21 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'My boyfriend's disgusting habit puts me off having sex with him'
A woman has shared her disgust at her new partners after sex habit, and called it a ‘turn off’ – however she has been called ‘controlling’ for wanting to ask him to stop
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Our beds are more than just a piece of furniture. They’re where we lay our heads down at night for a restful sleep and where we rot all day after one too many Jägerbombs the night before. Just us?
A good bed can be a pricey investment but DUSK are offering the most amazing discounts on some of their best-sellers today, so you can snap up a stylish one for less than 50 quid, from 8am October 21.
TAKE OUR MONEY.
DUSK’s super savings come after the brand suffered a pricing error last year that accidentally discounted products by 80%, sparking a viral shopping frenzy and over 300 orders in just an hour. While DUSK couldn’t honour those orders at the time, this year, they’re bringing the price drop back intentionally. And we’re down for the super savings.
Like the Ascot Ottoman Storage Bed in Apricot, which is down from £299 to just £49. We’d spend more than that on our hangover takeaway, and that’s a super saving of OVER 80%. Like, that’s basically free by our mathematical standards. And yes, that’s also the same logic we apply to our hungover takeaway when the venue offers a complimentary starter.
The Ascot Ottoman Storage Bed, which has over 2,000 five-star reviews, has a curved headboard and a matte velvet fabric for a real style statement, plus the apricot orange will give your room a bold pop of colour. Best of all, it offers plenty of storage underneath. So even if you’ve got a small bedroom, your bed will provide a space-saving solution.
‘In love,’ Courtney said in her review, adding: ‘After renovating our home, we chose this bed for our main bedroom and I am so glad I did, delivery was superb, the bed is just stunning and I love the colour it matches perfectly!!’
The Chambery Bed Frame in Berry is down from £359 to just £51, which is a saving of over 86%. The deep berry tones will add so much warmth to your bedroom, plus the wooden frame has that modern farmhouse aesthetic, and the depth under the bed is perfect for storage.
‘Superb quality,’ Ivana said in her feedback of the bed. ‘Looks great. Amazing value. Easy to assemble. Looks more expensive than it cost. Really fast delivery! 100% Happy here.’
You can also snap up the Versailles Bed Frame in Mauve, which is down from £288 to £65. Crafted from a solid natural wood-effect frame, it has subtle scalloped detailing and a mauve headboard for a muted wash of colour.
‘Beautiful bedframe for a bargain price!’ Abi said in her review. ‘Looks so much more expensive than the very good price we paid. Easy to assemble and very sturdy with no creaking! We paired it with the dusk side table and dresser and it looks lovely together!’
This isn’t a deal you should sleep on, as discount prices are only available until stocks last. So snooze, and you’ll lose!
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20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Tell Me Lies star Grace Van Patten rocks sheer dress in bra-less moment with boyfriend Jackson White
Tell Me Lies actress Grace Van Patten stepped out for the the 5th Annual Academy Museum Gala alongside her boyfriend Jackson White
20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
All you need is a chair for this one-minute test that shows how fit you are for your age
If you’re looking to get some insight into your fitness level, hold off before forking out for a high-tech smart device.
The one-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTS) is a reliable way to assess your functional exercise capacity that’s simple to do and doesn’t cost a penny.
In fact, all you need is a chair and – as the name would suggest – a spare minute to give it a go.
Also as the name would suggest, the 1MSTS involves counting how many times you can sit down and stand up over the course of this time period.
Pulmonologist and respiratory medicine consultant Dr Ricardo José tells Metro it can be a ‘useful clinic tool’ when more complex testing isn’t an option, explaining that it ‘reflects the combined performance of the lungs, cardiovascular system, and skeletal muscles.’
In a clinical setting, he monitors a patient’s oxygen saturation, heart rate, and perceived breathlessness before and immediately after the test.
