Being able to look out a window while you work can help reduce stress levels and focus better on your work. Move your desk to a location where you can easily sit down and glance out the window occasionally. Check that there is no glare on your computer screen or light in your eyes throughout the day so you don’t get distracted or annoyed. If you’re working in an open-plan office or a cubicle, talk to your office administrator or boss to see if it’s okay to change the position of your desk. Write lists of the things that you use daily, weekly, and monthly so you know what’s important to keep near you. Keep the things you use daily within arm’s reach of your desk so you can grab them when you need to. If you use things less frequently, store them in drawers or closets that are further away to remove clutter and save space.  For example, if you don’t use a printer often, keep it on the other side of the room so it’s not taking up space on your desk. If there are things that you use multiple times per day, keep them on your desk, a nearby shelf, or in the top drawer of your desk. Look for organizers, shelves, or cabinets that have wheels so you can pull them out when you need to and then put them back. Keep shorter things, like filing cabinets or shelves, under your desk if you have room and only move them when you need to access them. Try using an office chair with wheels if you’re able so you can roll to a different part of your office to access something. Store a small bin to the side of your desk or underneath it if you have extra leg room. That way, if you have any trash or files that you don’t need anymore, you can throw them away immediately rather than letting them clutter up your space.  Be sure to change the garbage bag frequently so your office stays fresh and clean. Shred any documents with personal info on them before you throw them away. Keep a few personal items in your office to make it your own space and so it doesn’t feel too sterile. Hang art on the walls or keep pictures on your desk to make...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Position your desk so you can look out a window if you can. Keep the things you use most frequently closest to you. Get rolling furniture so you can move things out of the way easily. Keep a trash can in your office so you can get rid of things right away. Add a few personal touches to your office so you feel comfortable.


Being able to quickly determine your risk is one of the key steps to finding shelter and surviving. Unfortunately, there are few proven ways to stay safe in the open if caught in a tornado, and the number one advice is to find shelter as soon as you see these warning signs. Most tornadoes are accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, and, of course, high winds, but there are other things to look out for as well:  Dark, green-tinted clouds Loud roaring noises, like airplanes taking off "Wall clouds," where the base of a thunderhead seems to lower Funnels or rotating clouds Debris and dust "walls." If you hear the warning and it is still safe to drive, get to the closest building you can find. Keep your seat belt on and get off the open road as soon as you can. Turn on your high beams and move immediately to some sort of structure, preferably with a basement. You are almost always better off in a building than in your car.  If you can see the tornado and/or flying debris makes driving dangerous, stay put.  If your car is pelted with debris while driving, this is your cue to pull over. Never try to out-drive a tornado in an urban environment; get to any building as shelter instead. Fasten your seat-belt and duck down below the window line. Take your coat, a blanket, a pillow, etc. and put it over your head and back, and hold your hands over your head to protect your skull.  Stay put until you can safely drive to shelter. Be on the lookout for multiple tornadoes. Again, there may be multiple tornadoes after the first one has passed. If there is a low ditch nearby, and you have no other options, hop in. Lay face down and cover the back of your head with your hands. If you can, cover your whole body with a blanket or similar covering to prevent scratches from debris. Falling and spinning debris is the cause of most tornado fatalities. While being caught in the open is not ideal, try to hunker down in a spot without the potential for lots of structural damage or fast moving debris. If torn between an overpass or an open...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Know the warning signs of potential tornadoes. Drive, if possible, to the nearest shelter. Stay in your car if there is absolutely no other structure nearby. Find a low spot relative to your current position, if caught totally in the open. Stay away from overpasses, bridges, or areas with potential for lots of debris. Move perpendicular to the tornado's direction, if you're caught on open water.


Being able to read your horse’s body language will allow to you communicate with him more effectively, which will in turn help you gain his trust. Your abused horse may demonstrate certain body language as a result of the abuse (e.g., trembling, tense muscles). The more you understand how he is feeling at any given moment, the better you will be able to address his abuse.  Trembling is very common in abused horses. Your horse may begin to tremble and shake as you approach him, out of fear that you will hurt him.  A trembling horse may be signaling that he is ready to bolt. Be prepared to quickly move to safety if your horse begins to tremble.  An abused horse may also tense his muscles in response to being touched or approached.  Physical abuse may have caused your horse to exhibit aggressive body language, such as striking with a front leg, swinging his hindquarters, and pinning back his ears. For your own safety, do not attempt to approach or work with your horse if he is being aggressive. Talk with your veterinarian or equine behaviorist if you are unsure how to read your horse’s body language. How you approach your abused horse is an important factor in whether you will gain his trust. Slow and easy movements are a must. In addition, you should approach him from his side, not directly in front of him.  Approaching him from his front may look threatening to him, which may make him wary or afraid of you. Your body language (relaxed breathing, slow walk) should communicate that you are calm, confident and aware of your surroundings.  Do not make direct eye contact with your horse as you approach him.  Wait a short distance away from your horse before approaching him. This will allow you to observe his body language and determine if he is ready for you to be in his personal space. If he looks relatively calm (e.g., ears turned to the side, lowered head, cocked hind leg), proceed with walking towards his side. Body language that signals fear or anxiety (e.g., ears cocked back, pawing at  the ground, tightened...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Learn your horse’s body language. Learn the proper way to approach your horse. Touch your horse. Talk to your horse.


Being able to swim proficiently does not mean a child (or adult) cannot drown. Learning about water safety at swim lessons does not mean that they will not do something unsafe the very same day. Let your children learn the basic water safety rules and review them anytime they need to go in a spa or pool. While it's a bad idea for anyone to swim alone, for children, it should be a hard and fast rule. Never let children swim without adult supervision, no matter whether they're at the beach, in your household pool, in a public pool, or at a friend's house. Even young children who have received swimming lessons can be more vulnerable to drowning than older children who haven't, so supervision is key to keeping your children safe until they're mature, responsible swimmers on their own.   Supervised means watching without distractions; no phone, tablet, book, or the like. It is one thing to make a quick text, but if you are absorbed on a game on your device, you are not really paying full attention to your child. Ensure the distance between you and your toddlers is arm’s length while the child is in the pool even when he/she has a floating device. Floating aids are not as secure as approved life vests, and they can give adults and children the wrong sense of security. If you’re leaving your child with a babysitter or a teenage supervisor, make sure they know your water safety rules. Be especially sure to remind them that drowning often has no audible warning noises, so visual supervision is necessary. Putting physical barriers like a pool fence between your children and your pool can often be enough to keep them out of it when you're not there to supervise them. Young children are attracted to pools and don't understand the danger. Below are just a few basic ideas for kid-proofing your pool:  Keep ground-level pools fenced off with an at least 4 feet high fence. Use play pens, iron, chain link or mesh pool fences  to form a protective barrier around your pool. Use a self-closing, self-locking pool gate. If you...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

There is no such thing as "drown proofing" or "safety proofing" children. Never let children swim unsupervised. Make your pool area safe and the pool inaccessible while you are not swimming. If you cannot spot a child, rush to the spa or the pool first, time is crucial! Have a pool safety kit for your spa or swimming pool. Never leave toys near the pool. Consider draining your pool. Understand that young children can drown in very shallow water.


Being active can help you treat mild sleep deprivation. If you engage in a short activity a few times a day, it can help increase alertness. The feeling of being alert may fade fast, so you may have to be active again. If your sleep deprivation is severe, you may feel more tired instead of feeling energized. Try light activity, like a quick walk or other light cardio. Choose an activity that will get your blood pumping, not tire you out. Being exposed to light can help you feel more awake. Light causes your body to reduce its production of melatonin, which is the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. Light helps your body's circadian rhythm align with the day-cycle, when we feel awake and alert. Try turning on an overhead light, opening the windows, turning on multiple lights in a room, using a light box, or even going outside into the sunshine. Even if it is the middle of the day, increasing the brightness in your room or office may help you feel more alert and less sleepy. Adopting good posture may help you stay up when you have sleep deprivation. When you stand or sit up, it helps engage body functions that help you stay alert. If you are suffering from sleep deprivation, try sitting with as good posture as possible. If you can, stand to help stay awake. Caffeine is a common short-term treatment for sleep deprivation. Caffeine is a stimulant that helps increase alertness. You can drink caffeine in coffee, tea, or soda, and it can be found in some foods, like chocolate. Small amounts of caffeine throughout the day works best to help keep you awake and alert.  Be aware that caffeine can cause side effects, such as headaches or shaking if you consume too much. Caffeine is not recommend for children and women who are nursing or pregnant. Caffeine cannot help with severe sleep deprivation. Avoid caffeine at least four to five hours before bedtime.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Become active. Turn on a bright light. Sit up straighter. Increase your caffeine.


