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"What did we do?": Bride shares heartbroken reaction to empty wedding

<p>A bride has recalled the devastating moment she made a grand entrance to her wedding, only to discover almost no guests showed up. </p> <p>Kalina Marie took to TikTok to share the gut-wrenching video of the moment her and her new husband Shane stepped inside the lavishly decorated hall with their son, as they tried to come to terms with the fact that only a handful of people showed to celebrate with them. </p> <p>“This is our entrance to our Masquerade ball,” Ms Marie, who is from Oregon in the US, wrote in the caption of her clip, which has since amassed over seven million views. </p> <p>“The Masquerade ball that I have talked EXCESSIVELY about for the last 10 months. The same ball that I not only digitally invited over 75 people to. But ALSO spent money to send 25 beautiful invitations out to."</p> <p>“FIVE PEOPLE SHOWED UP!!!!!!! Like, are you kidding me!?!? As you see in the video, we enter the venue. And no one is there. The invite said 1pm. My mum messaged me at 1:15pm that no one was there. My husband and I finally showed up at 2 o’clock, to five people, in a venue planned for 40.”</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: currentcolor !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: currentcolor !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7433899067664551198&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40kalina_marie_23%2Fvideo%2F7433899067664551198&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-pu-sign-useast8.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast8-p-0068-tx2%2F7f29587f56a44788903eea92cd974c62_1730839526%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1731499200%26x-signature%3DbUQfTW%252F8BrelG0Dy5rCNSzBBbiQ%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>She said she “dreamt” that she would walk into a bunch of people “hooting and hollering” for them, but instead ended up having to “hold herself together” because she had “no idea” how to deal with her venue being almost completely empty.</p> <p>“All the wasted food and drinks,” Ms Marie continued. “All the empty tables and chairs. Every moment of my reception changed to adapt.”</p> <p>“It just makes me think, like, why? What did we do? Am I that bad of a person? What did my husband ever do to deserve any of this?” she questioned. “Why couldn’t we matter enough for people to show up?”</p> <p>She revealed that it makes her “sick” that she still has “friends” who haven’t even messaged her to congratulate her or tell her why they didn’t come, adding, “I honestly can’t wrap my head around this yet.”</p> <p>The heart-breaking video quickly wrapped up millions of views and comments, with many empathising with the new bride, with one person writing, "This hurts my heart for you."</p> <p>Thousands of others tried to lighten the mood, praising Ms Marie for how beautiful she looked and vowing to attend a do-over wedding.</p> <p>“NAH, RE-DO THIS. WE ALL SHOWING UP,” read a top comment, while another wrote, “Let’s do it over. This time invite me and the rest of us. We’ll show up and out. I love you beautiful and congratulations!!” </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

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What are house dust mites and how do I know if I’m allergic to them?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>People often believe they are allergic to <a href="https://ahd.csiro.au/everything-in-our-homes-gathers-dust-but-what-exactly-is-it-where-does-it-come-from-and-why-does-it-keep-coming-back-is-it-from-outside-is-it-fibres-from-our-clothes-and-cells-from-our-skin/">house dust</a>. But of the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">20% of Australians</a> suffereing with allergies, a number are are actually allergic to microscopic <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">house dust mites</a>.</p> <p>House dust mites belong to the same family as spiders and ticks. They measure just 0.2-0.3 mm, with 50 fitting on a single pinhead. They <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">live</a> for 65–100 days, and females lay 60–100 eggs in their life.</p> <p>House dust mites love temperate climates and humidity. They feed off the skin cells we and animals shed, as well as mould, which they digest using special enzymes. These enzymes are excreted in their poo about <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71977">20 times a day</a>. They also shed fragments of their exoskeletons.</p> <p>All these fragments trigger allergies in people with this type of allergic rhinitis (which is also known as hay fever)</p> <h2>What are the symptoms?</h2> <p>When people with house dust mite allergy inhale the allergens, they penetrate the mucous membranes of the airways and eyes. Their body recognises the allergens as a threat, releasing chemicals including one called histamine.</p> <p>This causes symptoms including a runny nose, an itchy nose, eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing and a feeling of mucus at the back of your throat (known as a post-nasal drip).</p> <p>People with this type of allergy usually mouth breath, snore, rub their nose constantly (creating a nasal crease called the “dust mite salute”) and have dark shadows under their eyes.</p> <p>House dust mite allergy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7328274/">can also cause</a> poor sleep, constant tiredness, reduced concentration at work or school and lower quality of life.</p> <p>For people with eczema, their damaged skin barrier can allow house dust mite proteins in. This prompts immune cells in the skin to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/190/1/e5/7485663">release chemicals</a> which make already flared skin become redder, sorer and itchier, especially in children.</p> <p>Symptoms of house dust mite allergy occur year round, and are often worse after going to bed and when waking in the morning. But people with house dust mite allergy <em>and</em> pollen allergies find their year-round symptoms worsen in spring.</p> <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> <p>House dust mite allergy symptoms often build up over months, or even years before people seek help. But an accurate diagnosis means you can not only access the right treatment – it’s also vital for minimising exposure.</p> <p>Doctor and nurse practitioners can order a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">blood test</a> to check for house dust mite allergy.</p> <p>Alternatively, health care providers with <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/a-career-in-clinical-immunology-and-allergy">specialised allergy training</a> can perform skin prick tests. This involves placing drops of the allergens on the arm, along with a positive and negative “control”. After 15 minutes, those who test positive will have developed a mosquito bite-like mark.</p> <h2>How is it treated?</h2> <p>Medication options include one or a combination of:</p> <ul> <li>daily non-sedating antihistamines</li> <li>a steroid nasal spray</li> <li>allergy eye drops.</li> </ul> <p>Your health care professional will work with you to develop a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf">rhinitis (hay fever) medical management plan</a> to reduce your symptoms. If you’re using a nasal spray, your health provider will <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ytYj1TLojM">show you how to use it</a>, as people often use it incorrectly.</p> <p>If you also have <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/how-is-asthma-managed">asthma</a> or eczema which is worsened by dust mites, your health provider will adapt your <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/health-professionals/asthma-action-plans">asthma action plan</a> or <a href="https://medcast.com.au/qhub/eczema/resources">eczema care plan</a> accordingly.</p> <p>If you experience severe symptoms, a longer-term option is <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Allergen_Immunotherapy_FAQ_2024.pdf">immunotherapy</a>. This aims to gradually turn off your immune system’s ability to recognise house dust mites as a harmful allergen.</p> <p>Immunotherapy involves taking either a daily sublingual tablet, under the tongue, or a series of injections. Injections require monthly attendances over three years, after the initial weekly build-up phase.</p> <p>These are <a href="https://theconversation.com/im-considering-allergen-immunotherapy-for-my-hay-fever-what-do-i-need-to-know-190408">effective</a>, but are costly (as well as time-consuming). So it’s important to weigh up the potential benefits and downsides with your health-care provider.</p> <h2>How can you minimise house dust mites?</h2> <p>There are also important allergy minimisation measures you can take to reduce allergens in your home.</p> <p>Each week, <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/component/finder/search?q=minimisation&amp;Itemid=100001">wash</a> your bedding and pyjamas in hot water (over 60°C). This <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma">removes</a> house dust mite eggs and debris.</p> <p>Opt for doonas, covers or quilts that can be washed in hot water above 60°C. Alternatively, low-cost waterproof or leak proof covers can keep house dust mites out.</p> <p>If you can, favour blinds and wood floors over curtains and carpet. Dust blinds and surfaces with a damp cloth each week and vacuum while wearing a mask, or have someone else do it, as house dust mites can become airborne during cleaning.</p> <p>But beware of costly products with big marketing budgets and little evidence to support their use. A new mattress, for example, will always be house dust mite-free. But once slept on, the house dust mite life cycle can start.</p> <p>Mattress protectors and toppers commonly claim to be “hypoallergenic”, “anti-allergy” or “allergy free”. But their pore sizes are not small enough to keep house dust mites and their poo out, or shed skin going through.</p> <p>Sprays claiming to kill mites require so much spray to penetrate the product that it’s likely to become wet, may smell like the spray and, unless dried properly, may grow mould.</p> <p>Finally, claims that expensive vacuum cleaners can extract all the house dust mites are unsubstantiated.</p> <p><em>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites">healthdirect.gov.au</a> or the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy</a>.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240918/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-lee-thompson-1449312">Deryn Lee Thompson</a>, Eczema and Allergy Nurse; Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-house-dust-mites-and-how-do-i-know-if-im-allergic-to-them-240918">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