How to do the one-minute sit-to-stand test
- Place a chair (ideally one without armrests) with the back against a wall to ensure it doesn’t move around.
- Set a timer for one minute, making sure you can see it. Alternatively, have someone else time you.
- Sit in the chair with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at a 90° angle.
- Put your hands on your hips, cross your arms across your chest, or let them hang by your sides.
- Set a timer for one minute, making sure you can see it. Alternatively, have someone else time you.
- Fully stand up from the chair without using your hands or arms for assistance, then sit back down. This counts as one sit-to-stand.
- Continue sitting up and down on the chair as many times as you can until the minute timer is over, counting how many you’ve done as you go.
When to avoid or stop the 1MSTS test
According to the Primary Care Respiratory Society, you shouldn’t take the test if you:
- Have a health condition which contradindicates exervise of this nature
- Are feeling especially unwell, tired, fatigued, dizzy, light-headed, unsteady or nauseous
- Have an infection, or new or unusual joint or muscle pain
- Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
You should also stop the test if at any time you feel unwell, have chest pain, dizziness or severe breathlessness.
Even if you don’t have the kit to check your vitals at home though, number of repetitions is still a good indicator of your baseline response to exercise — as well how it compares against averages for your age and gender.
Dr José explains: ‘Broadly speaking, healthy adults under 40 years old complete at least 40 stands in one minute.
‘Performance declines with age, with around 30 to 40 stands for middle-aged adults and 20 to 30 stands for those over 70.’
However, if you want to see how your results match up in more detail, the median repetitions completed by each age group in a one-minute sit-to-stand test (according to a large-scale Swiss study published in the International Journal of Public Health) are:
- Age 20-24
- Men: 50
- Women: 47
- Age 25-29
- Men: 48
- Women: 47
- Age 30-34
- Men: 47
- Women: 45
- Age 35-39
- Men: 47
- Women: 42
- Age 40-44
- Men: 45
- Women: 41
- Age 45-49
- Men: 44
- Women: 41
- Age 50-54
- Men: 42
- Women: 39
- Age 55-59
- Men: 41
- Women: 36
- Age 60-64
- Men: 37
- Women: 34
- Age 65-69
- Men: 35
- Women: 33
- Age 70-74
- Men: 32
- Women: 30
- Age 75-79
- Men: 30
- Women: 27
Potential issues with the 1MSTS test
Keep in mind, these scores don’t account for a number of factors, including injury, pregnancy or respiratory issues like asthma, and there’s no ‘magic number’ that defines whether you’re healthy or unhealthy.
But if you struggle to reach your relevant average and there’s no known reason, it might mean you need to work on your lower body muscles and endurance, or indicate underlying problems encompassing everything from flexibility to cardiovascular health that require medical intervention.
As Jugdeep Dhesi, consultant geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust explained to BBC Future, it’s not a hard-and-fast benchmark but a ‘prompt’ that helps you ‘to do all the things that you can do to get better and stay better.’
She added: ‘I think it’s a really good way of empowering people to take control of their own health.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
ASOS has up to 60% off winter coats from Barbour, Arket, The North Face, and much more
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Itching for a new winter coat but don’t have the budget for a high-end splurge? ASOS currently has an up to 60% off sale, and we’re seriously lusting after the range of coats and jackets from some big brands.
From high-street classics, like Topshop, Mango, and Miss Selfridge, to luxe labels like Arket and Barbour, it’s time to nab a serious bargain.
We love the oversized style of this ARKET double breasted maxi coat, which is over £50 off. The rich burgundy works with a range of skin tones, and the wool blend is going to keep you seriously toasty. The structured shoulders and double-breasted silhouette will make any outfit feel instantly polished, and the long length offers a cocoon of warm comfort.
The ARKET Down Quilted Midaxi Coat is nearly 10% off, and perfect for chilly commutes and rainy weekends, thanks to its high neck and cosy quilting.
