Drill holes into two opposite corners of the gate’s frame, such as the bottom left 	corner and the top right corner. The space between the holes should match the 	openings at the end of the turnbuckle’s threaded rods. Screw the threaded rods of the turnbuckle onto the frame using the pre-drilled holes. Thread each rod into one end of the turnbuckle. Make sure that the slot for the screwdriver is facing you and not the gate. Insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it until the gate frame is square. Remove the gate from the hinge post. Plane some wood from the latch-side of the gate. Seal and paint the planed area. Reattach the gate to the hinge post. Push the hinge post against the fence frame. Attach temporary wooden braces to hold the hinge post in place at both the top and the bottom. Attach an L-bracket to the top using a screwdriver. Secure one side to the back of the hinge post and the other side to the frame’s exterior. Repeat with the bottom L-bracket. Remove the gate from the hinge post by pulling the pins out of the hinges. Set the gate aside. Unscrew the remaining sides of the hinges from the hinge post. Drill out the holes using a 1/4" bit. Insert short lengths of 1/4" dowel into the holes. Cut the dowels flush with the surface of the post. Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws into the dowels. Screw the hinges back onto the hinge post. Replace the gate and secure the hinge pins.

Summary: Repair a sagging gate. Repair a swollen gate. Repair a misaligned hinge post. Repair loose hinges.


Once you have chosen the best solution, put it into practice. You might do this on a limited, trial scale at first to test the results. Or, you might go all in. Keep in mind that unforeseen problems can arise at this stage, things which you did not plan on during your initial analysis and evaluation, especially if you did not structure the problem correctly. You decide to cut costs, because you were unwilling to take on debt, to divert time away from school, or to live with a roommate. You draw up a detailed budget, cutting a few dollars here and there, and commit to a month-long trial. Now that you have implemented a solution, you will have to monitor and review the results. Ask yourself if the solution is working. Does it allow you to achieve your goal? Are there any unforeseen new problems? Review the problem and your problem-solving process. The results of your trial are mixed. On one hand, you have saved enough during the month for fun weekend activities. But there are new problems. You find that you must choose between spending cash and buying basics like food. You also need a new pair of shoes but can’t afford it, according to your budget. You may need to a different solution. Keep in mind that problem-solving works in a cycle. It will generate a number of different potential solutions that each must be evaluated. If you fix the problem, you have found a suitable solution. If not, then you must look for an alternative solution and start the process over again. Reconsider your initial solution and adjust if it is not working. Try another solution, implement it, and review the outcome. Repeat this process until you finally solve the problem. After a month, you decide to abandon your first budget and to look for part-time work. You find a work-study job on campus. Making a new budget, you now have extra money without taking too much time away from your studies. You may have an effective solution.

Summary: Implement a solution. Review and evaluate the outcome. Adjust if necessary.


If you’re asking someone to open up to you, then you need to be upfront with them as well.  If you’re looking for honesty, you need to show you’re capable of reciprocating.  People are more likely to be direct with you if you’re direct with them. Start with a sentence like, "I want you to know that I feel____________about you/our relationship.  I'm hoping you'll be just as honest and share your feelings about me." Explain that you’re simply trying to gain some insight and clarity in your relationship, and that you respect their feelings no matter what.  It’s important for your partner to know that they can open up to you, without an abrasive reaction. Try saying something like, "I want you to know that I will completely honor and respect your answer, even if it's not the one I want to hear." There’s a chance you and your partner may be on two different wavelengths in terms of your relationship.  Their answer may sting a little.  Take some time to decide how you want to proceed in the relationship, knowing exactly how your partner feels about you.

Summary: Express your feelings first. Ask in a tactful, non-threatening way. Be prepared for the consequences.


Committing to a start date adds structure to your plan. For example you might choose an important day such as a birthday or holiday, or just pick a date you like. Pick a date within the next 2 weeks. This gives you time to prepare and start on a day that isn't stressful, important, would otherwise lead you to smoke. Decide which method you would want to use, like quitting cold turkey, or slowing/reducing your use. Quitting cold turkey means that you completely stop smoking without looking back. Reducing your use means smoking less and less until you've stopped. If you pick reducing your means, be specific about when and by how much you will reduce your use. For example, it might be simple like saying, "I will reduce my use by one cigarette every two days." You'll have a better chance of success if you combine counseling and medication with stopping, regardless of which method you choose. Have a plan in advance for when cravings strike. You might try hand-to-mouth. This describes the action of moving your hand to your mouth for smoking. Have a replacement to fulfill this need. Try snacking on low-calorie snacks, like raisins, popcorn, or pretzels, when this urge comes up. You might try exercising to combat cravings. Go for a walk, clean the kitchen, or do some yoga. You might also try to control your impulses by squeezing a stress ball or chewing gum when cravings hit.
Summary: Choose a date for when your plan will start. Pick a method. Prepare for cravings.