Problem: Article: It is especially important to recognize and embrace your right to simply say “no.” Especially if you usually find it challenging to turn people down, literally practice doing so in front of a mirror. Look yourself in the eye and say, "No, I’m not able to do that right now."  When actually turning a request or demand down, be direct. Include an explanation, but keep it brief, and emphasize that you are unwilling or unable to do what has been asked of you. Rehearse what you intend to say. If there are recurring things you’re asked to and comply only because you feel pressured to do so, prepare yourself to stand up for yourself by practicing exactly what you’ll say next time. Aside from what you’re actually saying, how you say it is also an extremely important aspect of healthy, constructive communication. Monitor your use of your voice to ensure you speak firmly, but in a relaxed tone and at a steady, confident pace. Limit your hesitations. Try to speak with depth and warmth this will help reflect the emotions you’re feeling.  Emphasize sincerity and clarity in the way you speak. Monitor the volume of your voice too. Speaking too quietly or too loudly will lead people to take you less seriously. Whenever anything is unclear, ask questions! Part of listening is understanding exactly where people are coming from. If you’re not understanding someone, ask for clarity and convey your willingness to listen and collaborate with the language you use.  Ask things like “What are your thoughts on this?”, “Does this work with how you’re feeling?”, or “How do you think we can approach this differently?” Take care to maintain respectful and active nonverbal listening behavior. Focus on the person, maintain eye contact, and set aside your personal perspective to allow yourself to fully comprehend theirs. Repeat others’ key points back to them when they’re finished speaking with statements like “It sounds like you feel like ___________.” Do this early in a conversation to introduce the positivity you want to maintain. You don’t have to agree with the other person, but you have to acknowledge what they’re feeling.  Be explicit. Say something along the lines of “I understand you see this issue differently.”  Or, “I understand why you need help with that.” If you cannot help the person, be ready to clearly state why. Be brief, but also sincere. For example, if a friend wants you to help him or her move over the weekend and you already have plans, then you might say something like, “I would help if I could, but I can’t. I already have plans with my family.” Particularly when there are multiple perspectives to consider, or when a decision is yours to make, it is important to be clear about why you see something differently. If there is a conflict between perspectives, the more clearly you convey the specific difference in your perspective, the better chance an issue can be worked through cooperatively.  For example, if you have just explained to a friend that you can’t help him move because you have plans with your family, then you might try following it with something like, “Spending time with my family is important to me.” Be assertive when distinguishing between fact and opinion. While responses to opinions should mostly start with “I feel” or “I think”, responses to facts should be more direct and start with clauses like “I’ve had different experiences” or “I have come to understand that differently.” While discussion is healthy, and absolutely necessary when there are multiple perspectives to consider, a proposal on how to move forward is one of the most constructive and assertive contributions you can make in a conversation, particularly in a group.  Avoid the words “should” or “ought” when making suggestions, opting instead for “What about” or “Would it work if” Maintain a collaborative approach by shooting for an action that has the best chance of pleasing all relevant parties. If you have already made a decision, particularly when declining something that has been asked of you, convey your understanding of the situation and corresponding decision all in one statement. For instance: “I absolutely agree that it would be great to _______________. However, I can’t [participate in it/join you/allow that to happen] because _________________. How about figuring out [a different time that will work for everyone/someone else who can help/an alternative].” For instance: “I’m glad that we’re able to share [each other’s items/the kitchen/the bathroom]. However, it frustrates me when [items are broken/dishes are left in the sink/the bathroom is a mess]. Let’s figure out a system to deal with [the rules about borrowing each other’s possessions/using the kitchen/sharing the bathroom].” Whenever you know what you need, what you want, or how you’re feeling, make sure this is conveyed simply and directly.  Especially when making a request, state what you’re asking in one or two short, clear sentences. Start the statement with a simple declarative, such as “I want”, “I don’t like”, or “I feel.” Convey excitement or enthusiasm with “I” statements in particular, by saying things like, “I would very much enjoy it if_______.” As you become more assertive, it is extremely important to avoid using language that conveys aggression.  In particular, avoid starting statement with “you”, as this will put the other person on the defensive and will only complicate or unnecessarily prolong conversations. For instance, opt for “I disagree” instead of “you’re wrong” or “I feel irritated when you interrupt” instead of “you’re always interrupting me!”
Summary: Practice saying no. Make sure your tone conveys assertiveness. Listen actively and with genuine attention. Validate the other person’s perspective. Follow with a direct statement of your own needs and desires. Propose an active step to resolve a conflict. String together an empathetic, direct, and active response. Deal with minor conflicts with direct statements as well. Stick to the point with “I” statements. Avoid using aggressive language.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Commercial quartz is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb and lock in stains. However, it’s still a good idea to address spills, crumbs and other messes before they have a chance to set up. This will save you the trouble of employing more intensive measures later on.  The natural grain and color pattern of quartz may cause some messes to go unnoticed. With a modest amount of maintenance, you can keep your quartz countertops looking new for years.

SUMMARY: Clean up spills as soon as they happen.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Snakebite occurs most frequently during the warm spring and summer months. During warmer months, a snake will have more venom in its glands. This means that the snakebite will be more severe. Snakes often live near water and in locations where there are plenty of places to hide. This is why snakebite occurs more frequently in these areas. Stick to walking your dog on open, well-defined paths and stay away from high grass and rocks where snakes can hide. Don’t let your dog sniff any dead snakes, as the fangs can still be venomous. Remove undergrowth and mow down tall grass. This provides snakes with fewer locations to hide.  Check your property for any toys or tools in overgrown areas, as these can also provide good hiding places for snakes. Avoid leaving out any food or bird seed, as this can attract rodents and therefore snakes. The Australian Government provides a free service that will remove snakes for you, due to both the dangerous nature of the task and to protect the snakes. If you need to get a snake on your property removed, call this service on (08) 9474 9055. Antivenom costs a lot to produce, which means that getting your dog treated for snakebite can be costly. Snakebite treatment for dogs is usually effective if done so promptly, and having pet insurance will help to reduce the financial stress during these times.
Summary:
Keep your dog on a leash during the months between October and April. Avoid walking your dog in bushland, on dunes, or near water. Repel snakes from your property by clearing overgrown vegetation. Contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife Snake Removal Service if needed. Get pet insurance to help cover the cost of a future snakebite.