Fancy picking up a Barbour on a budget? The Barbour June showerproof jacket is almost £50 off, and perfect for sudden downpours, while the Barbour Tain Wax Jacket is almost £100 off, and a classic style that will last you for SO many winters to come.
If you’re after some fluffy fabulousness, this Free People sherpa jacket feels like a cuddle in a coat. It’s over £120 off, and the oversized fit is ideal for winter layering.
For some super savings, this Topshop Deconstructed Trench Coat comes in a washed green and is down from £110 to just £44. ‘I am obsessed with this coat,’ an anonymous shopper said in their review. ‘If this was in more colours I would buy them.’ We don’t blame you!
This Topshop jacket is part of a co-ord, made from real suede, and comes in a classic dusty pink. It was £260 but is now just £104. Meanwhile, the Barney’s Originals worn leather jacket is a classic biker style, and is now £135 off.
Leopard print is always a failsafe fashion find too, and this Mango leopard print fur jacket in brown is so comfy, plus £73 off.
With over 2,000 styles in the sale, there’s plenty to scroll, but be quick, as we don’t think the best deals are gonna stick around long.
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20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I revealed my diagnosis to my parents – and confirmed what I feared
I shouldn’t have been nervous.
I’m one of those annoying people who calls their parents every day, but this particular conversation was daunting.
I had been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in September 2021 and now, a couple of months later, I was finally about to tell my mum and dad.
Though we have a good relationship, and I know they support me, I’d held off from sharing the news with them because I knew how incredulous they’d be.
When neurodivergence had come up in the past, they’d parroted headlines that insinuated people were using it as an ‘excuse’, flocking to doctors for proof they deserve special treatment over minor setbacks everybody faces.
I tried to rationalise the fact they weren’t talking about me, hoping that their preconceptions would melt away once ADHD was no longer an abstract construct but their daughter’s reality.
But after eventually plucking up the courage, my fears were realised.
‘Why do you want to put a label on yourself?’ came the replies from mum and dad. ‘You have a degree and a job. You’re fine.’
It was as though they only remembered me getting decent grades – not the school reports that drew attention to my ‘disruptive’ behaviour, constant fidgeting, disorganisation and lateness.
Because I wasn’t out of work, the years of lost house keys, missed appointments and impulsive financial decisions – all common traits of ADHD that were referenced by my psychiatrist as part of my diagnosis – meant nothing.
It was like they had a fog over their eyes.
ADHD Awareness Month 2025
Taking place every October, the theme for this year’s ADHD Awareness Month is ‘The Many Faces of ADHD.’
With that in mind, Metro Lifestyle will be embarking on a weekly series of ADHD content throughout October that aims to demystify what it truly means to live with this vastly misunderstood condition.
But it’s not just neurodivergent people who should care about ADHD: there’s value in those without the condition understanding it, too.
No amount of awareness is too great, and one of the best things neurotypical people can do for us is give us allyship.
Our brains are a little bit different, and that’s okay. Now, let us tell you all about it.
On the other end of the phone, it was difficult to process how blinkered they seemed. It wasn’t like this was out of the blue – I’d been seeing doctors for anxiety and depression since my teens, but nothing ever seemed to work.
They’d had low times themselves and had always been by my side with unwavering compassion, never questioning the validity of what I was going through.
Now, after a lifetime of issues, I finally had an answer for why I found it so tough to ‘keep it together’.
A psychiatrist had assessed me, and the help I was getting as a result – most notably Elvanse, a fast-acting medication that regulates the body’s production of dopamine to improve focus – had already been transformative.
My knee-jerk response was to lash out, chalking it up to callous ignorance. I told them as much too, hanging up the phone and refusing to engage with the cat memes my mum sent me as an olive branch.
It was about a week before I felt able to speak to them again. But as the dust settled, I began to understand where their reaction had come from.
For starters, there was probably a sense of guilt at having missed the signs when I was growing up. After all, no parent wants their child to struggle, let alone to do it without their support.
