Ask Cosmo Anything
From random little issues to major life dramas, we’ve got your back.
Q. A lot of celeb LDRS have been ending. I want mine to work. Are there ways to stoke the spark from afar?
A. The key to keeping long distance love hot is low-key contact. Text him funny pics (like that cute dog you saw in the park), and start a ritual where you chat before bed...but keep it short. Sharing tonnes of little moments actually makes you feel more connected than long, goopy chats once a week.
Q. My friend was laid off, and she keeps asking me to go out and party with her since she has tonnes of time to kill and needs cheering up. Can I show her I’m there for her without getting pulled under by her?
A. Do her a favour and invite her to your place for one-on-one wine time and career strategising instead. Your friend may say she wants to drown her sorrows in tequila shots and techno music, but you both know raging hangovers won’t do a thing for her selfesteem or job prospects. In fact, she may be feigning this ‘Woo-hoo, let’s party’ thing because she’s worried none of her friends are willing to sit down and help her talk things through. By having her over, you’re showing her you really care...without ending up blearyeyed and exhausted yourself. Plus, you can help her sort her life out, too.
Q. How expensive and painful is it to remove a tattoo?
A. It’s pricey; there’s no way around it. Most tattoos take between five and 12 sessions to remove. The cost will depend on the number of treatments required. That, in turn, depends on the size of the tattoo and its location, depth, and colour. Tattoos that contain yellow, red, or certain green pigments can be difficult to remove (can cost upto ₹ 10,000). Professionally applied tattoos tend to contain more ink than amateur versions, and usually require a greater number of treatments, hence, higher costs. Luckily, the price is the most painful part—the laser feels no worse than the snap of a rubber band on your skin.
Q. I’m freaked out by all the stories about stars’ phones being hacked and their naked pics being leaked all over the Internet. Is there a way to keep my secret stuff safe?
A. First, lock your phone—that way, if you leave it somewhere, a random stranger can’t pick it up and screw with it. Also, put a password on data that you want to keep private, like your pictures and contacts. Finally, whenever you download a new app or game, be sure you do it from original app stores and is not pirated. Also ensure that the program doesn’t contain Spyware.
Q. I’m growing out my Leighton Meester–inspired bangs. What’s a cute way to style them during the super awkward phase?
A. Brooch-like bobby pins are your new BFF, says Cosmo’s beauty director—they sweep your wispies out of your face and glam you up. To rock one, comb your hair into a deep side part, swoop your bangs over your forehead so they’re grazing your eye, and pin them back as far as they’ll go past your ear. Or for volume up top, gather your fringe, twist it, and pin it back, creating a pouf.