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A comic that debunks myths about asexuality

Sexuality can be really complex.

A comic that debunks myths about asexuality


Asexuality is often misunderstood.

In general, it's believed to be the absence of any romantic interest, but asexual identity actually means that a person is not sexually attracted to anyone. Romantic feelings and the strength of those feelings can vary from person to person.

Currently, about 1% of adults have no interest in sex, though some experts believe that number could be higher. For a long time, information on asexuality was limited, but researchers recently have found information that gives us more knowledge about asexuality.

Being asexual can be tough, though — just ask the artists from Empathize This.

To demonstrate, they put together a comic on asexuality, defining it as a sexual orientation, not a dysfunction:

This article originally appeared on 5.16.16


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34 broken bones, a mural, and Buddy the Elf—what these three things have in common

"I never thought I’d run again. But against the odds, here I am."

34 broken bones, a mural, and Buddy the Elf—what these three things have in common
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The Bank of America Chicago Marathon took place on Sunday, October 12th. Every runner who took on the enormous feat of 26.2 miles is truly an inspiration. We’re proud to share three outstanding stories about the power of community, giving back and crossing the finish line. Not only did they run an outstanding distance, but they each also gave back by fundraising for an organization that changes lives for the better.

Running a marathon is so much more than race day. It’s sticking to a schedule, getting enough rest, learning how to fuel your body for long distances, and—perhaps the most challenging of all—building mental resilience.


Meet Leanne: Running after 34 Bone Fractures

Leanne was only 12 years old when during her middle school cross country practice, she fractured her right tibia, the shin bone in her leg. This wasn’t Leanne’s first time breaking a bone—it was actually her 34th fracture. After many years of being overlooked as "clumsy," Leanne felt immense relief and recognition when a doctor diagnosed her with brittle bone disease, an incredibly rare condition.

Lurie Children’s provided a care plan for Leanne to build strength and start running again. And as of October 12th, Leanne ran her second Bank of America Chicago Marathon. She said in an interview, “I never thought I’d run again. But against the odds, here I am, training for my second Bank of America Chicago Marathon... all because of Lurie Children’s.”

Leanne’s impressive journey is a testament to the incredible research of Lurie Children’s, where she gives back by volunteering at the hospital and running on its behalf. Talk about being a true inspiration.


Meet Everett: Running to Inspire Through Art

Everett is an artist who creates beautiful murals around the city of Chicago. He uses his art as a tool for storytelling for community and connection.

In addition to being an artist, Everett is a runner. He ran the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on behalf of Peace Runners 773, a non-profit organization that strengthens the community of Chicago. In this video, we follow Everett on a run to visit some of his favorite murals. The run ends at Garfield Park, where Everett just finished a mural that he dedicated to the organization—symbolizing growth, strength and togetherness. Everett didn’t stop there.

While building his strength as a runner, Everett is strengthening his city of Chicago. Through his running and artwork, Everett has brought more awareness and resources to his community.

Meet Joseph: Running on Behalf of Special Olympics


Joseph ran the Chicago Marathon on behalf of Special Olympics, dedicating each mile to one of 26 friends with a developmental disability. The last 1.2 miles were extra special. It was for one of his closest friends, Matt.

In this video, Joseph runs to Matt’s house. For every mile of this training run, he tells us a heartwarming anecdote about Matt. They met at camp and soon, Matt will be a groomsman in Joseph’s wedding. The duo even sends a Christmas card every year—most notably dressing up as Buddy the Elf and sharing a bowl of spaghetti with maple syrup (spoiler: it doesn’t taste good).

As Joseph runs, he says, “Before we get to Matt, a quick note about why I’m running on behalf of Special Olympics. Matt and I love sports. And so do many of my other friends. Donations help provide year-round sports training and competition for more than 20,000 people with intellectual disabilities across Illinois.”

Joseph is the perfect example of inspiration. Not only did he run an entire marathon, but he also found inspiration in his friends who love sports as much as he does.