What is ADHD?
NHS describes ADHD as ‘a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating, and may act on impulse.’
Is it often diagnosed in childhood, but in some cases isn’t recognised until adulthood.
‘Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.
Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:
- being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- having a low birth weight
- smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy.’
For children, treatments include ‘appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.’
For adults, ‘medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies may also help.’
It also became clear the more we spoke that my mum was spotting similarities in her own behaviour, questioning whether traits she previously thought were completely ‘normal’ were actually symptoms of ADHD.
Only a professional can say for sure whether she officially meets the criteria, but research suggests neurodivergence often runs in families, and me and my mum’s shared tendency towards clumsiness, forgetfulness and speaking before thinking has us wondering if this may be the case.
So what I initially perceived as insensitivity started to look more and more like a defence mechanism. If I was neurodivergent it could mean she was too – and that’s a lot for anyone to consider.
Generational differences clearly factored into it too. Although they stopped short of saying it outright, I felt the sentiment was there: ‘Back in our day, we soldiered on, and we turned out okay.’
While the idea that ADHD is a new ‘fad’ spans age groups, given it was only recognised in children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2000, it’s not particularly surprising that a pair of Gen Xers might see it that way.
Keep up with the conversations shaping Britain
Hi, I’m Ross McCafferty, Metro’s acting first-person and opinion editor.
Here at Metro, we’re passionate about giving a platform to unheard voices. You can read more first-person stories like this one with our News Updates newsletter.
We help people from all walks of life tell stories that inspire, educate and spark change. Sign up now to read them.
With the UK seeing a 20-fold increase in diagnoses since 2000, on first glance it could certainly look like a load of millennial and Gen Z ‘snowflakes’ jumping on a bandwagon of Tik-Tok inspired self-pathologising.
In reality though, data from ADHD UK suggests it has been significantly underdiagnosed, and that this is only now starting to change as knowledge of neurodivergence – particularly how it presents in women – has increased.
After all, just because neurodivergence wasn’t recognised in the past doesn’t mean it didn’t exist – your grandma who’s always getting her letters jumbled, your auntie who’s eaten the same meal every lunchtime for 25 years, or that uncle who talks at a million miles an hour are proof.
The more I spoke to my parents in the months following that first tense phone call, the more I realised they were trying to unlearn all sorts of outdated stereotypes about the disorder, from ‘it only affects boys’ to ‘smartphones are to blame’.
It also helped that they were witnessing the myriad ways my life improved thanks to finally receiving a proper diagnosis.
Knowing why I was forgetful allowed me to evaluate my routine and create systems that prevent problems reoccurring – I went from being locked out on a monthly basis to losing just one set of keys in four years.
Beyond that, I no longer cry at my desk, gripped by inexplicable inaction, put off paying my bills until long past due or spend days after every social interaction terrified I came across as ‘too much’.
I’m glad to say that, with time, my parents have become much more accepting of my ADHD, and it’s even sparked a bit of a running joke about the similar habits that run in our genes.
These conversations are never easy, but my family and I got through it together – and I hope more people with ADHD can too.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.
20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Skincare meets longevity: Shop the new Grown Alchemist range that’s redefining anti-ageing
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
When it comes to skincare, a buzzword on everyone’s lips right now is longevity.
Focused on the idea of maintaining the long-term health, resilience and function of your skin beyond treating the immediate signs of ageing, if your skincare isn’t dialling into longevity then you might want to think about refreshing your routine.
Luckily for us, Grown Alchemist’s Regenerating Range is here to bring you skincare solutions that look after your skin for both the short and long-term – combining bio-advanced technology with nature’s intelligence.
Packed with Grown Alchemist’s biomimetic ingredients that work with your own skin’s biology for maximum results, the all-bases-covered range has been formulated to deliver radiant, future-proofed skin.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Eye Cream 15ml
Being coined ‘the best eye cream EVER’ by impressed reviewers, this eye cream has been delivering visible results ‘within a week’ for some users, leaving eyes brighter and more hydrated with every use.