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I have hay fever. How can I tell what I’m allergic to?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ryan-mead-hunter-1480189">Ryan Mead-Hunter</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a></em></p> <p>When we think of spring we think of warming weather, birdsong and flowers. But for many people, this also means the return of their seasonal hay fever symptoms.</p> <p>Around <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/latest-release">24% of Australians</a> get hay fever, with sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy or watery eyes the most common symptoms. In <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever#:%7E:text=Key%20facts,dust%20mites%2C%20and%20animal%20fur">severe cases</a>, this may impact sleep and concentration, or be linked to increased frequency of sinus infections.</p> <p>The exact timing of the symptoms depends on your exposure to an allergen – the thing you’re allergic to. Those impacted by tree pollen (from plane trees or cypress pine, for example) may experience symptoms at different times of the year than those impacted by grass pollen (such as rye grass). This will also vary around the country.</p> <p>In Perth, for example, tree pollen (cypress pine) is generally present in August to October, while grass pollen counts tend to be highest in October to November. Other cities and regions may have longer pollen seasons, which may extend further into summer.</p> <h2>Remind me, how does hay fever impact the body?</h2> <p>What we know colloquially as hay fever is called allergic rhinitis. Exposure to a specific allergen (or allergens) triggers an immune response in the body. This leads to inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining the nasal passages in the nose.</p> <p>A range of <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever#:%7E:text=Key%20facts,dust%20mites%2C%20and%20animal%20fur.">allergens</a> may trigger such a response: pollen (from trees, grass or weeds), dust mites, pet fur, dander, mould and some air pollutants.</p> <p>Those with allergies that are only present for part of the year, such as pollen, experience what we call seasonal hay fever, while those with allergies that may be present at any time, such as dust mites and pet dander, experience perennial hay fever.</p> <h2>Getting a diagnosis</h2> <p>Many people with hay fever self-manage their symptoms by limiting exposure to allergens and using over-the-counter <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-hay-fever-treatments-actually-work-and-whats-best-for-my-symptoms-213071">antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays</a>.</p> <p>But this may require assistance from your GP and confirmation that what you’re experiencing is hay fever. Your GP can assess your symptoms and medical history, provide a diagnosis, and help with treating and managing your symptoms.</p> <p>Your GP may also be able help you identify potential allergens, based on when you experience symptoms and the environments to which you’re exposed.</p> <p>If symptoms persist, your GP may suggest allergy testing. They may refer you to a specialist called an immunologist, to determine what particular allergen is causing your symptoms, using <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-testing/allergy-testing">skin prick tests or blood tests</a>. Tests typically involve controlled exposure to small quantities of suspected allergens.</p> <p>But note, there are a number of tests marketed online that are unproven and not recommended by reputable bodies.</p> <h2>How else can I work out what I’m allergic to?</h2> <p>For those with seasonal hay fever, resources are available to help manage exposures, based on the flowering seasons for common allergy-related species or through pollen forecasting services.</p> <p>The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy provides a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/guide-to-common-allergenic-pollen">useful pollen guide</a> for each species and when they’re most likely to cause symptoms, broken down for each state and territory.</p> <p>Pollen monitoring and forecasting services – such as <a href="https://www.perthpollen.com.au/">Perth Pollen</a>, <a href="https://www.melbournepollen.com.au/">Melbourne Pollen</a> and <a href="https://www.sydneypollen.com.au/">Sydney Pollen</a>, as well as for other cities – can help you plan outdoor activities.</p> <p>There are also associated phone apps for these services, which can give notifications when the pollen count is high. You can down load these apps (such as <a href="https://airrater.org/">AirRater</a>, Perth Pollen, Melbourne Pollen and Sydney Pollen) from your preferred app store.</p> <p>Apps such as <a href="https://airrater.org/">AirRater</a> also allow you to enter information about your symptoms, which can then be matched to the environmental conditions at the time (pollen count, temperature, smoke, and so on).</p> <p>Using statistical modelling, the app may be able to establish a link between symptoms and exposure. If a sufficiently high correlation is established, the app can send you notifications when the <a href="https://airrater.org/how-does-it-work/">exposure risk</a> is high. This may prompt you to limit outdoor activities and have any medication readily available.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Further information about managing allergic rhinitis is available from <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever">healthdirect</a> and <a href="https://allergyfacts.org.au/__interest/allergic-rhinitis/">Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia</a></em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ryan-mead-hunter-1480189">Ryan Mead-Hunter</a>, Senior lecturer, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-have-hay-fever-how-can-i-tell-what-im-allergic-to-240450">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Royal artist reveals King Charles' reaction to official portrait

