There may be parents, relatives, teachers, local store owners, neighbors, or others that are familiar with the teens who are bullying, or harassing people on the streets.  Ask if they can help by talking to the group in an assertive, non-violent way. Your family, friends, teachers, or mentors may offer advice that has worked for them, or helped them to be more confident.  Engage with others, rather than feeling singled out as a victim.  You're not alone.    If you are fearful of running into bullying teens every day, or on a routine basis, it's important to work together as a community, and see what can be done.  Seeking help will often reduce your anxiety immensely. Many neighborhoods have community or church groups that can facilitate change, like the Neighborhood Watch Program. Ask a parent, counselor, friend, or mentor about how you and others can get involved. Bear in mind that many people have had negative encounters with bullying or abusive teens.  Some teens are not emotionally mature, and hide behind insults and ridicule as a way to cope with their own negative experiences. No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighborhood.  Bullies and thugs of any age should not be allowed to take over the streets.   If the harassment is more than just insults, and leads to physical violence, consider making a report to the local police. If you are a student, you can also talk with your school counselor about any incidents in your neighborhood, even if those incidents weren't on school property.
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One-sentence summary -- Find out if other community members can help in a constructive way. Talk with people you trust to find solutions. Keep a log or diary of the events, and if incidents continue over time, inform the police.


Set your ego aside and say "I'm sorry" for anything that you've done wrong, making sure to state it out loud so she knows you were listening. Do your best to accept responsibility for your mistakes, however minor they may seem to you. Remember that they're clearly important to her and holding onto any resentment will just hurt your relationship.  Don't be afraid to be the first to apologize, even if you don't think you're in the wrong. In some cases, you may have done something to hurt her without realizing it or intending to hurt her. It's important to recognize how she feels and show her that you didn't mean to hurt her. For instance, if she is upset that you don’t get to see each other very often, you could say, “I’m really sorry, Shelley. I’ve been so busy with school and baseball practice that I haven’t gotten to hang out with you much lately.” Be prepared to negotiate and discuss the problem to come up with something that makes you both happy. Try to be patient and understanding, and hear her feedback when she has concerns instead of arguing or lashing out.  Understand that compromise involves sacrifice and that you won't always get your way. Remember that she's giving up things, too, and that there's no "winning" or "losing." For instance, if she’s upset that your friend is always hanging out at your place, say "I understand you don't want Chris with us all the time. But he's also my best friend and struggling with some personal stuff right now so I don't want to just cut him off completely. How do you feel about letting him hang out with us 2 night a week from now on?” Keep in mind that some problems can't be resolved and there's a possibility that your relationship may end. While this is difficult to face, it may turn out to be for best in the long run. Try not to be too clingy, especially following an argument or a rocky period. Even if you want to be with her 24/7, let her enjoy a night out with her friends or take some quiet time to herself so you don't suffocate her or drive her away. If your girlfriend drama has made you feel insecure, come up with a list of 2 to 3 mantras to tell yourself each morning in the mirror or whenever you’re feeling low. Pick phrases that empower you and make you feel good about yourself.  For example, try things like, “I am strong” or “I can handle whatever comes my way!” Keep them on a note-taking app on your phone or set your phone’s wallpaper as one of the mantras to keep as a reminder. Remember that part of what makes a happy couple is if both people are confident and like themselves first. Insecurity isn’t attractive and it can sabotage a relationship.
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One-sentence summary -- Apologize sincerely if you’ve done something to upset her. Come up with a solution that works for both of you. Give her space if she asks for it. Practice positive self-talk every day to feel more secure in your relationship.


Pour the milk until it reaches the max line on the carafe. You can either use 2 percent, non-fat, or whole milk. However, whole milk works best for this method. Place and secure the lid with the plunger on top of the carafe. Vigorously pump the plunger up and down for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the milk is frothy. Then remove the lid with the plunger. Microwave the milk for 30 seconds for a standard 1,000-watt microwave. The microwave will heat the milk and stabilize it, making the foam a bit stiffer. Only place the carafe in the microwave if it is microwave-safe. If it is not microwave-safe, then preheat the milk on the stove to 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 68 degrees Celsius) before pouring it into the carafe to pump. Use a dishtowel to remove it from the microwave since the carafe will be hot. Pour the frothy milk into your favorite drink and enjoy.
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One-sentence summary --
Pour cold milk into the glass carafe. Pump the milk for 30 to 45 seconds. Place the carafe in the microwave. Remove the carafe from the microwave.