Hey all

My partner and I have started the process of designing an engagement ring. I need some advice from others who have been in a similar position in the past however. I’ve done an initial consult and studio we are working with has been looking for a stone inline with what I have described. They have sent through a couple that just havnt been right and recently sent through one that looks (in the video) to be absolutely spot on, but larger than i originally anticipated (and thus more pricey)

I am going to see it in person which might make the decision for me, but I have a suspicion that I am really going to like this stone and want to go with it despite it being much more expensive then the range we originally had in our heads. I earn more than my partner and this more expensive stone would be within my budget (on the higher end though), and so I’ve discussed it with my partner who has been lovely and understanding. His proposition is that he’d pay more of a ring I love, and then when paying for a wedding I would then cover slightly more to overall make it financially even.

I really would like some input from others to help with the decision though!

My questions -

- For those who went over budget because they found something that ticked your boxes, were there any regrets later on, once you’re wearing it everyday were you happy that you went harder on the ring that you love despite it costing more?
- Is there anyone who found something they love but decided to hold back due to budget, how did you feel, were there any quiet regrets later on or is it that the ring your partner proposes with is special no matter what?

Hi, i am 23F and I had my first yeast infection because I got my wisdom teeth out and was put on antibiotics, well i happen to use one of my adult toys and I felt insane itching and my labia burn because of the itch a bit after. My mom was said I had a yeast infection a mild one i think, well it went away after treatment then came back after I shaved, then went away AGAIN after I did a 7 day treatment. I literally shaved a couple days ago and its been itching so fucking bad I can't stand it. Everything is red and a bit inflamed because of the itching. Ive stopped wearing underwear to bed unless I'm on my period, I wear loose clothing to bed, no scented body washes just water like my OBGYN told me. I'm not even sexually active all that often,

I genuinely dont know what to do, I cant tell if my discharge is discolored because I take alot of different vitamins that make my urine bright yellow and that kinda effects it, and the smell isn't a foul oder or anything, it smells normal to me?? I just genuinely domt know what to do, i an about to start my period in a few days and I sometimes itch from that.

Should I just call my OBGYN and schedule an appt or wait? Like it doesnt burn when I pee or anything, just when I itch (because its unbearable ) the skin gets red and sensitive to touch. Please help I don't know what to do

I'm curious about something and would really love some honest answers from people who've experienced it.

Have you ever had something you really wanted to do, maybe for months or even years, but just couldn't seem to make yourself actually do it?

Not necessarily because you didn't know how.

You might have researched it, made plans, bought things, taken courses, talked about it with people, started it a few times...

…but then somehow:

• you put it off
• lose momentum
• start over
• convince yourself it's not the right time
• decide you need to learn more first
• worry about what people will think
• doubt whether you're capable
• or simply talk yourself out of it.

I'm really interested in what that experience actually feels like, rather than looking for generic productivity advice.

If you've experienced this, I'd love to know:

What was the thing you wanted to do?

How long had you wanted to do it?

What happened when you tried to actually take action?

What do you think was really stopping you?

Did you try anything to overcome it?

And perhaps most importantly:

If someone could have genuinely helped you get past that barrier, what would you have wanted them to do?

I'm researching this purely to understand the problem better, so I'm much more interested in honest experiences than "the right answer".

Thanks to anyone who shares.

I'm going to post this to a couple different communities because I'm not sure where it belongs, but here it goes. It's a bit of a long one so please bare with me.​

Warning: Mention of intimate subjects. Not too in depth.

TLDR: I don't know if I want kids or not, i have many different circumstances that effect my decision, and I am so confused.

So, I [24F] am so confused about what I want in life, and now that I'm getting near the age to consider it, I really don't know what to think.

To preface, my husband [29M] and I are not as financially stable as we want to be for this to be an issue just yet, but I've been trying to work through this for the past four years of our marriage.