<p>Jonathan Yeo, who is known for his portraits of royal family members, has revealed the King and Queen's reaction to the most recent <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/art/king-charles-unveils-first-post-coronation-portrait" target="_blank" rel="noopener">portrait of King Charles</a> which made headlines. </p> <p>The portrait, which was done in four sittings from 2020, featured the King in his crimson Welsh Guards uniform, with a butterfly hovering above his shoulder. </p> <p>"People don't know their own faces, so it's much more useful to see the reaction of someone who knows that person well because they know in a split second if you've captured them," he told <em>The Times</em>. </p> <p>"Sometimes they'll say it, but more often you see it in their face – amazement, pleasure or recognition."</p> <p>He recalled how during his and Charles' final sitting in November, Camilla told him: "Yes, you've got him," with a look of recognition across her face. </p> <p>Yeo also revealed that the King saw the portrait when it was half completed and despite the surprise at the intense colour, he smiled at the painting and said: "It is remarkable how it has turned out." </p> <p>The artist said that the King and Queen were prepared for the mixed reactions from the public. </p> <p>"They knew what to expect," he told the publication, before revealing that the King appeared in good health despite his recent cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>"[Our last sitting] was before his diagnosis. He didn't look remotely ill to me, and he looked amazingly well on Tuesday."</p> <p>"We already had a bit of a rapport and that definitely makes it easier," Yeo said of the painting process. </p> <p>"He was really relaxed and I think it helped that he is interested in the process. We spent a lot of time talking about art and artists, as well as the environment."</p> <p><em>Image: Aaron Chown-PA/POOL supplied by Splash News/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Art

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Queen Camilla's hilarious reaction to becoming a Royal Barbie Girl

<p>In a moment that could only happen in the whimsical world of royalty, Queen Camilla found herself face-to-face with an unexpected miniature version of herself during a reception at Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>But this wasn't just any Barbie doll; it was a bespoke creation, meticulously crafted in Her Majesty's likeness, complete with her signature style and regal flair!</p> <p>The Queen's reaction was nothing short of priceless, as she quipped that the designers had managed to shave off a good few decades from her appearance. "You've taken about 50 years off my life," she joked, "we should all have a Barbie."</p> <p>One can only imagine the possibilities if all it took to turn back the clock was a custom-made doll! However, the hilarity didn't end there. Despite the uncanny resemblance between Queen Camilla and her plastic counterpart, there was a slight wardrobe mishap that caught Her Majesty's discerning eye.</p> <p>It seems she had inadvertently misplaced her WOW badge, wearing it on her dress instead of her cape, unlike her miniature twin. Oh, the horror of a mismatched ensemble in the halls of Buckingham Palace! One can only imagine the flurry of royal assistants scrambling to rectify the situation, lest the fashion police be summoned.</p> <p>But among the giggles and guffaws, Queen Camilla seized the opportunity to reflect on a more profound message, delving into the history of women's rights and the symbolism of two stones preserved from a 1914 suffragette protest. As she eloquently put it, "These stones were picked up and handed to Queen Mary, who decided to keep them for posterity. I thought today we might, to quote Shakespeare, find 'sermons in stones'."</p> <p>Indeed, the juxtaposition of a miniature Barbie and historical artefacts provided a reminder of the progress made in the fight for gender equality, while also serving as a testament to the timeless spirit of hope and resilience embodied by women throughout history.</p> <p>In the end, Queen Camilla's encounter with her Barbie alter ego may have been a lighthearted affair, but it also served as a reminder that even in the most regal of settings, laughter and humility are never far from reach. After all, who says queens can't have a little fun with their plastic doppelgängers?</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / YouTube</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Bruce Willis' heartwarming reaction to granddaughter amid dementia battle

<p>Bruce Willis' daughter Rumer has shared what the actor is like as a grandfather, amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia.</p> <p>Rumer candidly revealed that the now-retired actor is “incredibly loving and kind” and despite his FTD, his face “lights up” whenever he sees his granddaughter Louetta.</p> <p>“His face lights up when he sees Louetta,” Rumer told <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/02/01/entertainment/bruce-willis-face-lights-up-with-granddaughter-amid-dementia-battle/?utm_medium=browser_notifications&amp;utm_source=pushly&amp;utm_content=Entertainment/Living%20Audience&amp;utm_campaign=4164834" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The New York Post</em></a>.</p> <p>“And I’m just so grateful to have that kind of spark of mischief and fun and and play no matter what age I am.”</p> <p>Louetta is Rumer’s 9-month-old baby girl with partner, Derek Richard Thomas.</p> <p>Rumer also shared that her father is most like David Addison Jr, a character he played on the hit 80s show <em>Moonlighting</em>.</p> <p>“So charming, so funny, so silly … kind of mischievous glint in his eye, kind and sweet,” she said.</p> <p>“And so I feel like that’s really the epitome of who my dad is.</p> <p>“And that is so true to this day.”</p> <p>Despite his dementia diagnosis, Rumer said that her father has not lost any of his trademark silliness and sense of humour.</p> <p>“He’s so incredibly loving and kind,” she said.</p> <p>“My dad is absolutely the reason I (have) my taste in music (and) some of my humour.</p> <p>“Both of my parents are so silly.”</p> <p>In 2022 Bruce's family announced that the <em>Die Hard</em> star was going to retire, as he was diagnosed with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/bruce-willis-forced-to-retire-after-medical-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aphasia</a>, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate.</p> <p>A year later it was revealed that it had progressed to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/cruel-disease-bruce-willis-given-heartbreaking-new-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frontotemporal dementia</a>.</p> <p>His family have since kept fans updated on the star's health.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Mind

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"Blah": Brutal reactions to royal family's 2023 Christmas card

