Diplomacy and tact when speaking is a skill, and I'd argue that it increases effectiveness and efficiency instead of the other way around. My point is that you are seeing them as competing goals, and they do not have to be.

Here's the thing, though: it is perfectly possible to be both direct and polite. It is a skill, however, and one that many people lack. That does not mean that it is an unattainable or un-worthwhile goal, however.

Er.. "a space where no one is stigmatized for their body" doesn't really jive with "clients must be 50 pounds overweight to join."

I've seen this pic of this dress a few times now. I wish I could see another one, because I can't tell if it was actually as unflattering as this pic makes it out to be.

This picture is so absurdly unflattering in every way, the photographer deserves an award.

I cannot second this strongly enough.

Unpopular opinion time: I don't actually like this dress, at all. Lupita looks spectacular, but you know, burlap sack, etc.

Speaking as someone who's been dragged to many a Rush concert in my day, I can vouch for being the token #1, and also frequently #5 unless I happen to be or be near #4.

Exactly what I was thinking. I mean, I've been married almost 12 years (although I eschew cutesy bullshit terms like 'hubby,' as do most normal people). Who wants to listen to what I have to say about dating? I mean, I barely fucking remember dating at this point.

I remember getting into shouting matches about A Room in college classes. Time and place, etc, I know, but it's written from such a place of unacknowledged privilege that I could barely get through it.

We went glamping one year (although not to Bieber extremes)— we stayed in a 'yurt' all decked out with Moroccan style rugs and couches and stained glass lamps on the inside. There was a sauna in the bathroom (which we did have to walk to, at least), and the farmer who owned the property would bring you omelettes made…

BOOM. I just moved to DC, and now I know what my finally-finished-unpacking present to myself will be. And I don't even like horses, but I bet this place smells amazing.

She's such a lovely person, I want to be just like her when I grow up. And this was a nice palliative for the brain-horror of having just finally finished the Amanda Hess piece in the Pacific Standard.

Lady Mary could have used this move a few times I reckon.

I was about to say this exact same thing, except that I live in the far north of England, and pies instead of haggis. And you'd think being near Newcastle if this was a real thing it would have come across my radar by now— but maybe it's just that every day is Mad Friday ooop north?

Congrats to this woman for her accomplishment, but wtf is with the snark on half-marathoners? Because you should never feel proud of your own accomplishments if there exists someone on the planet that can do better?

Ugh, this depresses me. I've been out of the US for 5 years, and we're roadtripping from the East Coast to the Midwest over Christmas. I had just about convinced myself that Cracker Barrel had somehow fixed itself after its last gay-hating scandal so that I could justify some cheesy hashbrown goodness. Should have…

Breadface kitty is the best kitty.

Seriously. Also: the "high street" is not a single, actual street, as implied by the above.

I know, right? His walk to school is completely safe, except for this big roundabout that's right near our house. I don't know how I'm going to let him out of the house tomorrow morning.