This has been the constant conversation topic in many of my talks with girlfriends, guy friends, family members and more. Not saying this particularly relevant to my life *uhem*, but its a topic to consider.

Also, if our readers have some tips or experiences to share, please do, we’d love to hear!

Here are some tips and helpful insights on how to main your independence while being in a relationship:

It’s wonderful to lose yourself in your loved one but how healthy is it for your long-term plans to stay exclusive? Discover how to balance independence with involvement and make your relationship stronger

Why independence is a good thing

Be independent and you’ll live a richer life. Why? Because you’ll not always be thinking about your every move to make sure he’s there to hold your hand. And by not always mentally editing your actions, thoughts and feelings to make sure he approves, you’ll have more inner confidence too.

You’ll also have a better relationship because no one wants a clingy, dependent mate. They want a partner with their own ideas, their own passions, their own life; someone who stays because they care, not because they’re scared of being alone. The bottom line is that while too much is a bad sign, some interdependence is vital in love.

How to stay independent: Remember who you were

Don’t drop the friends, hobbies or lifestyle you had at the start of the relationship in order to fit in with your man. If he doesn’t share these, there’s no need to abandon them; if they fulfill you, keep them in your life.

Be more self-reliant
Don’t ask your man to do things you’re unsure about, whether it be changing a plug, calling room service or challenging a stroppy waiter. Bite the bullet, and even if you fall flat the first time, it will reinforce your idea of yourself, and his idea of you, as an effective and independent woman.

Project yourself as independent
When with others, make an effort to say ‘I’ instead of ‘we’. Offer your own point of view rather than letting him speak for both of you. Fix work and social arrangements without always checking back with him first.

Keep developing
Do things you find emotionally or physically challenging. Why not try bungee jumping, public speaking or even a fire walk? Building your confidence this way will reinforce the idea that you can cope even in a crisis, and that you don’t need your partner to rescue you on a daily basis.

Take breaks
It’s great to be together but 24/7 bonding creates dependence. At least twice a year, take a weekend away, either with friends or on your own, to gain a fresh view that you can share when you reunite.

More after the jump

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I’ve been hearing more and more, of women and mostly men saying marriage is a “thing of the past” and an old tradition that will soon fade out. Is it true? I mean, statistics show one out of three marriages end up in divorce. And if you think about it, how many people do you know have been married and are happy for more then 5 years? Sure, some of our parents are still married, but we are a different generation. With the internet and social media, it seems that it’s harder to keep a relationship, let alone a marriage. Negative depictions of marriage and family are common not only on tv but also wherever the left is concentrated, whether in our schools and colleges or in the movies. Whether it’s a comedian saying “marriage is like a prison sentence” or “say bye bye to sex after marriage”, it really makes me wonder. What’s to look forward to? What is the need of being married? Is it the certificate? Is it the final commitment to someone? Why can’t someone be committed WITHOUT the certificate and “title”. All these things make me wonder. In 15-20 years from now, will marriage be a thing of the past?

“Even though divorce rates have risen, marriage rates haven’t declined. It seems to be ingrained in our culture that a marriage with kids is a necessary part of adult life, and that one can not be complete without it. This may have been true in the mid-20th century, but not anymore. With the life expectancy rising, are people really meant to stay with one person for 50 to 60 years? Marriage was most successful when the age expectancy was half of what it is now, and even then, adultery was common. So what are the implications of this? Because women now have more control over their lives and the relationship, does that mean couples are less likely to try to overcome bad spells just because the option of leaving is there? And because the option is there, are couples less likely to enter a marriage seriously?

Typically, people are less likely to take things seriously when they know they can get out of it if they so wish to. People don’t have to be decisive when having the option of changing their minds. This theory applies to marriage as well as everyday life. Because divorce has become such an accepted practice, “till death do us part,” has become more to mean “till I get tired of trying.” (via)

And if so, will relationships last longer? And why is it that when someone weds, their relationship “feels like prison”. What is it?

I would LOVE to hear your opinions on marriage, and if any of our readers are married, do tell your story!!!!

Today’s post is going to be a bit different from my previous posts. I’m going to try to be short and brief and talk about a serious topic that has captured my attention for a while now. Domestic violence is one of the worst things any person can go through. According to the American Psychological Association Force on Violence and Family, more than 4 million women in America suffer from domestic violence.

I remember growing up and hearing my neighbor getting hit by her husband almost every night. Her screams would give me the chills and made me feel as if I was in the same room getting hit as well. It was that bad. The next morning I would see her watering her garden and kiss her husband good-bye as if nothing happened the night before. I always asked myself why she stayed with him. Wasn’t there a way out for her to escape? I was too young to understand and see the real picture.