<p>Royal fans have shared their mixed reviews of the 2023 Christmas card portrait, featuring Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children. </p> <p>The Prince and Princess of Wales shared their family photo to their Instagram account on Sunday, with the snap showing the royal family of five all dressed in similar outfits: simple black pants or jeans, and white button up tops.</p> <p>The photo, taken in black and white, shows Kate and William standing behind their three kids, while Prince George and Prince Louis standing around Princess Charlotte, who was seated for the photo. </p> <p>The post of their family Christmas card picture has racked up over 2 million likes, with thousands of people sharing their thoughts on the snap in the comments. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pf0IXNv15/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pf0IXNv15/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Many were quick to comment on the similarities between the younger royals and their predecessors, with many stating that "Princess Charlotte looks like a young Queen Elizabeth", while others shared their thoughts on how much Prince Louis is looking like his mother. </p> <p>Despite many royal fans delighting over the card, there were some mixed reactions from others. </p> <p>Royal commentators online were quick to point out how this year's card, all in black and white, is a stark contrast to last year's photo, which shows the family walking hand-in-hand in the sunshine. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmH_qcOtUx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmH_qcOtUx_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While acknowledging that the photo is objectively lovely of the family, some wish that the portrait had a bit more Christmas spirit. </p> <p>One person wrote on X, "This doesn’t look like a Christmas Card. Looks like a Vogue edit’s choice cover from the 90s. Beautiful but not Xmassy!"</p> <p>Another added that the image looked like it was "taken at a photo studio in a shopping mall," while another disappointed fan said it was "Kind of... Well, blah."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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What not to say when someone comes out as LGBTQ+ (and what to say instead)

<p><strong>"Are you sure?"</strong></p> <p>People who identify as LGBTQ+ often struggle a great deal with their own feelings before they make the nerve-wracking decision to come out. Despite your best intentions, responding to this by asking, “Are you sure?” may be seen as calling into question the emotional journey that brought them to that point. </p> <p>Instead of expressing what might be interpreted as doubt, you could perhaps say, “It’s always good to know what you like and want. Thanks for coming out to me.”</p> <p><strong>"It must have been tough for your parents"</strong></p> <p>Yes, it could have been tough for the parents. But guess what? It was harder on the individual for even longer – and in more intense ways than you can imagine. Staying in the closet is not a very comfortable position for a self-accepting person, but it’s an even harder journey to get to that point of self-acceptance. LGBTQ+ individuals have battled real fears of being attacked, abandoned, discriminated against and disadvantaged. </p> <p>In fact, LGBTQ+ youth are three times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. Although it’s reasonable to show empathy for their parents, it’s poorly-timed here. Instead, try, “I hope you are coping well with your parents’ response. I am here to talk if you need to. Thanks for coming out me.”</p> <p><strong>"Why didn't you tell me before?"</strong></p> <p>Well, it’s likely because they were afraid. It’s not because you are a monster, but because they love you and feared losing you as a result of coming out. The important thing is to not take it personally. When a loved one comes out, you are being called on to show targeted and urgent empathy. While your pain of being “left out” is real, it can wait a day or two. </p> <p>Right now, your focus should be how to celebrate your loved one’s life and the choices they’ve made, including the one of having just come out to you. Kick off the celebration by saying, “I am so proud that you have chosen to live your truth in front of me. Thanks for being authentic with me.”</p> <p><strong>"Are you the man or the woman in the relationship?"</strong></p> <p>More than anything, this question demonstrates a fundamental ignorance of the concept of same-sex love. It also misplaces the focus on the sexual act (rather than on identity) at a time when they’re in a vulnerable state. When a person comes out, they’re opening their hearts to you and sharing the emotional reality of who they are as individuals. </p> <p>Instead of asking this question, reinforce how grateful you are that the person has had the courage to come out to you, and say, “I accept you for who you are. Thank you for coming out to me.”</p> <p><strong>"Would you be my gay bestie?"</strong></p> <p>People who identify as LGBTQ+ can be good (or insufferable) company just like any other human being, but the point is, they are human beings and not objects or accessories as the pop culture depiction of the “gay bestie” might have you believe. </p> <p>Instead of this response, take this opportunity to reaffirm your loving, supportive relationship: “You are brave and honest, and this makes me respect you even more. Thanks for coming out to me.”</p> <p><strong>"I knew it!"</strong></p> <p>This particularly hurtful response is generally remarked when a “feminine” man or “butch” woman comes out. Many gender non-conforming individuals try very hard to either tone-down or manage their sexuality in public for fear of homophobia. </p> <p>By saying “I knew it!,” you’re inadvertently suggesting that their sexuality or gender non-conformity was being gossiped about behind their back in a sneaky, judgmental manner, which could, in turn, lead the person to feel that staying in the closet was a safer option than coming out. To avoid this situation, stick with a response of, “I’m honoured you chose to come out to me. Thank you.”</p> <p><strong>"But you're so masculine!"</strong></p> <p>On the opposite end of the spectrum lies this response, indicating disbelief that a “manly” man could be gay, or that a “feminine” woman could be lesbian. Being in the closet is an alienating experience; responding to an individual’s coming-out with a comment that suggests they don’t conform to their “new” sexual identity either can be just as alienating. </p> <p>A better response could be, simply, “I didn’t know, but I’m so grateful you came out to me. Thank you.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/true-stories-lifestyle/relationships/what-not-to-say-when-someone-comes-out-as-lgbtq-and-what-to-say-instead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Relationships

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Priscilla Presley's reaction to movie based on her life

<p>Priscilla Presley has shared how "emotional" she became after watching the new movie based on her life with her late rock star husband. </p> <p>The 78-year-old attended the premiere of the new film <em>Priscilla</em>, which was based on her 1985 memoir <em>Elvis &amp; Me. </em></p> <p>Priscilla took to the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4th alongside director Sofia Coppola and the cast.</p> <p>"It was very difficult to sit and watch a film about you, about your life, about your love," she explained at a media call following the premiere screening.</p> <p>"Sofia did an amazing job. She did her homework, we spoke a couple of times and I really put everything out for her that I could," she added.</p> <p>Priscilla went on to explain why she thought her love story was so intriguing to a public audience, as she spoke about the early days of her relationship with the late rock star. </p> <p>"It was very difficult for my parents to understand that Elvis would be so interested in me and why, and I really do think [it was] because I was more of a listener," she said.</p> <p>"Elvis would pour his heart out to me in every way in Germany: his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother which he never, ever got over. And I was the person who really, really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection."</p> <p>She continued, "Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life, not in numbers. That was the attraction. People think, 'Oh, it was sex.' No, it wasn't. I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old."</p> <p><em>Euphoria</em> star and Aussie actor Jacob Elordi plays Elvis in the new film, with Cailee Spaeny in the title role of Priscilla, which traces Priscilla's early years and relationship with the music icon.</p> <p>Elvis Presley estate officials reportedly slammed the movie, with <em><a title="TMZ" href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/06/22/elvis-presley-estate-officials-slam-priscilla-movie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a></em> claiming unnamed officials were displeased with news of the production, labelling it a "money grab."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Movies