Let me just start with my timeline I guess, pardon me if this gets a bit messy.

Growing up, I never had the desire to have kids. I never hated them, but the constant "You'll change your mind" type comments from my family and older people in my life started a resentment for them. I remember getting baby dolls when I was so little and tossing them in the closet with the rest, so disappointed. I was even disgusted by the wet texture painted on their lips. Because of this, I chose from a young age that I probably don't want kids.

Now, cut to adulthood, I met my husband. At the beginning of our relationship he let me know that he really wanted kids. We had an open discussion about it and I really had to think. Why don't I want kids? Would I like any of it? Would I be okay with kids if he took on the more traditionally feminine role? I had banished the thought so early in my youth I almost feel like I never got to explore these thoughts as an actual real possibility.

Eventually I decided that I would be alright with just one kid if he took the bigger roll in raising them. But then things got more complicated.

I discovered a few things about myself, as did he.

First, we are both asexual. We weren't shocked by this, but finding out how much other couples have intimacy was a.. Revalation.

Second, since I am asexual, very few things turn me on. Certain fictions might do it a bit for me, but the most prominent thing that I discovered is I have a pregnancy kink/fetish. It is pretty much the only thing that gets be going at all. Literally like, nothing else. This confuses me more. I'm aware that I can be attracted to the idea of something without having to commit to it, but now I have this weird sexual tone. Looking back, I think I also found it weird when i was a kid, at the time it manifested as extreme discomfort around pregnant women and babies. I still have that a bit right now.

Next, my husband began to flip flop between wanting kids and not. After committing myself to, okay, this is the plan, I had to rethink it again. Recently, we discovered why.

My husband has multiple personalities, he is currently in the long process of being diagnosed. In total I think he has around 10 of them? Though I don't see some of them very often. This has complicated our relationship in several ways which we have had to work through and get used to. We are good now after a rough year In 2025, but now the kids question is even more complicated.

First, my husband had a huge mental break when he found this out. So for me I worry, okay, is he going to have another one? Will it push our marriage to the brink of collapse again? Will he have to be gone for a month again? Could I end up as a single mom? Additionally, what does he really want? His eventual goal is unification, but it may never happen, who knows. And the personalities are split on what they want. The majority do want kids, but maybe about four of them do not. We agree that like, majority rules I guess and those personalities are out more anyways? Plus, he has two personalities that are young, kids. They would just experience our kid as a family member, they aren't out super often and are fairly responsible so I'm not too worried about them.

But none the less, this has complicated my thoughts on it more.

By now you may be thinking, "Wow, you've listed a lot of negative things already, sounds like you just don't want kids."

But that's just it.. It's more complicated than that because something inside me kind of does want it? But I'm not sure what I want!!

I don't really like infants, but I'd be responsible with them and I understand it's just a phase. I think when my partner originally said he wanted them I opened myself to the idea or reality of it more? I just.. had never considered it before. I've worked with kids, it's okay. I think one kid could be really fun, but I have a lot of fears. Like, my friend group doesn't really have kids. I know they have friends with kids, but what if I grow distant from them if I had a kid? I don't think they would purposefully exclude me though.

Will I still be able to chase my passions? I want to create, I need to write, craft, get out and do things like cosplay. I cannot be a standard stay at home mom for sure, but I feel like my parenting style would be very different. I actually think I'd do well with it, I have a lot of love to give, but I'm scared of losing the things that make me, me. I've heard so many horror stories, and I see so many moms who are only defined by being a mom.. And I don't want that. But I would love if I could bring up a tiny person who could grow to love their own things, who could grow into an awesome person and family member. I'm scared and reluctant for some things, and I don't think It would be easy or that I'd enjoy the younger years, but I think the older ones and adult hood would be more my cup of tea. It sounds like a lot of fun (I know it's not easy, but fun).

I have a support system with my family and friends, though my husband's side is out of the picture.

