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On average, female friendships last 16 years, which is six years longer than the average romantic relationship, so it comes as no surprise that whether good or bad, friendships have a significant impact on our mental health. Life is too short to have unsupportive or manipulative friends. They might judge you, gossip behind your back or even compete with you. You might not even realise that a relationship has turned toxic or unhealthy. Sometimes we accept emotional abuse from a friend in a way we never would a romantic partner. Toxic friendships are hugely detrimental to our lives and confidence so you need to register the signs early on to be able to nip them in the bud. It is vital to your happiness and wellbeing to walk away from a toxic friendship before it meta-sizes. Scarlett V Clark, founder of the Smart Girl Tribe, says 'toxic friendships are hugely detrimental to our lives and confidence so you need to register the signs early on to be able to nip them in the … [Read more...] about Is YOUR best friend toxic? Take the quiz to reveal the warning signs of a manipulative and controlling relationship

The first assessment of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19, newly identified in the UK, shows it may spread more easily - and evade the immune system. Scientists from Brazil and the UK estimate the variant, known as P1, is 1.4 to 2.2 times more transmissible than previous versions of coronavirus circulating in Manaus, the Amazon city where it originated. It is also able to evade between 25% and 61% of protective immunity from previous infection, according researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Sao Paulo. The study has not been peer reviewed. Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world Advertisement What we know about the Brazil variant Almost 70% of the Manaus population had immunity from the first wave of COVID infections last spring, yet a surge of re-infections at the start of this year led to hospitals in the city being overwhelmed. Six UK cases of the P1 variant have been identified in … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Brazilian P1 variant may spread more easily and could evade immune system, scientists find

INFLUENCERS are known to score hoards of freebies in exchange for a "shout out" on their huge online platforms. But this tactic recently backfired for one blogger who tried to nab a free takeaway meal, but ended up at the police station instead. Four Legs - a pop-up restaurant operating at pub The Compton Arms in Islington is being praised for its extremely savage response to the blogger who reached out to ask for free food. Not only did the unnamed influencer request a meal for themselves in exchange for a plug on Instagram, but they asked for an extra four meals for their "bubble" too. The influencer reached out to the restaurant via DMs and said they'd post to their Instagram and even pop in for a meal once the venue reopens. The restaurant appeared to go along with the request at first, agreeing to offer the food for free. But in a hilarious twist, the venue directed the influencer to the police station instead, telling them to "report yourself for crimes … [Read more...] about ‘Cheeky’ influencer tries to bag free food but it massively backfires as they ‘end up at the police station’

EASY pasta sauces are a staple of my freezer. They can quickly transform a pan of plain pasta into something yummy and nutritious. Having a few sauces ready to grab when you need a quick meal is a great time-saver. New to batching? Here’s a top tip: Try freezing these two recipes in ice-cube trays so you can pop out two or three cubes at a time if you need a single portion. These recipes have hidden veggies and are guaranteed kiddie pleasers. Enjoy! Creamy sundried tomato pasta (Serves 4) Preparation : 5 minutes. Cooking : 20 minutes. YOU NEED: 1 tbsp olive oil 115g frozen chopped onions 1 tsp frozen chopped garlic 1 x 285g jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil 2 x 500g cartons passata 100g cream cheese Fresh basil (optional) METHOD : Heat the oil in a saucepan on a low to medium heat and add the diced onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Add the passata and drained sun-dried tomatoes, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer and … [Read more...] about Delicious and nutritious pasta sauces you can freeze to make a quick meal

MARRIED at First Sight Australia viewers are up in arms as two couples' reunions were scrapped. Viewers said they felt "cheated" when Martha and Michael , and Ning and Mark 's chance to air their unfinished business on the sofas didn't happen in the E4 series last night. One asked: "Where were the sofa discussions with Ning and Mark and Suzie and Billy and even Martha and Michael? They should all have their say!" Another moaned: "Really wanted to hear about Ning and Mark especially." As one more thought they'd missed it and said: "Did they show Martha and Michael? Or was it so boring, they left it out?" As another raged: "Actually feel sooooo cheated by that reunion episode!!! I wanted to know what Ning and Mark thought of each other… I wanted to see Martha get pulled up on alp her s**te!! I wanted to see if Billy’s wife was sorry!! I NEED CLOSURE." Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli's relationship was one of the strongest matches on Married at First Sight … [Read more...] about Married at First Sight Australia viewers up in arms as Martha & Michael and Ning & Mark’s reunions are scrapped