Being an MC is a lot of pressure. The event’s success is largely contributed to how well the MC keeps things on track. While the event’s proceedings can get hectic, it is important to remain calm and focus on maintaining your MC persona. To keep your cool, try:   Continuing on if you mess up. Stopping will only make your mistake that much more obvious. Try to roll with the punches and continue on from your mistake. If you do this successfully, the audience will most likely forget your misstep.  Finding a spot to look at while talking. Looking at the individual audience members might make you more nervous while speaking. Instead, try looking over the heads of the audience members to reduce intimidating one on one eye contact.  Slowing down with your words. Nothing shows you’re more nervous as an MC, than talking too quickly. Talking too quickly can lead to mispronunciations and stuttering, which can affect people understanding you. Take your time, and pause slightly in between sentences. Introduce yourself and welcome the audience to the event. Identify the specific, principal groups of your audience, and welcome them individually. These welcomes don’t need to be long-winded, but they do need to be authentic. For example, you might say something like, “To all of our Packer fan dairy farmers who traveled all the way from Wisconsin and had to drive through Bear territory to get here, a warm welcome.” The MC has the key responsibility of introducing different speakers that come up on stage, as well as other key people at the event. The more pertinent a guest is, the more detailed and tailored your introduction of them should be. Once you have made your introduction for a speaker, lead the audience in applauding the speaker until they reach the speaking microphone. When the speaker is finished giving their speech, lead the audience again in applause until the speaker is off the stage and on their way back to their seat.  Since one of the biggest responsibilities as MC is to keep the event running on time, don’t be...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Remain calm. Prepare the opening of the event. Introduce the speakers. Bridge between segments. Be prepared for anything. Close the event.


Being assertive and powerful around others can help you gain self-confidence and self-esteem. It can also allow you to gain more acknowledgement and respect from others, in the workplace, at school, or at home. One way you can act powerful and assertive is to always use “I” statements when you speak to others.  You should always try to use “I” statements during a discussion or argument, such as “I think you are wrong” or “I disagree with what you are saying.” This will be more effective and assertive than using “you” or “they,” such as “You are wrong,” or, “They don’t know what they’re talking about.” You should also use “I” statements when you are stating your opinion or your thoughts. For example, you may say, “I think it’s important to be honest with each other,” or, “I believe the client should come first.” You can also demonstrate your assertiveness in a positive way by using body language that is assertive and confident. Make sure you always stand straight and upright. You should also make regular eye contact and maintain a positive facial expression, such as a welcoming smile.  You should also avoid wringing your hands, pulling on your clothing nervously, or picking at your face. Nervous ticks often as a sign of a lack of confidence. It may help to practice assertive body language in front of a mirror at home so you can get comfortable presenting yourself in this way. If you are around someone who seems to demonstrate assertive body language, you may study her and try to mimic her gestures. A person who is confident and assertive will maintain firm control over his emotions and not let his anger show. Rather than scream, shout, or yell when you get upset or frustrated, try to take a deep breath and remain calm. Keep your voice even and firm when you speak to others to show you are in control of your emotions. If you feel your emotions are getting out of hand during a discussion at school or an argument at work, you may try excusing yourself and taking a timeout on your own. Letting your emotions settle...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Use “I” statements. Display assertive body language. Stay in control of your emotions.


Being assertive means you stand up for yourself and share your thoughts and feelings with others. You do not want to hurt others with your words. Instead, you want to make your point known. Aggressive language occurs when you belittle others. You might be proving your point at the expense of another.  Assertive communication would be: “Gretchen, I would like you to be more open to my personal situation at present. My brother is sick so I cannot come to practice as often.” See be assertive for more tips. Aggressive communication would be: “Gretchen, you’re such a mean girl. I don’t know how anyone could be so insensitive when another person has a very sick brother. Don’t you have a heart?” Stand tall with your shoulders back. Don't slouch or lean against a wall. Keep your head high and look people in their eyes. Rather than crossing your arms, keep them at your sides or even on your hips. If sitting, keep your legs uncrossed with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Instead of using the accusatory “you,” frame your responses with “I.” For example, “I feel hurt when you ignore my needs” rather than “You always forget that I need a ride.” By keeping the focus on “I,” you are less likely to issue blame. Instead, you open a dialogue. When standing up for yourself, try to state facts. Do not just defend yourself. For example, saying, “Gretchen, you’re being unfair!” will be ineffective. Although it is important to say when someone hurts your feelings, explain why. Saying that you’re sad helps if people know the reason. Try the following: You might say, “Gretchen, I feel like you do not understand why I miss practice so often. My brother is very sick and my family travels twice a week one hour to visit him in the hospital. I want to be committed to the team but right now, my brother is more important. I hope you can understand.” If someone is belittling you, realize that no one can make your thoughts worthless. If you think them, they are valuable. That does not mean they are always right. Thus, be aware of the...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Recognize the difference between assertive and aggressive responses. Use assertive body language. Lean towards “I” statements. Do not be defensive. Remember you decide the worthiness of your thoughts. Explain cultural or lifestyle differences.


Being aware of the circumstances and desires of whomever you're selling to is just as important (if not more so) than what you know about the product itself. What needs or desires does your customer have? And more specifically: How might those desires be sated by the product you have to offer? The key to positive, mutually beneficial interaction is being able to see things from the other person's point-of-view.  Even if you don't know the customer on a personal basis, you can still assume a great deal about what they need. Most customers coming to one location are looking to have similar needs fulfilled. If you've dealt with enough customers in the past, you may have already seen some common patterns emerge. If it's another professional you're selling to, checking out his LinkedIn profile and looking into his industry will give you greater insight as to what he may be looking for. Within the first few minutes of meeting with a prospective customer, you should be able to roughly determine how likely the sale is to go through. If you suspect the customer doesn't have a need for your product or doesn't have the funds to pay for it, it's best to speed the process along amicably. Although all customers should be treated with patience and respect regardless of your predicted chances, you don't want to waste time that might better be spent helping other people. Once you've met up with your prospective customer, you should engage with them as if they were a casual friend, rather than purely as a business associate. Given some of the bad stigma towards sales representatives, many people have the negative impression that salesmen are only out there to take their money. In order to instill a positive relationship with the customer, you must show interest in them as a human being.  This can be as simple as asking them how they're doing today, or how their trip over to the meeting was. Actively engaging means doing without prepared sales pitches. If customers get the impression that a pitch has been memorized beforehand,...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Know your customer. Appraise your chances with the customer. Actively engage with your customer. Put the customer first.


Being confident makes people view you as more attractive. Work on boosting your confidence to help you look good every day. Here are some ways to improve your confidence:  Replace your negative comments about yourself with positive self-talk. Take an improv class. Spend time on your appearance. Find lessons in your mistakes. Practice your conversation skills so you feel comfortable talking to people. Good posture makes you look more attractive and confident. Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back, and look straight ahead. When you’re sitting, straighten your back and keep your shoulders back. This will help you look your best. Check your posture in the mirror or film yourself walking around. This will help you make changes, if necessary. Look people directly in the eye for 2-3 seconds before looking away. Additionally, smile at people when you pass them and while you’re having a casual conversation. This will make you look more attractive.  Don’t stare at someone for more than 3 seconds because it’ll make them feel uncomfortable. Practice smiling so that it becomes natural for you.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Build your confidence because it makes you more attractive. Maintain good posture to improve your looks and confidence. Make eye contact and smile a lot.


Being considerate means recognizing when someone would need your help before they even ask for it. This can be anything from opening a door for a person on crutches to picking up lunch for your best friend when she's having a stressful day cramming for an exam. As long as you don't give help to people who really don't want it, you will be acting considerate. Keep an eye out for situations, big or small, when you could really help a person out. Always be observant to see if someone needs something, even if he or she is afraid to ask for it. Here are some examples of ways to be considerate:  Hold doors open for people Pull out chairs for people Make room for people who sit next to you Let older people take your seat if you're on a bus or a train Pick up coffee for a fellow coworker if you're going on a coffee run Help your parents out by doing extra chores when they are clearly overwhelmed Run an errand for a significant other or roommate Another part of being considerate is demonstrating good manners. If you want to be considerate of others, then you can't be rude, loud, or annoying in social situations. You don't have to be prince charming, but you should be able to have basic good manners so that the people around you feel comfortable and cared for. Whether you're hanging out with your friends or hanging out at your Grandma's 80th birthday party, you should demonstrate good manners, even if the meaning of "good manners" changes slightly depending on your audience. Here are some ways to have good manners:  Avoid cursing or being overly vulgar If you burp, excuse yourself Put a napkin on your lap when you eat and avoid getting food all over yourself Don't loudly slurp your drink Make room for people on the sidewalk Avoid gross or inappropriate topics in front of the wrong audience Another way to be considerate is to share with others. Maybe you brought a delicious box of your mother's cookies to lunch and can't wait to devour them all, but you should ask your coworkers if they want any. Maybe you brought some...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Do nice things for people when you see they need help. Have good manners. Share. Be punctual. Do random acts of kindness. Keep your space clean.