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Sarah Ferguson’s emotional reaction to Princess Eugenie's baby name

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has shared her initial reaction to the moment when her daughter, Princess Eugenie, revealed that she had named her second son after the duchess’ late father.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is the Princess’ second child with her husband Jack Brooksbank, and the couple <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/princess-eugenie-welcomes-her-second-child" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed their baby’s name</a> earlier this week, following his birth on May 30.</p> <p dir="ltr">His name, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, pays tribute to both Ferguson’s late father, Major Ronald Ferguson, and Jack’s father, George.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking on her new podcast <em>Tea Talks with the Duchess &amp; Sarah</em>, Ferguson revealed that she was in the middle of shopping for her new grandson, when Princess Eugenie told her the sweet news.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He's a very, very seriously beautiful little boy. And of course everybody says that, but of course he is,” she gushed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When Jack and Eugenie told me it was so moving that they'd put my dad in there. It was very kind I thought.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It made me cry, of course…at the time, I'd popped into a children's shop and bought some little blue booties and that's when she told me," Ferguson revealed.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an earlier post, Ferguson shared an image of Ernest with the caption: “Amazing..the importance of Ernest thank you so much… clever Eugenie and Jack and August Brooksbank…”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also revealed that she’s called "Gee Gee" by her grandchildren.</p> <p dir="ltr">A snippet of the podcast was shared on Ferguson’s Instagram, and many have taken to the comments to share their joy.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtOH5sdq4OB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtOH5sdq4OB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations! What a blessing a new baby is…especially grandchildren!” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I saw the picture Eugenie posted and he is a seriously beautiful baby! You have every right to say that. Congratulations Granny!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations!! Being called GG is perfect for Sarah; a modern &amp; fun twist on grandmother, just like herself,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ernest is Ferguson’s third grandchild. She has one granddaughter, Sienna, from Princess Beatrice and two grandsons August, and Ernest, from Princess Eugenie.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Mum speaks out after reaction to cling wrap video

<p><em style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder; box-sizing: border-box;">Warning: This article contains disturbing content which some readers may find distressing. </em></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">A TikTok influencer said her son was temporarily taken from her home by child protection authorities after she </span><a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/mum-slammed-for-cruel-cling-wrap-prank" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted a video</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> of her husband pushing the child around while he was swaddled from the neck down in cling wrap.</span></p> <p>The mum, Savannah Glembin, who has 1.1 million followers on TikTok, appeared emotional as she announced in a clip that authorities took her son, Gunner, away following the initial video.</p> <p>“Gunner has been taken from us until CPR can evaluate our home because I posted a video of my husband and son playing," she said.</p> <p>The video of the incident sparked concern among TikTok users, Gunner, who appears to be about two years old, was tightly wrapped in cling wrap while being moved around by his father, Hank.</p> <p>Savannah defended their actions in the video, saying it was “just a funny thing Hank did because Gunner was getting into the stove that day and tried putting a fork in a socket”.</p> <p>Several TikTok users commented how they were left feeling uncomfortable and disturbed by the video, which has since been taken down, with one user @auntkaren0 reposting the video, calling it “feels like abuse”.</p> <p>At one point the boy is placed standing on the bed before he falls forward onto his knees, unable to move his arms as he’s constrained by the cling wrap.</p> <p>“He’s a worm”, his father joked.</p> <p>“If you have a grumpy toddler all day, this is the only way,” the mum is heard saying in the background of the video.</p> <p>Hank, in military uniform, then proceeded to place Gunner face down on the bed before he was flipped over onto his back.</p> <p>User @auntkaren0, who reposted the video, also said, “I don’t see what’s funny here. I don’t understand how putting your toddler in an uncomfortable position is funny and then posting it for views.</p> <p>“Not only did you not just do this for your own entertainment, you thought this was going to be everybody’s entertainment.</p> <p>“This is why I don’t like family channels like this, because they will go to any length for views.”</p> <p>Many other TikTok users shared their concern for the child, one comment said, “My anxiety when he fell forward and I was like omg he’s going to suffocate.”</p> <p>Another comment read, “That gave me anxiety. The feeling of not being able to move! That poor kid.”</p> <p>A third user said, “That gave me anxiety. The feeling of not being able to move! That poor kid.”</p> <p>Addressing the initial video, Savannah appeared tearful, saying, “Right now, we're dealing with a situation where Gunner has been taken from us until CPS can evaluate our home because I posted a video of my husband and son playing.</p> <p>“That video was skewed in a way [that resulted in] people thinking we were abusing our child. But he was laughing and smiling and it was just a funny thing Hank did because Gunner was getting into the stove that day and tried putting a fork in a socket.</p> <p>“Hank playfully wrapped him in cling wrap - he had room to move. He looked like a little worm, like a little cucumber. He was at no point in distress or crying.</p> <p>“We would never hurt our son, we would never hurt our child. He is the best thing that's ever happened to us.</p> <p>“I posted that video two days ago and the response that it had gotten was positive so like I didn't know that someone had thought it was bad until yesterday when cops showed up at our door and separated us, his family.</p> <p>“We went down and made our statements, thinking Gunner was going to be returned to us that day and that CPS would do their investigation and see that our home is safe.”</p> <p>“All I can say is that my son is so loved and cherished. He is my miracle baby, he was my fourth pregnancy after three miscarriages, and he's the light of my life.” She added.</p> <p>“We made a mistake and we don't deserve our child taken away because of it.”</p> <p>The mumfluencer then posted another TikTok that appeared to show the child was back home in the custody of her and her husband.</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

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When it comes to music, not all cultures share the same emotional associations

