INPUT ARTICLE: Article: . Be honest about why you’ve contacted them. Explain your feelings calmly and maturely. Don’t yell or insult them. If this is your first conversation since the breakup, keep it short, and don’t expect instant friendship. You could say:  “Don’t freak out. I’m not trying to win you back. I just think we’re both entitled to some closure.” “I’m just trying to get some perspective on our split. Tell me honestly why you broke up with me.” (Be aware that this question may bring up some unresolved feelings, so you may encounter some criticism if you go this route.) “We might not be a couple anymore, but I hope we can be friends eventually.” Don’t spend too much time alone together. Instead, hang out with mutual friends. Avoid physical contact, which could stir old feelings. If you’re trying to rekindle the flame with your ex, you shouldn’t try to be their friend. You don’t have to become best friends. However, you’ll at least show your ex that you’ve accepted their new significant other. When you feel comfortable, just smile or say, “Hi” as you pass each other in the hall. If they’re with your ex when you hang out, include them in conversations.

SUMMARY: Talk to your ex Accept your new status as friends. Reach out to your ex’s new love interest.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you begin the process of addressing employee absence, make sure that you are adhering to the law. The purpose of FMLA is to protect employees from disciplinary action when major life events occur. Be aware that while these employees are protected under this act, the employee must provide notice that he will be absent from work for one of the reasons protected under FMLA, and documentation must also be provided (e.g. doctor's note, evidence of adoption, etc.).  This includes the birth of a child, caring for a newborn child up to the ago of one year. Adopting a child and caring for a newly adopted child during the first year. Caring for a parent, spouse or child with a serious health condition Being unable to perform job duties as a result of a serious health condition. Emergencies arising from the child, spouse, or parent of an employee as a result of being involved in the military. If you have an employee with a disability, as an employer, you must provide accommodations so that he can perform his job without undue hardship.  If this applies to your employee, he may be missing work because he cannot perform his job properly, and may need assistance. Make sure that this is not the case before taking any disciplinary action. Undue hardship is defined as, "action requiring significant difficulty or expense" when considered in light of a number of factors, including how much the accommodation will cost and its nature in relation to the size, available resources, nature of the work, and structure of the company. This act protects people from being discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, or religion. Like with the ADA, you should ensure that your employee is not absent from work because, for example, of a religious ceremony he must attend, before taking disciplinary action. This act protects service members rights to employment and reemployment upon returning from a period of service. If your employee has recently returned from a tour of service in the military, including the reserves and National Guard, he may be dealing with emotional issues, administrative issues, etc. that are preventing him from working. You are likely already familiar with what the company policy on attendance is; however, it doesn't hurt to refresh your memory, especially if you have to confront an employee about his attendance.

SUMMARY: Be aware that there are several laws in place to protect employees from being disciplined or terminated wrongfully. Understand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Be aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn about Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Understand the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Make sure you are very familiar with your company's attendance policy.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Don’t spend your time thinking about what you’re missing out on, or what you could be doing if you weren’t in pain. Instead, focus on adding happiness to your life in this moment. Happiness is often found in the little things, or when you “stop and smell the roses.” When your spirits are low, look for happiness in the small things: a nice text from a friend, a warm cozy blanket to wrap up in, or sweet cat snuggles at home.  Do things that bring you joy such as coloring, drawing, dancing, or playing with your dog. When you start to feel negative, engage in something that brings you pleasure, even if it’s just sipping a cup of tea. You may find it difficult to find things to be grateful when you are in pain and feeling bad, but give it a shot. Gratefulness allows you to see beyond your current perceived negative experience and appreciate life from a wider vantage point.  By being grateful, you can focus on more positive feelings and not on the pain or sad feelings. Start a gratitude journal and write down the things you are grateful for each day. This can include having clean laundry, eating a delicious meal, or finding a sale on an item you really like. Did you know that smiling has the ability to boost your mood? By smiling, you can start to increase feelings of happiness, just like happiness causes you to smile. Even if you’re in pain and feel angry or upset, put a smile on your face and see if you start to experience the pain or negative emotions differently. Connect with the sensations associated with smiling and start to feel happiness wash over you. Laughing relaxes your entire body, can improve your mood, and has mind and body benefits. You don’t have to search too hard to find things to make you laugh: watch funny TV shows or video clips, invite good natured friends over for a game night, or read a funny book. Everyone has a different sense of humor, so do things that make you laugh, whatever they may be. Don't isolate yourself in a time of need, reach out to your friends! Surround yourself with happy people that naturally maintain a positive attitude. Choose to spend time with people who laugh easily, smile frequently, and whom you feel good when around. If you are isolating, realize that isolation can contribute to feelings of depression. Contact with others is an important part of healthy living. If you feel like  your pain is too great to ignore or work through on your own, get some help. Whether the help you seek be seeing a therapist or talking to a friend, determine what would be most helpful for you.  Remember that people love and care about you. If you feel chronically unhappy and don’t feel like there’s hope, you may experience symptoms of depression. For more information, see How to Know if You Have Depression and How to Deal with Depression. If you need help finding a therapist, check out How to Choose a Therapist.

SUMMARY:
Focus on happiness. Be grateful. Smile. Laugh. Stay connected with friends. Seek help.