There is nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and asking to be treated well, especially by someone who is supposed to be your friend. You could say something like, “I feel like you only want to hang out when you need a ride somewhere, and that makes me feel used,” or, “I really value our friendship, but I feel like you’re more interested in your new boyfriend. Can we spend some quality time together?”  How a friend responds when you share your feelings tells you a lot about their character. Someone who is genuinely your friend will apologize and take steps to change. Someone who has their interests in mind will find a way to blame you for the way they acted. It takes a lot to stand up for yourself, and it’s okay if you feel nervous! Good friends will respect your boundaries even if they don’t understand or agree with them. They won’t try to pressure you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with, and they won’t get angry at you for saying no.  For example, if you tell your friend you’re not comfortable with having a party while your parents are out of town, your friend should respect that and not try to guilt you into getting their way. Be kind when you say no, and remember that doing so doesn’t make you a bad friend. You could even explain your reasoning so that your friend understands you better. If you’ve determined that your relationship with a friend is unbalanced, you could try talking to them about it directly to help the relationship improve. Let your friend know you value them and that is why you want to talk. Avoid using phrases like “you always,” or “you never.” Instead, focus on “I” statements, like, “I feel like you aren’t interested in talking to me because you haven’t been responding to my texts,” or, “I feel hurt that you were gossiping about me. It makes me feel like I can’t share things with you.” Don’t just ghost your friend, however. Make up an excuse as to why you aren’t as available for a week or two and then return to the friendship after that time. See how you feel after a few weeks away from your friend. If you feel relieved and refreshed, that may be a sign that you’re better off without the friendship.  Don’t initiate plans. Don’t text or call your friend. Tell them you have other plans when they ask you to hang out. Just remember to be polite and not to do anything drastic. You could say that you’re working on school projects, that things at home are really busy, or that you haven’t been feeling great and need time to rest. This doesn’t have to mean that the friendship is over, but it could mean that you’re not as close as you were before. Instead of clinging on to the friendship, focus on making new friends and enjoying new experiences.  You can still be friendly to this person. Instead of ignoring them, be polite, say “hi” when you see them, and don’t talk about them with other people. Unless you’re in a dangerous situation, there’s no need to start pretending like they don’t exist. You may even find that after several months of not being as close that you and your friend reunite. if it is toxic and your friend isn’t willing to change. Rather than just drifting away from your friend, consider telling your friend why you won’t be hanging out with them anymore. You could do this in person or write them a letter. If you do choose to write a letter, just be aware that the letter could be shared with other people or could be misinterpreted. Talking in person is always the best idea.  Try to be as direct and honest as possible. For example, you could say something like, “I don’t think we should hang out anymore. Our friendship has become something negative and I think it’s best if we spend less time together.” Let your friend respond to what you said. They are going to have some feelings, which they are allowed to have. You can stick to what you said while still listening to them and finishing the conversation.
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One-sentence summary -- Call out your friend when they are mean, judgmental, or using you. Say “no” when they ask you to do something you don’t want to. Have an honest conversation with your friend about your feelings. Take a break from the friendship if you aren’t sure of what to do. Let the friendship drift apart if things are naturally coming to an end. End the friendship


If you drink alcohol heavily or on a daily basis it is very important to talk to a medical doctor if you are planning on cutting down your alcohol use. Withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics can cause seizures, irreparable health damages (such as liver diseases, which includes gastritis, cirrhosis, etc) and can even be fatal. Set up an appointment with your primary care physician. If you do not have a medical doctor you can contact your medical insurance company to obtain one. If you do not have medical insurance you can contact your local social services organization for assistance for low-income individuals, or conduct a search for low cost or free clinics in your area. The medications topiramate (Topamax) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are effective in treating alcohol dependence; topiramate is especially helpful in reducing cravings for alcohol. New research suggests that novel medications such as Neurokinin (NK1) receptor antagonist and Baclofen can help to reduce cravings. Always discuss medications with your medical doctor before taking them. Understand that there are legal and health risks related to taking medications that are not prescribed to you by a medical practitioner. Alcohol use is sometimes linked with a history of trauma. Individuals who have experienced trauma (physical abuse, sexual abuse, witnessed violence, or been in a life-threatening situation) and receive treatment for thoughts related to trauma show a reduction in cravings for alcohol. Contact your health insurance provider for a list of approved therapists in your area. If you do not have medical insurance you can search for local social services agencies or low-cost/free mental health clinics.
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One-sentence summary -- Talk to your medical doctor. Explore medication options. Consider therapy.


First go outside, since bubbles look most beautiful when the sun shines through their iridescent swirls. Dip the small bubble wand you made into the bubble solution. Hold the circular part of the wand close to your lips and gently blow. Watch as bubbles stream from the wand and float away, then burst.  If you're using bubbles with food coloring, be sure not to blow them inside, since they may stain furniture and carpets. To make lots of tiny bubbles, get a good amount of solution on the wand and blow with extra force. Pour the bubble solution into a shallow tray. Lay the large bubble wand in the solution so that the netting is completely covered. Slowly lift the wand from the solution and check to make sure a membrane of swirling bubble solution is stretched across the blower. Gently wave the bubble maker through the air; a large bubble will form and separate from the wire.  Try running with the giant bubble blower to make a larger bubble. Stand in a high spot, like at the top of your porch steps, and make a big bubble that floats gently to the ground. It will last longer this way.
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One-sentence summary -- Blow little bubbles. Make giant bubbles.


Purchase an alcohol-based ink from your local craft store that’s the color you want to dye your wig. Empty the contents of the ink bottle into a spray bottle. Then, add in the same amount of water to the spray bottle, screw the top on, and shake it up to mix the contents. For an average wig, use 1 1-oz. (29.6-ml) bottle of ink. For a wig that’s especially long and/or thick, use 2 1-oz. (19.6-ml) bottles. If you don’t want to buy an alcohol-based ink and you have a Sharpie marker with an ink color that you like, you can use it instead. Remove the cap and pull apart the Sharpie with a pair of pliers. Pull out the ink tube that’s inside and slice it open with an Exacto knife. Then, place the ink tube in your spray bottle, add in your preferred amount of water, and let it sit overnight.
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One-sentence summary --
Mix a 1:1 ratio of alcohol-based ink and water in a spray bottle. Use Sharpie ink as an alternative.