Problem: Article: Maybe you both love shooting hoops, or you’re both really good at soccer. Why not try out for the team? Being active together can cause a strong bond to form. If joining the team doesn’t work for you, grab a couple of friends and cheer on your school at the next game! Your crush may notice you in the stands and appreciate your support. Most schools have plenty of afterschool activities that you can join. If your crush is a member of a club you’re interested in too, go ahead and sign up! This will give the two of you plenty to talk about. As a bonus, extracurricular activities look great on a college application.  If your crush is on the yearbook staff and you love photography, consider asking if you can take candid photos of students and teachers for the yearbook.  This works both ways - if you’re a member of the Drama Club and you find out your crush loves old movies, invite them to join the club with you! Only join a club that you’re actually interested in; don’t just join a club because your crush is in it. You’ll be embarrassed when the rest of the club finds out you don’t actually know the rules of chess, for instance, or the difference between latex and acrylic paints. Having friends in common means you and your crush will be more likely to spend time around each other, since you’ll be hanging out in the same group. You’ll also have more to talk about when the rest of your friends aren’t around.  Start by talking to any friends the two of you have in common. See if you can get invited to a party or an after-school study session where your crush might be. As you get to know your crush's friends, you're more likely to be included in the same activities as them. If you notice one of your crush's friends sitting alone, go over and strike up a conversation. Not only is this likely to help get you closer to your crush,  but you might just make a good friend in the process. . Once you find yourself around your crush, try to strike up a conversation to see what you have in common. If you’re still feeling shy, send them a friend request on social media and see what you’re both into. Think about some questions you can ask your crush before you talk to each other. Ask what kind of music your crush likes. What kind of TV and movies do they watch? Have they traveled to any of the same places as you? Do you both like the same subjects in school? Do they do any work for charities after school? The more you have to talk about, the more time you're likely to spend around each other.
Summary: Join the same sports team. Become a member of the same extracurriculars. Hang out with the same people. Start a conversation

Problem: Article: There are two main types of caulk – silicone and acrylic latex. Silicone caulk is a completely waterproof and flexible sealant. It will bond with a lot of different kinds of surfaces. Silicone is a good choice if you’re caulking outdoors, or wet indoor spots like around shower stalls and bathtubs. It’s quite expensive and doesn’t do well in high-traffic areas.  Silicone caulk is ideal for areas of high moisture that need to remain mildew-free. Silicone caulk can also be useful when you need to adhere surfaces, like fastening countertops to walls or putting a top on a vanity. Silicone caulk is typically only available in three shades – clear, white, and almond. Silicone caulk cannot be painted over. Acrylic latex caulk is easier to use and cheaper than silicone. It can be used for a wider range of projects and it comes in a rainbow assortment of colors to match bathtub and sink glazes. Acrylic latex is water-based so it’s best used indoors. It is not as durable as silicone caulk and won’t last as long.  Since acrylic latex is water-based, it is possible to paint over it.  Acrylic latex caulk shrinks up more than silicone. It also dries much harder. Unless specifically noted on the packaging, latex caulk isn't suitable for any exterior surfaces. Acrylic latex caulk is not suitable for tiling or areas with direct sunlight. Old caulk must be removed before you add more. Use a utility knife, razor scraper or painter’s tool to cut away existing caulk. Use quick, sharp strokes. Keep in mind that metal blades aren’t ideal to use around plastic fixtures. Use a tool with a plastic razor blade, which you can get at any home improvement store, to avoid damaging the plastic.  For concrete and masonry applications, use a wire brush for removal. Home improvement stores sell caulk remover products that will chemically remove old caulk. Keep in mind that these products will damage plastic surfaces. For silicone caulk, you may just need to rip up enough that you can grab an end with a pair of needlenose pliers. Then, you can pull the caulk out in one long strip. Use a brush or vacuum to remove any remaining debris from the work area. Scour the surface clean with a dry, nonabrasive sponge or pad. Use rubbing alcohol to remove soap scum and body oils from a bathtub or shower stall. Dry the area completely before you begin caulking.  Both kinds of caulk need a clean surface, but if you’re using silicone, it’s imperative that you remove all debris and residue from the surface before you begin. For silicone clean up, soak a rag with mineral spirits (such as turpentine) and wipe the surface down with it. Then use a damp rag to wipe the surface down again. Apply strips of the tape to protect any surface area where caulk shouldn’t appear. Put them down vertically on either side of the area you plan to caulk. The painter’s tape acts as a guide to ensure your caulk lines are straight and uniform. The end result will look more polished and professional if you use painter's tape.
Summary:
Use silicone caulk if you need a neutral-colored waterproof sealant. Use acrylic latex caulk if you need a colored water-based sealant. Remove existing caulk from your work surface. Clean the surface. Use blue painter’s tape to mask off areas and ensure straight lines.