After you've submitted your resignation, you may be tempted to cruise through your last couple of weeks doing as little as possible. However, slacking off because you already have "one foot out the door" will harm your professional reputation.  Finish any ongoing projects you have, or draft status reports so whoever takes over from you will know what's going on. Organize all your files and documents, if applicable, so they are easily accessible after you're gone. Let your coworkers know about your resignation, and ask them what they need from you to ensure a smooth transition after you've left. Let them know how to find any documents or information on your work projects.  If your manager has told you not to alert your coworkers of your resignation until later, follow their instructions. If you have direct contact with clients or customers, explain to them that you are leaving. If you know who is taking over their file when you leave, take the opportunity to introduce them to the person who will be taking care of them. If someone new is being hired to replace you, offer to assist with their training. You may be asked to complete an exit interview. During this interview you'll be asked for constructive feedback on your experience working for the company. Take this opportunity seriously and use it to help your manager and coworkers improve their work experiences. Be honest and constructive in your exit interview, but stick to the facts and avoid getting emotional or making accusations. Your goal is to leave your employer in a better position, not to trash them on the way out the door. If you already have another position lined up, a reference letter may be the last thing on your mind. However, getting a letter now means you won't potentially have to track down your manager later. If you worked closely with another manager or a coworker, you might ask them for reference letters as well. On your last day, make sure your manager or supervisor can get in touch with you if they need anything. You might also want to leave contact information with any coworkers with whom you want to stay in touch. If you have a LinkedIn account, send invitations to managers and coworkers to connect there.

Summary: Maintain good work ethic through your last day. Prepare your coworkers for your departure. Provide feedback if requested. Get a written reference letter from your direct supervisor. Leave up-to-date contact information with your supervisor.


It can be easy to feel shame, anger, or self-hatred when you encounter homophobia. You might hate yourself for being who you are, or wish that you were heterosexual so that, perhaps then, you would have an easier time of it. It's understandable to turn these feelings inward, but you shouldn't. Homophobia is a societal problem, and it can only be solved with information, self-awareness, and acceptance. Although it may be difficult to know that everyone from religious groups and conservative politics do not support who you are, this pain can be eased by having a few people who continuously show you love and support.  Identify those precious people in your life - classmates, coworkers, close friends, or relatives - who are there for you, or who may be going through a similar ordeal. Spend as much time with these people as possible. It can be very helpful to join a local support group for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Participating in such groups can help you feel less alone and learn practical solutions for dealing with homophobia. Taking action to spread awareness about homophobia may help you feel worthwhile and cope with facing discrimination in your own life. Search for advocacy groups to become a member in your geographic area and make a difference today. If you have recently come out as gay, or are dealing with bullying or discrimination at school or work, it can be immensely helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor. This professional can help you process this confusing time in your life and maybe even help you develop strategies for reacting to homophobia. A family therapist may be able to help you address homophobic feelings of close relatives.

Summary: Don't take it personally. Find support. Join an advocacy group. See a mental health counselor.


To really woo a woman, you have to be able to show her a good time. Take her out in style, not just to the bowling alley. Pick her up, be on time, and plan something fun and exciting for you to do together. Go for a run together. Check out the new farmer's market and then cook a meal from the food you got at home. Go see a 3-D movie and then hit up a hookah lounge. Find something fun and unique that makes the girl feel special and like you actually put some effort into the date. Pick a place where you'll need to make some reservations. She'll see that you actually put some thought into this one. If you really want to woo a woman, then you have to put on your gentleman hat. Hold doors open for her. Let her walk in front of you when you walk into a building. Avoid being overly vulgar. Have stellar manners. Do what you can to make her feel like a true lady without acting too old-fashioned. If you're walking down the street, walk on the side nearest the street. Don't show up late. It's not about acting like a false version of yourself -- it's about making her feel like you've put time and care into your time together.  Part of this means that you should mind your appearance, too. Put in an effort to how you look, if you want the girl to feel like you care. Show her that you're a gentleman to everyone by holding doors open for the people walking behind you, treating cashiers and waiters with respect, and otherwise minding your manners. While you want to make her feel special, you should also let her see that your good behavior is more than just an act you put on for her benefit. If you want to woo a woman, then you have to be able to charm her. Being charming means being able to show a real interest in people while making them laugh, feel lighthearted, and feel swept off their feet. If you want to charm the woman, then you have to work hard to make her happy, keep things interesting, and to show that you really care about what she's thinking. Start dancing with her in the street. Bring her a hand-picked bouquet of flowers. Find a cute nickname for her. Do whatever you can to make her feel charmed and special. If you want to woo a woman, then you've got to give her a healthy dose of affection. This means you should put your arm around her, give her kisses from time to time (if you're at that point), and hold or squeeze her hand when the time is right. This does not mean that you should be all over her every time that you're together, but it does mean that you should find key moments to let her know that you care. If you're at that level, you can even do some cuddling or snuggling! If you really want to woo a woman, then you have to take the time to listen to what she has to say. Don't just zone out whenever she talks, waiting for your moment to say something. Make sure you really hear what she's saying, that you make eye contact and pay attention when she talks to you, and that you respond appropriately when the time calls for it. Most guys could use some improvement in the listening department, and she'll be impressed by your ability to really care about what she has to say.  Don't try to solve her problems. She may just want someone to listen, not for someone to think he knows what's best for her. Remember what she tells you so you can bring it up later in the conversation -- or even the next day. She will be very impressed. If you want to woo a woman, then you have to make her feel like she's the only woman in the world. Show her that you recognize what makes her unique and that you care about her as a person, not just as arm candy. Here are some ways to really make her feel special:  Write her a loving letter just because you feel like it. Tell her why she's not like other girls. Give her a little gift even if there's no special occasion. Do her a favor when she's having a busy week. Ask her opinion about something you want to do. Show an interest in her life and ask her lost of questions about it. Take her dancing, or do something else with her that she's always wanted to do.
Summary: Take her out. Be a gentleman. Charm her. Be affectionate. Listen to her. Make her feel special.