Recognize that different people react to life situations differently. Even if you have been through a similar situation as your friend, avoid saying something like “Oh, it won’t feel so bad after a while. When I went through this, I ___” Your friend wants her feelings acknowledged not minimized.  Show empathy instead. Empathy involves acknowledging the other person’s painful feelings by trying to put yourself in her shoes. Even if you think you know what it’s like, refrain from generalizing what the experience is like To your friend, this is new, raw, and painful. To offer support and empathy, say “I can see that you are hurting. I wish there was something I could do.” When we see people we love hurting, a common reaction is to rush to find a solution. However, in some cases, the only factors that can lessen the pain are time or hope. Yes, you may feel powerless about not being able to offer some practical help to your friend, but she will appreciate your presence much more than your advice. During hard times, people resort to unhelpful platitudes that offer no comfort, but only make the circumstances worst. Avoid these unsupportive, straight-from-greeting-cards comments:  Everything happens for a reason Time heals all wounds It was meant to be It could be worse What’s done is done The more things change, the more they stay the same Offering to pray for your friend or telling her to pray, may seem like a harmless gesture. However, if your friend is an atheist or agnostic, she may not be soothed by religious practices. Try to meet your friend where she is and offer your presence and comfort in a way that is comfortable to her.
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One-sentence summary -- Don’t pretend you understand. Keep your advice to yourself. Swallow your empty clichés. Question how spiritual consolation will be received by your friend.

Q: If you want to gauge how interested your man is in marriage, try bringing up your plans for the future. For instance, you might talk about where you'd like to live, whether or not you'd like to have children, or what type of career you'd like to eventually have. Casually mention him as part of the plans, then pay attention to his reaction.  For example, you might say something like, "I'd love for us to take a trip to Europe together one day." That will let him know he's included in your dreams. If he says something like, "I'd really love that!" then he may be thinking of a future together, too. If his answer is non-committal, like "Yeah, maybe," he may not be as invested as you are. Seeing other people in a happy, committed relationship might just get him thinking about popping the question, too.If either of you have friends who are great examples of a healthy, strong marriage, try to make plans with them whenever you can.  For instance, you might have cook-outs, plan fun double-dates to movies or restaurants, or even go on a trip together Attending a wedding together can be another way to get marriage on his mind. If you really want him to know that you're hoping to be engaged soon, pick up a magazine or catalog featuring engagement rings. Then, casually browse through it when he's around, and show him a few of the ones you really love.   Not only will this let him know you're thinking of marriage, but it will help him know what your tastes are. For instance, he might be imagining a classic ring with a large diamond, while you might prefer a non-traditional gemstone or an unusual design. Try not to show him rings that are way out of his price range. If he thinks your tastes are more expensive than he can meet, he might be hesitant to buy a ring at all. If you'd prefer not to have a ring at all, you can tell him that instead of showing him rings. It will still let him know you're thinking about marriage. to him if you think he's ready but hasn't made the move yet. Don't be afraid to take charge! If you really want to be engaged but your man hasn't popped the question yet, there's no reason you can't ask him, instead. It's up to you whether you get down on one knee or offer a ring, but do make it clear that you're asking him to marry you. Try to think of a way to make the proposal special and personal, like taking him to the place where you had your first date or a spot with a really romantic view. Once you're there, tell him how much he means to you, then ask him if he'll be yours forever!
A: Talk about your future together. Spend time with happily married couples. Point out engagement rings you like for an obvious hint. Propose

Article: The first move that you make can have a big impact on whether or not you will win the game. While you may not be able to make a good opening move in every game you play, it helps to know what to do when the dice roll is in your favor. The two best opening moves you can make are to create a prime or to move one of your pieces from the 24th point to the 13th point, also known as the “lover’s leap.”  To create a prime, you either need a 3-1, a 4-2, or a 6-1 dice roll. The 3-1 dice roll is best because them you can create an anchor on your 5th point, thereby creating a prime with the 6th point. This puts you at an advantage because your opponent will have two fewer possibilities of passing your bar.  To do the lover’s leap, you need a 6-5 dice roll. Use these moves to bring your 24th point checker out to the 13th point. This move exposes your other checker to being hit, but it gives you a great advantage towards home with the other one. You can raise the stakes in a game of backgammon by using the doubling cube, but keep in mind that your opponent can also refuse your offer and end the game. In this situation, your opponent would lose. However, your opponent may end up losing fewer points than if you had not proposed a double. Therefore, it is best to propose a double when you are not too far ahead or too far behind of your opponent. That will increase the chances that your opponent will accept the offer to double. To reduce your chances of getting stuck in your opponent’s home board, you should try to get your pieces as far away from the 24th space as soon as possible. For example, if you roll a 6-5, use both numbers to move one of your checkers from the 24th point to the 13th point. Then, do the same with your other checker on the 24th space the next time you roll a 6-5. You can keep your opponent from getting to his or her home board by creating anchors near the higher points on your opponent’s board. This will prevent your opponent from getting checkers from the 24th point to the home board. It will also make it harder for your opponent to reenter checkers that have been hit and sent to the bar. You can create multiple anchors next to each other to form primes. The ideal prime is called a six-prime, 6 points next to each other that all have 2 or more checkers on each point. Creating a six-prime will make it impossible for your opponent to move towards his or her home board. The goal of a blitz is to hit as many of your opponent’s blots as possible while also advancing your checkers forward. Blitzing increases the odds that you will win a gammon or a backgammon and your opponent will lose more points.  To blitz, begin by hitting any and all blots that your opponent leaves open during the first few turns. Try to get as many of your opponent’s checkers on the bar as possible and advance while your opponent is stuck trying to reenter the board. Try to create some anchors near your home board to slow your opponent down even more.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use your opening move to your advantage. Double strategically. Get your checkers out of your opponent’s home board. Hold your opponent with anchors at the bar and 20 point positions. Try using a blitz strategy.