Being cool isn't just about being popular, it's about being known.The easiest way to get your name and face recognized is by joining groups at school. Try to join a few that don't overlap – that way you'll meet the most people and develop a wide variety of interests. One idea is to join one of every kind of activity: one athletic, one academic, and one artistic. You could be on the basketball team, on the school newspaper, and in choir. It'll look good on your college resume, too. Try to identify who's where on the "social ladder." It's not that big of a deal (being cool is about being liked, which is different than being popular), but it will help you know how to identify with people. What are the cool kids like? Are they jocks, are they smart, are they rebels? How about the mid-crowd? Do they follow along or sort of do their own thing? And the lowest tier, what about them? With whom in which groups do you want to be friends with? It's a good idea to be friends with people on all rungs of the ladder – you never know where you'll end up. If you do want to be popular, it's a good idea to befriend one of the nicer popular people; they'll be your ticket into "the group." Just make sure you don't abuse people on your way up. Sometimes friends don't work out, and then the rejects won't even want you later when you need a friend. Being cool doesn't necessarily mean you're popular. There are plenty of "popular" kids that are mean and not actually liked. Being one of them won't get you anywhere. Instead, aim to be popular and cool by having people legitimately like you. To do that, just be friendly and nice to everyone you meet. Why would you do anything else, right? You probably have a pretty good grip on how to be friendly. The only thing to keep in mind is to be friendly to those people that you think aren't cool. Give them help when you sense they need it. Say hi in the hallways if you know them. You never know – they could be the next cool kid in a few months' time. Just because you're trying to move into the...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Join a handful of organizations. Observe. Be friendly with everyone. Don't ditch your old friends. Act like it's all natural. Don't try so hard. Value your opinion above anyone else's. Avoid being a bully. Don't let bullies push you around.


Being creative can boost your mood, improve your perception of yourself, and help you make the most of your time alone. Even if you don’t feel artistic, you can still be creative! There are many ways to make or build something, but here are a few ideas:  Paint or draw a picture. Write a story, book, poetry, or play. Build a robot. Make a birdhouse. Create your own recipe or put a twist on a favorite dish. Sew something. Most people say, “Someday I want to try…” at some point in their lives. What is your thing you want to try? Use your time alone to make that happen!  Learn a programming language and start to code. Take up painting. Learn to whittle. Build a website. Teach yourself a new language. Start an herb garden. A solo adventure can be a thrilling escape from real life, and it can help you learn more about yourself. Although you might think of adventures as something you do with others, going at it alone can help you get more out of the experience.  Travel to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit! Go skydiving. Try bungee jumping. Make a list of spiritual destinations, then start checking them off. Train for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, or triathlon. You can still do everything you enjoy, even if you don’t have a partner. Who cares if you’re sitting alone at the coffee house or eating dinner by yourself? Make plans with yourself!  Go out to eat by yourself. Take yourself to the movies. Enjoy that concert you’ve been longing to see. Visit the museum or an art gallery opening. Take a dance class. You can always dance with the instructor, or you might meet a new friend! Even if you love being alone, chances are you’ll occasionally have moments when you miss the company of others. Filling your time with your favorite things leaves little time for these thoughts to creep in. Live your life to the fullest, and you’ll never feel lonely. Don’t overfill your schedule to the point of exhaustion, but do make the most out of everyday by living the life you love.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Create something. Take up a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Go on a solo adventure. Say yes to activities that typically involve a partner. Keep yourself occupied with things you love.


Being detail-oriented is an incredibly important part of the job, even if you’re working as a commercial baker. You’ll need to closely monitor your baked goods to make sure that they don’t burn while being cooked to perfection. If you bake cupcakes or cakes, then you’ll need to have an eye for detail in order to decorate those cakes and cupcakes to perfection. You’ll also need an eye for detail in order to follow recipes and cooking instructions to perfection, or to tweak those recipes thoughtfully if you’re trying out something slightly different. You’ll also need an eye for detail if you’re taking orders from customers so you know exactly what they want. Though you may think that creativity may be the last skill you need when it comes to being a baker, in fact, you may need to use your creative faculties to succeed in your career. If you work as a craft baker and create your own recipes, you may need your creativity to try something different, so you can keep your customers interested in your goods. You may also need your creativity if you’re missing a certain ingredient or two while still needing to cook a certain baked good or pastry, or if you want to fix a recipe where something has already gone wrong. Sometimes, the most important part of your job will lie in improvising, and you’ll need your creativity to make things work. Of course, if you don’t work for yourself, you shouldn’t spend all day experimenting, or you’ll have an unhappy boss and many confused customers. However, if you have the means and the green light, then being creative can lead to some of your best discoveries. You may think that bakers work in isolation, perfecting their craft as they make delicious treats. However, people skills are actually vital for most bakers. If you work in a retail store where you have to interact with customers, then you’ll need to have people skills in order to talk to customers, take their orders, and keep them happy with your store and your products. As you move further along in your career, you may have...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Be detail-oriented. Be creative. Have strong people skills. Have strong basic math skills.


Being familiar with the basic musical keys will give you a solid foundation for musical improvisation. Once you’re thoroughly familiar with a few key signatures, it will be easier for you to create melodies and harmonies that sound good. Start by learning the major diatonic key signatures and their relative minors. One good way to start is to memorize the “Circle of Fifths,” which shows all the major diatonic major keys and their related minor keys. Scales and arpeggios are the basic building blocks from which melodies are built. Get thoroughly familiar with at least a few common diatonic scales and arpeggios so that you can start to develop an instinctive understanding of the different musical keys and their sounds. Start with a basic scale and arpeggio exercise book, such as Charles-Louis Hanon’s The Virtuoso Pianist. You can also find lots of scale and arpeggio exercises for free online. Learning triad chords will give you a great starting point for creating harmonies when you’re improvising. Major triads are 3-note chords that consist of the root, third, and fifth notes of the scale. To create a minor triad, lower the third note by a half-step.  Once you master the triads, you can experiment with building more complicated chords. For example, add the seventh note above the root chord to create a seventh chord. In the key of C, a basic seventh chord would consist of the notes C, E, G, and B. You can also create other interesting sounds by inverting the chords, or playing the notes of the chord in different orders. For instance, you can invert the A minor chord A-C-E by playing C-A-E instead. Most songs in western music are built around a handful of common chord progressions. Spend some time getting familiar with some of the standard chord progressions in the genre you want to play.  The chords in diatonic progressions are numbered using Roman numerals according to the position of each root note on the scale. For instance, if you’re playing in C major, the I chord is the C tonic triad (C-E-G). Minor chords...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Familiarize yourself with common key signatures. Practice scales and arpeggios. Learn the major and minor triad chords. Get to know some basic chord progressions.


Being fashionable requires a bit of creative improvisation. Experiment with new looks and disregard anything that you don't feel comfortable with.  Updating your wardrobe can seem like a daunting task and can easily get expensive, which can be difficult especially if you’re still growing and don’t have a lot of extra money, but you can do a lot with a little. Separate your clothes into two categories: clothes you like and wear, and clothes you don’t wear. Clean out your wardrobe by donating or selling the clothes you don’t wear. Then take a look at your “keep” pile. Note which clothes are fashionable and which ones aren’t. This will help you start to build a base for your updated wardrobe. Ask a parent, older sibling, girlfriend, or any fashionable friend to go shopping with you. They might be able to offer advice and pick out some great clothes for you.  Your siblings or your friends will be able to give you advice on what works or doesn’t work for you and can help you pick out something that you might not on your own. Create a list of clothing items that you need as staples. For example, you may want to get one pair of jeans you can wear for almost any occasion, a pair of chinos, a casual button down shirt, dress shirt, and a sweater. Often times we hang onto clothes that don't fit or we hardly ever wear. Gather up these clothes and donate them to a charitable organization or sell them to a resale shop. Be prepared that your parents may be reluctant to throw out clothes that still fit you.  If your parents are reluctant to let you get rid of the clothes you already have, you can try selling them to earn your own money for new clothes. Just make sure that you are upfront with your parents. Being a teenager can make it hard to find the right fit since you may grow several inches in just a few months. Check out consignment stores for cheaper clothes, or shops like H&M and asos, which offer plenty of trendy items at lower prices.  Shopping at stores that offer lower prices can also help you to convince your...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Update your wardrobe for current trends. Organize a shopping trip. Give away any clothes that you don't wear. Mix and match clothes


Being fully dedicated to stopping self-harming is the only way you will succeed. You must understand why you want to stop, so try to decide the real reasons for seeking self-help. Reasons may include:  I don’t want my friends and family to get hurt when they find out. I don’t want my family to have to pay for a large hospital bill for my recovery. I don’t want to be lectured by others about my feelings. I'm worried what others will think about me. You have the potential and the right to be happy and live a full and healthy life. Imagine what your life would be like if you did not self-harm. Think about your children asking about the scars on your arms and how you might explain them. Or think about potential jobs that might be in jeopardy if they recognize your negative behaviors.  Think about all the possibilities in your life that may be hindered by your self-harming behaviors. Once you see what life could be, your motivation to stop self-harming behaviors will be strengthened even more. Observe your environment and decide what role it is playing in your negative actions. Keep a private diary of daily actions and movements to get a better idea of trends of your environment that lead to self-harm. Ask yourself these questions:  Do I harm myself at a certain time of day? Do I harm myself when I am in a specific place (bedroom, bathroom, significant other’s house)? Do I get the urge to harm myself after interacting with certain people? Do I engage in a ritual leading up to my self-harming? Triggers are things that urge you to self-harm. They may include people, situations such as going to a stressful class or family event, negative thoughts, alcohol or drug influences, etc. Keep a diary of what happens before and after you engage in self-harming to give you a better idea of what triggers your behaviors. Urges are the internal feelings and experiences leading up to a self-harming event. Urges may include:  Racing heart or sweatiness A feeling of ‘cloudiness’ in your mind Disconnection from yourself and others...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Think about why you want to stop self-harm behavior. Imagine your future life without self-harming. Figure out when you tend to engage in self-harming behaviors. Recognize your triggers and urges.


