The XX Factor

- Afghan families have many reasons for pretending their girls are boys , including economic need, social pressure to have sons, and, in some cases, a superstition that doing so can lead to the birth of a real boy. [ New York Times ]

- For some women, not having kids hardly feels like a choice at all: It is a defining and unchangable part of their identity. Click here to read DoubleX 's Amanda Marcotte on being "childless by choice." [ The Daily Beast ]

- With an ever-increasing rate of obesity and insurers slow to cover obesity treatment , patients often must foot the bill. [ Washington Post ]

- You think the legroom in airplanes is tight now? These new seats are even less spacious. [ New York Times ]

- Jennifer Grey took the top spot in the season premiere of Dancing With the Stars , receiving 24 out of a possible 30 points for her waltz with dance partner Derek Hough. [ Washington Post ]

Photograph of Jennifer Grey by Frederick M. Brown for Getty Images.