Article: Studies show that humor can effectively help deflect criticism and improve social relations. A well-timed joke can derail an argumentative exchange and increase your rapport with the other person. Joke about something that's present to you both and will distract from the hostility, such as the weather or something funny about the room. Make sure the joke isn't at the other person's expense! Fogging is an assertive communication technique that allows you to give a little ground without giving too much. You can use this to let the other person know that you're willing to take an honest look at yourself and not block their criticism out completely, even if you disagree with it overall. Example: If the person says you're always late to meetings, you can reply with yes, I was late to the meeting yesterday. You can use "negative assertions" if the person has a genuine point about your behavior and you want to let them know that you agree with the specific criticism, without allowing the criticism to define you as a person. Admitting fault doesn't have to reflect on you as a person, especially if you recognize the behavior is negative and have a desire to change. Example: If you are frequently late to meetings, you can say yes, I've been late to a lot of meetings recently. I'm sorry about that. I'll try to be on time from now on. One way to make sure people recognize your integrity and grace is to ask them if they have any other criticisms you could address together. This shows your willingness to be honest with yourself as well as your lack of need to be defensive, because you accept yourself even if you have critics, because you can see them as opportunities for improvement Sometimes, the most graceful method of dealing with hostile criticism is to leave the room. This will allow the other person to cool down and protect yourself from danger. Defending yourself by avoiding challenges can be just as productive and healthy as facing them, under the right circumstances.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use humor to soften the mood. Try fogging. Admit fault. Ask open-ended questions. Remove yourself from the situation.
Article: Positive portrayals of smoking in the media often lead to increased tobacco usage among teens. Don't watch movies or TV that glorifies smoking. Smoking isn't cool; it's a dangerous addiction. Ignore marketing by tobacco companies. They may try to make tobacco use look appealing instead of showing its dangers. Realize that smoking is not the social norm despite what you may see on TV. Most people don't smoke. Only 20% of teens are smokers Flavored tobacco is a gateway for many smokers. Don't get started with flavored tobacco or chewing tobacco; they are just as bad for you Avoid smoking hookah. Hookahs often have tobacco that is fruit flavored. Don't let the taste fool you into thinking it's not bad for you. Cigarette smoking is declining among teens. Many teens use e-cigarettes instead. They are also bad for you and addictive. Don't use smokeless tobacco. Chewing tobacco can also be very dangerous and can lead to oral cancer. If your parents smoke, you are more likely to smoke. Realize the dangers of smoking, especially if you are susceptible to its influence. Sleep on time and wake up early in order to stay and feel healthy and energetic throughout the day, so you don't have the need for a stimulant like nicotine. Know if you are more susceptible to addiction because of your family background. If you are, make sure to avoid starting smoking entirely. Stay away from secondhand smoke. If friends around you smoke, your lungs can be damaged from their smoke. If you have started smoking, quit as soon as possible. There are a number of approaches that can help you to stop right now. Dispose of your lighters, matches, smokes, or any other object that might weaken your determination. Don't keep around any triggers that were part of your life as a smoker. Avoid situations or places where tobacco is used. Get rid of temptations to bum a cigarette from a friend or stranger, since you will be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Ignore media perception of smoking. Avoid tobacco flavorings and other tobacco products. Keep in mind biological and social factors that lead to smoking. Find approaches to quit smoking.
Article: Your hair needs to be long so that it knots and loops naturally. Attempting to do this method with short hair will not create dreadlocks. During the time when your locs are forming, washing them or getting them wet may cause them to unravel. This is especially true of straight hair. Try using a dry shampoo to clean your hair until your locs have had a chance to get established. Conditioner detangles and softens your hair, which is the opposite of what you want to happen when trying to achieve locs using the natural method. You can wash your hair with water and shampoo or soap once the locs have had a few months to set, but do not use any conditioner. Mix a couple of tablespoons of salt into a spray bottle with water and spray it onto your locs twice a day. This will increase the friction among the hair strands and create more loops and knots. You shouldn't need to use creams, waxes, or hair products when forming natural dreads. In a month or 2, your hair should start to loop and knot together. Over time, your hair will start to form locs if you don't condition or brush it. The natural method is the longest method to achieve dreadlocks and should only be attempted if you have patience. Since you have little control over how your locs form with this method, it's important to separate your hair when it becomes severely matted or your locs become too big. If you notice that your locs are fusing together into a giant loc, separate them into smaller pieces by pulling them apart.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Grow your hair out to at least 10 inches (25cm) long. Avoid washing your hair for a few months. Don't condition your hair. Spray salt water on your locs to speed up the process. Wait 1-3 years for natural dreadlocks to form. Separate the dreadlocks into smaller locs when they get too big.