Being honest about your feelings is not easy, especially if you think you will disappoint someone. Showing complete transparency can be a healthy way to get out of doing something that you have a good reason for avoiding. Your honesty may be well received, and it may open up an important dialogue between you and another. On the other hand, you might find yourself wishing that you’d stayed quiet. Be tactful when you approach the conversation. Find a time to talk privately with the person. Use a friendly and firm voice that communicates your true feelings about the situation. Provide an alternative if appropriate.  For example, if your parents want to do something with you, but you have too much homework, let them know. Try saying, “I know this is important to you, but catching up on work is really my top priority right now. Let’s eat together tomorrow when I’m finished with this essay.” Communicate dislike for others softly. If you’re invited to a party with people you don’t care for, for example, say something like, “It is so nice of you to invite me, but I don’t get along so well with that crowd.” A conversation with your boss might be a bit harder. Maybe you really hate the job you’ve been assigned, but you don’t want to quit completely. Try saying, “Ms. Bartlett, I wanted to talk to you about the project. I’m trying my best but it’s been weighing me down and I need to take break. Can we talk about a different topic for my next assignment?” Set a day and time for the things you need to do to have a productive week. That way you’ll have a concrete reason to not do something if you get an invitation or are asked to do something extra for work or school. Pre-booked personal activities might include times dedicated to working, exercising, or family time.  If you are a student, you might designate certain evenings for an extracurricular activity or have a homework day on the weekend. If you’re asked to attend an event, you can say, “Sorry, but I have soccer practice that day.” Remember to do the thing you say...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Give an honest explanation. Fill your days with activities that keep you from accepting invitations. Just say “No. Suggest a new plan. Blame shift. Flake out at the last minute.


Being hungry or thirsty will decrease your ability to concentrate and will make you more vulnerable to external stimuli like noise.   Try to eat healthily.  A high blood sugar level is proven to have an impact on your concentration. Junk food  is also linked to a decreased attention span.     Drink plenty of water. It's good for your body and research has demonstrated that it boosts your brain's ability to concentrate. While caffeine can give you an energy boost immediately after consumption, the benefit can be short-lived. The consumption of caffeine can trigger withdrawal effects which include headache and a difficulty to concentrate. Being sleep deprived is bad for your concentration and will make you more sensitive to background noises.  If you work in a noisy environment, try to come rested. If you're over-stressed by the noise, try to relax at home. You could try aromatherapy or go for a massage. Your global well-being will inevitably have an impact on your ability to resist external noises.  Sport is a great way to relax your muscles and body. Meet your friends and try to forget about your working environment. Don't become obsessed with the noise. If you cannot relax anymore, talk to your doctor. Stress and noise can lead to a burnout and it might be time to take a break.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Make sure you're not hungry or thirsty. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks, sugar, and tea. Sleep well. Relax outside of work.


Being in love with a person who you’ll never meet is a good learning experience and has the potential to meet many of your emotional needs.  However, it also uses up so many of your emotional, financial, and time resources. Choose to reallocate those resources to dating locally. Because you’ll be able to meet people locally, your resources will be much better invested.  Go on a local dating website Or look at a national website, but select your geographic area Or look to local hobby groups Ask a friend to set you up with someone Join a local recreational sports league You may feel an internal conflict when you decide to end your relationship to pursue dating locally.  Choosing to date locally can be intimidating, especially if you’re in love with someone who you’ll never meet.  You have an emotional and intellectual connection with that person, but seek a physical connection as well.  Recognize that you feel conflicted, accept that it’s okay, and give yourself permission to seek happiness in a local relationship. It’s good and healthy to admit that you’ll never meet this person for whom you have feelings. Maintaining even the slightest hope that you’ll meet them may only intensify your inner conflict. Ending a love relationship can be painful, and it’s not something that you want to feel again intentionally.  Refrain from starting another relationship with someone else that you won’t meet. If necessary, stop using the Internet for a while to prevent opportunities for falling into a similarly difficult relationship.  Find new games to play, new message boards with which to interact, and new groups to join. You learned from previous experience that it was important to meet the person who you love, so you want to avoid starting a similar relationship with someone in these new groups or communities.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Reallocate your resources. Accept that you feel may conflicted. Break the cycle.


Being jovial and light hearted can help you make the people around you feel good. Laughing releases endorphins and reduces stress levels in the body. Girls want to feel good about themselves when they are with a guy, so if you can make them laugh, you’re doing a good thing. Being cocky or a jerk makes you look like you don’t care about others' feelings. Girls like guys that show respect to them, their friends, and other people. Be willing to help her along the way to achieving her goals. It is important for girls to know that they have someone who is in their corner and will provide encouragement when they want to do something. Everyone changes what they want from time to time. Even if a girl liked something one day, it is not guaranteed that she will like it tomorrow. Be willing to accept changes and go with the flow to keep her comfortable and happy. A girl wants a guy who is caring and compassionate.  She needs to know that she is your number 1 and wants you to take an interest in her life.  Showing true compassion in front of a girl shows her that you are capable of loving.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Have a good sense of humor. Be respectful to everyone around you. Support her dreams and desires. Understand that girls change their minds. Care about her and others.


Being late is inconsiderate, while being on time is an expression of respect toward others. You lack the power to restore time other people have lost waiting for you, so it's disrespectful to assume you have the right to take it from them without good cause. While the etiquette of being on time varies according to the occasion, punctuality is always respectful. The following situations all require punctuality:  Eating occasions: Always be prompt for a meal – the cook deserves respect and the food grows cold as it waits. As for a date in a restaurant, aim to be on time; it is unacceptable to be more than five minutes late. When invited to a dinner party, time it well so that you're not early (the host will still be preparing and doing last minute fixes) and so that you're no later than ten to fifteen minutes after the invited time. If you realize you're not going to make a dinner party on time, ring the host and inform them so that they don't keep warming the meal to destruction while waiting for you. In many situations, arriving late will prevent you from taking part in the activity you are planning.  Always arrive early for a movie or theater date with friends or others: If you have to purchase tickets, be there in plenty of time for lining up in what might be long queues. If you already have the tickets, arrive around 10 minutes before the show or movie begins. Show up a few minutes early for appointments with doctors, lawyers, hairdressers, and other professionals. Be on time; their time is money as a business and by being late, you impact their earnings and the next customers. If you're going to be late, call ahead and advise them. A job interview: Being late by even half a minute is too late. Always be on time for a job interview if you want the job. A business meeting: Be right on time if not earlier to set up for presentations. Treat being on time as a matter of expressing love. Coordinating schedules allows you to be part of a team. Think of how much it means to your partner, friends, family, and even...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Remind yourself that being punctual as a matter of good etiquette. Keep in mind that being punctual is practical. Be timely out of love. Consider the consequences of lateness. Honor time.


Being late shows teachers you don't respect them, and disrespecting teachers will not impress them. Punctuality is a very important quality to develop and a sign of maturity that will be sure to impress your teachers. Teachers are people too. Taking the time to learn about your teachers and letting them get to know you is a great way to get in their good graces. This will impress your teachers by letting them know you care and that you pay attention to details.  Try striking up a conversation by asking about personal details you already know like, “How are your cats doing, Mr. Smith?” or “How is Mr. Evans doing, Mrs. Evans?” Look at the personal effects your teachers have on their desks. If they have a lot of pictures of mountains, ask them if they like to go hiking. Or tell them about a personal connection you might have with some mountains (maybe your family went there on vacation one summer?). Try making connections between yourself and the details you see about your teachers’ lives. You can also give them a little card or gift during the holidays. A gesture of appreciation can mean a lot to your teachers. Just don’t make it too extravagant of a gift or your teacher will feel uncomfortable accepting it. A simple card, a box of candy, or a $10 giftcard would be an acceptable gift. Teachers are not impressed by bullies or students who get in trouble. Try to show your teachers that you respect them and your fellow classmates by treating others with kindness and generosity. Show your teachers that you respect yourself by not allowing others to treat you poorly. Stand up for yourself if someone bullies you and report bad behavior to the principal if you see something.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Be on time to impress your teachers. Get to know your teachers. Respect yourself and others.


