Q: Try to focus on each of your senses, one at a time. What do you hear, see, smell? What do different grasses and flowers feel like? This is a good way to really enjoy nature on its own.  For example, you could start by sitting outside with your eyes closed. Focus on what you can hear. What animals or insects do you hear that you don't normally? Can you hear water or the wind in the trees? You could also focus on really looking while you're outside. Look for details you wouldn't normally notice, like the pattern bark makes on a tree trunk, or the veins in a flower petal. This is an especially great activity if you've got kids you're teaching to appreciate nature. Pick up unusual leaves or rocks. You can also look for flowers or fruit.  If you're collecting with a kid, you can get a glass jar for them to store their goodies in. It makes it feel more special and gives them somewhere to store their things. Be careful about picking up stuff off the ground. You don't want to accidentally pick up poison ivy or anything like that. What's in season will change, but there's more to do than just pick apples in the fall. You can go berry-picking at a local farm. You can also pick oranges in the spring and summer months if you live where they're grown. You could also go to a farmer's market and choose fresh produce. Farmer's markets are almost always held outside, and they feature seasonal fruits and veggies. A home garden will require you to be outside pretty regularly while you tend to your plants. Measure the space you want for your garden and ask an expert at a home garden store for plant suggestions. If you have a tent, put it up in the backyard. Otherwise, you can just lay out sleeping bags and sleep under the stars! Try to avoid taking any electronics outside with you. Instead, enjoy the weather, look at the stars, and take some time to take in where you are.
A: Engage each of your senses while you're outside. Collect objects from nature. Pick fruit. Plant a home garden. Camp out in the backyard.

Q: Some of these will be fairly obvious. She may want to be with someone with the same religious values, or a non-smoker. You don't have to necessarily meet all of her criteria, but you should avoid failing to meet her standards, as this will often remove you from her romantic pool. Make a list of features shared by all her previous boyfriends. These are likely things she makes it a priority to find in her romantic interests, and may be characteristics you should consider cultivating in yourself. This is often related to her own personal characteristics. Many people, including your female friend, search for a partner with the same positive characteristics that they like in themselves, but want qualities in a partner that are opposite to the things they dislike about themselves.  After you find out some of the things she dislikes about herself, show her how you can compliment those areas with your strengths. You could say: I hate how competitive I am. I think I'd be much happier if I learned to enjoy things instead of making them into a competition. What about you? If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?" Psychologists have discovered that as we go through life, we start developing a "love map," or an idea of who we want to be in a relationship. Some aspects of her love map will be conscious, like she might want an educated partner, but these can also be subconscious preferences, like how affectionate her partner is. By understanding her love map, you can meet her needs better. Though there are many variables that will affect her particular love map, look for these criteria to guide you in understanding her love map:  The expectation of romantic relationships to involve commitment. The accepted duration for a relationship. A belief that the "right" romantic partner will bring satisfaction. The ideal length of time acceptable before arriving at a romantic commitment (saying “I love you”). The length of time between a breakup and becoming involved in a new relationship. The acceptable length of time spent waiting for a partner to commit. The level of acceptable disagreement on basic life values. Whether or not an argument with a partner is exciting or frightening. Whether or not a polyamorous relationship is acceptable. The amount of time expected to be spent separate from friends, family, and social events/obligations. Be on your best behavior when you do so, because these people will give you a window into her life that few others will have at their disposal. If you're serious about your love for your female friend, expressing your genuine caring for her to her friends will likely earn you their respect, and maybe their approval. You don't have to bare your heart and confess your love to her friends; try to earn the respect of her friends by being a nice guy. Explain how you've noticed she's been stressed and ask what they think you can do. Or mention that she's been a good friend and you want to do something nice, what do they think she'd appreciate? Breakups, especially difficult breakups, will cause her to revise her love map, whether consciously or unconsciously. By showing her that you are different from her ex, you'll make yourself a more desirable potential partner. Science has shown that the chemicals released when you and her experience fear together are linked closely with arousal and attraction. Thrilling experiences can give you both a dose of good anxiety, and set the tone for the next stage in your relationship.  Roller coasters and amusement parks are a great way to get the blood pumping without actually scaring her. A suspenseful thriller can also have this effect, though you might want to avoid slasher and gore-filled films. You don't want yourself associated with the homicidal, even if you do want her heart. The physical response you have to a workout mimics your body's response to arousal. By exercising together, not only will you both be riding an endorphin high which she'll start associating with you, but also, she'll likely see you in a more attractive light.
A: Discover her conscious romantic standards. Figure out her unconscious criteria. Chart out her love map. Meet her friends. Contemplate her past relationship(s). Learn what thrills her. Research her preferred method of exercise.

Q: For example, if you don't like to spend a lot of time styling your hair, don't get a cut that requires detailed curling or blow drying.  Do your research about what styles work for your hair type and face. While it's not impossible to have a good hair day with opposing hair types and styles, it does mean more work for you. Choose a style that you're willing to maintain and keep your hair at a manageable length. You might start having bad hair days when your preferred style grows out for too long. A great haircut that suits your face will grow out well and should make maintenance easier.  Make sure you trust your hair stylist, especially if you're dramatically changing your look. If you're frequently having bad hair days, you might be overdue for a haircut. This is especially true if you notice split ends or limp hair that tangles easily. Maintaining your haircut every six to eight weeks will keep your hair healthy and tamable. This can prevent split ends that can contribute to frizzy hair. Seeing your stylist frequently is an added bonus. Not only will your hair get the treatment it needs, but you'll also build a rapport with your stylist. This can help when it comes to getting a last-minute appointment or dramatically changing your hairstyle. Your stylist should be able to recommend products for your hair type and style. Avoid using too much product, as it can build up and make styling difficult. Nourish your hair by waiting a day or two in between shampoos, using conditioners effectively, and avoiding damaging practices, such as daily flat-ironing or prolonged blow drying.
A:
Choose a haircut that matches your styling and maintenance preferences. Get a good haircut to avoid troublesome morning hair. Get regular trims. Use the right products for your hair.