Q: The best course of action is a combination of appealing to your parents' reasonable side, and appealing to their emotional side. You want to hit them from both angles to make sure your argument is thorough. That shows them how important this is to you. Most people make decisions based on a combination of reason and emotion. They are interconnected, always influencing each other. That is why you always want to appeal to someone's reason and emotion when you are trying to influence them. When you plan your strategy, write down how you will approach them reasonably. What kinds of things do your parents typically react to on a logical level? Then, write down the things you can say to them that will affect them emotionally. What are their weaknesses? Do they have a strong sense of pride? Are they quick to avoid fear? These are the kinds of things you should be thinking about. Keep a close eye on your parents for a while to see what kinds of things they react to, so you have a better idea of what kinds of things you can say, and what topics to avoid. An important part of your strategy is appealing to your parents' sense of reason. A well-reasoned argument includes persuasive justifications for wearing a thong. Write down five or six logical reasons why you want to wear a thong. Thongs don't show panty lines. The main benefit of this is that it avoids attention to your butt. Surely your parents can get on board with that. Thongs last longer. Since there is less fabric to deal with, they reshape better than regular panties. If you change shape at all, it is less likely that you will have to buy new panties, saving money. Thongs keep you cooler in hot temperatures. They are lightweight, allowing for better airflow. By avoiding sweat in your panties you will also avoid possible skin rashes or blemishes. Prove to your parents you are a responsible person who makes responsible choices. Doing this will give your argument more credibility. Kick up the responsibility before your argument happens so it does not look obvious. If you have chores or homework, do them on time without being asked. Save your money instead of spending it on frivolous things. Do not stay out late or come home drunk. Take control of the situation by offering to pay for your thong. This shows them that you have put thought into the decision, rather than being impulsive. This is also an opportunity to show them you have saved your money. To be convincing you need to have the discussion with your parents full of confidence. One of the best ways to achieve confidence is to practice what you are going to say to your parents, so you are not bumbling over yourself or forgetting your arguments. Imagine that your parents are there with you when you practice. Read your notes out loud in front of a mirror. By the time you sit down with your parents to convince them, you will be well prepared. Be sure you pace yourself and take breaths. You want your practice to be as natural as possible so that your conversation with them does not look rehearsed. Keep practicing until you feel confident you are ready to talk with them in a calm and collected voice. Once you feel comfortable with what you are going to say, you are ready to convince them. When you are ready to ask your parents to talk, there are a few things to consider. Ask when they seem to be in a good mood. Do not be pushy when you ask, be nice about it. Make sure you choose a time that is good for everyone. Weekends are best, when your parents are less likely to be stressed out.
A: Plan your strategy. Know why you want to wear a thong. Show them you are responsible. Be prepared to pay for your thong. Practice your argument. Approach your parents about the conversation.

Q: When you leave the house for a long period, give your cat a treat. If your cat busies itself with nibbling its treat instead of darting out the door, your problem is solved. You could also give your cat a puzzle feeder on your way out in order to distract it from the fact that you're leaving. A puzzle feeder is a small device -- often a rubber ball or oblong shape -- with a small hole and hollow middle into which bits of kibble or cat treats are placed. The puzzle feeder gives the cat stimulation -- potentially for hours -- as well as a yummy snack. The puzzle feeder will keep it from running outside. There are many forms of entertainment available for cats, though not all will actually capture your particular kitty's attention. Experiment with a variety of entertainment options and see which keep your pet engaged. For instance, bring a few plants inside. These will provide interesting smells for your cat. Avoid plants like amaryllis, chrysanthemums, irises, lilies, and tulips, which can be toxic to cats. Hide some treats throughout the house. You can hide them in puzzle feeders or just easily accessible in unusual locations. Offer your cat a variety of toys like rolling balls, scratching posts, and a few wadded-up balls of paper. Your cat might also enjoy watching TV. If you have Animal Planet, NatGeo, or other nature programming, these are best. DVDs made specifically to entertain cats are also available, featuring footage of other animals. Create a kitty enclosure or walk your cat regularly. Your cat runs outside because he or she wants to get out and explore. They want fresh air, sunshine, and new, exciting smells! Fortunately, you can reduce your cat's desperate jailbreak attempts by letting your cat experience a bit of the great outdoors. If you have a screened porch, give your cat access to it. Ensure there are plenty of perches in it so that your kitty can see outside. If you don't have a screened porch, you can easily obtain some plastic or wire fencing and make a small enclosure which allows your cat to spend time outside without running out the front door. Provide access to the enclosure via a back door or open window. If your enclosure's walls are at least seven feet high, you do not need to include a roof. Walking your cat is another way to give him or her time to explore the great outdoors. Attach the leash to your cat's collar or harness and let them drag it around for a bit, getting used to the feeling of it. Give your cat a snack or some wet food while you're adjusting the harness in order to distract them from the process. Then, head outside and enjoy some bonding time with your kitty. Walking your cat gives it the opportunity to get the outdoor experience, and allows it to exercise its brain in new, healthy ways.
A:
Distract your cat from the door. Provide entertainment. Let your cat explore the great outdoors.