If you want to adopt as a single woman, you need to find adoption agencies that are willing to adopt to single parents. Start your search with agencies near you, and make a list of several different agencies.  Most adoption agencies have websites, so you can do much of this initial searching on the internet. You also can find tips and information on adoption community websites and online forums. Look for agencies that have information specifically about single-parent adoption. Just because an agency doesn't have a policy against single-parent adoption doesn't necessarily mean they encourage or support single-parent adoption. Many American mothers who've put their children up for adoption don't want them to go to single-parent homes. You'll typically have a lot better luck if you're interested in adopting a child from a developing country. If you want to adopt a baby, international adoption probably is your best bet as a single woman. Many American birth mothers putting infants up for adoption refuse to adopt to a single parent. Before you decide which agency you want to use, take the time visit the agency and talk to the people who work there about your desire to adopt as a single woman. If staff seem critical or resistant, that probably isn't the right agency for you.  Most agencies have a welcome meeting that you can attend. They'll go over the adoption process and answer any questions you have. Ask if they've successfully placed children with single mothers, and what their policy is regarding single-parent adoptions. You also may have the opportunity to talk to parents who have adopted children through that agency and learn more about their experiences. When you start the process of adopting a child as a single woman, you may not fully understand the demands and challenges of single parenting. Take your decision seriously and read as much as you can about coping strategies and tips from other single parents.  A caseworker interviewing you for an agency may ask you questions based on how you anticipate handling any of these challenges. Researching ensures you at least have a general idea how to respond and don't appear completely unprepared. You need to have a general idea of how you will handle various situations that might come up with your child. For example, if the school calls you and tells you that your child is sick, you need to know if you'll be free to leave work to pick up your child, or if you have a close friend or family member who could pick up your child for you. You may face resistance from adoption agencies and others who are concerned that as a single parent, you will be unable to adequately meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a child on your own. It helps if you have a strong network of family and friends.  For example, suppose your parents are retired and live near you. They may be willing to help take care of your child while you're at work. Close friends and neighbors also can help take care of your child and provide support when you need it. Talk to everyone close to you and find out what they would be willing to do to help. You may be eligible for subsidies that can help cover some of your immediate adoption expenses. However, once the adoption is complete, you'll be on your own. Make sure you have the means to support a child for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the age of the child you want to adopt.  You don't have to be wealthy to adopt a child, but the more financially secure you are, the better your chances of being able to adopt as a single woman. If you're carrying a lot of debt, it may be a good idea to pay some of that down before you think about adopting a child. That way you'll be on more stable financial footing when you begin the adoption process. If you have trouble finding an agency you like that will work with single parents, you might become a foster parent instead. Foster parents make a serious impact on a child's life, and you may have the opportunity to adopt a child you foster.  Unlike adoption, you also are eligible to receive monthly payments to help financially support any foster children you care for. Fostering children also can be a good way to demonstrate that you are capable of handling a child on your own. A strong foster care record makes you a strong candidate for adoption.
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One-sentence summary -- Search for agencies. Expand your search internationally. Meet agency staff in person. Research single parenting. Evaluate your support system. Go over your finances. Look into foster care.


Knowing when you're ready to take big steps in life can be hard, and kissing someone for the first time is one of those big steps. If you're wondering if you're ready to kiss someone, ask yourself:  Do you think about kissing this person a lot? Do you have strong feelings for this person? Are you comfortable around this person? Does the thought of kissing this person make you happy and excited? If you answered yes to all or most of these questions, you’re likely ready to kiss that special someone! When you're ready to experience a kiss with your partner, there are two things you can do: either wait to be kissed, or initiate the kiss yourself. If you'd rather wait to be kissed, there are ways you can show that you're ready, including:  When you hug, hold on a little tighter than usual, and rest your head on your partner’s shoulder Make lots of eye contact Smile a lot Try to find excuses to get close Touch your hair, as this is a sign of flirting You can also choose to initiate the kiss yourself, and there are signs you can look for that will demonstrate that your partner is ready to kiss as well. These include:  Making eye contact with you Making excuses to get close or touch you Complimenting you often Blushing or laughing a lot around you Chewing gum all the time Sharing a kiss is something that most people like to do in private, so finding the right time to kiss can be important. For instance, when you pass in the hall in between classes probably isn't the best time to do it! There are lots of places where first kisses happen, including:  Bowling alleys At the movies A school dance On a school trip At camp On the bus Kissing somebody can make you really nervous, but it’s important to stay as calm as you can, in order to avoid sweating excessively, throwing up, or getting too scared and not going through with it. Ways you can keep calm are:  Have a plan about when and where you're going to do it. Don’t rush yourself. If you aren't actually ready, you might feel extremely nervous before a kiss, and this could be your brain’s way of saying you aren't ready. Don’t make too big a deal out of it. When you're going to do something that scares you, it can be easy to make it seem like a much bigger deal than it is, and this can make you even more nervous! Have your plan ready and then keep your mind off the kiss until you're ready to do it. Figuring out what another person wants based on signals is hard, and it’s easy to misinterpret what people want just based on body language. To avoid making a mistake, simply ask your partner before going in for the kiss.  You can say something like, “May I kiss you?” or “How about we kiss now?” Don’t worry about thinking that asking might ruin the mood. Your partner will appreciate that you're being respectful and considerate, and that you want the moment to be special for you both. When the time comes and you're both ready, just go for it! Sit or stand close enough that you can reach your partner without straining. Look your partner in the eye and tilt your head to one side. If your partner tilts to the other side, close your eyes and lean in for the kiss.  Pucker your lips slightly, and with your mouth closed, press your lips against your partner’s gently but firmly.  You want to close your eyes before the kiss because keeping your eyes open can give the impression that you're dishonest.
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One-sentence summary --
Figure out if you're ready to kiss. Signal that you're ready to be kissed. Pay attention to your partner’s signals. Find the right time and place. Muster your courage. Ask your partner for a kiss. Kiss your partner.