<div class="copy"> <p>Most of us have deep emotional reactions to <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/physics/recent-musical-research-of-note/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/physics/recent-musical-research-of-note/">music</a>, which is <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/culture/music-really-is-a-universal-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/culture/music-really-is-a-universal-language/">a central part of human cultures</a> around the world. But our ideas about what makes music sound happy or sad are not universal, suggests <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new research</a> published today in <em>PLoS One</em>.</p> <p>The Australian-led study mainly focused on differences in people’s emotional perceptions of music in major and minor keys. In Western cultures, music in a major key is almost universally perceived as happy, and music in a minor key as sad. Transposing a melody from major to minor seems to instantly introduce a mournful or ominous feel, as demonstrated by this rendition of the “Happy birthday” song.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <div class="entry-content-asset"> <div class="embed-wrapper"> <div class="inner"><iframe title="Happy Birthday in C Minor" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ipyVmkcUXPM?feature=oembed" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> </div> </div> </figure> <p>However, the study found that these emotional associations were not shared by some remote communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) who had little exposure to Western music.</p> <p>“The most important finding of the study is that the degree of familiarity with major and minor music plays a large role in people attributing happiness to major and sadness to minor,” says Eline Smit, who led the study as part of her PhD at Western Sydney University.</p> <p>For the new study, Smit and her colleagues investigated emotional associations of major and minor keys in people living in Sydney and in several villages in Uruwa River Valley in PNG. The valley is only accessible via small plane or multi-day hike, and the villages have similar musical traditions but varying levels of exposure to Western-style music.</p> <p>The researchers played various recordings pairing one major and one minor melody or cadence (a series of chords) to the participants, who were asked to indicate which tune made them feel happy. </p> <div style="position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://players.brightcove.net/5483960636001/HJH3i8Guf_default/index.html?videoId=6308675222112" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> <p class="caption">An example of a recording played to research participants in the study. The musical samples are preceded by the word “ingguk” (one) or “yoi” (two). In this example, the first music sample is in a major key and the second in a minor key. <a href="https://osf.io/c3e9y/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://osf.io/c3e9y/">Media courtesy Eline Smit</a>.</p> <p>“Western listeners and the PNG groups exposed to Western music were more likely to say the major cadence or melody was the happy one,” Smit explains. That is, these groups were likely to say that the first melody in the example above sounded happy.</p> <p>“However, the PNG group with minimal exposure to Western music showed no preference for choosing major as the happy cadence or melody,” Smit continues. “They were just as likely to choose the minor version.”</p> <div style="position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://players.brightcove.net/5483960636001/HJH3i8Guf_default/index.html?videoId=6308677000112" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> <p class="caption">Another example of a recording from the study. In this example, the first music sample is in a minor key and the second in a major key. <a href="https://osf.io/c3e9y/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://osf.io/c3e9y/">Media courtesy Eline Smit</a>.</p> <p>Smit, who is also a trained classical pianist, became interested in <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/social-sciences/musical-instruments-can-mimic-speech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-type="URL" data-id="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/social-sciences/musical-instruments-can-mimic-speech/">the relationship between music and emotions</a> during her PhD. Her research focuses on people’s emotional responses to unfamiliar musical systems.</p> <p>“This study has shown some more insight into the role of the degree of familiarity on having particular emotional responses to music, but this does not mean that there are not any universal responses,” she says. “For the future, it would be interesting to further disentangle the impact of prior exposure and familiarity on responses to music.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em><!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=196349&amp;title=When+it+comes+to+music%2C+not+all+cultures+share+the+same+emotional+associations" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /> <!-- End of tracking content syndication --></em></div> <div id="contributors"> <p><em>This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/emotional-reactions-to-music-cultural/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Matilda Handsley-Davis.</em> </p> </div>

Music

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Queen's reaction to Prince Harry's romance with Meghan Markle

<p>The Queen’s reaction to Prince Harry’s romance with Meghan Markle has been revealed in a new book, "Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait"</p> <p>Gyles Brandreth has claimed the Queen truly liked the Duchess of Sussex and did “everything to make her feel welcome”. However, the upcoming biography says that her majesty had one important concern about their relationship.</p> <p>It explains: “The only concern the Queen let slip in the early days of the Sussexes’ marriage was to wonder to a friend if Harry wasn’t “perhaps a little over-in-love”.</p> <p>“This was as far as she came – to my knowledge at least – to ever uttering a word against the new Duchess of Sussex.”</p> <p>It also claims, contrary to claims made by Meghan in her infamous interview with Oprah, that the Queen and the royal family greeted Meghan with open arms.</p> <p>The book states that the Queen was “devoted” to Harry and that and “she truly wished him well in his new life abroad” – and that this love was also extended to Meghan when she was brought into the family.</p> <p>An excerpt of the book, published in The Mail On Sunday, says: “The truth is that when her grandson told her he was marrying Meghan Markle, she was truly delighted by the prospect.</p> <p>“She liked Meghan and told lots of people so. And she did everything she could to make her future granddaughter-in-law feel welcome.”</p> <p>It claims the Queen even suggested she keep working as she was “concerned for her future happiness”. One passage in particular reads: “At their first meeting, the Queen said to Meghan: ‘You can carry on being an actress if you like – that’s your profession, after all.’”</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/new-book-points-to-queen-elizabeth-s-true-cause-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">same biography</a> has also claimed that the Queen secretly battled bone marrow cancer in the final year of her life, and says that she was in considerable pain leading up to her death.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Books

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Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

