey Says: 20 Questions About You

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From “’90s Music: 15 Sexy And Romantic Love Songs To Make-Out To”

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From “See Gurl Try Singing A Song In Public”

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From “Things I Hate: Blabby DJs”

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From “Survey: This Or That”

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From “Survey: This Or That”

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How important is music in your life? Do you have any special memories tied to music? What are some of your favorite songs? Tell us in the comments!

Flashback: 15 Old-School Girl Singers We Miss

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Just click on the Valentine you like below, hit print, cut along the dotted line, give to your be-crush-ed and wait for a Valentine’s Day smooch or restraining order…whichever comes first!

Are you going to send one of our V-Day cards to anyone? Are you making any big crush moves on V-Day? Let us know in the comments!

10 Valentine’s Day Gifts You Won’t Believe Exist!

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Imagine that same convenience in emergency contraception. Sound crazy? It’s not. Shippensburg University has a birth control vending machine at their health center. It dispenses condoms, pregnancy tests, decongestants and Plan B. Oh and Plan B is available for $25 instead of the $50 you’d spend at a pharmacy. The vending machine can be used by students and university employees, which is totally awesome.

But naturally, some people freaked out and called for the FDA to impose regulatory action. Turns out though, that the FDA said no because they don’t think action is necessary. Because it’s a good idea. And because all of the students are of legal age to purchase Plan B so it just makes it more convenient and less embarrassing than going to the drug store and having a pharmacist give you that judgmental look.

I’ve taken Plan B before, and pharmacists either give you a “Bless your heart” look or a “Oh you little tramp” look. It’s never good. It’s never a “I’m glad you’re being responsible after your other forms of contraceptive failed you.”

It’s my understanding that the concern is the vending machine makes emergency contraceptives too accessible, but what does that even mean? There’s not really regulation on Plan B in drug stores either. You could buy a Plan B every day if you wanted to. (Don’t do that though, it’s emergency contraception for a reason!)

Is it the fact that it’s in a vending machine that’s upsetting people? Are they upset about the condoms and pregnancy tests too? What about the cold medication?

This is literally shoving birth control reminders in students’ faces. If you’re at the health center being treated and you see a vending machine like that, it’s going to remind you to be safe. So props to the FDA for recognizing the positives here.

What do you think about this vending machine? Do you think it’s a good or bad idea? Do you think students will abuse the privilege? Tell me in the comments!

Science confirms that sex with condoms is awesome

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