Now that I’m older, I can see why she never left and took every hit. Her mind was manipulated by this so called husband. She believed that it was okay to get hit because it was her ‘fault’. At least that’s what he made her think. The sad part is, she is not the only woman who has gone through this. I’ve met many women who have shared similar stories with me. One thing they all have in common is guilt. How can a woman feel guilty after getting hit by a coward? No way. Their partner makes them believe they were the reason they were mistreated. I strongly believe that every woman should be treated with respect and should feel loved in a relationship. I know that we women can be harsh at times and not be the nicest girlfriend/wife, but there is never a reason for a man to put his filthy hands on a woman. Us women should always stand strong and know that we deserve the best. I don’t want to make this post any longer but if any of you is going through this, remember there is always a way out. If any of you have survived from domestic violence, please feel free to share your story. I’m sure it will be a great help for our readers. And if any of you is going through this and needs immediate help, please contact www.thehotline.org ASAP.

I’ve included a few links to help every woman recognize an abusive man after the jump! Please take the time to study every single one of them. This is really important and it can happen to anyone. I hope this post was helpful.

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I first became aware of Karli Henriquez’s infectious laugh after seeing her MTV3 reality show ‘Karlifornia’ a few years ago. The station was the only MTV that my cable plan included but I became so hooked on her story that I tuned in every week to see LMFAO perform on her birthday or what crazy things her family would say. The thing that really struck me about Karli was how real she seemed to be. After getting the chance to see her responses, that seemed turned into is. This girl is REAL. It’s refreshing to see such a positive role model who is so young. Currently a radio personality on 102.7 KIISFM in Los Angles (yes, the same station Ryan Seacrest is on!), Ms. Henriquez gets to interview all the big music stars (Kanye West! I’m jealous) but The Lipstick Diaries switched it up and got an exclusive interview just for you! Read the full interview after the jump and ENJOY!!

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I like to think that we all have that one friend who has the sickest sense of humor..you know, the one who laughs at someone or something you shouldn’t really laugh at. And what makes it even sicker is that after thinking twice about it you can die laughing along with their fowl mind too. Now with that being said I had my own sick moment cracking up to this countryfied news report remixed that a friend of mine had showed me. So hide yo kids and hide yo wife, cuz this is truly some ghetto ass shit and for even more wtf’s??! there’s an original one to this too. LULZ! It’ll all make sense after you watch. Enjoy!

Click here to watch the original news report

Sophia Bush is pissed! And honestly, I am too! The One Tree Hill star posted a well worded letter to Urban Outfitters about one of their graphic tees that says “Eat Less”. Although Sophia is a tiny girl, its nice to see her upset about a world wide company promoting unhealthy eating habits. I’d fully rock a shirt that says “Eat More”. I love food!  A bacon hamburger wouldn’t hurt the model. Sophia went on to say that she will no longer shop at their stores.

To promote starvation? To promote anorexia, which leads to heart disease, bone density loss, and a slew of other health problems, not least of all psychological issues that NEVER go away? Shame on you. I will no longer be shopping at your stores. And I will encourage the tens of thousands of female supporters I have to do the same. I have fought to boycott BP. I never imagined I would also be boycotting affordable fashion.

Amen sista! Read the rest of her letter here.

What do you think? Should I make an ‘Eat More” shirt? I know Dolce Chica will wear it!

I don’t know what it is about Terry Richardson’s simple photography, but he sure does have a way of shooting every beautiful celebrity! Check out his blog for more.

For whatever reason workouts restricted to the gym are hella boring and very unlikely for to me participate in. I applaud any woman who dedicates time to staying fit in those machine run places but dancing and stretching in cute outfits??! Now that’s more like something I could do. I’m by no means a dancehall queen but I sure as hell pretend to be in my bedroom. This shit is way more impressive and fun to get into. I’ve also been obsessed with baile funk for quite sometime and Tequileiras do Funk did nothing but feed into my obsession with “Surra de Bunda”. I’m hoping this obsession is contagious and a few of you ladies give it a try. If not for yourself then at least for you man!

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Its hard not to see all the Lohan drama that has been happening for the past, how many years? I have my opinion about this but I’m more interested in you the reader’s opinion. Leave your comments on if you really think this is what’s best for Lindsay or if you think only rehab would be better.

I guess the only thing we all can do now is send our well wishes to her that she gets the help she needs no matter what your opinion is of her. Good luck Lindsay!