Problem: Article: Rather than jumping to offer advice about how your girlfriend can improve, or criticism about her feelings, let her know that you are ready to listen and offer support at any time.  Don’t belittle her feelings by saying things like “You’ve got to snap out of this” or “If you just focus on the positive, you’ll feel better.” Instead, ask how she is doing and feeling. Keep in mind that some forms of depression are episodic (related to some specific experience). Depression may also be chronic (long-lasting). If you haven't been dating your girlfriend long, you may not know what type of depression she has. Resist the urge to “fix” what she tells you. If you feel like you could help, ask “How can I help?” or “Would it be helpful to you if I called you in the morning?” Do something nice for your girlfriend, without telling her about it. Little things you can do everyday will lift your girlfriend’s spirits, especially if the depression is mild or episodic. Most of all, they’ll help her feel like she has real support from you. For instance, try things like:  Leaving a note to wish her a good day. Making her favorite dinner. Buying her flowers or another small gift she will enjoy. Walking her to class. Encourage your girlfriend to get involved in things she loves, and be ready to participate, too. This won’t erase depression, but it will help your girlfriend concentrate on positive things. Try things your girlfriend might enjoy, like:  Host a board game night with a couple of friends. Go running together. Surprise her with a picnic on a nice day. Book her a day at the spa. Depression can make a person feel worthless and unworthy of love, so help her see that's not the case for your relationship. Remind her of all the things you love and like about her, including those related to her depression. Consider if there are any parts of her personality that stem from the depression but make her who she is. For example, you might think your girlfriend is more creative or empathetic because of her depression. You could say, "I can tell you are sensitive to others who are going through a tough time. I notice you offer encouragement to them even if you don’t know them well. Do you think your depression helps you see others in need?” Many people with depression tend to focus on negative things. Let her know that you see positive things about her. Remind her of her positive traits.  For example, if she is kind to children, you could say something like, “You have a compassionate heart for children. They really respond to you.” You may even want to write them down so that she can read over them when you're not around. Depression of any kind can make it hard to accomplish everyday tasks. Lend your girlfriend a hand by helping out with chores and whatever else she needs to get done, especially when she’s having a bad day. Try little (but helpful) things like:  Getting her lunch. Picking up groceries for her. Taking her car to the carwash.
Summary: Listen, don't judge. Practice small acts of kindness. Help her find relaxing and positive activities. Tell her that your feelings for her are separate from her depression. Point out her strengths. Offer to help out with little things.

Problem: Article: Almond extract, vanilla extract, and fruit extracts are simple ways to flavor sugar. Start by adding just two to four drops of extract per cup (240 mL) of sugar, since these flavors are concentrated. Stir thoroughly until the color is even, using a spoon to mash apart clumps of moist sugar. Slice a vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scoop out as much of the sticky, inner seed material as you can. Stir or blend this sticky material thoroughly with 2–4 cups (480–960 mL) sugar, depending on how strong a flavor you desire. Add the bean pod itself to the sugar and store in an airtight container. Wait at least 48 hours before using, while the flavor infuses. You'd never thought of alcoholic sugar before, but now you're interested. Cocktail bitters usually have a strong flavor, so start with two or three teaspoons (10–15 mL) per cup (240 mL) of sugar, and add more if necessary. Freeze-dried fruit can be ground in a spice grinder or coffee grinder, then mixed into sugar by hand. This will also add color to the sugar bowl more than most other flavors.
Summary: Use flavored extracts. Add a vanilla bean. Flavor with cocktail bitters. Grind freeze-dried fruit.

Problem: Article: Downplaying your successes and maintaining an even perspective in the world will keep you happy, humble, and will earn respect from people. Let your actions speak for themselves and let people come to their own conclusions about your skills and talents. Don't trumpet your own horn, let other people trumpet it for you. Remind yourself that actions speak louder than words. You won't need to play up your abilities if you show them through your actions. For example, a person who fixes people's computers doesn't have to tell everyone that they have excellent computer skills. Everyone's got an opinion about everything, but that doesn't mean you've always got to share it. Sit back and let other people talk while you listen sometimes, especially if your tendency is to chatter. Take in the perspectives and offer yours if you have anything to add to the discussion. If you don't, keep quiet.  Sitting back and letting other people talk will also give you a leg up by allowing them to reveal themselves to you, giving you the opportunity to understand them and relate to them a little better. If you're a quiet person, learn to speak out when you've got something to add. Don't let humility and a desire to be a stony stoic get in the way of you sharing your perspective. People won't respect you for that. Just as you wouldn't say one thing and do another if you want to earn people's respect, you've got to be consistent in your actions. Finish what you start. We all screw up sometimes. If you do, own up to it and maintain the respect that you've cultivated for yourself.  If you can do something by yourself, don't ask for help. On the other hand, you should ask for help when you really need it. This shows people that you're humble and know your limits. It also shows that you're open to being vulnerable with others. This will gain people's respect. Nobody will respect a doormat. If you don't want to do something, say so. If you've got a dissenting opinion and know in your heart that you're right, say so. Being assertive in a polite, courteous, and respectful way will earn respect from people even while you're disagreeing with them. There is a popular proverb: "Respect yourself, then you will be respected". If you wish to earn respect of people, you should respect yourself first for whatever you are. You need to assess yourself and feel good about things that make you a better person. Charity begins at home.
Summary:
Be humble. Talk less. Take responsibility for your actions. Assert yourself. Respect yourself.