INPUT ARTICLE: Article: We all have times we need to vent or to talk about something that's bugging us. When you're in a relationship, you become each other's place to discuss what's going in your lives. However, you have to make sure you create the space for that, both time-wise and emotionally.  In other words, if you always cut your partner off when they start talking about something that's bothering them, that's not creating the emotional space for them to talk. In addition, you have to open the door sometimes. When you notice your partner is looking down or sad, try to ask them what's going on. Listening is an art. You've got to really pay attention to what the other person is saying, not just trying to figure out how to respond. When you're in a serious discussion, for example, you may have a tendency to get defensive based on just a few things your partner says without really hearing them out. Trying to truly understand what their trying to say rather than getting defensive can lead to better communication.  As they're talking, take in what they're saying. Open up to what's underneath the words, not just what they're saying aloud.  Show them you're listening by asking leading questions. You can also offer short summaries. For instance, you could say, "What I hear you saying is your upset because I'm not spending enough time with you." That helps them know you're listening, plus it helps you to know you are getting it right. A cue is when your girlfriend or boyfriend casually mentions something that they are interested in. In turn, you take that cue and respond appropriately, sometimes by asking about the interest, sometimes by taking action.  For example, say your girlfriend says something like, "Isn't that car adorable? My car is getting so run down." You could say, "Oh, are you considering get a new car?" or you could ask her if she wants to go test drive one. Another example is if your boyfriend mentions a new restaurant going in down the street that looks good. You could take the initiative and make reservations. Picking up on verbal cues shows you are listening and paying attention. A person's body language can tell you as much about the person as what the person is actually saying. The body reveals underlying thoughts and feelings, so paying attention can help you put together what your partner is actually saying.  For instance, if the person turns away from you while you're talking, it could mean they've lost interested or they're trying to hide something.  If they're not looking at you, it could indicate they're hiding something or that they're having trouble getting out what they want to say. It can also be a sign of embarrassment.  If they cross they're arms, it could mean they're starting to get defensive about the conversation. That doesn't mean you can't discuss problems. What it does mean is you try to keep your language positive and the way you hold the discussion positive. When you start out a discussion in a positive light, it has less of a chance of escalating. It also means your partner is more likely to listen and hear you, just as you're more likely to listen and hear your partner if he or she isn't yelling at you or being angry.  In other words, try not to have arguments when you're very angry, as they can just escalate into nastiness. Humor can keep discussions light, as can affection gestures, such as hugging or lightly touching the person's hand or shoulder. Sometimes, when you're really angry, you want to discuss the problem right then. However, that means the conversation is going to be overly charged with emotion, and you probably won't get anywhere except into a fight. It's okay to wait until you've calmed down to have a discussion.  A 2-day rule is a good bet. That is, you should bring it up within two days if you still feel strongly about it. If not, drop it.  If you must deal with the issue today, try taking an hour break. Go spend some time doing something you enjoy, such as listening to music or reading a book. Once you've distracted yourself for a while, you'll be better able to deal with the situation. If you let small things go too often, sometimes they can snowball into something bigger. Deal with issues as they arise, and you're less likely to blow up at your partner.   For instance, if you hate it when your boyfriend doesn't call at night, bring it up. If you let it keep happening, it can grow into this huge thing that comes between you and him, and then you'll explode on him. You could say, "Hey, I know your busy at night, but I feel upset when I don't hear from you. I like to know your safe."

SUMMARY: Give your partner space to talk. Listen without being defensive. Hear verbal cues. Watch your partner's body language. Try to keep discussions positive. Wait until you've calmed down. Deal with issues when they're small.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Fresh air is one of the greatest ways to get rid of bad smells in the house, because the smells can be carried out of the open windows and replaced with clean air. In spring, summer, and fall, open a few windows throughout the house. To create a breeze, open windows that are on opposite sides of the house. In winter when it’s not possible to keep the windows open, open a window for just a minute to let in some fresh air. Fans are great for boosting the refreshing power of clean air. When you have the windows open, turn on ceiling and standing fans in the house to help create a bigger breeze and get the air moving. Sunlight contains ultra-violet rays, which have the power to kill things like smell-causing mold and bacteria. No matter what time of year it is, open the curtains and drapes throughout the house on a sunny day and let the UV rays in. Sunlight can be an effective odor killer for carpets, furniture, pet areas, pillows and cushions, and other household items that can smell. Baking soda is one of the most popular deodorizers around, because it’s effective and cheap. To absorb smells around the house, sprinkle some baking soda into a couple of small dishes or plates and distribute them around the house. The baking soda will absorb odors from the rooms and get rid of bad smells. To further deodorize household items, sprinkle baking soda over things like carpets, furniture, mattresses, and other possible odor sources. Leave the baking soda for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Vinegar is also an effective deodorizer that you can use to absorb bad smells around the house. Fill a few small bowls with vinegar and place the bowls in smelly areas around the house, such as:  Musty basements Bathrooms Kitchens Bedrooms Charcoal is similarly a powerful odor absorber that can be used in many rooms and inside appliances to deodorize. Be sure to use pure charcoal and not something that contains lighter fluid. Place a few pieces of charcoal on plates and distribute them around the house. You can put them in:  Closets Refrigerator and freezer Living areas Certain houseplants are known to clean the air, and they may help to control odors in the house as well. Houseplants you can grow around the house for air-purification include:  Snake plants English ivy Lady palms Dracaena

SUMMARY:
Open windows. Use fans to increase circulation and get fresh air flowing. Let the sun shine in. Use baking soda. Try vinegar instead to absorb odors. Deodorize with charcoal. Invest in air-purifying houseplants.