Keeping it Together: Do you know about this dangerous party drug?
Happy weekend! This is Wellness Editor Leora Arnowitz, stepping in where Jenna Ryu left off. And this feels like a good time to tell you that we are going to be taking a few weeks off around the holidays.
We also plan to try out a new format for this newsletter, and are excited to show you what we have in store.
After today, we'll be back in your inboxes in the new year.
This week, reporter David Oliver tackled an important topic: GHB use.
"G" is popular enough among some on the party scene to be known by just its first initial. It has been favored in club settings, particularly at gay clubs. Users say they feel euphoric, sexy and confident. But it can also cause nausea, dizziness, blurred vision and elevated body temperatures. In Europe, it's gained attention for being linked to a number of rapes and deaths.
Experts say GHB deserves more of our attention and caution, and those who are taking it should be armed with information about its dangers, especially as it gains popularity. Remember, too, that addiction is possible, and drug use can be deadly.
Click here to read the entire story.
Let's talk about PDA
You've seen Kourtney Kardashian and husband Travis Barker pack on the public displays of affection at every moment possible.
But is that kind of PDA something you're into? How about with your partner? It may not be for everyone – and that's OK, writes David Oliver. This week, David also spoke to experts about the dos and don'ts of PDA.
Experts recommend couples talk through their boundaries and honor each other's love languages when it comes to PDA.
"Some touch may come naturally to one person but not to the other," says Cecille Ahrens, licensed clinical social worker. "Consent and understanding are key."
Couples can bring up the PDA conversation anytime. But definitely do so before crossing someone's boundaries. Especially if one partner wants more intense PDA than a hand squeeze or a peck on the cheek.
To read more about it, click here.
Families, weddings and drama
In this week's advice column, a reader asked: "I just got engaged. It’s been exciting, but also a bit nerve wracking as I have an estranged relationship with my biological dad. We have barely talked in two years and before distancing myself, I faced emotional abuse from him and his wife my whole life. However, we recently started to talk again and went out to lunch. It went better than I expected but he still centered a lot of things around my stepmom rather than our relationship. His wife has threatened me, called me a disappointment, sold my personal items, was mean to my grandmother while she was on her death bed and so much more. I don’t want a relationship with her ... There are a few problems if I invite them, the No. 1 being that I don’t really want my stepmom to attend. How do I set these boundaries?"
To read our columnist Morgan Absher's response, click here.
Today's reads
- Getting into the holiday spirit? Try this royal icing recipe for the picture-perfect sugar cookie.
- Being single during the holidays has its perks. 5 things to keep in mind.
Today's pet
Meet Tiki! Owner Lonnie sent in this great photo of Tiki getting into the holiday spirit and posing with a Christmas-themed book.
Lonnie writes, "Tiki says, 'Mommy has a new Christmas cat book under her pseudonym. So why wasn’t I the model? I would look fabulous in red!'
Enjoy the holidays, Lonnie and Tiki! And we're wishing everyone a peaceful and relaxing holiday season. We will be back in your inboxes in 2023. Stay safe and warm!
Leora Arnowitz