INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use room temperature water. Wet the soil so that it is moist, but not overly wet. Shake the container so that the seed moves deeper into the loose soil. Place the jar or bag in the refrigerator to start the stratification process. This cool, sprouting process germinates the seeds so that they can be planted and grown into a tree.

SUMMARY: Soak the seeds overnight in the glass of water that you just filled. Fill a plastic bag or a canning jar two-thirds full of rich compost. Place the seed or seeds inside the compost and seal the plastic bag or jar. Turn your refrigerator to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius).


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Shy guys aren't just extroverted people waiting to be asked questions. While some shy guys may be perfectly happy to discuss their opinions and attitudes with you, it's more likely that they'll do so if they don't feel like you're wrestling it from them. Get to know him by talking about other things. Let personal things happen on their own time. Wait until he gets comfortable to ask more personal questions. When he starts feeling comfortable, start asking more personal questions as you're following up. "How was the rest of your weekend?" Just because a guy may be shy doesn't mean he's a fragile shell of a person, and it would be condescending to change your opinions or hold things back just because a guy may be on the quiet side. Speak your mind and share your opinions in a friendly way, to treat your new friend with respect and kindness. You can have disagreements but still be friendly by couching things in softer language. Instead of saying something like, "That's stupid," if a guy says Jeter's the best shortstop of all time, say something like, "I can see that. I just can't stand his personality." Many people assume that all quiet people are automatically shy, which isn't necessarily the case. Likewise, shy people aren't either conceited or introverted or anything in particular. If you want to know something about a guy, ask. Don't assume you know. First off, there's no answer to this question. Often, people will ask this question to fill an awkward silence, but it doesn't help and it doesn't give you anything to talk about. Saying something like, "You're so shy!" to a guy who is feeling uncomfortable will only make his discomfort and his silence more strong. Talk about something else. Shyness isn't ever a sign of anything other than shyness. If a guy feels awkward around you, it might be for a variety of reasons, and you shouldn't assume interest either way.

SUMMARY: Don't make him talk about himself. Don't be afraid to disagree. Don't assume things about him. Don't ask him why he's shy. Don't assume he likes you, or doesn't like you.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Take some time to think about what has made you upset and what you really want to say to your best friend before you talk to them. Thinking about why you’re fighting can help you clarify your feelings so you can better talk about them with your friend. It can also help you see if the fight you’re having is the result of emotions that got out of hand, which can be resolved with an honest discussion.  Try coming up with an opening line to get the conversation started. For instance, you could say something like, “I just want you to know that I hate it when we fight like this.” Write down what you want to say to your best friend if you need to so you can organize your thoughts. Practice saying what you want to say to them in a mirror so you can see how you look and sound. Take the initiative and start up the conversation about the fight with your best friend. Text, call, direct message, or ask them in person to meet up with you somewhere the two of you can talk privately so you can be honest and open about how you feel.  A public location where you can find your own space, such as a coffee shop or a mall can be a great neutral space for you to talk. You could also choose a place that the two of you share happy memories, such as a restaurant you both like or a park where you’ve spent time together, to help keep the conversation positive. Getting the conversation started can seem difficult because of the emotions and frustrations between you and your best friend. Cracking a joke or making an offhand comment that makes your friend laugh can ease the tension and help you both start talking about what caused the fight. For instance, you could start with something like irreverent to start the conversation like, “So what brings you here?” or “Well, this is awkward.” Be honest and open about your feelings with your friend. Let them know how you feel about what caused the fight and how fighting with them has made you feel. Your feelings are valid and you need to share them with your best friend so they can see how you’ve been affected.  Try saying something like, “I feel sick knowing that you and I are fighting and I can’t come and talk to you about what’s bothering me. I want to fix this.” Even if the fight was caused by something you said or did, you still need to tell your friend how you feel about fighting with them so they know that you do care about them. Avoid making it all about yourself. Fights between best friends go both ways, and your friend’s feelings are probably hurt, too. It’s just as important that you listen to your best friend when they tell you how they feel about what started the fight and how your fight with them has made them feel. Let them speak and pay attention to what they’re saying when they talk so you can fully understand it and respond with your own thoughts and opinions.  Try to see things from their perspective. You’re not the only one who is upset about the fight! You may not have all of the information about what caused the fight, so listen to your best friend when they tell you about it.

SUMMARY:
Think about what you want to say to your best friend before you talk. Ask them to talk to you alone and choose an intimate location. Use a little bit of humor to ease the tension. Tell your best friend how fighting with them makes you feel. Listen to them when they tell you how they feel.