From hand cream to night cream, the Regenerating Range has everything you could need to transform your skin, backed by clinical studies to get properly excited about.
One product that’s really blowing users away, however, is the Regenerating Eye Cream.
Being coined ‘the best eye cream EVER’ by impressed reviewers, this eye cream has been delivering visible results ‘within a week’ for some users, leaving eyes brighter and more hydrated with every use.
In fact, in an Independent User Trial on 111 users over four weeks, 96% claimed it left the skin around the eyes feeling regenerated with moisture, while 83% agreed it improved the feeling of elasticity around the eyes.
Designed to smooth, firm and nourish the delicate under eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines and puffiness, this 98% natural eye cream has been packed with nature-first ingredients to deliver amazing results – and fast.
These include Polypeptides, Green Tea, Caffeine and the range’s star ingredient, Rambutan, to help boost elasticity and give a lifting and tightening effect for a more youthful-looking finish.
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, Rambutan, a ‘cousin’ of the lychee, is clinically proven to deliver retinol-like results without the irritation thanks to its antioxidant-packed makeup.
This supercharged ingredient, which is in each of the products in the Regenerating Range, helps to protect skin from environmental and free radical damage, promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin and enhance the skin’s barrier function.
With impressive results in both the long and short term, this luxurious and fragrance-free cream is ideal if you’re looking to achieve smoother, firmer under eyes with reduced signs of ageing, less puffiness and less sagging.
Users can’t get enough of the eye cream, either, calling it their ‘go-to’ and raving of the ‘impressive’ results’.
‘Loving this Grown Alchemist eye cream, leaves my skin feeling hydrated, smooth and regenerated,’ raved one impressed reviewer.
‘Helps plump up my skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Texture is silky smooth, spreads really nicely and quickly absorbs into skin.’
Another added: ‘This is honestly the best eye cream EVER. I noticed a difference within a week, my eyes were brighter and less bags under my eyes and overall so much more hydrated. I love that the ingredients are actually good for your skin.’
But the eye cream isn’t the only standout from the Grown Alchemist Regenerating Range. Explore the entire collection below.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Range
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Facial Serum 30ml
Hydrate and revitalise the skin with this top-rated Regenerating Serum, packed with Polypeptides and Rambutan to help improve both the look and feel of your skin for a noticeably smoother and softer complexion.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Night Cream 40ml
Wake up to brighter, firmer, more radiant skin with the Regenerating Night Cream. This intense overnight treatment is clinically proven to reduce advanced signs of skin aging for a glowing, younger-looking complexion.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Face Moisturizer 60ml
Packed with efficacious ingredients such as Polypeptides, Rambutan and White Tea Extract, the Regenerating Face Moisturizer is your key to more hydrated, revitalised and younger-looking skin, perfect for everyday use.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Gel Mask 75ml
For a pampering treat, the Regenerating Gel Mask is a must-have for your routine. This mask gently hydrates and restores without heaviness, locking in moisture and boosting elasticity. Infused with Pomegranate, Rambutan, Echinacea and Green Tea, it turns every application into a youthful-looking, skin-rejuvenating ritual.
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Hand Cream 40ml
Treat your hands to as much nourishing goodness as your face with the Regenerating Hand Cream. Packed with natural emollients in replacement of silicons and an expert blend of Polypeptides and Rambutan, it helps to increase skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of crepey skin for noticeably younger looking hands.
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20 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
River Island just dropped another Christmas jumper collab with incredible British artist
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
We’re nearly into November and just when you were about to reluctantly dig out your old lumpy Christmas jumper with the faded Rudolph motif, River Island swoops in to save the season with a festive collection that’s anything but cringe.
