Alright, so maybe you're not really in the mood to put in tons of effort. But you are of the practice makes habit sort of mind, so how can you fake it? Start by exclaiming things. Whether it's "Hell yeah!" or "jolly good," or "Well sit me down and call me Sally!" is up to you. The more you react and with pizzazz, the more people will be fooled. Imagine your friend Ted walks into the room. You two make eye contact, give each other a nod, and you say, "Sup." Not even in question form. Just "sup." He responds with, "Yo." Greeting exchanged. Now imagine Ted walks into the room and you say, "HEY, TED! OHMIGOSH I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!" and then you run around to room, arms flailing like the T-Rex you've always wanted to be. Who's enthusiastic now, huh? So an integral part of "HEY, TED! OHMIGOSH I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!" was the running around bit. You can't really sit back in your armchair, eyebrows unmoving, glued to the Discovery channel and exclaim those words with the same effect (well, you could...). So the next time you find yourself thinking, "It would be appropriate to be excited right now," do something with yourself. Jump up and down. Wave your arms like a madman (don't do this in public). Hi-five your grandma (especially if she's the one who wants you to be more energetic). Make a choice and commit to it. You could do a happy dance. You could make a finger gun and pretend you're the Fonz. You could point your thumbs at yourself and talk about how awesome you are. Why don't you try them all out and see what reactions you get? When you're thinking "enthusiasm...enthusiasm," instead try thinking, "bigger." How can you make everything you're doing bigger? Try remembering this: you're not in a movie. There is no camera. You're on a stage where you have to show 1500 people in the 4th balcony that's practically a half mile away of what you're feeling, thinking, and doing. How might your behavior get grander? The next time your roommate walks in and says, "Hey, roomie. I just made cupcakes!" you're not going to respond with, "Oh, awesome, thanks. I love cupcakes." No, no, no. You're going to punch the air John Bender Breakfast Club style, get on both knees and exclaim, "My cupcake queen, how can I repay thee?" and then run to the kitchen and shove a cupcake in your face. You're truly taking one for the team. Go you. All of this advice just won't jive with those around you if your face doesn't match your words, tone, or body. When Ted walks in the room, smile. Widen your eyes. When roommate #2 informs you she's made you cupcakes, drop your jaw in gratitude. Whenever you're faking an emotion (you can be enthusiastically negative, by the way), make sure you're covering all your bases. You know exactly how to do this. You've seen people before and what facial expressions go with what emotion. The only thing you have to change is to make it bigger, making sure it registers with people. You gotta make sure your enthusiasm is heard and seen. So about that "heard" part. It's not so much that loudness equates with enthusiasm, it's just that quietness usually equates with a lack of enthusiasm. So when you're telling Ted how happy you are to see him, don't do it in a whisper. When you're overjoyed about cupcakes, put your lungs to work. There's no need to scream, but your enthusiasm should be a bit unconstrained, if you will. Take whatever's normal for you and bump 'er up a notch. Think of what a teenage girl does when she sees Robert Pattinson or Justin Bieber. She screams and gets all flitty. Don't do that. But do make a note. When enthusiasm needs to be displayed, channel your inner Team Edward (but feel free to keep it at a dull roar). If nothing else, do it satirically. Only you need to know that you're poking fun at those around you. Why do they demand enthusiasm anyway?

Summary: Exclaim things. Move around. Get theatrical. Use your face. Go for volume.

Do you feel disrespected or used by someone? Maybe they have been asking you for many favors without giving back in return? Understand that you deserve respect of your time, money, and efforts. Be realistic that one person can only do so much. Figure out if the person who's using you is proving mutual respect and kindness in return. If the situation feels one-sided, in which you're doing all the work, then understand that kind and respectful people wouldn't do that to you. For example, let's say a friend of yours always asks to borrow your stuff, and they never return it. Maybe they just come up with excuses, time and time again, when you ask for your stuff back. Some people are opportunists and will manipulate a situation to their advantage. Set your expectations for yourself higher. Believe that your needs are equal to anyone else's. You may feel like you want to please other people, but if your actions are consuming all your time, money, and resources then it's only hurting you. You deserve to have your needs met. You deserve to be loved, cared for, and appreciated. Explain to others that you have certain limits in your time, money, and resources. Be strong that those who respect you won't try to guilt-trip you. For example, tell someone, "I'm sorry but you asked to borrow my phone multiple times, and I'd rather not give it this time. Please respect that." Good people won't make you feel guilty about saying "no" on occasion. If you provide a clear reason, then they are more likely to understand and back off from bothering you further. For example, let's say one of your siblings wants to go to a concert this weekend, but has a bunch of chores to do before that. Your sibling asks you to help out. Consider responding, "No, sorry I can't help out." Even if they say you've got time or aren't as busy, tell them, "Sorry, I'd like to be able to relax too, and I completed my chores." Say "no" when it's clear that someone else is trying to get out of doing something they don't want to do. While it's important to be helpful to those who genuinely need help, avoid being sucked into activities, work, or chores that you dislike. In speaking up for yourself, it's important to be clear, concise, and friendly. Understand that you don't have to do everything someone asks in order to be their friend. Be clear and concise about what you can and can't do for someone. Be kind in the way that you decline to help. Be calm and friendly. It's important to be nice without having to agree to whatever they say. Consider offering alternatives for them to consider. They may have not thought of other ways to get what they need. Be clear that you have limits to what you can and want to do. For example, let's say you and your friends are planning a party, and every time they assign you to bring refreshments. Consider saying, "I did that last time, and the time before that. I'd like to bring some desserts instead."

Summary: Evaluate if you are being respected. Focus on your needs. Learn to say "no" without feeling guilty. Be kind but direct.

You don't have to do this, but it will help give your jeans a more rustic, bohemian look. You can also cut the skirt down to the length you want it to be. Hem the bottom, or leave it raw.
Summary: Cut the hem off, if desired.