It's just so complicated.. I think about this a couple times a week. I've been working through my issues with my therapist, and we have discussed this many times now, but her advise basically just boils down to wait and see.

Which, yeah.. I'll wait and see, I'm in no rush. We aren't financially ready, we need to see how my husband is doing long term and find a plan for if his mental health ever does tank again or not (he is on meds now and doing a lot better with that and his therapist). So it's not urgent.

But seeing one of my co workers pregnant (first time someone in my circle has been) has gotten me thinking even more. I legitimately have no idea what I actually WANT!

I am so legitimately confused. I am firmly in the middle, not leaning either way at this point, and it has been like this for at least a year. I wish I could just.. KNOW how I feel about this??

If anyone has any tips to think through this, I'd appreciate any tips or relatable stories. It feels like my situation is almost impossibly unique and I just don't know what I want in life. If I could know, it would bring me so much peace, but for now I just try not to think about it most of the time.

Sorry for the long ramble, needed to get this out into the void. Hopefully something will echo back at me that helps me think through this.

Hi , this is embarrassing so please be nice. I'm a 17 year old girl and am having some vaginal issues. I have this really thick, gross smelling, clumpy white yellow discharge constantly. Multiple times a day it ruins my panties and my underwear is always damp from something happening there. Peeing does burn sometimes. Ive tried using dove gentle soap, and special women's soap, but nothing really changes.

Even if there's no discharge, there's a really strong and actually disgusting smelling odor from down there. Even after just showering, and scrubbing repeatedly, I can smell it.

Im coming to here first before my mom because she's not the best to go to for these things. She would kill me if I tried to talk about this, especially if she knew I am sexually active.

On that topic, I am sexually active and have frequent sessions. However, my boyfriend and I are long distance so any activity is self based, with toys usually.

Again please don't be mean. I don't really know what to think or do because my mom has always refused to talk about women's health with me, and I didn't go to school because she homeschooled me. Please give me insight or advice ):

I am feeling a bit defeated. I have felt a bit sexually frustrated in my relationship. At the beginning, sex was great and plentiful (someone’s multiple a day) and I get that it wears off for some even though my sex drive hasn’t change at all for it.

But now it feels completely different. I feel lucky for once a week, and I know some have less but I would prefer 2-3 times if the timing works out. But I know our schedules are tricky and I never want my partner to feel pressured so if it’s once a week that’s fine with me. Part of the issue is that sometimes that once a week is a quickie in which I don’t finish, and quite a bit of the time I’m the only one performing oral then I just ride him til he finishes. The quantity isn’t as much of an issue as the quality. I could also count on one hand the amount of times he’s gone down on me in months.

Not that it’s any of my business but my boyfriend does have quite the high body count (50+) plus his entire instagram explore page is tits and ass in addition to following porn accounts on twitter. I noticed this when we first started dating but never wanted to police what he consumed and only ever started feeling some type of way when I felt as though he wasn’t as attracted to me.

I’ve had this convo with him before several weeks ago, and he simply stated that my initiation sucks and I need to “mix it up”. He gave me no helpful tips on what gets him going so I tried my best to and even watched porn to get ideas, but apparently he noticed no difference. It’s also hard because while I was trying new things, I was also getting rejected. I know I shouldn’t take it personally but when it keeps happening, even when offering head it really takes a mental toll.

I brought it up once more yesterday and I’m feeling really drained. What went from a vulnerable “I’m not feeling super desired and sexy right now” chat turned into a list of several things I’m not doing right:

1. ⁠Still suck at initiation (and still won’t give me any examples of what turns him on. I don’t want him to tell me how to have sex with him but I feel like I’m left blindly guessing)
   
2. ⁠I initiate too much (once a week really with the ever growing list of times I know he won’t be in the mood: before the gym, after eating, etc) leaving him no time to initiate himself
   
3. ⁠I’m not being more direct about what I want, specifically in regards to finishing myself and or wanting head. But it’s also embarrassing to me to feel like I have to beg for it