Leanne, Everett and Joseph are three incredible people who have shown how much strength and perseverance it takes to run a marathon. Each runner is both empowering themselves and their community. Their dedication to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon shows that the people of Chicago have a passion for the city, their neighbors and their personal achievements.

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Gen Xers share 17 nostalgic dishes they ate growing up—and still make for dinner

From sloppy joes to pizza bread, these dishes still slap.

gen x, generation x, gen x meal, gen x food, gen x family meals
Image via Reddit

A family enjoys dinner during the 1970s.

Generation X (those born between 1965-1980) grew up eating classic Americana meals. During the 1970s, comfort meals like tuna casserole and salmon roquettes were popular meals.

Gen X also grew up eating some pretty unhinged (but all the more yummy) sandwiches. These meals are steeped in childhood nostalgia.

And to this day, Gen Xers are still fond of their favorite dishes they grew up eating. Together, they discussed on Reddit their most-loved home-cooked dishes that they still whip up, starting with sloppy joes.

Here are 17 iconic Gen X comfort meals to keep in mind the next time you make dinner:


@genx_shawn

🤤😂 Top 10 Things ONLY GenX Knows the Taste Of... #genx #over50club #genxtiktok #over40 #genxcrew #generationx #genxers #genxtok #over40club #over50

"Breakfast. We will have a 'breakfast for dinner' at least a couple times a month. Yum!" - fadeanddecayed, KddKc

"Pizza bread! My mom would cut Italian bread into pieces, put butter and garlic salt on them, then pour some spaghetti sauce on them, cover with mozzarella cheese, and broil for like ten or fifteen minutes. Super easy and quick to make and so tasty. I'm sure my mom loved that I was so into something that took roughly zero effort for her to make." - hornybutired

"Grilled cheese and soup." - reincarnateme

"Meat loaf. I use 2 pounds ground beef, replace bread crumbs with minute rice, add 1 pkg beef soup flavoring, chop an entire onion for it, and mix BBQ sauce into mixture. Oh, important: do not overmix! Place all ingredients into bowl, then mix quickly 10 or 12 swirls of a large spoon. Grease loaf pan, carefully place mixture in, pat down & bake about an hour. (Extra info: for even better flavor, mix the night before, pat into loaf pan, cover with plastic, put into fridge overnight. Remove from fridge about an hour before baking. BE SURE TO REMOVE PLASTIC WRAP! [Esp. If in Pyrex glass loaf pan])" - jehardt, AbbyM1968

"White guy tacos." - najing_ftw

"Skillet dinner. Kielbasa, bell pepper, onion, spuds in a cast iron pan. One dish. Easy peasy." - UnimportantOutcome67

- YouTube www.youtube.com

"Chicken pot pie or chicken ala king." - sattersnaps

"Fried catfish, greens, and red beans and rice." - User Unknown

"Shepherds pie, technically cottage pie if it’s ground beef. Homemade enchiladas, usually made as a layered casserole instead because I don’t have time to roll them. Pork chops with mashed potatoes and veggies." - XerTrekker

"Fried rice with chicken or pork leftovers." - AlternativeResort181

"Hot hamburgers: hamburger patty open face on Texas toast thickness bread, cover with fries then cover that with brown gravy. Wife's variation is hamburger patty over rice with brown gravy." - EnricoMatassaEsq

@past_archives

American Gen X Foods That Kids Today Can’t Understand#nostalgia #childhoodmemories #backtochildhood #90s #2000s #usa #80s #90skids #80schildhood #capcutforus #capcut #capcutpioneer #America

"Stuffed peppers. I make it much more easily by cooking it all in one large frying pan 'deconstructed'. Sauté onions garlic and ground beef, add cut up peppers, tomatoes or tomato sauce, sometimes a little spinach, then add separately cooked rice, salt and pepper and serve. It comes together pretty quickly and tastes just as good as stuffing and baking peppers in the oven." - Affectionate-Map2583

"Macaroni and cheese with cut up hot dogs. Seriously, that’s what I ate tonight." - Dazzling-Walrus9673

