If you see your professor around campus, and he isn't talking directly to someone else, go ahead and say hello. The first few times don't need to be long conversations, just something to help him remember you. As the semester goes along, he will almost certainly become more comfortable talking to you.  Your conversation can be pretty wide-ranging, depending on how well you know your professor. In this kind of informal setting, you don't have to talk about the class. Things happening around campus, in the news, or really anything can be a good way to start conversation. Find other similarities. Your conversations will need to move beyond academic topics if you want an actual relationship. Use these chats as a chance to learn more about him. Listen if he starts to share his interests with you, like food or music. Go ahead and respond with your interests to see if there is further compatibility. Another way to set this up is to invite your professor to lunch. Many schools have programs that encourage students to have meals with professors as a way to interact outside the classroom. You might even get the school to pay for your lunch that day. This is not a date, so you may want to get a few other students from the class together as well. Professors have usually dedicated their lives to studying in their field. He will probably find it very attractive that you have a similar interest. Similar interests are a good way to suggest compatibility. Sure, office hours are there for you to get extra help in the class, but they are also a good time to see your professor without the rest of the class around.  While professors are supposed to hold regular office hours, very few students use them. Not only will you be highly unlikely to see another student there, but your professor will be excited that someone came. When you go to the office, be sure to have something to talk about related to the class. It doesn't need to be a serious question or concern about your grade, just that you want to talk about something that came up in lecture. If you come in only asking personal questions and don't mention the class, he will probably see right through what you are doing and not let it go any further. Sit as close to him as possible. Try to move as close as you can, like getting your chair closer to his in the office. You shouldn't invade his personal space, but move closer as a way to let him know you want a closer connection. Professors spend much of their time researching and writing alone, but have probably had some very interesting experiences that they would love to share with others. Ask about interesting places your professor has visited or people she has met. She will enjoy the attention, and probably have some good stories as well. Look for speakers, symposia, or other events put on by your professor's department. These will be more relaxed settings where you can talk to him about something interesting, like the speaker you just heard, and not have to worry about the class.  Remember that these events are public, so other students and members of the department will see you. You'll want to keep your flirting to a minimum. Look for other on-campus events as well, especially things your professor indicated he might be interested in. If you go, you may find him there, or you can always earn points as a good listener by suggesting things he can do. Professors work hard on projects outside of just your class, and love the recognition that can come from it. The websites for both your school and your professor's department will announce when faculty members accomplish something. Keep an eye on those pages to see if your professor's name pops up.

Summary: Talk to him outside of class. Show an interest in the subject. Visit office hours. Ask about her experiences. Go to department events. Congratulate your professor on accomplishments.


The decision to commit can be a tricky one. Whether or not you are ready for a committed, steady relationship can be determined by a number of factors. Every case is different, and you might have certain expectations for a relationship. Ask yourself:  How do I feel about him? Do I feel excited when we are together? Do I miss him when he is gone? Can I handle the time commitment of a serious relationship right now? What type of relationship do I want?  Have we fought before? If so, how well did we handle it?  Does he respect me? Are there any red flags I am concerned about? Am I uncertain about his character? Do I trust him?  How do I feel about monogamy? Do I want an exclusive relationship with one person? If so, am I willing to be monogamous with this man? If not, are both parties open to a polyamorous relationship? Am I doing this because he makes me happy? Or are other people pressuring me to have a boyfriend? Asking your guy to be your boyfriend too soon can scare him off if the feeling isn’t mutual, but waiting too long can create confusion and hurt feelings. Since all relationships are different, there’s no specific amount of time you should wait before asking. Trust your instinct. If the timing feels right, it might just be.  If you have just met the guy, you might want to go on a few dates before you ask him to be your boyfriend. You may not want to commit to someone you just met. Many people ask a partner to become steady or exclusive after about six dates or one month.  Some people wait until they have dated for three months to have the talk. If you have a long distance relationship, you may want to establish this talk sooner rather than later. This will help both parties understand what is expected even when you are far apart. You should have some indication about how the guy feels about you. The only way to be absolutely certain about his feelings is to ask him, but you can look for certain signs that might signal his feelings.  If a man refers to future plans, it might be a sign that he is planning on sticking around with you.  If he brags about you to people, especially to his friends, it might show that he is proud to be around you.  If he sends you texts asking how you are throughout the day, it may mean that he is thinking often about you.  If you see each other several times a week and hang out every weekend, it may be a sign that he is becoming more invested in you. While you’re hoping he agrees to be your boyfriend, keep in mind that he might say no. Your guy may not be ready for a serious relationship with you, or perhaps he doesn’t like using titles or labels to describe your relationship. Think about how you will respond to a rejection.  If you want a serious relationship with someone who will commit to you, you may have to part ways with this guy if he says no. This will allow you to find someone who wants a serious relationship as well. If you are content with your relationship, you might decide to maintain your current status until he’s ready to become your boyfriend. If you have deep feelings for this guy, you might have to decide whether or not you want to hang out with him afterwards. You might decide to just stay friends, or you might decide to cut off contact until you can get over him.

Summary: Determine whether you’re ready to commit. Take the length of your relationship into consideration. Identify whether the guy is interested. Prepare yourself for rejection.


If the cord feels unusually hot to the touch, stop using it and check that the appliances plugged into it do not draw a higher amperage than what the cord is rated to handle.  Consider a heavy-duty extension cord meant specifically for large appliances where applicable. Replace or repair loose or frayed cords. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords. These will shut down if overloaded.
Summary: Do not overload extension cords. Regularly check your extension cords to make sure the plastic is not worn away or coming apart at the ends. Avoid using an extension cord as permanent wiring. Instead of a simple extension cord, get a laboratory-tested extension cord with built-in circuit breakers. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.