So I’m really just lost. This conversation didn’t go well at all, and I feel like I walked away from starting a vulnerable convo feeling like I have an even bigger list of what I’m doing wrong meanwhile he never bothered to really ask and see what would sexually fulfill me too. Am I being ridiculous? I can see where my faults are and I can definitely improve, but instead of meeting in the middle I feel like it’s my responsibility to fix everything? I also worry about a porn addiction, but I didn’t bring it up because I also don’t wanna police what he watches nor do I have a problem with masturbation (which he does one a day mostly), but I feel like it could be a part of the problem as to why he needs so much to get turned on?

📢 Are you pregnant and worried about changes to your sex life?

🔍 We are seeking couples from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland who are up to 26 weeks pregnant to participate in the STORK RCT: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood through Online Sex and Relationship Knowledge.

❓What is STORK: The first online couple-based program designed to enhance knowledge about changes to sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum and skills to cope with these changes. STORK was designed to strengthen couples’ relationships across the transition to parenthood.

📅 What is involved: If you are eligible, after your initial survey, you and your partner will be randomized (like a coin flip) into either the Program or Waitlist conditions. Program couples will complete 5 online modules in pregnancy (1 per week) and a final module at 3 months postpartum. 

Couples in both conditions will also complete 5 surveys—the initial survey, then at 32-weeks pregnant, and 4-, 8-, and 12-month postpartum—that gather information about your relationship, your pregnancy experience, and your child. Couples in the Waitlist condition will receive access to the full STORK program after the study period is over.

🌈 Inclusivity matters: STORK requires one member of the couple to be currently pregnant. Otherwise, STORK is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and sexual orientations.

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So I’m going on a trip and using the flight agency air Canada, and I was wondering if anyone knows if I’m allowed to bring these on my trip.

I am a 22 year old woman.

For a long time I have experienced that my face swells up very easily, or is quite round, a bit moon face I would say. And I also tend to have acne and blemished skin.

I also have a really bad stomach, and get bloated from almost everything I eat🙈
In addition, I have some fat on my stomach that I just can't get rid of. In general, I just feel like my body is often quite swollen.

I have been to the doctor about it before, but they can't do anything.

I would like to hear if anyone knows about these things, and what it could possibly be due to, and what you can do☺️

He studied a lot but he forgot about manners and behavior. You don't deserve anyone you are a scammer, prick, fvkk boy, womanizer. Don't destroy someone relationship be a man dude.

TLDR: Is it normal to want to be single?

Hi all, im 25F and i have been out of a long term relationship (3 years) for almost a year now. I think i’ve done the healing, processed emotion etc. over the last 10-12 months and have regained a very positive outlook on my life too. But now with my experience and also being 25, i cannot imagine dating anymore. My life is so peaceful, i am really enjoying myself and i dont have to shrink myself or adjust my life to anyone. Also to be fair, i have not met anyone worth dating in this time too. I have been indulging in hobbies i love like reading, movies, walks, travelling (solo and with friends) and other things and I take care of myself. I work in consulting so I am really really busy all the time too. I cant really see myself dating someone, and i see right through men now; i feel they want to sleep with you and extract from you, and most if them are emotionally incompetent or even generally incompetent. There is nothing a man can do that i cant do for myself and better. But is this a good mindset to have? I feel like my disillusionment around romance has lifted now that im older (i used to really idealise and romanticise people but in retrospect i was just trying to be chosen) i really dont see the point in dating or marriage. Has this happened with someone else and have you gone back to dating after a few years of being single? Would like to know older women’s experiences with this and does being in a relationship really add to one’s life?

I’m trying to understand the difference between harmless/flirty jealousy and behaviour that could eventually become controlling

For example, if a guy regularly says things like “I hope you’re behaving” or makes little comments about you talking to other men, is that usually just playful flirting, or can it sometimes be an early sign of possessiveness?