"Homemade Stroganoff casserole. Ridiculously easy to make. Ingredients:

1.25-1.5 lbs. Ground Beef
1 each of large white onion, green pepper, and red pepper
1 can mushroom pieces, drained and rinsed
12 oz. Bag of wide egg noodles
1 can cream of mushroom soup
16 oz. Sour cream
Worcestershire Sauce
Louisiana Hot Sauce
White or Black Pepper
Panko bread crumbs

To Make: Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Worcestershire, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper are all to taste, depending on how much flavor and punch you want it to have. Cook noodles per instructions. Drain. Peel and slice onion (not diced), core and cut peppers into strips Brown meat, onions and peppers along with liberal amount of Worcestershire; garlic, pepper, and hot sauce. Add mushrooms. Cook until meat is fully brown, onions are translucent and peppers are tender. Drain. Combine drained meat, etc. with whole can of soup, half of the sour cream. Gradually add noodles into the mix. Add sour cream as needed to maintain consistency. Add Worcestershire, hot sauce, and pepper to taste. Dump into large, deep Corning dish or whatever. Cover too with bread crumbs. Cover and bake for forty minutes." - CynfullyDelicious

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6 ways people cracked the code to master office small talk with coworkers

"Brevity is your superpower in any low-stakes interaction."

small talk, small talk tips, small talk with coworkers, work small talk, small talk at the office
Photo credit: Canva

How to small talk with coworkers in the office.

If you work in an office or will soon be required to return to one after working from home for an extended period of time, understanding office etiquette can be a challenge—especially small talk. There's no denying that making small talk with coworkers can be awkward.

But mastering the art of small talk at work isn't as hard as you think. In a Reddit forum discussing small talk in the office, workers shared their insights on how they finally cracked the code on office small talk. The biggest takeaway? It's way less complicated than you think.

Here are six tips that helped people get more comfortable and confident with small talk at work:

- YouTube www.youtube.com

"Started my first real office job seven months ago and spent the first few months completely lost on workplace social dynamics. Everyone spoke in this polite surface level way that felt fake but also seemed mandatory. After months of observation I finally figured it out: office small talk isn't about the actual content. It's about acknowledging someone's humanity in a low stakes way. That's it. 'How was your weekend?' doesn't require details. 'Pretty good, did some hiking. You?' is the perfect response. They don't actually want your whole weekend schedule, they're just being friendly. 'Busy week?' translates to 'I acknowledge you exist and seem stressed.' You can just say 'yeah it's been a lot' and that's a complete interaction. Done...Office social dynamics are way simpler than I built them up to be in my head. Be pleasant, keep it brief, move on. That's literally it. Nobody expects profound connection at the coffee machine" - JohnnyIsNearDiabetic

"The thing is, these moments and brief conversations can turn into something more , you see these folks everyday and you build on that surface level communication day after day. To be honest this has been a lot more difficult post covid wfh culture, but I highly recommend getting involved, it really makes work a lot more interesting and engaging, then eventually it just straight up enables more opportunity for yourself. Take this from someone who was really engaged in work until my role became the doldrums where I just get on with things. I think everyone needs interaction." - Skelachi

"Another great thing to do in the office is give complements about people behind their backs. Everything gets around, and you want it to be positive stuff. Obviously be genuine about the compliments tho." - Impossible_Barber538

"You just unlocked the adult version of 'don’t be annoying'. Brevity is your superpower in any low-stakes interaction." - HugeInvestigator6131

"My world view is - Repeated interactions build familiarity. Familiarity supports connections. Connections build networks. Networks is how you get stuff done. Doesn’t matter if it’s the front reception staff or the CEO. Connect in the least obnoxious way and the rest will follows." - Unkinked_Garden

"It can be a burden, but I let people complain to me, and I do my best to sympathize. You might not choose to do that, but mostly people like to complain, if they feel comfortable enough after the initial inane chatter. Just keep that in mind - you might want to avoid it. In fact it’s probably smart to avoid it, but I let people bend my ear. It’s ok." - joeykey

@coffeewithsimon

How to initiate small talk and keep a convo going. Work edition. #careeradvice #careertiktok #worktips #smalltalk #communication #communicationskills

How to make small talk with coworkers, according to experts

Dr. Jonathan Thorp, CEO at Quantum Connections—a program that equips leaders and employees with the dialogue skills needed to foster connection, collaboration, and inclusion—tells Upworthy that small talk is the "micro-connection" that keeps workplaces human.