Being mindful of your impulses can help you correct them. Whenever you feel the urge to stare, make a mental note about it. Over time you will recognize triggers that make you want to stare and you can work on ignoring them. Let the impulse you’re feeling disappear by distracting yourself with counting. If you count to ten and you still want to stare, keep counting higher until the urge is gone. Whenever you feel the urge to stare at a girl’s chest, do something else instead. Try looking up at the ceiling, checking your phone, tapping a finger against your palm, or rolling up the sleeves of your shirt. The behavior itself isn’t important; you just want to have a go-to habit that you can do instead of staring whenever you get the urge. If you or the girl are distressed by your staring, and you can't stop, take a break. Politely end the conversation you’re having and leave. In some cases, it’s better to acknowledge your impulse in your head and remove yourself from the situation than it is to stare.  For example, you could excuse yourself to go use the restroom. Return when you feel calm enough to control your behavior.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Recognize your impulse to stare. Count slowly to ten in your head if you get the urge to stare. Substitute staring with something else. Walk away from the situation if you can’t control yourself.


Being natural chatterboxes, Geminis love to talk. If you don't listen, talk, or if you interrupt often, the Gemini might think you are not interested or don't care. Don't stress yourself out too much about finding something to talk about, however. Gemini are creative enough on their own, and will likely find something to talk about.  Geminis are curious and love to learn. If you are an expert on something, don't hesitate to share your knowledge. You'll impress your date. Geminis love to debate. They are not arguing; they are simply trying to see things from a different perspective and sharpen their mind.  Geminis are known for being good at communication. If you have an issue in your relationship, don't try to hide it. Instead, try to discuss it. Geminis enjoy being active and trying new things. If you find yourself dating a Gemini, be prepared to experience new things. It might be a good idea to bring something new into the relationship as well. For example, if you are going out on a date, try to find some place new to go/dine/drink each time. If your date is really into something, you should not get used to it; he or she might want to try something completely different the next time you meet. Sometimes, dating a Gemini can feel like you are dating two different people. This should come as no surprise; Gemini are represented by twins. One moment, a Gemini can be happy and cheerful, and the next moment, he or she can be grumpy and moody. When a Gemini becomes moody, don't take it personally. Be patient, and let the mood swing pass. You can also try talking to him or her, and find out what is wrong. Gemini are more in touch with their inner child than other signs. They love to joke around and do pranks. Some of their jokes might be rather juvenile too, but that is part of their charm. Don't try to hold a Gemini back or force him/her to change. Even if you are serious by nature, either join in on their fun, or let them express themselves fully. Geminis are social butterflies by nature, but sometimes they like...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Listen to them and engage them in conversation. Bring something new into the relationship to keep things interesting. Be patient when they get moody or indecisive. Embrace and encourage the Gemini's inner child. Be prepared for a social life, but expect some quiet moments too.


Being on time actually means making sure you're there a few minutes early in the morning, ready to work. Also, when you are supposed to attend meetings, always be on time. If you do end up being late at some point, having a reputation for being on time will be helpful. It will be more likely that you will be forgiven for being late. If you're supposed to take an hour lunch break, make sure you're back within the hour. Also, follow your break rules. If you're allowed 4 breaks a day at 10 minutes each, make sure to stick to that. You should be trained to do your job when you first arrive. However, if you find yourself a year or two in, and you still don't have all the knowledge you need, ask someone for help. If you want to be discreet, ask someone who works at the same level as you to give you a few pointers. Similarly, if you don't understand a new assignment, ask for clarification from your boss. Your boss usually won't mind because you're just trying to get the job done right. While you're at work, be at work. Don't be on the phone with non-business calls except for the rare emergency. Avoid social media and other distractions. Focus on the tasks at hand.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Show up on time. Take appropriate breaks. Know your job. Stay on task.


Being on time and present for each class will help you avoid getting in trouble. Make sure you have enough time to get ready and get to school in the morning so you don’t have to rush. For example, if you feel like you’re always rushing, get up 15 to 30 minutes before you normally would to give yourself some extra time. Focus your attention on the teacher and the lesson. Though it can be tempting, refrain from distractions like talking to your friends, passing notes, or looking at your cell phone. Rather than staring off into space or out the window, focus your attention on your teacher and what they are saying. If you need something to fidget with in order to help you pay attention, ask your teacher first. You can also try squishing a small piece of kneaded eraser. If you haven’t done this before, it may seem awkward at first, but taking notes will keep you on track as well as help you remember the material you are being taught.  Write down key words, definitions, equations, tips, and tricks that your teacher mentions. If the teacher writes something on the board, it's probably important and likely to appear on a test. Write it down! If your teacher asks a question and you know the answer, raise your hand. You can also ask questions or get clarification on things that are confusing. Participating in class will show your teacher that you are listening and trying to learn the material, which they will surely appreciate it. Many teachers consider class participation to be part of your grade. This means that even if you do poorly on your tests, you can still boost your grade! When your teacher assigns something, listen carefully to what they say and follow their directions. Do what is expected of you, even if you don’t really want to. It’s not up to you to determine if an assignment is worthy, you still need to complete it. For example, if your teacher tells your class to pair up and discuss a book you’re reading, do so. Don’t ignore their instructions or talk to your partner about other things, simply bring up...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Show up for every class on time. Pay attention. Take notes. Participate in class. Follow directions. Complete your assignments on time. Don’t bring prohibited items to school.


Being open and honest can be difficult, so take time to practice the conversation. Visualize yourself talking to someone. Writing down your key talking points can also help. You can even practice what you’ll say aloud.  “I want to talk to you about something serious” is a good way to begin a conversation. “I have depression, and I want to tell you about it” is a straightforward way to begin discussing depression. “I love you, and this doesn’t change our relationship” can be reassuring to significant others and loved ones. “This is really hard for me” can be said if you get emotional and need space. Blaming others and accusing people will not make the conversation productive. Choose a time that is not stressful to approach loves ones for this serious discussion, and talk in a private area.  Remove distractions by turning off the television, putting your phone on vibrate, and turning down music.  Use “I” statements when discussing feelings. Saying “you” can make a person feel attacked. For example, say “I need help” rather than “You need to help me.” Remember to listen, even if you’re talking mostly about your feelings. This is very necessary if a person doesn’t know what depression is. Different cultures have different explanations for illnesses, so if you’re talking to someone who isn’t from a Western, industrialized society, they may have a lot of trouble understanding depression.  Let them know that your depression is not their fault. Emphasize that depression is a medically recognized illness. Tell them you are not choosing to be depressed or simply having a bad day. It probably took a while for you to come to terms with your depression, so some people may also need time before they completely understand. Often, friends and family members have to get used to the idea of someone they love having a mental illness.  You can say, “It took me a long time to understand depression, too.” Remind them, “This isn’t something that is going away.” Use a fact as support so they take you seriously, like “Depression is...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Practice what you are going to say. Use healthy communication techniques. Assert that depression is an illness. Be patient if others don’t understand. Explain the treatment options you are considering. Let them ask questions.


Being open to new experiences is a source of freedom because you're expanding your horizons, discovering new hidden talents and keeping yourself open to the goodness of life.  See new experiences as opportunities rather than as burdens or something to be worried about. Most of the battle is inside your head, before you've given the new activity a go. Congratulate yourself every time you try something new. And tell others what you've done, to reinforce its good. Your story may help others to live more freely too Movies all have soundtracks and so should you. Walking down the street on a horrible rainy day, pick yourself up with something that gets your feet moving and your mind entertained. Spontaneity is often lost upon entering the adult world of work, parenting and societal obligations. Conforming to what's expected of each adult in society tends to quell the opportunities for breaking free now and then, to do something out-of-character. Restoring a little spontaneity and impulsiveness to your life can bring back some balance.  Check out the fun things that Improv Everywhere has done, like gathering over two hundred people to walk around downtown using the famous "invisible dog" toy and pretending they were real. Doing something that makes people stare is a great way to live free and get out of the box you're trapped in. Look for flash mob videos online to find actions that have brought laughter and enjoyment to people's lives. Go outside and start walking. Just keep walking in no particular direction and don't stop until you have to. There's something great about taking a walk with no direction or goal in mind. It's okay to act on impulse without thinking it through sometimes. Have pie for breakfast or shave your head without warning if you want to. Embrace surprises and spontaneity. Shaking up the regular way of things can help you to become more enthusiastic about each day. Who knows what will happen! You don't have to be good at whatever it is that fills you with passion, you just have to love it. Maybe...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Do something new as often as possible. Pretend you've got background music in everyday life. Do something outrageous or spontaneous. Take walks. Indulge the occasional impulse. Regularly do something you're truly passionate about.


