Latest news with #FiftyShadesofGrey
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Wait, is your body rejecting your relationship?
Pop culture likes to romanticise steamy, flawed connections to the point where passionate yet toxic dynamics have come to seem normal to impressionable audiences (see: Babygirl or Fifty Shades of Grey). This kind of desensitisation can bleed over into real life, making it harder to realise when a relationship has gone sour. Luckily, we all have something in our corner capable of signalling when it's truly time to move on: if only we knew how to listen. You've probably questioned some of these signals before with friends over dinner, or maybe you saw them in a viral January 2025 Thread asking the question: 'Girlies, how did you know your body was rejecting your ex?' About 2,000 people flocked to the comment section to share a range of physical and mental health symptoms they experienced in problematic relationships, including nausea, yeast infections, chronic UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, weight fluctuations, pain during sex, depression, anxiety, and more. Of course, all these issues could be attributed to more than just bad relationships, but let's be clear: this is also 100 per cent a real thing your body does. 'Toxic relationships can lead to toxic bodies,' says psychologist Candice Nicole Hargons, PhD, an associate professor at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. Your body is constantly responding to your environment, including your relationships, adds licensed marriage and family therapist Cheryl Groskopf. 'When you're in one that feels unsafe, inconsistent, or emotionally draining, your nervous system reacts.' This is exactly what happened to Stephanie* when she experienced her first migraine nearly one year into dating her former boyfriend. The headaches were nonstop and resistant to every remedy she tried, from prescription painkillers to holistic approaches like acupuncture, reflexology, and deep-tissue massages. 'I met with every specialist under the moon,' she says. Clarity finally came during therapy, a safe space where she would regularly vent about her boyfriend. 'I was in agony and my therapist wondered if my body was rebelling against him,' she remembers. Once Stephanie became single, her migraines let up. The tricky thing is that doctors can brush off these symptoms or attribute them to something else - almost anything, really, because such physical and emotional signs could be explained by many other conditions, says Groskopf. A lot of times, physicians chalk them up to 'just stress,' and while they're not wrong, the source of that stress is important, too. 'When a relationship triggers nonstop stress, your nervous system is always over-activated,' says Groskopf. 'Your body perceives the relationship as a threat, even if you don't consciously think of it that way. If symptoms improve when you're alone, around supportive people, or after time away from your partner, that's a strong indicator that your relationship is the cause.' The problems in your relationship don't have to be extreme or abusive for this to be the case. Stephanie says her relationship 'sucked' but not in the way people typically think. 'He wasn't showing up for me emotionally and we just didn't gel. The headaches were how my body was letting me know he wasn't as good as it gets.' Six months after separating from her now ex-husband, Allison* says she finally 'looked like me again.' While married, she dealt with a lot of abandonment, emotional stonewalling, and cold-shouldering that stemmed from her ex's gambling problem. 'My unhappiness literally showed on my face,' she says. She was constantly puffy and acne-prone, and her skin was irritated. She hadn't gained weight, changed anything in her diet, or started a new medication—there was no explanation for it... until the marriage was over. Experiencing symptoms like this doesn't mean you have to end things immediately, says Groskopf. Sometimes, the symptoms can go away after a couple addresses their concerns. Other times, performing micro-experiments, like taking some space before going through with a full-fledged breakup, may give you better insight as well. It can be easy to lose yourself in any kind of relationship, but the most important thing you can do first and foremost is get to know and prioritise yourself. Listen to your body—it's sending you these signals, ultimately, as a way to try and keep you safe. Many experts suggest developing some sort of mindfulness practice, like breathwork or regular therapy, before you're in a relationship so that you can be more in tune with your body's 'normal.' This can help you identify when someone in your life throws it off. 'Check in with your emotions before your body has to scream for your attention,' says Groskopf. That can be easier said than done, so logging symptoms and feelings in a journal or in your Notes app is a practical and helpful way to track patterns. It will be a good reference for you and your health care providers, too. Paying attention to when symptoms strike is also key intel. You'll be able to establish your baseline and know what your body does and feels like when it's neutral, excited, or experiencing negative changes—so you can work toward a goal of overall well-being, including the romantic kind. As Hargons says: 'When your relationship is a healthy, happy one, you have better health overall.' Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a sex and wellness journalist who writes at the intersection of queerness, sexual health, and pleasure. In addition to Women's Health, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Men's Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Grok AI to Launch Text-to-Video Generation Feature in October for Premium Users