"Psychological safety, appreciation, and empowerment are the real drivers of connection," says Thorp. "Small talk is where those things start, through curiosity, listening, and genuine interest. It is the social handshake before collaboration begins."

Looking for more ways to get better at small talk? Here are six more quick tips for mastering small talk with coworkers:

Use obvious opening lines

"It's easier if you talk about something you both see at this moment or just did. For example, you can ask, 'How was that meeting?' or 'Have you tried the new coffee?'" Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, managing director of JobLeads, tells Upworthy. "Something safe, easy, and without high pressure. Good topic ideas include the current workday, some light weekend plans, the weather on that day, or the commute. Skip things like money, health, or politics."

Lead with curiosity

"Ask before you tell," says Thorp. "Curiosity builds safety and shows you value the other person’s perspective. A simple 'How is your day going so far?' can open the door to trust."

Ask specific light questions

"Instead of simply asking, 'How are you?' try asking, 'What was one good thing from your weekend?' or something along this line," says Hendrik von Ahlen. "Repeat a detail: 'Oh, you're fixing a bike? What kind?' Be interested and curious about what they are saying. Specifics start real chats, but remember to avoid anything too personal."

@thatcareercoach

Replying to @runesblade Small talk 101 - get to know your coworkers #corporate #work #careeradvice #careercoach

Mirror and acknowledge

"Repeat or reflect what you heard to show attention: 'Sounds like you have a busy week ahead.' These small signals of recognition strengthen connection more than any topic itself," says Thorp.

Share a little about you and invite others to do so

"Another tip is to offer one light or fun fact about yourself," shares Hendrik von Ahlen. "For example: 'I started doing 10-minute walks at lunch and it really helps.' Then you can ask them, 'Have you got any quick reset tricks like that?' Sharing something lighthearted like this makes you seem more human without any kind of oversharing. But keep it positive: don't vent about co-workers or private work."

Keep it real, not scripted

"Authenticity beats performance," adds Thorp. "People can sense when you are running on autopilot. Be present, not perfect, and treat small talk as a practice in empathy rather than etiquette."

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Social skills expert shares 3 'magic phrases' that make you more likable

Sometimes, we need to overcommunicate how we feel about others.

vanessa van edwards, likability, communications skills, people skills, people laughing, good advice
via Press Release and Canva/Photos

Vanessa Van Edwards and people at a party.

A familiar misstep people make when trying to be likable is trying to impress others. They want to show they are funny, intelligent, and a great storyteller. They think being the life of the party is the road to likability. However, study after study shows that it’s a lot easier to be likable. All you have to do is show interest in others. To put it simply: If you like people, you will become more likable.

There’s a slight wrinkle in the notion that liking more people makes you more likable. Many people you like aren’t sure that you like them. The psychological phenomenon known as signal amplification bias says it best. We tend to overestimate how clearly we broadcast our feelings and intentions towards others. So, the person we like and who likes us may not know the feeling is mutual.

“We think our signals are obvious,” Vanessa Van Edwards told Steve Bartlett on the Diary of a CEO podcast. “If we like someone or if we’re having a good time, we think, ‘Oh, they for sure know it.’ They don’t.” Van Edwards is a communications expert and the author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People.

To help people clearly communicate their feelings, Van Edwards suggests three “magic phrases” to show you care. Check out the video below.


