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Pole Dancing and My Eating Disorder: A Journey of Recovery in Progress

Published on | Last updated on September 17, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Pole Dancing | Leave a Comment

Content warning: This article covers my experiences with anorexia. If you’ve been affected by disordered eating, consider reaching out to therapists who specialize in treating eating disorders or finding a support group through ANAD or these resources. Six months ago, I spent an entire pole dancing class fantasizing about meat – the smell and taste of beef, a big bite …

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When You’re So Very Polyamorous, You Can’t Help but Laugh

Published on | Last updated on April 2, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Polyamory and ENM | Leave a Comment

One of my friends used to say that there’s no such thing as “very” pregnant. You’re either pregnant or you aren’t. Polyamory feels similar – you’re either polyamorous or you aren’t, right? And yet, there are some situations when I stop and think, “This is very polyamorous of us.” Then I usually laugh, because it’s either silly or heartwarming or …

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My Ultimate 2C/3A Curly Hair Guide to Amazing Wash-And-Go Curls

Published on | Last updated on January 4, 2024
By Zeina Khalem in Curly Girl Method | 2 Comments

It’s been over 3 years since I wrote my first curly hair post. Since then, my hair has generally done well. But about a year ago, my curls started having more days feeling limp and weighed down. I started using a chelating shampoo once per week since that seemed to give me the best results, but that ended up amping …

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Graphing Our Greater LA Polycule: We’re Coming for You, Seattle!

Published on | Last updated on April 2, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Polyamory and ENM | Leave a Comment

If you’ve practiced polyamory or ethical non-monogamy for any period of time, you’ve probably wondered just how tangled your situation really is – especially as your polycule and polyamorous community grows. Are you in a triad, a square, or a polyhedron? How far do your polycule’s branches extend and where do they reconnect? Depending on how far you’ve let your …

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Polyamory and Jealousy: How I Deal With the Green-Eyed Monster

Published on | Last updated on April 2, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Polyamory and ENM | Leave a Comment

Recently, I went to a social gathering at a friend’s house. When it comes to this circle of friends, my partner Robert and I usually drive to events together. This time around, Robert was out of town. So I asked my partner Corey for a ride since he was also going and my place was on the way. He responded …

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My Polyamorous Life: 7 Years In and Happily Polysaturated

Published on | Last updated on April 2, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Polyamory and ENM | Leave a Comment

I started my polyamorous life in my late twenties, soon after I moved to Los Angeles in 2014. Until that point, I’d always subscribed to a classically heteronormative lifestyle. I’d been unquestioningly monogamous with just two partners my entire life – a husband together for eight years followed by a boyfriend I dated for about a year after my divorce. …

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10 Polyamory Pet Peeves That Are Annoying AF

Published on | Last updated on April 2, 2025
By Zeina Khalem in Polyamory and ENM | Leave a Comment

Polyamory and other forms of ethical non-monogamy (ENM) can open up your world to new relationships, new experiences, and new forms of love and connection. But just like anything else, the lifestyle can come with some… annoying pet peeves. I’m not talking about the real challenges that come with polyamory – learning to communicate better, processing your feelings, dealing with …

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Opening Pandora’s Box: Breakthroughs in Freestyle Pole Dancing

Published on | Last updated on April 12, 2024
By Zeina Khalem in Pole Dancing | Leave a Comment

Pole dancing has stuck around longer than any other physical activity in my life, not counting my adolescent flailing at tennis. I credit this to the dynamic nature of the hobby: you can focus on so many different aspects of pole dancing throughout your practice. Burnt out on complex tricks? You can train flexibility – or vice versa. There’s always …

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My Favorite 2C/3A Curly Hair Deep Treatment

Published on | Last updated on October 21, 2023
By Zeina Khalem in Curly Girl Method | 4 Comments

Lush, buoyant, effortless – curly hair at its best, the way we all want it to be. I get my best 2c/3a curly hair results after doing this strengthening and deep conditioning treatment routine. My curls feel so soft, strong, and light every time. This curly hair routine makes for a great Sunday treat. You can do it once per …

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Essential Pole Dancing Accessories to Get the Most Out of Your Practice

Published on | Last updated on April 12, 2024
By Zeina Khalem in Pole Dancing | Leave a Comment

Technically, you only need a safe and solid pole to start pole dancing. As a bonus, you’ve got great music and you’ve nabbed a pair of beautiful stripper shoes for strutting your stuff. Even if you don’t need anything else, investing in some common accessories can elevate your practice to the next level. After all, why struggle when you’ve got …