You do not have to stay involved in a conversation with someone you do not like, but you should not simply blow them off. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation by letting that person know that you have other matters that also need your attention at that moment.  Let them know something like, “It was nice to catch up, but I have to excuse myself. I have some pressing matters that I need to take care of.” Remember that you are not obligated to disclose any information that you do not want. If they start asking about your personal life or plans that you do not want to talk about, simply let them know, “I’m not comfortable talking about that right now.” Making up excuses might seem like the easy way to get out of conversation or social obligation with this person, but lying is not only improper, it creates a burden for you since you have to remember the story and possibly create further fabrications. Avoid lying and instead be polite but honest when speaking with this person. If this person asks you to hang out, for example, you don’t need to say, “No, because I don’t like you.” Instead, opt for an honest but less offensive response such as, “I don’t feel like hanging out tonight.” When you are trying to be polite, it can be tempting to make promises such as, “Not now but definitely another time,” or, “I can’t talk right now but I’ll text you later.” Try not to make promises you do not intend to follow through on. This is both disrespectful to the other person, and may encourage them to come around later trying to engage you. Instead of making false promises, simply stop your statements short. Try, “I don’t think I can tonight,” instead of, “I don’t think I can tonight but maybe next week.”

Summary: Politely excuse yourself. Avoid lying. Don’t make false promises.


Many colleges and universities have accredited programs to teach you how to become an interpreter. Complete an undergraduate or associate’s degree by enrolling in an interpreter training program. Programs include:  Learning about deaf culture. How to sign. How to get certified. You can learn sign language easily and from the convenience of your own home online. Complete programs are typically available for a fee. Look through websites carefully, before you purchase coursework. Look for online classes that involve more than one way of teaching, like webcams, videos and forums. You don’t have to take an entire college program or online course to learn sign language. Go to your local adult education or technology center and find out if they offer sign classes. Start ASL offers free classes in addition to full courses online. The best way to learn any language is by interacting with others and practicing. Larger cities should have an active deaf community and you can find them in smaller ones too. There are a number of ways to go to events and find deaf friends including:  Contact the agency that oversees deaf services in your area and ask them about deaf programs. Find an interpreter and ask them about deaf events. Find online deaf communities to get a point in the right direction. Subscribe to a deaf community newsletter to find events. Most large cities have deaf newsletters. An important part of learning sign language includes learning about deaf culture. Some norms in deaf culture are different than in hearing culture. Do not try to speak loud and slowly, because this can be insulting to a deaf person. Things that can be different include:  Using facial expressions. Many deaf people use exaggerated expressions to get their points across in addition to signing. Introducing yourself by name and area. Because it can be hard to find other deaf people, introductions are always made with the area you grew up in. Staring is encouraged. Because eyes are used instead of ears, you should always look at the deaf person you are communicating with.

Summary: Enroll in a college level training program. Take classes online. Take individual classes. Go to deaf events. Learn about deaf culture.


Before you replace the fuse, you need to open the socket with the arrow and sliding door. You may need a small screwdriver to do so if you cannot move the door by hand.  Find the grooves on the socket door. They should be relatively obvious to your touch.You may be able to push this door up with your fingernails. Don't force it if it does not come up easily. If the socket door won’t come up by hand, you may need a small flathead screwdriver or kitchen knife. Find a knife or screwdriver that fits the small size of the socket door. Use the knife or screwdriver to gently push up the socket door to show the fuses. Don’t use too much pressure, since you don’t want to damage the socket or the fuses underneath. Once the socket door has been opened, you will see the fuses underneath. Observe the fuses to see if they are damaged and need to be replaced. They are very small, so make sure to not lose them.  Locate the fuses. There will likely be two, but there may be only one. They should be immediately behind the socket door. Make sure the socket door is slid up far enough so you can comfortably reach the fuses. Remove the fuses. Take your small screwdriver to pop out the fuses. They should be easy to remove. Don’t use too much force as to not damage the fuses. Be careful to not lose the fuses. The fuses are very small and can be easily misplaced. Burnt fuses are easy to recognize. Look at them carefully before deciding if you need replacement fuses.  If you’re not sure, you can also use a voltmeter to check their strength.   Burnt fuses appear dark. If the fuse is obviously dark to your eye, then the fuse is burnt and will no longer work. If you can’t tell immediately, take out each fuse and look more closely. Some fuses may be burnt, but do not show external signs. Use a voltmeter to check the fuse strength. If the voltmeter does not register anything when checking the fuse, then it is burnt and needs to be replaced.

Summary: Open the socket door to get to the fuses. Check the fuse after you've open the socket door. Examine the color of the fuse to see if it is burnt.


After you’ve strained the martini into the glass, twist the lemon strip that you cut over the glass to express the oils. Next, rub the peel along the rim of the glass. If you plan to use olives as a garnish in place of the lemon peel, place one or two on a toothpick to ready them. Once you’ve rubbed the lemon peel around the rim of the glass, make sure that it’s still twisted. Drop it into the martini so it floats in the drink. If you’re using olives instead, place the toothpick with them on it into the glass. They won’t float, so you may want to hook them on the rim. If there is any excess martini left in the shaker after you strain it for serving, strain the remainder into a regular glass. Place the glass in a bowl full of ice so it will remain chilled until you’re ready to drink or serve the rest.
Summary: Express the lemon strip over the glass and rub along the edge. Float the peel in the martini. Strain the excess martini mixture.