Phrase 1: ‘I was just thinking of you’

“You think of a lot of people in your life all the time,” she said. “If you are thinking of someone and you can text them: ‘I was just thinking of you, how are you?’ I was just thinking of you, how’d that project go?’ was just thinking of you. It has been a while since we talked.’ You see a movie, you see a documentary, you see a matcha latte, you see a mug, you see a ceramic candle, and you’re like, ‘Ah, this made me think of you,’” Van Edwards said. “My text messages, my conversations, are full of actual moments where I was triggered to think of that person, actually,” she said, noting the importance of being genuine. “If you don’t think of someone, they’re not a person you need to have in your life.”


Phrase 2: ‘You’re always so …’

"So if you're with someone and you're impressed by them or they're interesting or they're funny, say, 'You always make me laugh. You’re always so interesting,’ or ‘You’re always so great in interviews.' Giving them a label that is a positive label is the best gift you can give someone, because it's fighting that signal amplification bias,” she continued.


Phrase 3: ‘Last time we talked, you mentioned …’

“We are so honored when we get brain space—that you remembered and you’re going to bring it up,” she said. “And you specifically bring up something that they lit up with, something they were like, ‘Ah, it was great, it was exciting, it was wonderful.’”


If studies show the more you like other people, the more likable you become, Van Edwards has the next logical step in becoming more likable. She makes it clear that, due to signal amplification bias, many people you like may not even know it. When we employ her three ways to be more likeable, though, we can let people know we like them without making them feel uncomfortable, thus establishing bond to build on.

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Kids are trick-or-treating at nursing homes, and the reactions are absolutely joyous

"Kids that enjoy spending time with the elderly have a special old soul."

halloween, trick-or-treat, senior living facility, children, assisted living
Photo Credit: https://www.canva.com/photos

Kids trick or treat at a nursing home.

There's a bit of magic to the idea that the circle of life has a through-line of joyous moments. When you're young, you can't see the days ahead of you, and so the tiniest novelties—like dressing up in a pink dress with tulle and getting copious amounts of candy—are spectacular. When we age, some of us lose sight of that magic. "Been there, done that," we might think. And as we near an end to life, perhaps we don't even get exposed to it anymore.

The trend of having children trick-or-treating at senior homes and nursing facilities is ultra inspiring. Such a wonderful opportunity for two age groups to be inspired by one another—an obvious win/win for both the elderly and the kids.

@karen.channnnn

If you haven't gone trick or treating at a nursing or retirement home you're missing out! This is your sign! #retirement #elderly #Love #oldpeople #halloween

On TikTok, Karen Chan Binnings (@karen.channnnn) shared the video of her young daughter clad in a fluffy, bubblegum pink princess dress with a Halloween pumpkin basket. But what makes this trick-or-treating event different is she is in a nursing home. We see her approach the first resident, who notes, "Look at how pretty you are," as she puts candy in her bucket. She continues down the hallways, with Binnings reminding her to say "thank you" when she forgets.

Occasionally, she happens upon a caregiver or staff member (who are also at the ready with candy), but it's the senior citizens lined up in chairs (some of them in wheelchairs) that make the exchange the most special. About halfway through the video, we get a montage of the young girl posing with different residents.

And while, yes, the candy seems to be her biggest focus, occasionally the camera catches her lock eyes and smile with one of the elderly people. For her, it must feel like 100 grandparents descending all at once with chocolate.

Binnings writes, "If you haven't gone trick or treating at a nursing or retirement home, you're missing out! This is your sign!"

The comment section seems genuinely moved. Many point out that logistically, doing this at a senior facility should ensure that the candy "will be safe."

Another person shares, "The residents look forward to these events so much." Binnings replies, "The residents looked very happy. My daughter was loving the extra attention!"

Their conversation continues, with the person explaining their kids grew up in a senior living facility because they worked in one. They add that both the kids and seniors couldn't wait to count down to Halloween. Binnings exclaims "That is adorable and so special! Kids that enjoy spending time with the elderly have a special old soul."

KSBY News reports that "Hundreds of kids attended (a) Halloween event at Paso Robles assisted living facility" accompanied by a YouTube video of tiny witches, goblins, and ghosts visiting a senior home for their "trunk or treat" event. This specific celebration also helped support a fundraiser for an upcoming Alzheimer's walk, which raises donations and awareness for the disease.

