Melissa Fleur Afshar
Life and Trends Reporter
Melissa Fleur Afshar is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, United Kingdom. Her focus is on trending stories and human-interest features, ranging from relationships, pets, and personal finances to health, wellbeing, work, travel and family dynamics. She has covered current affairs, social issues and lifestyle stories extensively. Melissa joined Newsweek in 2023 from Global's LBC and had previously worked at financial news publication WatersTechnology, TMRW magazine, The Times and The Sunday Times, and Greater London-based radio broadcaster Insanity Radio.
She is a graduate in MA History from Royal Holloway, University of London. Languages: English, Persian.
You can get in touch with Melissa by emailing m.afshar@newsweek.com.
You can follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @melissafleura.
See dog's hilarious reaction when owner tries to pick him up from grandma's
Moose the cockapoo was able to get away with eating treats and sleeping all day while at his grandma's house.
In-law accusing bride of "body shaming" teen by editing her dress slammed
Newsweek spoke to a bespoke wedding planner who weighed up whether wedding guests should wear white or not.
Inseparable golden retrievers being apart for first time breaks hearts
"It's a crime you didn't show them reunited," one TikTok user wrote under the post.
Cat's way of demanding owner tumble dry his bed has internet in stitches
"He's so smart, I love him," one TikTok user wrote under the post.
Woman leaves internet in stitches by showing her "mini goldendoodle" now
"My goldendoodle is a damn horse," one user joked under the TikTok post.
Laughter as woman realizes her dogs have a 'better romance' than her
The pug and bulldog siblings from Machester, England got caught 'smooching' in the viral video.
Watch "forgiving" dog saved from animal testing enjoy his first pup cup
Ted the beagle had spent the first five years of his life being tested for cosmetics and chemicals in a Florida facility.
Laughter as bulldog spotted dancing with owner: "Such a personality"
"I love English bulldogs, they have such unique little personalities," one TikTok user commented.
Man shows off "rockstar cat daddy" skills but the Internet isn't convinced
"I've never seen a cat stand for so long," one TikTok user commented under the post.
Woman documents adopting scared street cat in adorable clip: "Welcome home"
"Thank you for taking him in and letting him join your family you're awesome," one commenter said about the family's actions.
Woman Blocking Sister-in-Law Over Her Gender Reveal Party Splits Views
A forensic psychiatrist broke the situation down for Newsweek.
Couple who weighed 685lbs share secret behind joint transformation
Marlon and Camille, who lost a combined 250 lbs, shared the story behind their transformation with Newsweek.
At-home remedies to fix under-eye bags, as recommended by ophthalmologists
Here are the three best ways you can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, quickly and easily.
What are the five ways you could be ruining your bond with your dog?
Some approaches to being a dog parent, even if well-intentioned, could break the bond between you and your dog, according to experts.
Laughter as Chicago cat rides the subway before getting off at its stop
The video creator said the cat was picked up by an animal shelter with hopes of finding its home.
Laughter as cat repeatedly attacks golden retriever brother without warning
"This cracks me up! That ole' cat torturing poor lil Donut," one user wrote under the post. "Cat is having fun scaring you," added another.
Foot and ankle surgeon reveals the only shoes she will wear this summer
The surgeon shared on TikTok that she'll only be donning wedged espadrilles this summer.
This is the worst position to sleep in, according to a chiropractor
All three of the experts Newsweek consulted warned against stomach sleeping. One said this affects our neck "as we are required to turn our heads to one side."
"Friend" backed for canceling bride's wedding block over not being invited
Despite the generous favor, the bride-to-be apparently couldn't find room at her "lavish" wedding for their former coworker and friend.
Laughter as dog walks in with entire roast chicken—"provide for the family"
"This is the most beagle thing I've seen on the internet," one user commented, while another wrote: "Why can't my pets ever bring me a BBQ chook?"
French bulldog celebrates 1st birthday with his "one little friend"—the cat
"Why was I not invited?" one user commented under the post, while another wrote: "What do you mean his ONE little friend?! I'll be his little friend!"
Hysterics over puppy's antics when owner left the room for just '2 minutes'
"Why do dogs act like we never feed them," one user joked in the comments section below the post of the trash-happy puppy.
Owner shows why she won't let anyone pick up dog: "Fighting for his life"
The British charity Dogs Trust says owners must be mindful of how they pick up their dogs. Their pets "can't move away as easily from something worrying them."
Boxers trying to help puppy next door get under fence melts hearts
"It seems your 3rd dog is trapped in the neighbors yard," one user joked in the comments section under the post.
Mom refusing to help friend's gravely sick dog despite being blamed backed
The woman told Newsweek that her friend is planning to sue her for vet fees, and that she'll countersue her for damages if she does.
Pit bull stealing owner's slippers from the bathroom delights viewers
"This was premeditated," one TikTok user wrote under the posted video.
Woman shares hilarious outcome at 6am after she "failed at crate training"
"Avoid making eye contact so they don't know you're awake," one TikTok user joked in the comments section under the post.
Retriever greets cancer-stricken owner in hospital after wish is granted
Madison Stroup, the dog's co-owner, told Newsweek how she surprised her husband with a visit from their golden retriever: "It gave him strength to keep going."
Disgust over passenger refusing to move bag from seat on crowded bus
A Redditor tried to justify why she was unwilling to make space for other passengers to sit down but was criticised and called rude.
Cat's response to being told "don't do that" leaves internet in stitches
"In the video, my cat George wasn't listening to me so I tried to get his attention and we ended up in a literal cat fight," the owner told Newsweek.
