Q: If you know you’ll be going into a situation where you’ll be talking to a lot of strangers, think of 2-3 topics for small talk before you get there. Choose topics that are of interest to many people - hobbies, sports, and tech gadgets are a good place to start. Since people like to talk about themselves, focusing on the other person can make it easier to change the subject. Choose a topic that you know is important to your conversation partner. Examples include hobbies, an upcoming event, or a work project. This smooth way to change the subject can be used no matter who you’re speaking with. Find a specific aspect of the person’s jewelry, shoes, clothing, and say something nice about it! You can also expand on this new subject by asking for more information about the item or feature you are complimenting. For example, “Where did you get that great tan?” If there is a lull in the conversation, change the topic completely rather than returning to it or trying to transition to another topic more gradually. Ask a “conversation starter” question, such as: “What’s the oddest job you’ve done?” or “If you can have dinner with any three people, who would they be?” When deciding what topic you want to change the subject to, think about your relationship with the person to whom you are speaking. Are you trying to change the subject with a co-worker, someone you just met, or your mother-in-law? The stronger your relationship with the person, the more flexibility you have in topics to choose from.   With strangers, stick to small talk. Since you don’t know the person, you can’t know what subjects might be touchy for them. The weather is almost always a safe topic. If you’re trying to get to know someone, trade information. For example, ask the person why they are at the conference where you just met.   With friends or co-workers, you can trade opinions. If you want to change the subject, give your opinion of a related topic. For example, your friend is complaining about the food at a restaurant that you chose, and you want to change the subject. Ask something like, “Isn’t this music unusual?” With close friends and family, you can discuss feelings. This is the most intimate topic of conversation, but emotions are a valid topic if you are trying to change the subject with your spouse or your sister. Ask how the person is feeling about something you discussed in a previous conversation.
A: Be prepared! Focus on the other person. Pay a genuine compliment. Try the abrupt approach. Consider your relationship.

Q: Draw a line between the "units" and the "tens" column to help align and use "place values" in columns. It is not important for your child to already know how to do two column addition. Do not have them put a "1" over the numbers, yet. Make certain the child places the digit(s) in the correct position (no digit should be in the units column.) If they are confused, cover up the units column. Have the child write the number(s) underneath the number already written in the "tens" column from the "units" column addition. Review what you have completed so far. If you were using the example above, you might say, "We're almost done. You did seven plus five equals twelve. Good. Four plus three equals seven. Correct. Notice that the four and the three are in the tens position, so you are really adding forty and thirty." Have the child bring the amount in the units column down to the bottom. Point to the numbers in the "tens" column and ask the child to add them up. By now, the child should already be familiar with the commutative law of addition or (at least) know that the order of addition is unimportant.  Tell the child that this is a shortcut we call "carrying", and more commonly called "regrouping" in classrooms today.
A: Have the child learn (and memorize) the basic addition facts. Write out a math problem with two digits on the top and bottom. Ask the child to answer the units column first, placing both numbers in the correct (lower) positions. Ask the child to answer the tens column next. Tell the child that the problem is not finished. Explain that some addition still remains. Make certain that the child is comfortable with this before proceeding. Tell the child that, instead of writing the "1" under the tens digit, they are to place the "1" over the "tens" column. Ask the child to add the "1" to the top number of the "tens" column; then add the bottom number to that sum.

Q: Sexual identity is only one, although important, facet of an individual’s identity. It is important to keep in mind that, like everyone else, gay teens are a sum of their total parts, of which sexuality is just one.  Spending quality time with gay teens, whether it be a mutual hobby or a meaningful conversation, is a form of appreciation in itself. Appreciation can be internal and it can also be an action! Let others know you appreciate them by telling directly. Whether or not your beliefs align with those of a gay teen's, it is crucial to maintain respect for their decision to publicly and honestly be who they are. Practicing empathy and putting yourself in their position is a great way to gain respect for others. Acceptance and understanding should remain distinct from agreement, that is, you do not necessarily need one to have the other. Keep in mind the importance of understanding, but know that understanding does not mean resigning or forfeiting your own beliefs. You can both be who you are and have separate beliefs while accepting each other. Be patient, it takes time get this balance of personal beliefs and acceptance right.
A:
Appreciate gay teens for who they are. Try and respect gay teens for their courage and effort. Set a goal of acceptance rather than agreement.