Whether it be fallen leaves in autumn, fallen branches after a storm or some other accumulation of debris, a leaf blower can help you swiftly clear your turf. Designate one corner of your yard and blow all debris towards it. Once all debris is grouped, you can collect it for removal. You should only have to pass over the turf once to completely clear it of larger debris. While a leaf blower is effective for larger debris, it might not clear the grass of dust or spills. Using a garden hose, rinse the entirety of the turf. Make sure to do so lightly; too much water pressure could damage the grass. Start from one end of your yard, moving across and sweeping the hose in a circular motion as you do. Brushing the grass frequently will keep the grass blades pointed upwards, affording your lawn a more natural look. You can use a brush, as long as it has soft bristles. However, you’ll be better served using a broom or a rake; the added reach will make covering the whole yard easier and quicker. Start in one corner of your yard, and move horizontally as you brush. Once you’ve reached the opposite end, take a few steps back, and move across again. You should always brush in the same direction, against the grass’ natural grain.
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One-sentence summary -- Use a leaf blower to get rid of debris. Rinse the turf with a garden hose. Brush the grass using a broom or rake.


If you meet a controlling person with hostility, you are only fanning the flames. When someone is attempting to control you, remain calm. Being controlled is understandably frustrating, but a calm response is more productive than an angry one.  People who strive to control are often deliberately aggressive. They use this tactic to intimidate you into bowing to their will. If you show you will not be intimidated, they're less likely to target you. Stay calm when being confronted or criticized. Before reacting, take a very deep breath and wait a few seconds. Do not respond to a command immediately, as you may end up saying something you regret. Instead of firing back with angry criticism, say something like, "I'll think about it" or "Let's talk this over later." This buys you some time to think about healthy ways to set boundaries. If a person is controlling, it isn't about you. Even if a control person blames you for their behavior, this is not the case. A controlling person has their own reasons and issues that have nothing to do with you. In frustrating moments, try to empathize with the controller.  For example, you live with your boyfriend who tends to be very controlling. One night, you say you're going out with a friend and will be back late. He tells you he wants you back by a certain time that you find unreasonably early. In response, do not feel bad. You haven't done anything wrong. Instead, consider why your boyfriend behaves this way. For example, "My boyfriend is so controlling, but his dad put a lot of pressure on him growing up. I understand he feels uncomfortable if he’s not in control, but I can’t give up my life for his temporary comfort.” Keep in mind, controlling another person is never okay. Acknowledging how and why the behavior occurs does not excuse it. Having perspective is a means to keep your self-esteem intact in the moment. It is not a permanent solution. In the future, you will need to work towards establishing healthy boundaries. A good sense of humor can help alleviate the tension of hostility. If you're able to, try to use appropriate humor to defuse the situation. Keep in mind, however, this works best in more mild situations. If someone is getting very hostile, they may not take well to humor.  For example, you live with your mother, who tends to be very controlling. On occasion, she acts out by ignoring you when you defied her orders. You come home one day and say something like, "How was your day?" Your mother does not respond. Give a lighthearted, humorous response. For example, "Cat got your tongue?” Or, “Earth to mom!" This may help defuse the situation. You do not want to get into a power struggle with a controlling person. Controlling people, by nature, thrive on these kinds of confrontations. Let go of unimportant matters.  For example, you live with your father, who dislikes it when you leave half-full glasses in the fridge. He tends to get on your case about it, which you find frustrating. While this is certainly annoying, you can probably tune out this criticism. It's a minor issue and not worth engaging in a power struggle. Try to leave glasses in the fridge less often. Save your energy for more important matters. A controlling person may not just seek to control you. They may also try to control their surroundings, friends, family members, and other people. A controlling person will often enlist your help to indulge unhealthy behaviors. Doing so will not help either one of you.  For example, your girlfriend gets very controlling in regards to social plans. When you make plans with mutual friends, she always has a reason to change them, often last minute. She may, say, expect you to be on her side when she demands to change a meeting place for a social gathering last minute. Do not agree to do this if you don’t want to. Be firm and say something like, "I think Theo really likes this bar. We've had these plans for a while, so let's just meet there. The place you want to go to is a little out of the way for everyone."
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One-sentence summary --
Remain calm during frustrating situations. Do not take it personally. Incorporate humor. Learn to pick your battles. Do not indulge in unhealthy behaviors.