<p><strong>Wear gloves and a mask</strong></p> <p>Before you start cleaning, put on a face mask and rubber gloves, recommends board-certified allergist Dr Neeta Ogden. The mask will help you avoid breathing in allergens, and the gloves will keep them away from your whole face. </p> <p>“Even quickly touching your eye or face can lead to allergens reaching your eyes and portals to your airway through the nose and mouth,” says Dr Ogden.</p> <p><strong>Clean one window at a time</strong></p> <p>Spring-cleaning is the time to hit spots you don’t clean every week, like windows. But keeping the panes open too long could let pollen, mould, and other allergens inside. </p> <p>“I would do one window at a time,” says Dr Stephen Kimura, an allergist and immunologist. “Open it, clean it, and shut it right away.” Keep the AC running as you go so the air can filter, he says.</p> <p><strong>Let clothes dry inside</strong></p> <p>No matter how much you love the idea of letting clothes dry in the natural sunlight, stay away from an outdoor clothesline. </p> <p>“If you’re pollen or mould allergic and have clothes out there, they will attract those pollens and you’ll be exposed in high quantities to those allergens,” says Dr Kimura. Any clothes that can’t go in the dryer should hang dry indoors.</p> <p><strong>Pick the right vacuum</strong></p> <p>Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is designed to keep dust in the vacuum instead of blowing back up into the air, says Dr Ogden. </p> <p>Also look out for new models with complete seal technology to keep even more allergens in, she suggests. “You definitely don’t want to go with a regular old vacuum,” she says.</p> <p><strong>Leave carpet shampoo to the pros</strong></p> <p>Shampooing a carpet obviously means getting your carpet wet. The problem is, dust mites love spots with more than 50 per cent humidity and might start gathering in the damp wood or padding under the carpet, says Dr Mark Aronica, an allergist. </p> <p>“It should be done by a professional cleaner, where things are cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible,” he says.</p> <p><strong>Don't dust dry</strong></p> <p>Dusting with a dry cloth could work against you, says Dr Ogden. “Dusting in and of itself is not very helpful if you’re just disseminating dust back in the air,” she says. </p> <p>She recommends using a damp cloth or a vinegar solution when wiping down surfaces to actually trap the dust.</p> <p><strong>Pay attention to clutter</strong></p> <p>Don’t ignore your usual decluttering when you’re spring cleaning. “Piles of books and magazines and things collect dust,” says Dr Kimura. </p> <p>Toss the junk while you spring clean to keep the allergens in your home low.</p> <p><strong>Clean mould hands-off</strong></p> <p>Mould can trigger allergies, so cleaning it out effectively can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to hover over the shower scrubbing away at the allergen, so Dr Ogden suggests using a product you can spray. “You can hold them away from yourself and spray into the shower,” she says. </p> <p>“You return in 15 minutes and run the shower, and that’s it.” Use a solution that’s 10 per cent bleach, which is strong enough to kill mould but weak enough for your allergies to tolerate, says Dr Aronica.</p> <p><strong>Run a fan</strong></p> <p>Opening windows to air out fumes will just bring allergens in, but running a fan can help. </p> <p>“Make sure you’ve got the exhaust hood running in the bathroom or kitchen to keep strong odours from bothering you,” says Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Use natural products</strong></p> <p>Stick with fragrance-free cleaning products because scented options can make allergies worse. “It’s not a direct allergic reaction so much as an irritant to a nose that’s already inflamed or irritated,” says Dr Aronica.</p> <p>Use natural cleaning products when you can, like mopping with a vinegar and water solution, suggests Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Invest in a mattress cover </strong></p> <p>Make sure you use an allergy cover on your mattress, pillows and quilt. “The covers are impermeable to dust mites,” says Dr Aronica. </p> <p>“What does accumulate during the week gets killed in the laundry.” Wash your sheets in the hottest setting, or at least 48.8°C, to kill any mites, he says.</p> <p><strong>Give your dog a bath</strong></p> <p>Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to mean your house only – make it an opportunity to give your cat or dog a good wash, too. </p> <p>“That cuts down on whatever pollen they have on their fur or coats, and also cuts down on dander,” says Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Clean our your dehumidifier</strong></p> <p>A dehumidifier will help avoid mould at bay in basements – but only if you clean it regularly. </p> <p>“Rinse it out and use a weak bleach to kill mould spores,” says Dr Kimura. Make sure to refresh it during your spring-cleaning chores.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/allergic-to-cleaning-13-ways-to-keep-allergies-in-check-when-spring-cleaning?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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A man’s unusual reaction to a ham roll five years on

<p dir="ltr">A UK-based father who claims he “cannot stop farting” after eating a ham roll in 2017, has launched a legal bid for $350,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tyrone Prades, 46, says the snack sparked life-changing flatulence which wakes him at night and embarrasses him in public.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ham sandwich’s victim reports he had a severe tummy ache within hours of consuming it at a Christmas market, and was then bed-bound for five weeks, his lawyers have allegedly told the High Court.</p> <p dir="ltr">He and others who ate at the same stall were said to have been infected with salmonella. Within hours of eating the ham roll, he had stomach cramps, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, the court heard. His lawyer, Robert Parkin, said he was sick for months and was still flatulent five years on with churning noises in his gut. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The claimant continues to suffer from excessive flatulence, which causes him a great deal of embarrassment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The symptoms are, primarily, fatigue and altered bowel function associated with ‘churning’ within his abdomen and flatulence. The claimant’s stomach continues to make frequent churning noises to the extent his sleep can become disrupted.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Parkin claimed the ham had been contaminated with salmonella bacteria and other customers also fell ill.</p> <p dir="ltr">The barrister added: “The extent of the symptoms has been life-changing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the stall was closed and deep-cleaned following Public Health England investigation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Prades, of Chippenham, Wilts, is suing the operator, Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd, for at least £200,000 (AU$347,014), although the company denies any blame.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-56df7068-7fff-2f29-58d6-273718966b4c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The company’s barrister, Philip Davy, admitted council environmental health officers found e.coli on a knife but no salmonella. The case will now go on trial at a later date.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Dad’s priceless reaction upon learning he’s having another girl

<p dir="ltr">A father’s reaction at his wife’s baby shower has been slammed when it was revealed she was having another daughter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Expectant mother KC Fulton shared the reveal on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kc.fulton/video/7085045940910083374?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> where she is holding one of her daughters and another daughter stands nearby with the father.</p> <p dir="ltr">She opens the umbrella where pink petals fall  to reveal she is having another baby girl.</p> <p dir="ltr">The father immediately walks off saying “f**k” despite the fact that KC captioned the video: “Baby Fulton #3 is a……. I swear he’s happy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Before the clip ends, he once again walks in front of his family and swears. </p> <p dir="ltr">KC has disabled the comments on the video which has already been seen more than 44 million times but it has been shared widely on social media with many calling out her partner's reaction. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This guy doesn’t deserve daughters. What a disgusting display of misogyny to a girl child not yet born,” one comment read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have 6 beautiful daughters and this video makes me quite upset. In today's day with all the negativity in the world this is not the attitude we need. There should have been nothing but joy and excitement in my opinion,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a guy, I don’t get dudes like that. I have two little girls and they changed my life,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“How invaluable his daughters must feel,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“No, I hate it so much”: Woman’s reaction to engagement ring goes viral