Grok AI, the advanced conversational assistant developed by Elon Musk's xAI, is preparing to unveil a groundbreaking feature that will enable users to generate videos from text prompts. According to a recent announcement, this new functionality will be released in October 2025, with early access granted to Super Grok subscribers. The feature will be powered by Grok's Imagine capability, which is built on the Aurora engine. It allows users to transform simple text descriptions into full-fledged videos, complete with synchronized audio. This innovation expands Grok's existing creative suite, which already includes image generation and voice-based interactions. Elon Musk confirmed the development by reposting Grok's announcement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, 'You'll soon be able to generate videos on Grok. Download the standalone @Grokapp and subscribe.' The move signals a significant step forward for xAI as it competes with other AI giants in the race to deliver advanced generative media tools. In an official post on X, the Grok team explained, 'Video generation is coming to Grok via our Imagine feature, powered by Aurora. Create instant videos with sound from text prompts. Download the standalone Grok app, subscribe to Super Grok, and join the waitlist for early access in October.' At present, users can sign up for the waitlist through the standalone Grok app. The early rollout will be exclusive to Super Grok subscribers, a premium plan priced at $30 per month. Broader access to the feature is expected in subsequent phases after the initial launch. This update adds another layer to Grok's rapidly evolving capabilities. Besides conversational AI, the app already supports image creation and voice chat, enabling users to generate rich multimedia content within a single platform. Earlier this year, xAI also introduced customizable AI companions for Grok. The first batch of digital avatars includes: Valentine, inspired by fictional icons like Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey inspired by fictional icons like Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey Ani, a dark-themed anime-style character a dark-themed anime-style character Rudy, a red panda avatar These companions are exclusively available to Super Grok users and can be accessed directly within the app. Grok AI forms a core part of the X Premium+ subscription, which bundles multiple advanced features for power users. Super Grok subscribers currently enjoy premium perks such as DeepSearch, real-time data access, and enhanced image generation tools. The upcoming video creation functionality is expected to further enhance the platform's appeal among content creators, storytellers, and digital artists. With this new addition, Grok is poised to become one of the most versatile AI-powered creative platforms available today, continuing to push the envelope in generative AI innovation.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Warm Up Your Winter With Some Declarations Of Love!
Tempest Theatre Co is proud to present Declarations of Love (And Other Useless Things). Back for its five year anniversary, Wellington theatre stalwarts Emma Maguire and Hamish Boyle run the gauntlet of sketch comedy, performing 15+ sketches about love, sex, queerness and rom-coms in 50 minutes at BATS Theatre this 26-30 August. It's delirious, it'll get your blood pumping (not like that), and maybe we'll all come out of it satisfied. Think parodies of Fifty Shades of Grey and the manosphere. Interrogating love languages and horoscopes. A lot of ~intimate eye contact~. Maybe some touching. The works. Co-creator Emma Maguire says of the show, ' Declarations was born as a solo show just before the pandemic, and I brought Hamish on board to make it a duo. Five and a half years later, we're closer than ever, have grown utterly as people, and have entirely rebuilt the show together as true collaborators.' Declarations' idiosyncratic humor and fast-paced sketches speak of the duo's trust and abilities in each other. 'I bring the innate understanding of the romance genre, Hamish (Boyle) brings technical skill.' Maguire continues, 'Together we've built something that's sexy, snappy, and you'll hold close to your heart.' 'Take your friends. Take your lovers. This show IS a love story. And it's totally for everyone.' - Theatreview
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix fans have just days to binge watch 'steamiest' romance franchise