Being ordained begins with an evaluation of your spiritual life.  Speak to your pastor about your interest in becoming ordained.  If your pastor supports your goal, you will be brought before a local board at your church.  This board or committee will ask you questions about your interest in becoming ordained.  You might be rejected if you express a mystical belief that God has chosen you to become ordained, if you suggest or imply that ordination would simply be a personal accomplishment, if you have few other professional options or have been unsuccessful in their professional life, or if you demonstrate an inadequate understanding about the purpose of ministry.  You will also likely be rejected if you have a criminal history. To be accepted as a candidate for ordination, express a willingness to serve the church and congregation, demonstrate that you are personable and have strong people skills, and show that you are willing to work hard. Report back to the board periodically about progress you’ve made toward becoming ordained. Be completely honest with your church committee. After passing the initial interview, the church might assign you a spiritual mentor -- an elder in the church or another person with strong faith -- to help guide you through the ordination process.  If you are allowed to choose from a number of different potential mentors, select someone who you can communicate easily and honestly with who will keep you energized and focused throughout the ordination process. Seminary is essentially a religious school where you learn all the skills needed to become a pastor.  You will receive a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.  You could, alternately, obtain a Master of Arts in theology, though this is not preferred.  You do not need to attend a seminary explicitly associated with your denomination. If you do not like your seminary, talk to your mentor and church committee about transferring to another seminary. Part of your seminary work...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Go before a board at your church. Connect with a mentor. Attend seminary. Conduct your internship. Engage in supplemental training. Write an ordination paper. Become a probationary pastor. Face the ordination interviews.


Being overly serious can work against you if you are hoping to become more easy-going. Laid-back people tend to move with the tide rather than pushing against it. Even if you’re an adult with an important job, that doesn’t mean you have to be totally serious all the time. When it’s necessary to take a serious approach, do that. But during leisure time, make a commitment to lightening up some. Doing this will even make you more likeable to others. Say yes more. Make an effort to be more spontaneous. Even if you are more comfortable planning things out, once in a while say yes to a friend's random idea or spontaneous adventure. Assigning the job of keeping you happy to someone else will keep you frustrated and dissatisfied. You alone are responsible for how you feel. No one can make you happy without your permission. Just as no one can negatively affect your mood without your permission. The same goes in reverse: you are not responsible for anyone else’s happiness. When you prioritize your own self-care, you will see an improvement in how you respond to upsetting events in life. You can help yourself become more easy-going by attending to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.   Eat well, exercise, and do relaxation exercises to improve your physical health and well-being. Hang out with friends, engage in fun activities, and schedule in some down-time to manage stress. Nurture your spiritual health by journaling, meditating, taking walks in nature, or praying. Do whatever works for you! Without a doubt, a guaranteed way to transform your mindset is to change what you are doing with your days. You may feel too serious because you spend your days doing something you do not enjoy. Perhaps, in an effort to become more easy-going, you will find that what you are doing is not inspiring you to have a positive, laid-back attitude.  Consider what you do every day and what you really wish you could do with your time. Is there any way to change your schedule to do more of what you love? Of course, not...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Go with the flow. Take personal responsibility for your own happiness. Make self-care a regular part of your day. Live your passions. Stop worrying about what other people think.


Being playful is a form of begin flirtatious. Sometimes, a guy will be too afraid to ask for your phone number because he won't think you're into him. It's up to you to let him know that you're interested and would love to see him again and to give him your number. To be playful, just tease him a bit, lightly pat him on the arm, and just show that you don't take yourself too seriously. If you're out, you can even dance with him without getting all serious and making intense eye contact. Keep things light and fun. Don't be afraid to flirt a little bit without coming on too strong. To flirt with the guy, you can twist your hair a bit, touch his arm, and laugh a little bit more than you normally would. Just don't overdo it or he may feel overwhelmed or like you like him a little bit too much. Here are some other ways to flirt with the guy:  Give him a subtle compliment. Tell him you like his shoes or that he has a great smile. Keep it subtle. Obviously saying "OMG you're the hottest guy I've ever seen!!!" will turn him off. Lower your voice. Speaking more softly will make you sound more mysterious, and will have the bonus effect of having the guy lean closer to talk to you. Keep it light. Flirt with him, and then pull back a bit. You don't want it to get too serious too fast. Another way to let the guy know that you're interested is to give him subtle clues with your body. The way you carry yourself and the way you look at him can give him the indication that you're really into him. This will make him much more likely to ask for your number. Here's what you can do:  Make eye contact. Look him in the eyes when you talk to him so he knows that he has your full attention. If it gets too intense, look away for a little while. Lick your lips occasionally. This will help him see what's on your mind. Lean toward him. Position your body, shoulders, and legs toward him, so he sees that you really like him. If you're turned away, then he'll think you're looking for something better to do. Touch him occasionally. This will...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Act playful. Flirt with him. Use your body language to your advantage. Ask him a few questions.


Being punctual is a basic part of being a gentleman. Good manners are all about showing others that you've taken them into consideration. When you're late, you're showing the person who's waiting on you that you don't care about their time. Sometimes things pop up that are beyond your control, but try to give yourself time to handle traffic, a long line at a store, and other delays. You don't want to stare into someone's eyes without blinking, but try to make steady eye contact during conversations. Listen to what the other person is saying, and show that you're paying attention by nodding and responding with a related point or question. For instance, if someone is telling you about their dog, respond with something relevant. Ask its name or breed instead of randomly switching subjects. When it comes to your behavior, try to be flexible and natural. Having good manners doesn't mean being stiff, cold, or out of touch with your surroundings. Take your environment into account, and try to act in a way that's appropriate for the occasion. For example, you might stand up a little straighter or behave more politely at a wedding or other formal event. However, you should let loose a little bit at a low-key party. It might seem old fashioned, but taking off your hat is still a basic rule of etiquette. It's a sign of respect, and is especially important when you're visiting someone's home or a restaurant. During a face-to-face conversation, keep your phone in your pocket instead of checking your email or browsing social media. Unless you have to take an important call, don't use your phone when you're talking with someone in person, out to eat, or checking out at a store register. If you have to take a call, excuse yourself. Say something like, “I'm so sorry - I have to take this, but it should only be a minute.” Aside from basics, like not chewing with your mouth open, there plenty of overlooked aspects of dining etiquette. For instance, don't start eating before everyone has their food, especially when you're at a...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Do your best to be on time. Make natural eye contact and pay attention during conversations. Match your manners to a social setting's tone. Take off your hat when you enter a building. Be considerate when you use your cell phone. Practice proper table manners.


Being respectful, instead of catty or sarcastic, is a way of showing other people that you are a true professional. Encourage others to speak up in meetings, and don't belittle what they have to say. Don't respond rudely to people, even if you think the idea sounds silly. . Part of treating others well is listening well. It shows other people that you actually care what he or she has to say, and it fosters true conversation, as you're not just waiting until they finish talking so you can say what you want. Remember that listening is different than hearing. It is important to make sure that you fully understand what the other person says and consider their point of view. If you talk about people behind their back, eventually it will get back around to them, which won't make anyone happy. If you stay out of the drama, you'll definitely appear more professional. If something you worked on goes awry, don't push it off on someone else. Own up to it, and figure out how to do better in the future. If you realize something is going wrong in the middle of a project, bring it up with your boss; maybe together you can figure out how to fix it. Professionals tell the truth about their work, both to their co-workers and their clients. Lying will eventually be found out and make you look unprofessional. Though you should be confident in your work, you shouldn't try to take others down to make your work look better. For instance, if you finish your work quicker than others, your boss will notice without you crowing about it. People love to hear the sound of their name. If you use peoples' names often, they will feel more respected by you. For example, when you pass a coworker in the hall, don't just say “hello.” Say, “Hello, Craig!” or “Hi, Annie!”

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Give other people your respect. Listen well Skip the gossip. Acknowledge your mistakes. Make honesty your policy. Be confident, not combative. Use people's names.


Being sassy isn't exactly a stereotype that's easily accessible in modern society; however, that does seem to be slowly changing. There are more and more women in media who are stronger, bolder, and sassier by the minute. So find a role model and get some inspiration. Sometimes we need an example to follow! Prominent examples that come to mind? Beyoncé, Ke$ha, Rihanna, even Taylor Swift has her sassy moments. Kristin Wiig, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tina Fey are good, too. Though your Aunt Jean isn't a bad idea, either! If a hobo is sassy, she's just being insubordinate and might be a little drunk. But if a girl who's rocking the style is sassy, she's got the whole package. While it shouldn't have anything to do with the clothes you wear, it definitely helps. When your clothes have a punch of attitude, it'll be easier for you to feel the sass, too. "Stylishly" is obviously relative. If you're into the punk scene, you're not going to think haute couture is stylish. Trust whatever this word means to you. The important thing to take away from this is that your clothes have an effect on people -- including you. Can you imagine being sassy in a walrus outfit? There is something about sassy that is unafraid. It's willing to go outside of the box and do whatever it takes. So if being confident is easy if speaking your mind is easy, take it to the next level and challenge your fears -- you'll be all the better for it. You'll be bolder and shine brighter. What's not to like? So whether it's public speaking, heights, or slugs, challenge yourself. You're not afraid of challenging others, right? You call 'em out, you tell it as it is, you're honest -- so you have to be honest with yourself, too. It's only fair! Dunno where to start? How about wikiHow's How to Overcome Fear article? Sassy girls (and guys!) are dynamic and anything but boring. Since they can find joy and humor in just about anything, there's nothing they're not unwilling to try. So be the one in yoga class that also practices krav maga. Bring your ukulele to...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Find a role model. Dress stylishly. Challenge your fears. Try something new.