Children attend the Trunk or Treat event at an assisted living facility. www.youtube.com, KSBY News

A popular Instagram page, @thesourcela, put up the reminder message: "If you take your children trick-or-treating, please consider taking them by nursing homes. Most of them give out candy, and the residents would love to see the little ones in their costumes. If you can, please stop by and brighten their day. You have no idea how much this means to them."

The people agree. One person adds, "Everyone deserves a chance to feel the enjoyment of any celebration."

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Gen Xers reminisce about wood paneling being 'everywhere' in their childhoods. Here's why it was.

"Better than the particle board era we are in now."

wood grain, wood, wood paneling, wood interiors, interior design trend
Images via Reddit/88Gonzo, Canva

Wood grain and wood paneling were on trend in the 1970s and 1980s.

Design trends come and go. For Gen Z, the color yellow is all the rage.

And for Gen X, the wood grain aesthetic (such as wood paneling) was a beloved choice for practically all surfaces in the 1970s and 1980s. From cars to furniture and walls with wood paneling, it's a "look" that defined a generation.

But why did wood paneling have such a hold? "Chances are you hate it...or you really hate it," quips YouTuber Llewelyn Moss in a video explaining the wood paneling obsession that took place in the 1970s.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

He notes that the popularity of wood paneling boiled down to a couple main factors. The first, warm and earth tones were trending (think yellows and greens), which complimented wood grain. But possibly the biggest reason wood paneling was "in" during the 1970s is because it was practical and economical.

"For much of the 19th and early 20th century. plaster was the most common material for constructing interior walls," he explains. "But plaster tends to crack and crumble easily and can be unsightly, especially in aging homes. Wood paneling was an easy way to cover these cracks. On top of that, it was often more cost-effective than plaster repair, which charged by the square foot and added up rather quickly."

Wood grain, explained

But what exactly is wood grain? Moss adds that "these beadboard panels were often made of wood fibers, pressed and held together by resin, or of wooden sheets with a thin veneer of oak or other hard wood pressed on top of it."

According to preservationists at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, "Wood graining was a fairly common practice among the gentry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Panels made of a more common wood, like pine, were painted to look like a more expensive wood, such as mahogany. This was done to give the appearance of having spent more money on a particular space."

Moss also shared, "As a result, they were as cheap as they were easy to use." And because of this, the wood grain trend became "oversaturated" in American households and "fell way out of favor."

Gen X remembers wood grain

Today, Gen Xers still have fond memories of wood grain. They reminisced with one another in a Reddit forum.

"Holy crap. Did everyone have one of those hexagon tables?? That was my parents liquor cabinet 😉." - Techchick_Somewhere

"I miss my Grand Wagoneer." - Roscoe-is-my-dog

"OMG everything was so brown and so HEAVY. That damn couch probably weighs as much as a Mazda Miata. That's why our parents would just cover the broken floor model TV with a tablecloth and sit the new 27-inch TV on top of it. Your uncles all told your dad 'Hell no, I'm not helping you move that thing.'" - Mindless-Employment

"I saw an early 90s Buick (I think) wood panel luxury wagon for sale last week and I actually thought about it for like, two whole minutes." - moxiemoon

"We put woodgrain on all the things.... And we miss this? YES." - DiscountEven4703

"Better than the particle board era we are in now." - I_love_Hobbes

"The colonial furniture era. Everything was walnut, oak, pecan, or pine, and it was never finished with anything other than brown stain. It was a revelation when I first saw mahogany furniture finished with red stain." - 25314dmm, SatiesUmbrellaCloset

"How about the Atari 2600? Wood grain on a video game console!" - Awake-Now

"My parents had a wood grain top loading VHS player." - Flat_6_Theory

"Don’t forget the wood paneled walls! My grandparent’s den was faux wood paneled with red carpet. And my aunt and uncle had their basement covered with faux wood paneling as well. All the garages in my neighborhood were covered with faux wood panels but were built in ‘84." - Double_Dimension9948

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