Problem: Article: Shy people sometimes feel more comfortable exploring social connections on the internet. The ability to self edit and manage impressions may increase his sense of control, thus reducing anxiety.  Social networking sites allow shy people to explore relationships, without the pressure to immediately respond often inherent in face to face communication. When the nature of the conversation is personal, be sure to private message him. He may be uncomfortable having sensitive, personal information available to all of his connections. This both breaks the ice online and provides a topic to help externalize. Being online provides the perfect opportunity to share videos, photos, games, or general knowledge. Avoid beginning any conversation, even those online, with deeply personal information or questions. Even online, he may withdraw if he becomes too uncomfortable. Making yourself increasingly vulnerable will help him feel safe to do the same. Ask him to also share, if he doesn't open up on his own.  It is appropriate to ask for reciprocation, but it doesn't need to be measured by a standard definition of equal. Take his boundaries and limitations into consideration. What may be a minor disclosure to you may have taken him well outside his comfort zone. Take your own vulnerabilities into account. If you don't think he's really going to reciprocate, you don't have to completely lay yourself bare.
Summary: Connect with him via email or social networking. Share an interest to start the conversation. Self-disclose to transition the conversation to the personal.

Problem: Article: Baking soda is used in many household cleaners and air fresheners because it naturally absorbs odors. Take advantage of this quality by making a baking soda wash for your hands. Start by mixing the baking soda and water together with a spoon until it forms a paste.  If the baking soda is still too powdery, add a little more water. Don't dump in so much that the mixture is mostly liquid. This won't stay on your hands and the smell will remain. Scrub your hands and get the mixture in all the places the fish touched. This allows the baking soda to neutralize the odors from the fish. Remember to scrub between your fingers and the backs of your hands as well. Then let the paste sit on your hands for about a minute. Scrub well so you get rid of all the remaining scales and remnants of the fish. Any particles left behind might still smell. When you’ve scrubbed your hands with the baking soda paste, rinse your hands under the faucet. This should remove any remaining baking soda residue as well as the fish odor. If your hands still feel sticky or there is baking soda residue on them, wash your hands normally with soap and water.
Summary: Pour 2 tbsp (28.6 g) of baking soda into a bowl and add  1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of water. Rub the paste all over your hands. Rinse your hands with water.

Problem: Article: Many people use plastic sheeting to preserve their furniture. However, this method is often viewed as pointless or inconvenient due to noise, discomfort, and opacity of the plastic.  You may also consider spreading out an old towel or blanket where your dog likes to lay. You can wash the towel whenever you like, and you can put it away when guests come to visit. If your dog tends to climb on one particular piece of furniture and lay in the same spot, you may be able to keep hair off that furniture by protecting the spot. Some pet stores sell furniture covers specifically made for dogs. Consider brushing your dog more frequently, giving it haircuts, and giving it baths. Use a grooming brush to comb away loose hair.  Brushing your dog about two days a week dramatically cuts down on the amount of fur tumbleweeds rolling through your living room. Give your dog a haircut once a month. It may stop shedding so much fur if you take control of the process. Give your dog a bath once or twice a month, or as frequently as you like. After the bath, let it stay outside for about an hour to dry off. Consider putting a stocking or thin sock over the vacuum hose, and then vacuuming your dog. You may not be able to get him or her to stand still. If you think your dog might be losing hair for a medical reason, consult a vet for help. Your vet may prescribe hair-loss medication, or may be able to identify some other treatable condition that is causing the hair-fall.
Summary:
Cover your furniture. Groom your dog. Consult your vet.