You simply can't read an entire 400-page book in the hour before class, so start tackling the reading assignment as soon as you know what it is. Most college-aged people can read an average of 300 words per minute, so plan accordingly.  If you wait until the last minute, you will stress yourself out in addition to not being able to complete the reading in time. An average document has between 250 and 400 words per page. You will still need enough time in each sitting for some continuity and understanding, but you need not read the entire text in marathon sessions. Instead, set out to read for an hour, or even half an hour at a time. Take breaks every half hour or hour to restore circulation to your legs and keep yourself awake.  Alternatively, choose to complete a set number of pages in each sitting. It is easier to get started if you know when you will finish. Try setting up a reading schedule to break up the number of pages you need to read into the time you have to read them. For example, if you have to read a 300 page book in a week, then you would need to read about 43 pages per day to finish the book on time. Your pre-reading and your purpose will help determine whether you can take short-cuts. Depending on what the purpose of your reading is, you may be able to skim some of the pages. For example, if you’re reading a long document for a presentation at work, you may need to read the entire thing. But if you’re reading a textbook for class, you may be able to pick and choose some sections instead of reading all of them.  Rather than read the entire 400-page textbook this semester, could you look up what you need and read only the chapters and sections that follow the class discussions? Would reading the headlines and a few introductory paragraphs tell you enough that you could skip reading the entire chapter? When possible try to work smarter, not harder. Often times, there will be free moments when you find yourself being forced to kill time throughout your day. These times are perfect opportunities for you to steal away a little time for reading. If you bring your book with you every day, you will find more time to spend reading in these breaks. Make sure that you don’t use this as a distraction from other things you should be doing (like reading while you’re supposed to be working). Only take moments to read when you have some dedicated time when you can adequately focus. If your document is a popular text, it’s possible that it may be available to you in audiobook format. This means that you can upload the file to your phone or other playing device and listen to it while you do other things. For example, if you commute to work, you could listen to the audiobook while you drive. Or you could listen to it while you go for a bike ride or while you’re working out at the gym. When you have to tackle a large-scale reading assignment, you’ll need to keep at it over a period of time. Make a reading schedule and stick to it. Read some in the morning and some in the afternoon. Read some today and some tomorrow. The average person can read approximately one page per minute (depending on how many words appear on each page), so plan ahead and make sure you continue with your reading schedule so you can accomplish the large reading task.

Summary: Give yourself adequate time to read. Break the task into smaller parts. Determine whether you can safely skip any parts. Bring your document with you. Check out audiobooks. Be persistent.


Just as in romantic relationships, friendships are based on mutual attraction. If you find yourself looking forward to seeing someone again, chances are that you’ve found a potential new friend. Choose friends who can understand or share important aspects of your life. People are often friends with people similar to them, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You might bond over similar past experiences or shared challenges. Establish connections by talking about what you have in common. If you hear someone quote your favorite movie, tell them that you love it, too. Ask questions and offer examples from your own life. Make sure that you are open to friends who might challenge some of your assumptions. The best friends help to broaden our horizons.  Look for clubs and organizations that have a range of different people in them. Remember that everyone has many different aspects. Someone might come from a very different sort of family, but have precisely the same kind of enthusiasm for chess as you do! Having a diverse set of friends helps you to relate to a wider range of people. You learn more about the world, with positive results not only for your social life, but your professional life as well. A good friend doesn’t have to agree with everything you say. But they must care about your life and listen to you. You need friends who will respond to you and support you on your own path. If someone never laughs at your jokes or gets outraged on your behalf, they’re not going to be a real friend. If someone is friendly to you, but mean to other people, or if they spend a lot of time gossiping about their other friends’ shortcomings, they are unlikely to become a really good friend. In the end, they will treat you the way they treat their other friends. This might sound obvious, but when you’re lonely, it can be tempting to grab on to anything that seems like friendship. Real friends, though, make you feel genuinely happy. You should laugh together and look forward to hanging out. If something feels off, it probably is. Let that person go and keep meeting new people. Even if a new friendship doesn’t take off, treat that person politely and respectfully. People change over time, and you might find yourself growing closer to them later on.

Summary: Trust in chemistry. Find common ground. Seek diversity. Choose friends who support you. Notice how people treat their other friends. Enjoy spending time with your friends. Don’t burn bridges.


Look for an open vs closed body posture. If she's squirming in her seat and angling herself away from you, she's creeped out. However, if she's relaxed and keeping her body posture open and facing you, she's probably a bit receptive. If she's keeping eye contact or making flirty eyes, she's probably receptive. However, if you see her occasionally looking towards the door, clock, or crowds of people, she's probably feeling trapped and looking for an escape. Break the tension by apologizing for bothering her and give her some space. She might very well relax enough to reenter the conversation. If she's giving short answers and seems to be trying to end the conversation then she's uncomfortable and you're probably not going to get anywhere. However, if she's giving longer answers or even asking you questions, then she's probably open to having a good conversation. If you see her flexing her hands, she's probably mad or offended that you're talking to her. If she's clutching her hands to her body or holding her purse tightly, she's at least uncomfortable. However, if her hands are relaxed and she's casually using them to talk, then she's more receptive to conversation. Sometimes a woman that seems receptive, friendly, or even flirty may quickly become closed and unsure. This is a natural emotional reaction to the course of the conversation and her own analysis of your interactions. If she's becoming uncomfortable, ease up. And remember: no matter how friendly or interested she seemed, it doesn't obligate her to give you her number or go on a date with you. Don't get angry if she says no.
Summary: Look at her body posture. See where her eyes are focused. Listen to what she's saying. Analyze what she's doing with her hands. Remember that signals can be mixed.