Following the mega success of their 2024 collaboration, River Island has once again teamed up with beloved illustrator Nephthys Foster on a collection of Christmas jumpers. But this time, there’s even more to shop.
In the expanded collection, shoppers can also expect to find kidswear, pyjamas and incredibly chic accessories.
Known for her distinctive style and bold, bright prints that celebrate life’s small pleasures, the London-based illustrator brings a fresh new take on the classic Christmas jumper with designs that bring all the festive feels.
‘We’re thrilled to bring back our collaboration with Nephthys Illustrated after such an incredible response last year,’ says Emma Rossi, Design Director at River Island.
‘This year’s expanded collection captures the heart of what our customers loved most – creativity, comfort, and a touch of festive magic.’
From a classic red cardigan covered in cute Christmas doodles to candy cane-striped PJs and an adorable makeup bag adorned with festive motifs, there’s something for everyone in the mix.
Top picks include the Apres Ski Cardi Pink (£56), PJ Shirt Set Suite Dreams (£39), and Hotel Noel Makeup Bag (£22).
In terms of sizing, womenswear comes in sizes XS to L, while the baby line caters to little ones from 0 to 18 months. The mini line covers ages 12 months to 5 years, and kidswear is available for children aged 5 to 14 years.
Want to get your hands on this limited edition Nephthys Foster x River Island Christmas collection? It’s available to shop online at riverisland.com and in select stores nationwide from October.
Whether you’re after a special outfit for Christmas Day or planning some matchy-matchy family moments, this collab totally nails the brief: festive, fun and fully wearable.
River Island x Nephthys Red Doodle Christmas Cardigan
The Nephthys Red Doodle Christmas Cardigan from River Island is a festive knit designed in collaboration with London illustrator Nephthys Foster.
It features bright red fabric adorned with playful doodle-style embroidery, sequins, and pearl embellishments, giving it a fun and artistic twist on the classic Christmas jumper. The cardigan includes metallic tipping, a tie-neck detail, and heart-shaped buttons for a whimsical finish.
River Island x Nephthys Blue Apres Ski Christmas Jumper
The River Island x Nephthys Blue Apres Ski Christmas Jumper is part of the brand’s limited-edition festive collaboration with London-based illustrator Nephthys Foster.
This standout piece blends cosy winter style with playful, artistic flair – perfect for the party season or a festive day out.
River Island x Nephthys Cream Bisous Bag Charm
The River Island x Nephthys Cream Bisous Bag Charm is a festive accessory from the brand’s Christmas collaboration with illustrator Nephthys Foster.
It features a cream base with playful, doodle-style artwork and festive detailing, reflecting Foster’s signature joyful aesthetic. Designed to clip onto bags or be used as a stocking filler, it adds a fun, seasonal touch to any outfit or gift.
River Island x Nephthys Satin Spot Print Pyjama Set
The Nephthys Satin Spot Print Pyjama Set from River Island is a festive two-piece designed in collaboration with illustrator Nephthys Foster.
Made from soft satin, it features a playful spot print, a collared button-up top with a chest pocket, and wide-leg trousers with a drawstring waist.
River Island x Nephthys Red Heart Make Up Bag
The Nephthys Red Heart Make Up Bag from River Island is a festive, limited-edition accessory featuring a bold checkerboard print and heart badge detail.
Designed in collaboration with illustrator Nephthys Foster, it includes interior compartments, a zip fastening, and a top handle for easy carrying.
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19 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'AI told me to end my 8-year marriage and its five step plan actually worked'
Sick of feeling neglected within her marriage, 40-year-old Sophie* turned to AI for relationship advice. It was then that the bot gave an unexpectedly blunt response that shook up her lonely life
19 Oct, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I lied about my age then got her pregnant – she had no clue I'd just finished school'
When Lulu first set eyes on her now boyfriend Topsikkest, she’d believed him to be a man in his twenties. She was ‘shocked’ and furious when she finally learned the truth