INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Guys often prefer what are called "shoulder-to-shoulder" friendships, meaning that they enjoy spending time doing things with their friends, rather than sitting face-to-face talking about things.  Examples of activities you could share include going to a museum, fixing your bike, or building a cool treehouse. Other things you might try could be checking out a farmer's market, going to the bookstore, or going to a concert. Everyone loves to have friends who make them feel good about themselves. You don't have to make a big deal out of it, but when you notice something your new guy friend is good at, mention it.   For instance, if he plays sports, you might say, "Nobody out there plays as hard as you when the game is on the line." Another example could be saying something like, "Do you have any recommendations for a new band to listen to? You always know the best music." You don't have to go overboard with this; just a little comment now and then will go a long way. Honesty and dependability are important traits in a strong friendship, and most guys highly value loyalty. If your friend tells you something private or personal, show him that he can trust you by keeping it to yourself. If you think your friend is in danger of hurting himself or someone else or is in serious trouble, talk to someone you trust. If someone is talking bad about your friend, making him feel uncomfortable, or spreading gossip about him, speak up. Sometimes it just takes one loyal friend to help a person stand up to a bully, and he might appreciate your support more than you know. If you hear someone bad-mouthing your friend, try saying something like, "He's actually a really nice guy, and he doesn't deserve to be treated like that." Don't pass up opportunities to hang out, even when you feel like saying no. If your guy friend invites you somewhere, it's because he thinks it would be fun to share an experience with you.  If your guy friend invites you to go to church with him, for instance, consider taking him up on the offer even if you normally don't like to get up early on weekends. You don't have to convert to his faith, but might enjoy yourself and meet some new people. If nothing else, you'll learn more about your friend. If it's your friends birthday, he aced his math test, or he won an award he worked really hard for, let him know that you're happy for him! Even something as small as saying “Congrats, dude!” can be mean a lot. For an even bigger way to celebrate, give your pal a shout-out on social media—but ask him if it's okay first, of course. Sometimes the best memories you have of a friendship are the ones you never planned. Every once in awhile, invite your buddy to jump in the car with you for an impromptu road trip, have a night out at a place you wouldn't normally go, or go somewhere to eat that's totally out of your comfort zone. While it can be fun to be unpredictable, try to make sure your plans don't cause your friend to miss work or school since getting into trouble might make him want to hang out with you less often. Call, text, or email your friend to build on conversations you had or touch base after you hang out. This will let him know that you had a good time and will help strengthen the friendship even more. You don't have to gush to him about how it was the greatest time you ever had. Just a quick text like, “Next time, let's get ice cream AFTER we ride go-karts” will send the message that you want to hang out again.

SUMMARY: Participate in activities together. Compliment his strengths. Don't share anything personal he tells you. Stand up for your friend if he needs it. Say yes when you're invited somewhere. Celebrate the things that matter to him. Go on random, spontaneous adventures. Follow up after you hang out to let him know you had fun.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There is some evidence that adding heat to your lower back can help relieve pain there,as heat can release tension in muscles. To use your heating pad for this simply lay it on your lower back, or the part of your back which is sore. Leave it there for fifteen to twenty minutes. Heating pads can also be used for headaches and migraines in a similar way as for back pain. The heat relaxes tense muscles which can ease the pain in your head which is caused by a headache or migraine. Just place the pad on your head or neck to feel the benefits. As the heat from your heating pad relaxes muscles, you can use to it to relieve pain anywhere on your body that you feel discomfort or aching. Pads like this are often used to ease tense neck and shoulder muscles as well as back pain. You can also use the same heating pad as a cold press, simply by cooling it in the freezer first. There is less proof that cold will be as effective for lower back pain as heat will be. If you are using a plastic bag, be sure to wrap it in a towel before applying it to your skin.

SUMMARY:
Use it for lower back pain. Use it for headaches. Use your heating pad for other aches and pains. Consider using it as a cold press.