<p dir="ltr">A woman who hated the engagement ring her fiancé bought her has forced him to swap it out for one that’s DOUBLE its price. </p> <p dir="ltr">The bride-to-be took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@beefinnagain/video/7073846184753827115?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> and shared the story to her 450 followers about how she was “not being too much” for asking to swap the ring.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I asked him to replace it, so I’m probably going to get a lot of hate for this and honestly, I’m OK with that; I’m aware I’m a lot,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">She explained the pair had been dating for a while but the whole time she was in “marriage headspace”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman said she explained to her boyfriend specifically what she wanted: “I want a ring with a halo. I want the little diamonds around the main ring.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Don’t talk to me about marriage,” she claims he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman however said that she would not move in with him unless he proposed. </p> <p dir="ltr">She emphasised that she “didn’t care about the size, cut, or clarity of the diamond” and that all she wanted was a “little halo on the inside diamond”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The time comes, he proposed and it literally was a princess cut diamond with no halo. It was a beautiful diamond, but it was just not what I wanted,” she rambled on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“So after he proposed I literally went home and my mum was like, ‘Do you like the ring?’</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I like bawled, I was like, ‘No I hate it so much and I have to wear it forever.’”</p> <p dir="ltr">It took her a week to tell her boyfriend that she was not happy with the ring and that she wanted a new one.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I called him and was like, ‘Hey this is going to be a hard pill to swallow but like I hate the ring – it is just not what I wanted and I am willing to wait for something that I do want but like I just need you to know that. Can we try and fix this?” she asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All is well in the world. He was able to get a refund and swap it out and it was fine … I made him pay double for the ring because he took me to the store and I told him what I liked.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

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Could pain and fever medication affect our reaction to Covid?

<p dir="ltr">New research has made some surprise findings about common pain and fever medication and its impact on infections like COVID-19.</p> <p dir="ltr">A team of Australian pain researchers combed through studies that evaluated the effects of these medications - which include morphine, paracetamol, and aspirin - on the immune system, as well as the effects they have on a person’s risk of infection.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Christina Abdel-Shaheed, the lead author on the review and a pain researcher at the University of Sydney, said the team were initially interested in studying the possible impacts of paracetamol during the coronavirus pandemic as people began hoarding the medication during the early months of the pandemic.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, they made several findings related to several other conditions, including chicken pox and Covid, and in relation to vaccination.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our review shows some of the common pain and fever medications may work with the immune system to fight infection, whereas others work against it and increase the risk of contracting or responding badly to infectious diseases,” Dr Abdel-Shaheed <a href="https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/are-medicines-affecting-our-response-to-infections-like-covid-19">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">For example, they found that aspirin could be an affordable and accessible treatment option for tuberculosis, while morphine increases the risk of infection, particularly after cancer surgery, because it suppresses key cells in the immune system.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Justin Beardsley, an infectious disease researcher at Westmead Hospital and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, said this was an important finding as morphine is one of the most commonly used drugs in post-surgical care.</p> <p dir="ltr">He noted that its effect of increasing the risk of infection is particularly important for cancer patients and immunocompromised patients in general “who are already vulnerable to COVID-19”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen before or immediately after vaccination - for example for COVID-19 - to try and prevent mild fever or headache is not recommended, because this could reduce the body’s desirable immune response to the vaccine,” Dr Abdel-Shaheed explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For chickenpox, the use of ibuprofen is not recommended as it might increase the risk of secondary bacterial skin infections.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Professor Ric Day, a co-author from UNSW and St Vincent’s Hospital, said research in this area was still catching up and that investigating these medications could have considerable impacts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the problems is that widely used medicines - such as paracetamol, nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and corticosteroids such as prednisone - have been around for decades and in the past we didn’t tend to consider their impacts on the immune system because it has been an under-recognised area,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“From community use to hospital and acute care, these classes of pain and fever medications are among the most popular drugs worldwide but we need to consider the significant impact these can have on our immune system and our response to infectious diseases, including COVID-19.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The clinical review was published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15281" target="_blank" rel="noopener">British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b8c0294d-7fff-d7ef-7268-8cf46134c4ea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

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Woman shares terrifying reaction to eyebrow lamination

<p dir="ltr">A woman has shared a tale of caution <a href="https://style.nine.com.au/beauty/womans-horrible-allergic-reaction-to-brow-lamination/da7baba1-cede-4570-95cb-43157fbb0729" target="_blank" rel="noopener">following</a> her horror eyebrow lamination experience.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eyebrow lamination, the beauty treatment that offers the same full and feathery look as microblading without needling or pain, has become quite popular recently, seeing women such as Elizabeth Stirba give it a try.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Ms Stirba took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabethstirba_/video/7053842175850941742?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> to reveal that she had a horrible allergic reaction after her first treatment.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a montage of progress photos, Ms Stirba showed how her eyebrows went from looking slightly red and irritated to completely swollen and inflamed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Never getting a brow lamination ever again,” she captioned the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some of the photos showed that Ms Stirba’s eyebrows were so swollen that she could barely open her eyes, and that the swelling seemed to continue below her eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">The clip was quickly swamped by commenters sharing their horror and concern for Ms Stirba.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh no!! Dear friend… so sorry. Hope you’re back to 100 %,” one person commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You poor thing! Ouch!” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others asked if she had gotten a patch test done before her full treatment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Were you allergic to the solution? How long did you symptoms (swelling) last?” one concerned user asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I guess so!! got a test patch in December but still had this. It’s been over a week and I’m just red now but took lots of meds!” she wrote in response.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eyebrow lamination <a href="https://www.elle.com.au/beauty/eyebrow-lamination-22517" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uses</a> a chemical solution to soften the eyebrow hair and allow it to be shaped so they can grow in a way that makes them look fuller and tidier.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is supposed to be a painless treatment, but a patch test is usually done before a full treatment to ensure clients don’t react.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite claiming she had a patch test, Ms Stirba still experienced a painful reaction.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some shared similar experiences they had with the treatment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What meds did you take (because) I had a similar reaction with the chemical burns and it’s still visible,” one fellow beauty lover wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sorry you experienced this! I just did mine and they’re slightly red.. I’m worried..” another shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I also had an allergic reaction but not as bad. Glad you’re ok,” a third said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e498921e-7fff-54fc-357f-847bf9e85c6b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @elizabethstirba_ (TikTok)</em></p>

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