user: In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Flashcards have been used in education for decades to help students remember vocabulary terms and definitions. Because you are focusing on memorizing the words in the dictionary, you can write each term on a flashcard and use the flashcards to practice remembering each term.  You can use plain white flashcards or colored flashcards for terms that are more difficult for you to remember. You may also want to use colored flashcards to signify each letter of the alphabet. For example, blue flashcards for all “a” letters, yellow flashcards for all “b” letters, green flashcards for “c” letters, etc. Write down one word per flashcard. Follow the word order of the dictionary and write them in order on the flashcards. For example, “aardvark, aardwolf, Aaron, aasvoel” should follow one after the other, one word per flashcard. Once you have made the flashcards, put them to use by setting aside one to two hours a day studying the flashcards. Do this in sections, focusing on 50 cards at a time. To strengthen your long term memory, you should review the cards you have already studied so you can work your way up slowly to remembering 50 cards, then 100 cards, then 150 cards, etc. Another technique is to practice with the flashcards by placing them in areas around your room or home that you use often. Tape them on the walls, on mirrors, or on any surface that you look at every day. This will force you to study them throughout the day and help you remember them. Ask someone to help you review the flashcards by testing your memory of the words on the flashcards. Start with 20 cards at a time, and have the person ask you to name each word on the card. Say the words out loud to reinforce your memory of each word. Over time, you can have the person speed up how fast they ask you to name each word so you improve your ability to memorize each word quickly and in succession. Once you become confident with 20 cards, increase the amount to 50 cards and ask the person to quiz you. Work your way to 100 cards and then 150 cards. Add more flashcards as you work your way through the dictionary, but be sure to circle back and repeat past words so you can remember them long term.
Summary: Create your own flashcards. Make a practice schedule. Test your memory with a partner.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: The reason you learned relaxation techniques was to keep yourself calm while slowly building up your exposure to dogs.  But before you start allowing dogs to be in your presence, you need to develop a plan.  This plan should include each step you’re going to go through between now (no dogs) and actually being in their presence.  Your plan should be customized for your particular type of fears, and the fearful situations you personally experience.  The list should be written in order of least fearful to most fearful so you work your way up to conquering your most fearful situation. An example of a plan to overcome your fear of dogs is as follows:  Step 1 - draw a dog on a piece of paper. Step 2 - read about dogs. Step 3 - look at photos of dogs. Step 4 - look at videos of dogs. Step 5 - look at dogs through a closed window. Step 6 - look at dogs through a partially opened window. Step 7 - look at dogs through an open window. Step 8 - look at dogs through a doorway. Step 9 - look at dogs from outside the doorway. Step 10 - look at a dog (who is on a leash) in the next room. Step 11 - look at a dog (who is on a leash) in the same room. Step 12 - sit beside a dog. Step 13 - pet a dog. Use the scale to measure your level of anxiety, with 0 being totally relaxed and 100 being the most fear/anxiety/discomfort you have ever experienced. This is a helpful tool for measuring how your distress levels change over time.  The anxiety distress scale can also help you decide when it's time for you to move to the next step of your exposure plan. Be patient and take your time. Don't move to the next step too quickly. At some point in your plan you will have to place yourself in the presence of an actual dog.  You need this dog to be handled by a competent and trustful person, and the dog needs to be predictable and well-trained.  Talk to the dog’s owner in advance of executing your plan and explain to them what you’re trying to accomplish.  They should be patient and understanding as they may need to simply sit there with their dog for a while as you acclimatize to the dog’s presence.  It is not a good idea to use a puppy, even if you think they’re cuter and not as violent.  Puppies are not well-trained and can be quite unpredictable.  This can cause them to do something unexpected in your presence which may only exacerbate your fear. Eventually, if you’re able to, have your friend teach you basic commands for the dog so you can control the dog yourself.  Being in control of the dog may further help you to alleviate your fears once you realize you have the ability to direct their actions. Start with the first item on your plan and carry it out.  Repeatedly carry it out until you feel less anxious and fearful doing it.  If the step you’re doing allows you to stay in one place (i.e. watch dogs though a window), slowly expand the length of time you perform the activity as well.  Use the relaxation techniques you practiced to help keep yourself calm.  Use your journal to keep track of your progress.  Write down each attempt you make and how it went.  Rate your level of anxiety and fear before and after each attempt. Remember that your exposure to dogs should be planned, prolonged and repeated. Don’t feel you need to rush.  Take your time on each step of your plan until you feel comfortable moving onto the next step. This part of the recovery process is going to be the hardest you’ll have to go through, but the only way it’s going to be successful is if you keep it up.  Make a schedule where you practice on a regular basis.  If at all possible, practice daily.  Reward yourself for the progress you make.  If needed, build rewards into your plan so you have an extra goal to work towards for each step.
Summary: Develop an exposure plan. Create and practice using an anxiety distress scale. Engage the help of a trusted friend with a dog. Start facing your fear of dogs. Practice regularly.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: People tend to apologize excessively when they feel uncomfortable. Apologizing once is acceptable, but saying you are sorry again and again does not help the person. It only makes the situation more awkward. Remember you are not doing anything wrong. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can suggest that the person ask someone else. Recommending someone else works best if you are turning down the request because you don’t know the person well enough. This also helps to make it clear that your decision is final.  You might say, “Try asking Jill. She’s worked with you for much longer than I have.” If you can’t recommend the person based on his or her performance, try suggesting alternatives. Turn down the request and follow up with “Perhaps Amy might be able to help.” Once you have turned someone down for a reference, do not reconsider just because the person begs, argues, or otherwise attempts to change your mind. If you give in, you’ll only wind up in a trickier situation: providing a difficult reference that compromises your integrity. Stay strong!
Summary:

assistant: Resist the urge to apologize. Consider suggesting alternative references. Stick to your decision.