INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your friends are making you feel jealous or inadequate, it's important to take a moment to consider how trivial status can be. People outside of your small circle of friends are unlikely to attribute much meaning at all to your friends' elevated statuses. Remind yourself that your friends' superiority is entirely in their own heads. Even if your friends are prettier, wealthier, or smarter than you, try being grateful for the natural advantages that you possess instead of being jealous of what they have. It's important to let go of the childish notion that everything in life needs to be fair. Chances are you can do at least one thing better than your friends. No matter what this thing is, embrace it and do your very best. The point is not to prove to your friends that you are better than them, but rather to prove to yourself that you are worthy and unique.  Instead of comparing yourself to your friends and trying to be as good as them, focus on constantly becoming a better version of yourself. Keep in mind that your friends' success is not in any way related to your own, so their achievements should never take away from yours.  If your friends truly believe they are better than you, they will never recognize your accomplishments, even if you succeed in outdoing them. This is why it's so important to recognize your own accomplishments. Try not to think about what your friends will think about every little decision you make in your life. Chances are, they will put you down whether you try to accommodate them or not, so don't worry about it. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about getting anyone else's approval. If your friends are abusive, deceptive, or in denial about their behavior, it's probably time to end the friendships. You can do so much better, and you will be much happier with friends who treat you well.

SUMMARY: Think about the triviality of status. Find what you excel at. Put your own needs first. Leave when it's appropriate.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: People who are visibly distracted by their cell phones become easy targets for pickpockets and other criminals. Keep an eye on what is going on around you at all times so that you can better detect suspicious activity and protect yourself and your belongings.  Glance behind you every once in a while to make sure that you are not being followed by a stranger. Your best chance of defending yourself in the event of an attack is to identify the attacker as soon as possible. You should also avoid reading maps and fumbling through your purse or backpack while walking down the street, as these things consume all of your attention and make you more vulnerable to attacks. If you are traveling in an unknown city, try to get directions to your destination prior to leaving the hotel or hostel you are staying at. Keep valuable possessions, like wallets, smart phones, and cameras out of sight to avoid attracting pickpockets. Store these items safely in your purse or backpack and only take them out when you need them. It may be tempting to have your smartphone out at all times to text, play games, or look up directions, but keep in mind that smartphone theft is on the rise for this very reason. If you use public transportation during your daily commute, you may want to consider bringing a book or magazine to entertain yourself. Tourists are oftentimes targeted by pickpockets because they tend to carry lots of cash on them and are usually unfamiliar with their surroundings. Avoid dressing too flashy, and if applicable, adopt the local style of dress so that you can blend in with the locals. Avoid walking around busy streets while reading a map, as this will draw attention to the fact that you are a tourist and suggest to others that you don't know where you're going. If you are using a map to navigate your way around a new city, find a private place that's indoors, like a café or convenience store, to find your way rather than doing it out on the street where everyone can see you. Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment and your ability to defend yourself physically in the event that you are attacked. If you do drink, remember to never leave your beverage unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers. Some date rapists use tasteless, colorless chemicals to lace their victims' drinks without them knowing. If a stranger offers to buy you a drink, don't accept it unless you watch the bartender make it yourself. Criminals are less likely to attack people in groups as there is strength in numbers. Walking around town alone, especially at night, makes you an easy target for criminals, because there is nobody there to help defend you or to serve as a witness. Protect yourself by asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your destination at night; if this is not an option, then consider taking a cab instead. Criminals tend to lurk in dark, deserted streets where there is less law enforcement and fewer potential witnesses. If you are walking down the sidewalk at night, stay as close to the street as possible as criminals may be waiting in alleys for a chance to attack passersby. It is much easier for a pickpocket or rapist to attack a person on foot as opposed to a bicycle. If possible, ride a bike to your destination instead of walking, especially if you are traveling by yourself.

SUMMARY: Be fully aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure. Try not to look like a tourist. Stay sober. Travel in groups. Stay in well-lit, densely populated parts of town. Ride a bike.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You can help even out the height difference by initiating the hug from a spot where you are standing on higher ground than she is. You can be just high enough to be at the same height or you can actually be taller than her.  If the height difference is significant, you could stand on the stairs or even on a box or something nearby. Being outdoors offers a lot of options for choosing higher ground. You could stand on a curb while she stands on the sidewalk. You can stand at a higher point on a hill. Look for tree roots or a rock that you can stand on. Since you are already shorter, don’t make it worse by slouching. Lift your head up high and keep your shoulders broad but relaxed. You’ll put yourself in a better position for the hug as well as project confidence showing that her tallness does not bother you.  Raise yourself onto the balls of your feet just slightly. Don’t stand on your tiptoes but you can give yourself a small one inch boost to even out the height difference a little bit. Standing up straight with your head high, your shoulders raised, and your feet flexed can add two or three inches to your height. In general, it’s harder to hug when someone is sitting down, but if you are shorter it can help. Simply lean down to her level with your arms over her shoulders, hands touching her back, and lay your head on her shoulder or against the side of her head. This may feel like you’ve created an awkward angle, but it will help you feel better because you will be taller in this type of hug.

SUMMARY:
Stand on higher ground. Stand up straight. Hug the girl while she is sitting down.