There are just four days left to tune into the romantic drama Netflix viewers have just a few days left to stream a divisive film franchise based on raunchy romance novels. The streamer is set to remove Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed from its library this Thursday, July 31. Based on E. L. James's bestselling novels, the erotic drama propelled Jamie Dornan to mainstream fame. It follows a sexual relationship between university graduate Anastasia Steele (played by Dakota Johnson) and young businessman Christian Grey (Dornan). As their relationship blooms, Christian introduces Anastasia to BDSM sexual practices. Although sex takes centre stage in the trilogy, the story also delves into interesting themes such as working through emotional trauma. Upon its 2015 debut release, the R-rated franchise received poor reviews. Rotten Tomatoes critics awarded it a sour 25% rating, with audiences rating it a more generous 41% score. Critics described the first film as a "less than satisfying experience," but that didn't prevent the franchise from expanding. The following films, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, were released in 2017 and 2018 respectively. They were similarly slammed by critics. However, some moviegoers were quick to defend the franchise. "It's easy, it's fun, it's a little mischievous, it's got a story line... I dunno why people are so harsh," reviewed one IMDb user. They same fan added: "I watch films to relax and switch off. It left a smile on my face at the end maybe I'm a romantic at heart, who knows. I guess I liked the ultimate love conquers all message." Another simply penned: "Plain and simple, I loved all of the series.. beyond the pale sensuality with this undertone of wanting to find love.. I loved it." Meanwhile, book blogger 'Natasha is a Book Junkie' shared a glowing review: "It [Fifty Shades of Grey] pulled off the almost impossible task of faithfully bringing these fictional characters to life and making them even more psychologically layered and three-dimensional than they might have been in the first place, turning my overall viewing experience into an absolute thrill start to finish."
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Elon Musk unveils raunchy Grok companions, teases ‘Valentine' bot for X users
Elon Musk has again captured the tech world's attention by releasing a bold new set of AI 'companions' for his chatbot, Grok , including a suggestively styled 'Valentine' bot and an anime-inspired AI girlfriend . Musk's move marks a notable departure from the conservative approaches of rival AI giants and is igniting conversations across the internet about artificial intelligence, adult content, and the future of digital companionship. Grok goes risqué: From 'Ani' the anime girlfriend to 'Valentine' the AI boyfriend This week, users of Musk's Grok platform—developed by his company xAI—were introduced to two headline-grabbing personalities: Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Data Science Degree Cybersecurity Technology Digital Marketing CXO Design Thinking Leadership MCA Public Policy healthcare Product Management PGDM Data Analytics Finance Operations Management Project Management Healthcare Data Science Others Management others Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details 'Ani', a sexualized anime girlfriend, characterized by her sultry voice and provocative fashion—including a short black dress, fishnet tights, and lacy choker. Ani's often flirtatious and playful banter has drawn immediate attention, especially since she's currently available on all Grok accounts—even with 'kids mode' enabled. 'Valentine', an AI 'boyfriend' bot inspired by characters like Edward Cullen ( Twilight ) and Christian Grey ( Fifty Shades of Grey ). Musk confirmed that Valentine's name is a homage to Valentine Michael Smith from Robert Heinlein's 'Stranger in a Strange Land'—the very book that originated the concept of 'grokking.' The appearance of Valentine sparked remarks about his resemblance to a youthful Elon Musk and features a gothic aesthetic. Musk's decision to launch these characters isn't just a stunt—he has stated that users will eventually be able to design their own AI companions, ensuring that 'no two will be the same'. A first for big AI: Raunchy chatbots enter mainstream platforms While smaller companies have experimented with adult-focused AI bots, Musk's initiative is the first by a major tech player to launch overtly 'raunchy' AI companions. Character traits range from flirtatious and dreamy to 'Bad Rudi'—a red panda programmed to toss graphic insults (which can be toggled off for milder conversation). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Grok 4, the engine powering these bots, is Musk's latest version and was announced July 9 as the 'world's most powerful AI model'. User customization is a leading feature, with Musk promising a variety of archetypes—from Mr. Darcy–inspired romantic leads to fully original, user-created avatars. Controversy and pushback: A fall toward kid-friendly AI Grok's adult-themed bots have not been without backlash. Critics flagged the inclusion of sexually suggestive AI in 'kids mode' and raised concerns about safety, particularly in light of challenges faced by other AI companionship platforms. Live Events In apparent response, Musk announced plans for 'Baby Grok,' a new, kid-friendly version of the AI app aimed at providing child-safe content and a safer user experience. There is no launch date yet, but the move is widely seen as an answer to mounting criticism as Grok's adult personalities spark heated debate.
