INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Assume that your crush is making a weird, not funny joke. Give them a chuckle and then move on. Smile at the person and laugh a little bit in a natural way. This strategy works especially well for questions that seem to be teasing and/or not really serious. If your crush asks you if you have ten kittens in your backpack, they’re probably not being serious. Questions like this seem strange but might just be bad jokes. Take a second and ask yourself if your crush could have been joking. Could they want you to say something strange back? Have they done this before? Try to find a way that their statement could be a joke and then respond accordingly. If your crush asks you, “Have you ever been to the Moon?”, say, “Yes, I have. Just got back this morning!” If your crush asks you something too personal, tell them that you don’t want to answer that. Say, “I don’t really want to answer that question.” You could also try, “I’m not going to answer that.” Be firm but not mean. If it’s a personal question, saying “I don’t know” indicates that you don’t want to answer it. If it’s not a personal question about you, just say you don’t know the answer. It’s truthful and ends the conversation quickly.  For example, if your crush asks you, “How loudly do you snore at night?”, tell them that you don’t know because you are asleep.  Or, if your crush asks you what the capital of a faraway country is, say you don’t know (if you actually don’t know). If your crush asks you something really rude or disrespectful, you should tell them that their question made you uncomfortable. If the person is worth dating, they will respect you and try to understand your point of view. You can say, “That question makes me uncomfortable, and I don’t want to answer it. Please don’t ask me questions like this again.” Change the subject quickly. Do not feel the need to continue having this strange conversation. Ask your crush about a common interest of yours, their school or workplace, the weather, current events, or anything else that interests either you or your crush. You can also say that you have to go. Make up an excuse to get out of the situation. You do not have to stay if you feel disrespected or uncomfortable.

SUMMARY: Laugh it off. Joke around. Tell the person that you don’t want to answer that question. Say you don’t know. Tell them that the question made you uncomfortable, if this is applicable. Ask them about something else.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Take it one second, one minute, one hour, and one day at a time. Easy does it. Addiction recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Alcoholism is a chronic disorder with a danger of relapse. In case you feel the urge to buy something that feeds your drinking problem, put a "no relapse" reminder note in your wallet so you will see it whenever you dig in there to get money. Remember that you are in control. The more confident you are in your ability to abstain and recover, the more likely you are to succeed. Understanding your role in your own behavior can help you stop making excuses and increase your self-confidence. Internal locus of control is the extent to which you assume responsibility for your actions and believe you can control your life. Having an internal locus of control better focuses you for future success. If you are not immediately successful, keep trying. You can find a way to make this work for you. It can take a long time to successfully recover from alcohol abuse.  It may encourage you to know that about a third of people who are treated for alcohol abuse problems show no further symptoms one year later.  Try visualization. A very successful technique in facing fears and overcoming challenges, visualization involves sitting quietly and focusing mentally on what you hope to achieve, watching the scene of you succeeding playing out in your mind. Recite positive affirmations to yourself. These little mantras, such as “I am taking back control of my life and my health” and “I will succeed in my effort to get sober,” help you focus on what is positive about what you’re doing and reaffirm that you’re making the right choice.

SUMMARY: Take it slowly. Be confident. Don’t give up.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Select a colorful or patterned pair of shoes such as Converse, Vans, or Doc Martens. You can wear high-top or low-top styles, based on personal preference. This is a great way to add a touch of urban flair to your laid-back look. Combine a red sweatshirt and light blue wash of denim jeans. Then, wear a checkered shoe for a pop of color. If you want to elevate your look, put on a pair of pumps or wedges. This is a great idea if you are wearing a dress or trousers, for instance. Select a neutral-colored shoe for a subtle addition, or choose a brightly-colored pair for a pop of color.  You can wear a pair of black heels with black trousers and a grey sweatshirt. You can also wear a pair of purple pumps with light-washed skinny jeans and a colored sweatshirt. A great way to dress up your sweatshirt is with a stylish bag. Grab a clutch if you are going out to dinner or the club, use a purse if you have a lot of items, or go for a backpack for a masculine style. Either way, using an attractive bag adds a personalized touch to your look. For example, go with a briefcase-style purse if you are wearing your sweatshirt to the office. If you want to embellish your outfit, try adding a colorful statement necklace. Select 1 with beads, rhinestones, or semi-precious stones for a stylish addition. Let the necklace sit on the outside of your sweatshirt so you can show it off! Try wearing a baby blue and royal blue, floral statement necklace with a navy sweatshirt and jeans. Throw on an oversized or aviator-style sunglasses to finish your look. This small accessory can make your outfit look more pulled together. Choose a brightly-colored pair for a pop of color, or select a neutral pair to wear with many outfits. Try wearing a pair of patterned leggings with a plain sweatshirt, then put on a bright red pair of sunglasses.

SUMMARY:
Throw on a pair of cool, funky sneakers for a personalized statement. Add a pair of heels to your ensemble for a dressy touch. Use a stylish clutch, purse, or backpack to carry your items. Add a large, statement necklace if you want a pop of color. Wear a pair of trendy shades with your outfit to add a touch of glam.