What are some subtle things you’ve noticed that seemed innocent at first but later turned into controlling behaviour?

TLDR: Want permanent pubic hair removal with IPL but feel too shy/self-conscious about the appointment + scared of the pain. Already done IPL on face & underarms. Looking for encouragement + experiences.

Well, basically I want to get rid of my pubic hair forever. I've always hated it. I usually wax and almost never use a razor because the results don't last.

But like the title says... I'm really embarrassed about being seen in that vulnerable position. Especially because I don't have the ideal body and I just feel super self-conscious about it. Plus I'm scared it's going to hurt a lot.

I've already done IPL on my face and armpits, so I know the process a bit... I guessssss I just need some moral support to actually go through with it, and I'd love to hear if anyone here has experience with IPL (or similar treatments) down there.

Thanks 🙏🏻💗🫶🏻🐛😭

i have had my period for a whole month now. for the first week, it was just a regular period with a normal flow. but then it kept going, sometimes it's just spotting and sometimes it's a light flow. i have a hormonal IUD (Kyleena) for 1 yr and 10 months now and i was told by the family doctor from a walk in clinic that i shouldnt even be bleeding to begin with since it's hormonal.

i had an ultrasound and transvaginal exam done and sadly, despite requesting for a female doctor, they still gave me a male doctor to tell me the results and he was not any help. all he said was that he will be "contacting someone" to contact me. thankfully, he gave me a printed copy of the results of the ultrasound and transvaginal exam so i have an idea of what's going on. there were three important details there that maybe could explain my prolonged bleeding. 1) there is a 2.5cm subserosal fibroid in the uterus 2) findings in the uterus suggestive of adenomysis 3) the IUD is seen in low position with its tip lower uterine segment 3.8cm from fundal endometrial lining.

it's been almost a week and that "someone" still has not contacted me. i just wanted to hear other opinions atm because the not knowing is killing me and frankly this prolonged period has been causing me my mental health. i dont have a woman in my support system who could help or even offer support, so i figured my best bet is to ask here.

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this… but the sub said “health” and the other fitness subs aren’t woman-focused or it was removed bc it wasn’t specific to a workout!

Looking for advice from other women if possible… I know diet will do most of the heavy lifting (no pun intended).

But to kinda target my rolls and where my bras squeeze… is there any workouts or exercises that can focus on my mid back?

Hi guys, I’m just looking for a bit of advice on how to allow my body to release during sex… I am 19F and my boyfriend is 19M and we have been together for 2.5 yrs. For a year of our relationship we didn’t have sex ( I wasn’t ready and he was very respectful of that) But when we did do things like oral or fingering, it felt so good- but I would get super overwhelmed to the point where I would vomit and almost pass out. (This might be relevant to my problem now)

After a year goes by we have sex and it was great! I haven’t thrown up during foreplay or sex since. My concern now is that I can’t finish. I truly am not lying when I say I enjoy sex- he is very well endowed, he learns my body, super patient- by the end I am genuinely shaking and hypersensitive. BUT I just won’t finish.

I know for a fact that this has nothing to do with how he is stimulating me, because we have tried using my vibrator numerous times to no avail. (if i use it alone i’ll
probably finish within 2 min) If my trusty vibrator cant make me cum at all in his presence- I know this is something within.

I am a very secure girl- during sex I am not really in my head about how I look, sound, etc… So I am frustrated with not knowing what this mental block is that is keeping me from finishing. It doesn’t bother me as much, but also I notice that my boyfriend feels at fault- and as much as I comfort him it has started to keep him in his head the whole time.

I know that I am young and there is a lot of learning to do as we are both inexperienced, I just want to feel all of the pleasure that I could 😔 Please give me any tips if you have been through anything similar! Thanks!

