Problem: Article: Dialing 3-1-1 will put you in touch with a local operator that will be able to connect you to a multitude of government services. It's the number that you should call if you have a non-emergency situation and need more information about city or town services. Ask the operator if they could connect you to the organization that handles street lights, and they will connect you with the department that you need. In places like San Francisco, there are over 2,300 different telephone numbers associated with government services. Major cities like New York City, Seattle, and Baltimore have a local Department of Transportation that handles the repair and replacement of downed or faulty streetlights. If you live in a major city, contact your local Department of Transportation by searching them online or using the Yellow Pages. Los Angeles has an entire department dedicated to repairing faulty street lights called the Bureau of Street Lighting. In Boston, they have an agency called The Street Lighting Division that handles street light repair. The government department you contact will vary depending on which city you live in. If you reside in a smaller town or municipality, then it's possible that a private company handles street light outage issues. Find the energy company's contact information on the top of a bill, if the outage is local, or search online by typing the company name into a search engine. Some communities have a community choice program which allows residents to choose energy providers. Call the provider to see if they are the ones who handle street lights. Most municipalities and cities have a public works department that oversees essential things like trash collection, transportation, and utilities. They will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to a downed streetlight. Visit your local city or state's government website to find the contact information for the public works department near you. Searching "Public Works" and your city's name in most search engines will also help you find what you need.
Summary: Dial 3-1-1 to connect with the right organization. Contact your local Department of Transportation if you live in a city. Look online or read an electric bill if you live in a town. Call the public works department in your municipality.

Problem: Article: If you want to sell more art, it's important to first have an understanding of who's most inclined to buy it. Think about the dominant images or ideas contained in your work and what sort of views they reflect. Once you've identified your core fanbase, you can begin developing strategies that will allow you to bring your art to their attention more effectively. Modern pop art full of cultural references, for instance, is more likely to appeal to other artists and art aficionados, whereas traditional watercolor landscapes will be more popular with a general audience. Advertise in places where your target demographic has the greatest chance of stumbling upon your work. Anytime you're at an exhibition or event, stick close to your work so you'll be available to answer questions and highlight interesting features. Being friendly and approachable will encourage people to take a closer look. In the best case, it may even give casual onlookers the push they need to add a piece to their personal collection. Being able to describe your creative process is instrumental in helping people better connect to your art. Be ready to explain the complex themes in your work and provide insight into your influences and favorite techniques. Commissions are the bread and butter of many professional artists. When a buyer hires you to produce a commission, it's like signing a contract that guarantees you a paycheck. Approach each commission differently and work out a price you think is fair for the request. The best way to entice people to buy commissions is to advertise the option for custom artwork on your business card, exhibition display or website. Commissioned work should take precedence over other pieces. It's a good idea to ask for a percentage of the payment up front in case the buyer tries to back out later on. All the exposure in the world won't mean anything if no one knows who you are. Be sure to introduce yourself to everyone you meet, and remind them of your name before you part ways. You might even consider printing up some business cards that you can hand out at exhibitions and networking events. Come up with a separate name for your studio or personal business, such as "The Rickety Easel" or "Ada's Impressions." Your business cards should include your first and last name, a brief overview of the type of art you create and a simple but eye-catching graphic that offers a glimpse of your signature style.
Summary: Market to your likely audience. Present your art yourself. Do commissioned work. Get your name out there.

Problem: Article: In other words, think about whatever you think he is using you for, and get rid of it completely. Then, observe his reaction. In a healthy relationship, there should be several things that make your partner feel happy and fulfilled. If the relationship suffers greatly because of one change, this might be a problem. If he only wants to hang out in the bedroom at night, tell him you'd rather start going out during the daytime. When he initiates physical intimacy, remind him that you aren't interested right now. Ask him to respect your boundaries. If you aren't sure what to say to him, say, "I want to focus on our emotional connection, so let's hold off on the physical stuff for now." His reaction will let you know if he's using you or not. If he cares about furthering the relationship without sex, he will stick around. If he doesn't want to be with you if he isn't getting the physical intimacy he wants, ditch him. Remember, it is your body. The most important thing is that when you say "No," your boyfriend respects that. Tell him that you don't feel comfortable spending money anymore, and give an excuse if you need to. It's completely understandable if your boyfriend doesn't have the money to spoil you, but it's not OK if he demands that you spoil him. If the interest is gone when your money is gone, that's bad. Tell your boyfriend, "I really need to start saving my money, so I am going to cut back my spending a lot." Then, if he asks you for money or to pay for something, you can remind him of this. Again, his reaction will tell you what you need to know. The same approach can be taken with any other thing your boyfriend might be using you for, such as popularity, gifts, etc. It may seem tough at first, but a quality boyfriend will stick it out if he thinks the relationship is worth it. When you feel like you're blissfully in love, you may not notice if your boyfriend isn't doing anything for you. It's easy to be so infatuated with someone that you make excuses for them. However, start paying attention to the things he does, or doesn't do, for you. This doesn't necessarily mean bouquets of roses and fancy dinners this just means basic ways of showing he cares. For example, does he make any simple, yet meaningful gestures, such as bringing you a coffee when he knows you are tired or sending you an encouraging text message when he knows you are having a bad day? If he tells you he loves your sense of humor and wants to listen to your problems, he probably genuinely cares. If he raves about your beauty right before asking for a favor, watch out. Take special note of the things he does when he gets no benefit in return. If he does nice things simply to make you feel good, that's a great sign. You don't have to make a big announcement to your boyfriend that you need a "break," but find a way to get away for a little bit. It can be easy to accept bad behavior or ignore warning signs when you are in the presence of your boyfriend. Whether you're blinded by love or intimidated by the thought of refusing him something, you may not be able to think clearly when you're with him. When you're away from him, reflect on the relationship. Are you getting from him the same amount that you give to him? Healthy relationships are mutually beneficial. By giving him space, you also will be able to see how he does on his own, without whatever he might be using you for.
Summary:
Stop giving him what you think he wants. Tell your boyfriend you want to cool off for a bit if you think he's using you for sex or other physical affection. Protect your money if you think that's what your boyfriend wants. Notice the things he does for you. Recognize the difference between sweet compliments and flattery. Take some time to be alone.