Being self-conscious about your body and appearance is totally normal during pregnancy. Don't keep these feelings to yourself— tell your doctor what you're thinking and ask them for guidance. Your OB-GYN will likely have lots of tips to help you feel more like yourself despite the changes involved in pregnancy. The key thing to help yourself stay upbeat is to stay away from critical people. Instead, open up to supportive, understanding people in your social circle. Try talking to women who have been there, like your mom as well as sisters, coworkers, or friends who have children. Ask your OB-GYN for suggestions of prenatal support groups in your area. Sharing your feelings with other expectant mothers may help you feel less alone in the process. Plus, others may be able to offer advice or encouragement for how to deal with your changing body image. If you have suffered from disordered eating in the past, pregnancy could put you at risk of relapse or of onset of body dysmorphic disorder. Visit with a therapist to help you work through your feelings concerning your body image in a healthy, constructive way.  Mention your history to your OB-GYN and ask for a recommendation to a therapist experienced in treating eating disorders and body image issues.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Share your concerns with your doctor. Confide in someone you trust. Attend support groups for pregnant women to learn how others cope. See a therapist if you have history of eating disorder or BDD.


Being selfless starts with having the ability to see beyond your personal concerns and empathize with others, even those you've never met. If you're constantly consumed by your own problems and status, you won't have time or energy to act selflessly. Having greater awareness of the world outside your head is the first step to becoming more selfless. Here are some ways you can get some perspective:   Listen when other people are talking. Really listen, instead of letting your mind wander when someone is confiding to you about his or her troubles, or telling you an exciting story. Allow yourself to get completely absorbed in someone else's world for a change.  Read, watch, or listen to the news. Make it a point to be aware of major world events as well as happenings in your own city. Read novels. Studies show that reading literary fiction improves your ability to be empathetic.  Pick some issues to learn more about. Look around you. What central issues are affecting your community? For example, maybe the river in your town is so polluted that it's causing people to get sick. Pick something you want to learn more about, then read as much about it as possible so you'll gain a deeper understanding. Empathy and selflessness go hand in hand. If you understand how someone else feels, you'll be more likely to be moved to act selflessly toward that person. You can have empathy toward people you've never met, too. Practice imagining yourself in other people's situations. If you were the one experiencing the problem, how would you feel? How would you want to be treated? Selfless people don't act with kindness and generosity with the expectation of getting credited for it. They do it because it's the right thing to do, and because it feels good to help other people when you have the capacity to do so. Donating something anonymously is a good way to practice being generous without needing to get something in return. Have you ever experienced a rush of joy when you made someone else happy? Some people wonder whether it's...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Broaden your perspective. Think about how other people feel. Be selfless even when no one notices. Take pleasure in other people's happiness. Model yourself after someone who is selfless.


Being serious can be a great advantage in some situations. Socially, however, you may come off as too intense. If people feel uncomfortable around you, this could affect your success.  If you act serious during conversations, people may misread this as aloof. Eventually, people may realize you're simply very focused on the conversation, but an initial impression can be hard to shake. Balance out the serious act with cues that show you're listening. Do not cross your arms, or put a bag on your lap. This looks like you're shutting someone out. Make eye contact on occasion, and try to look comfortable. Do not fidget or squirm during conversation. No one should maintain a serious act all the time. Socially, it's not appropriate to maintain a strictly serious demeanor. Try to loosen up at events where you are meant to relax.  Let people into your personal space. Allow for casual touching, like a pat on the shoulder or back. Show people you're listening a little bit more. Respond with comments like, "Hmmm," or, "I see." Nod as a person talks. Soften your facial muscles a bit, abandoning the serious expression. Smile and laugh when appropriate. People who are highly focused frequently enjoy the outdoors. The tranquility can help you momentarily relax. When you re-enter school or the office, you'll feel recharged enough to get back to acting serious.  Go for a walk outside during break time. If you're near a park or woods, walk around there. If you work in the city, take hikes during the weekend. You may have to drive, or take a train, to get out of town. No one can act serious 24 hours a day. Incorporating breaks into your daily schedule is important to keep you focused when you need to be.  Set a reminder on your phone that goes off every 50 minutes, letting you know you need to take a break. Breaks do not have to be long. You can simply get up and stretch for a few minutes, or go get a cup of coffee or tea.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Check your body language in conversation. Lighten up during social gatherings. Spend time in nature. Allow yourself breaks.


Being shot in crystal-clear, high-resolution video as opposed to grainy cellphone footage never hurt a viral video's chances. If you want your video to look as good as possible, be willing to make the investment in professional equipment (or borrow a friend's.) Consider browsing our photography articles for technical information on how to get your shots looking amazing. You don't necessarily have to break the bank to get great-quality footage. For instance, a good-quality voice recorder and an HD camcorder, which is all you'll need for basic videos, will run you about $500. The longer your video is, the greater you'll have to fight to keep your audience's attention. Thus, it's much easier to make a short video go viral than a long one. This isn't just common sense — academic research has found that the majority of videos that go viral are under three minutes in length. Some of the most successful videos ever, like the world-renowned "Charlie Bit My Finger," are much shorter. There's no disputing that YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform in the world (official data from Alexa, an online statistics company, puts YouTube as the third-most-visited site in the world behind Google and Facebook.) However, it's not the only place to upload your videos. Hosting sites like DailyMotion, Vimeo, and more sometimes offer attractive features to video providers. For instance, DailyMotion is sometimes ranked higher in terms of video quality than YouTube. If you're interested mainly in making very short clips, consider joining Vine, a video sharing app meant for videos up to about six seconds long. Vine has its own active user base, so it's possible to become a viral Vine sensation entirely outside of YouTube (though you'll ultimately be able to reach fewer people.) As a very general rule, people like viral videos that make them feel good about themselves and/or the world more than they like pessimistic ones (though there are, of course, plenty of exceptions.) Academic research has found that, while viewers...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Use the best equipment possible. Keep the video short. Don't limit yourself to YouTube. Be positive, uplifting, or inspiring.


Being sincere means expressing oneself openly and without pretense. Look for this  key personality trait when searching for a faithful man. Try and observe sincere actions in a man before getting in a serious relationship with him. Look for things like:  Doing things without looking for a reward or recognition. For example, has he helped someone with something, not been rewarded, and been okay with that? Or has he shown resentment? Standing up for his own beliefs. For example, has he stated he likes a person but then talks negatively when s/he is not around? Or, is he sincere and sticks up for that person? Not acting against his stated values. For example, if he has remarked he does not like drunk people, does he avoid getting drunk himself? You want a man who exemplifies honesty in his everyday life; this will, hopefully, translate into his love life. Watch, listen, and learn about how honest of a person he is before you commit yourself to a relationship. A man may lie to get into a relationship with you so it is important to look for a honest partner. Consider:  Do his actions match his words? Pay attention to the things he does, rather than the things he says. Does he say he loves to work out but he never seems to be at the gym, doing sports, or exercising? Look for inconsistencies in what he says and what he seems to do.  Trust your own judgement. If you feel like he is lying to you, ask him about it. If he falters or tries to make excuses, he may be dishonest. It is better to voice your concerns then to let them fester. When meeting a potential partner, be sure to talk to him at length. See how open he is with his feelings, opinions, and responses. If he is defensive about his views or gets angry easily when you ask him questions, this might be a red flag in a relationship. It's said you can tell a lot about a person by how he treats wait staff. Observe how he treats other people such as waiters, service people, neighbors, and strangers. If he is rude or dismissing what is important, perhaps this may be...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Recognize sincerity. Look for honesty. Identify openness and non-defensiveness. Watch for signs of respect.


Being successful on YouTube can range from gathering a certain number of subscribers to making money; before you set out to optimize your YouTube channel for "success", you should know exactly what you need to accomplish in order to meet that goal.  Subscriber success is usually a matter of promoting your videos as aggressively as possible. It will take time, but you can usually build up your subscriber base in this way. Monetary success is a bit trickier on YouTube, as you'll need to reach a lifetime video view of 10,000 and verify your account before you can start earning money. Keep in mind that success on YouTube is still largely contingent on luck. You can do everything correctly and still not gain subscribers or amass channel views due to YouTube's algorithm. If you don't already know what genre your videos belong to or who they're for, you'll have a hard time sticking to a specific content area, and your subscriber base won't grow due to having no real niche. Figuring out the what and the who of your videos will help streamline and focus your content. Once your videos begin to fit a specific pattern, you can make micro-improvements to them to help them continue to fit your audience as it grows. if you haven't yet done so. If you don't already have a YouTube channel, you'll want to set up a new YouTube channel for success by doing the following:  A unique, easy-to-remember username which summarizes your content An eye-drawing profile picture A concise but complete explanation of your channel's purpose If you have a channel which you've had for a while, you might want to delete the videos from your channel. This will help prevent confusion if viewers stumble across your older content while looking for your new-and-improved stuff. You don't have to delete your old videos if they fit your content area and production value. Any time you paste your channel's web address somewhere (e.g., in a video's description box or on social media), you can add a tag at the end of the address to link directly to the...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Determine your definition of success. Figure out your content area and audience. Create a channel Remove dissonant videos from your channel. Link directly to your subscription box.