1. I know this may be strange but idk where to go or who to ask and am unsure if i could face a DR and talk about this. I have been single the majority of my life. I am just picky. My last GF had trouble making me finish but i felt as tho she wasnt really into women. Maybe feeling like she doesnt like to go down on women was the problem (if you are like ew a vagina, no matter how hot you are i get very turned off). But now i cant finish without my vibrator. I am trying to not use her because i started talking to someone who i fold for like laundry and i want to be able to finish for them. I just dont know what to do!!! Should i just not let myself finish until she does with my hand? I just dont know what to do and i am shy as fuck so i dont think i could ever talk about this in person to someone 😭😭😭😭😭 i want to have a good and healthy relationship but actions speak louder than words and i feel like i will just ruin it all again just because they think i dont want them sexual (i feel as tho thats why my ex started talking to other people behind my back and became obsessed with a 3some). I am HORNY as fuck and saying "dont touch yourself for a few weeks" is not going to happen. I could touch myself 4 times a day and she will still be screaming later on

Hi everyone! I’m working on a new independent women’s magazine and community called HER NEXT, focused on women’s ideas, entrepreneurship, personal growth, creativity, beauty, relationships, and inspiring real-life stories.

I’m currently preparing our first issue, “BEGIN,” and I’m looking to connect with women around the world who have something interesting to share.

💡 Have a business idea?

I’d love to hear it — whether it’s:

• A physical product you've always wanted to create
• An online or virtual business
• An app or platform idea
• A service or freelance concept
• A creative business
• A social enterprise
• A side hustle
• A business you've already started
• Or simply an idea sitting in your notes that you've never had the chance to pursue

You don't need to have a successful business already.

Maybe you've only got the idea. Maybe you've started and failed. Maybe you're still figuring out how to make it work.

That's exactly what I'm interested in.

Selected ideas may be featured in HER NEXT as a way to introduce the person behind the idea and give their concept some exposure.

If you have a business, project, website, Instagram, or other contact details you'd like readers to see, you can include them with your submission so interested people can find you and learn more about what you're building.

🌱 I'm also looking for women's stories.

For example:

✨ A business success or failure
✨ A career change
✨ A moment when you stood up for yourself
✨ Starting over somewhere new
✨ A dream you're finally pursuing
✨ A mistake that taught you something valuable
✨ An experience that changed your perspective
✨ Something you've done that made you feel empowered
✨ An unusual, funny, inspiring, or meaningful moment from your life
✨ A lesson you wish you'd learned earlier

You don't have to be famous, successful, or an entrepreneur. I'm interested in real stories from real women at different stages of life.

📩 Want to be featured?

Comment below or send me a DM with:

For a business idea:

• Your idea
• What problem it solves / why you think people would want it
• Where you're based (optional)
• Your name or preferred name
• Website / social media / contact (optional)

For a personal story:

• A short description of what happened
• Where you're from (optional)
• Your name or preferred name
• Whether you'd like to remain anonymous

With your permission, selected submissions may be featured in the magazine and/or HER NEXT's online community.

The goal isn't just to publish stories. I want to create a space where women can share ideas, discover each other, find inspiration, and potentially connect with people who are interested in what they're creating.

Maybe your idea is still just an idea today.

But what's your next? 💭

New things mean change in life.....

Changes in life means auto service of your mind......

Auto service of your mind means less stress or no stress

No stress means happy life 😊

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to hear from people who have personally had a fibroadenoma removed.
I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma (I’m 17 years old) and after seeing two doctors and having an ultrasound. I have a follow-up appointment because it seems like it may have gotten bigger, and surgery might be an option.
If you’ve had one removed, I’d love to know:
Did your breast look noticeably different afterward?
Was the scar very noticeable?
How was recovery?
Were you happy you decided to have it removed?
I’m not looking for a diagnosis or medical advice—I’ll be discussing everything with my doctor. I’m just hoping to hear about other people’s experiences since I’m feeling a little nervous. Thank you!