INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Speak up and don't be afraid to show you have an opinion about what you talk about with your date. Avoid letting your date decide everything or saying you're interested in something you're really not. For instance, if your date suggests a steakhouse for dinner and you're a vegetarian, speak up and tell them so, and recommend a restaurant or type of cuisine you love instead. During a date, avoid the "I don't care, what do you want?" answer when your date asks you what you're going to eat or what you'd like to do or share. Give an honest answer of your preference. Take the first date as an opportunity to learn a lot of new information about your date and what you have in common. Ask them questions about things you both like or something in their life you'd like to know more about. Try asking about school, work, hobbies, TV shows, books, movies, family, etc. Most people avoid discussing topics like politics, religion, and former girlfriends/boyfriends, but do whatever feels natural to you and what you're interested in. You could ask, "Hey, I saw that you were wearing a Star Wars shirt the other day. What did you think of the newest movie?", or, "So, you moved to the U.S. from Europe? Tell me more about what it was like to live there!" Asking questions also doesn't have to feel like an interview or interrogation of your date's life. You can simply ask about the music they have playing in the car, or another similar observation about your surroundings. Allow the focus to be on you for a bit and tell any funny or interesting stories you have about a topic. This is an easy way to keep the conversation going, and get your date to tell you some stories, too. For example, if they ask you about your family, instead of simply saying you have a brother, you could say, "I have an older brother named Scott. He's traveling in Peru right now! He's always been really adventurous. One time, on our summer vacation, he did the craziest thing" If you're worried about dominating the conversation, keep stories short. Then prompt your date with, "Do you have any stories about your family? Tell me about them." That will keep the conversation equal. Subtly suggest another date at the end of the first one if all went well. Tell your date to call or text you, or offer a suggestion of what you can do together next. Try bringing up something that was talked about during the date, like an activity you both enjoy or something you're interested to learn more about. For instance, you could say, "So when can I play that new video game you got?", or, "I really want to check out that hiking trail you mentioned if you'll show me sometime." Say goodbye with another friendly hug. Don't feel pressured to kiss on the first date, unless you feel like you want to! Unfortunately, things don't always go quite the way we planned, and a date can take a turn for the worst things can begin to feel uncomfortable or your date may turn out to be rude or inappropriate. You may be tempted to try and "stick it out" for the sake of being polite, but you absolutely don't have to. If the date didn't go very well and your date suggests extending the evening by going out for drinks or dessert, you can simply say, "Dinner was delicious, but I'm not up for drinks [or ice cream, dancing, etc.] after..." If your date is being inappropriate and rude and making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, call him out on it. You don't have to be mean. You can say, "That's really offensive," or, "I don't think that's funny; it's actually really rude and I want you to stop," or even just, "I'm feeling really uncomfortable right now." If they don't stop the behavior, cut the date short. Ask for the check or give him money for your share of the bill and get out of there. Call a cab, a friend, or a parent to pick you up if you need to. If the date was fine but you're just not feeling it, it's okay to say that, too. You can say, "I really like you, but I'm definitely getting more of a 'friend' vibe. Are you feeling that, too?" You have no obligation to spend any more time with your date than what feels comfortable. Don't worry that you're being rude or mean by ending a date prematurely. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself.

SUMMARY: State your preferences. Ask questions about common interests. Tell stories. Suggest a second date. Have an exit strategy if things don't go well.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most brands of toothpaste make a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These contain a chemical, potassium nitrate, which helps reduce sensitivity by protecting the nerves in your gums. Most of these toothpastes use a synthetic form of potassium nitrate, although some natural toothpaste brands such as Tom's of Maine use a natural form. Both forms of potassium nitrate are safe to use. Follow the directions on the toothpaste tube for proper usage. The bristles on toothbrushes can range from soft to firm. The softer the bristles, the more gentle it will be on your teeth and gums when you brush your teeth. Choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles. If you have a habit of brushing hard on your teeth, this will be especially painful for you in the first few days after you get your braces. Be gentle on your teeth, slowly and carefully brushing in a circular motion. Take your time when brushing and when opening your mouth wide. When you have braces, you need to brush and floss after every time you eat, even when you are out of the house. Without this attentive care to your teeth, you risk getting cavities, swollen gums or other tooth problems. During the time you wear braces, your teeth need extra care. Carry a travel toothbrush, a mini tube of toothpaste and a small packet of floss with you when you are away from home so that you are always prepared to brush after eating.

SUMMARY: Choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently. Brush and floss after every meal.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The sun can work wonders in speeding up drying time while offering an antimicrobial effect for your books. Find a spot outdoors safe from animals and bugs, and place your books in the sun. This method is best for newer books, as old books can actually be damaged by exposure to sunlight. If you do not have an open area with access to sunlight, find a large, sunny window. With the pages facing the sun, place your book upright, fanning the pages out as much as you can. This will allow the maximum amount of sunlight and warmth to reach your book. The more warmth and sunlight your book receives, the faster it will dry. Make sure the pages do not clump or stick together, as sunlight could encourage already-tacky pages to stick together. Dry your book in this fashion for 2-3 days to eliminate any lingering odors or moisture. The sun will both dry and deodorize your book, while drying the pages will prevent the growth of mold. To prevent dampness from recurring during the drying period, bring books inside during the night and place them back outside once the sun is shining. If you cannot keep your books safely outside for this period, you can also use a large indoor space with access to a window.

SUMMARY:
Choose a sunny, open area. Place the book open and upright. Dry for 2-3 days.