Being the scapegoat to others can translate to being the victim of emotional bullying. Years of being picked on and manipulated by others has likely shifted your identity of who you are as a person. In order to stop being an easy target, you must admit to what’s happening and acknowledge the pain it causes.  For instance, being the scapegoat may have caused you to experience anxiety, depression, self-doubt, relationship turmoil, and even addiction. Think about the true impact being the scapegoat has on your life by identifying who has used you as a scapegoat and why these people are important in your life and for your sense of self-worth. Be honest with yourself about the negative consequences. It may help to journal about it. Cry, if you need to. Or, lean on a supportive friend. As hard as it may be to swallow, you have to accept that you are being scapegoated by others because you allow yourself to be. A major step towards overcoming scapegoating is to stop playing into the victim mentality. Just because others are trying to make you the victim, you don’t have to see yourself as one.  Consider what you may have been getting out of playing the role of a victim. For example, you might enjoy the attention, feelings of validation, sense of security, sympathy, and lowered expectations that come with playing the victim. Develop a new story of who you are that doesn’t involve being a victim. For instance, when something negative happens in your life, resist the temptation to connect it to people not failing to support you. This takes the control away from you and gives it to them. Instead look for some aspect of the problem in which you had control and brainstorm a solution from there.  You may also turn your attention to things you feel grateful for and people you can help. This may help you to feel more empowered. You are stuck in the scapegoat role because you are harboring negative feelings about others and yourself. Strive for forgiveness and you may be able to finally release the negative emotions that have...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Acknowledge your emotional pain. Reduce victim mentality. Practice forgiveness through rituals.


Being ticklish is determined by your brain, not your skin's touch receptors, and nervousness is a significant factor in triggering your brain to think that a person's touch is ticklish. As such, try to control your nervousness before a medical exam. Convince yourself that medical exams are not painful and they will help the doctor find your problem and make you feel better.  Deep breathing, meditation, positive visualizing and listening to calming music within an hour of a medical exam can help reduce your nervousness and anxiety. Caffeine can make people more jittery and cause their minds to race, which tends to make nervousness worse. As such, refrain from drinking coffee, black tea, colas and energy drinks at least 6 hours before medical exams. In addition to nervousness, feeling uncomfortable being confined with your doctor in a small exam room can also make your muscles tense and more susceptible to being ticklish. Request that a third person be present in the room during your medical exam, such as a nurse or assistant of some sort.  Having a third person of the same gender in the exam room with you can greatly ease your issues with having to wear a gown and expose some of your body. This strategy might be particularly important if you have a history of sexual abuse or trauma. If a nurse or assistant is the same gender as you, it can help diffuse any sexual tension that may exist between the doctor and you. In addition to potentially making patients shiver, examination gowns also make some patients embarrassed or feel vulnerable about exposing too much of their body. Like nervousness and anxiety, embarrassment and vulnerability can increase a person's level of ticklishness. Either come to terms with your embarrassment or ask if there's any way not to wear a gown or robe for the exam — not all exams require gowning.  Make sure to choose a larger-sized gown in order to cover as much of your body as possible to reduce your embarrassment. Some people prefer to cover their faces during exams to reduce their...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Get over your nervousness. Request a nurse be present. Don't be embarrassed about disrobing.


Being unemployed is your reality for now. You're part of a rather large percentage of the workforce competing to survive, which means that there is a need to be careful and strategic about how you react to the situation.  Brooding over the rights and wrongs of how you ended up unemployed is part of letting out your frustration. However, if you get stuck on this broken record and spend all of your time living the injustice of it, you'll likely get stuck in a rut, sound permanently wrecked and scare off your spouse, kids, neighbors and future bosses. Remind yourself that it happened, you've suffered but now it's time to recoup. Do not snipe at your previous employer. Keep the online insults inside your head and never let them flow through your tapping fingers. You never know when your old boss or coworkers will be needed for a good reference. It is reasonable to expect cynicism and frustration about the job system. What is happening with employment worldwide is complicated and much of it isn't fair. However, it is important to realize that working with an unfair system is what you have to do rather than decrying it daily and using this as an excuse to give in. People who really understand how difficult is to be unemployed bring a much needed outlook to the workplace when they return; such people tend to be more compassionate, more humble and more ready to work hard. Focus on the fact that this is a "time out" filled with learning opportunities that will set you in good stead.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Accept what has happened. Separate your frustration from what needs doing.


Being vulnerable may seem negative and can be scary, but it is actually a positive way to open yourself to a closer and deeper relationship with someone. Vulnerability involves revealing a part of yourself that is hard to talk about, but important to share with those your trust and is essential to building a close relationship.  Learn to be emotionally honest.  While this may be difficult in large group settings, it’s important to confide in people in smaller or one-on-one settings about your worries and fears. Don’t dwell on the negative.  Particularly if this is someone new, it’s important to focus on both the positive and negative, rather than just one or the other. When someone asks you, "How's your family?" instead of saying, "They're fine," be open about what is bothering you.  You don't need to turn the conversation into a venting session, but it can help someone to see what you're going through. You could say instead, "They're pretty well. My mom is sick, but we're all trying to pull together and support her." .  Be a dependable friend or romantic partner.  Don’t always put off calling or texting someone new due to other priorities.  Make time for the special people in your life.  Being reliable is a key way to build trust.  It shows that you do what you say, and that your words are not empty promises. Don't play games with someone you like, or possibly love.  Be there for them. Make an effort to be on-time, or follow through with plans.  You will lose someone’s trust if you fail to “honor your word.” For example if you know that you'll be running late, be courteous and call or text the person you're meeting.  And, if it's likely that you can't make an event, tell them at least 24 hours ahead of time. When you make someone a priority, by calling them back in a timely manner, showing up to a scheduled event on-time, or giving your undivided attention, this will make a big impact on how close you are with that person.   Make someone feel valued.  If you show through your words and actions that this...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Gain someone's trust Make that person a priority.


Being where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there, with the materials that you need is a large part of being a good employee. Getting yourself organized will help you a lot in improving your job performance.  Use a calendar, agenda, planner, or some other system to keep track of meetings and other important dates. Refer to it often. Use containers, folders, dividers, and other organizational supplies to keep your files, supplies, and other materials organized. Missing deadlines, being late to meetings, or late to work on a regular basis can have a negative impact on your job performance. So improve your job performance by improving how you make use of your time.  Give yourself enough time to get to work on time each day. Plan for traffic, accidents, getting gas, and other things that could make you late. Use timers, alerts, and alarms to remind yourself of time limits, deadlines, and important upcoming events. When you are completing reports and other deliverables, think about the time it will take to finish them. Allow for interruptions and small problems. Giving yourself deadlines to meet will help you with your time management and organization. So improve your job performance by creating deadlines for tasks and deliverables.  If the task has a real deadline, set one for yourself that is a day or so before the real deadline. This will give you time in case there are any last minute changes or corrections needed. Set reminders and check-ins for the deadlines so that you can stay on track with meeting them. Responding to each message as it comes not only interrupts your work, but can also take up valuable time. Instead, improve your job performance by organizing and prioritizing your messages.  Schedule specific times to check your email and other messages. Respond to urgent messages during that time and prioritize the others for response later. For example, you might check your messages first thing in the morning, after lunch, and at the end of the day. You could respond to important...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Get organized. Improve your time management skills. Set deadlines. Get control of your emails and messages. Become a team player. Learn to actively listen. Improve your posture.


Believe it or not, there are plenty of different ways to obtain blackberries. Some people prefer to go to their local grocery store, while others prefer picking them straight off the bush. Some people can tell a taste between organic and non-organic blackberries, organic fruits can offer added health benefits. Non-organic blackberries use pesticides to keep the bugs away, and preservatives to prevent mold from growing. In the grocery store, blackberries most often come in clear plastic containers pre-picked, with holes on the container for air to pass through. It’s best to check all around the container at all sides of the visible blackberries to avoid choosing a container with moldy berries on the bottom.  When picking from the bushes in hedgerows or on a farm, look for fully ripe, blackberries with no mold. Blackberries do not ripen after they're picked.  Blackberries are seasonal fruits that peak in the summertime in the United States and in Autumn in the UK and elsewhere in world.  When not in season, you have to look carefully for signs of unripe blackberries. Although other fruits like bananas and avocados may be safe to pick before they’re fully ripe, blackberries will just remain unripe and unappetizing. Some signs of moldy or unripe blackberries include:  Temperature. (Berries mold more quickly when left at room temperature.) Fuzzy growths on the berries. Dis-colorization. Bruising or dents in the fruit. Soft spots and wrinkles. Leaky juices.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Shop for blackberries. Ensure the blackberry is ripe. Avoid moldy or unripe berries.