Q: When your partner talks to you, make sure you are engaged and focused on them, and that they know you are focused on them. Some ways of doing this are: Put down and close anything you are reading or looking at, and turn off the TV. Don't doodle, look at your watch or pick your nails. Watch your partner when they talk. Repeat what they said. When they are done talking, start a sentence with something like "What I hear you saying is that ___________" and fill in a summary of what they've told you. If they agree that your summary is accurate, move on, if not ask them to clarify until you are sure you understand what they have said. Some signs that there might be more to what they're saying than the words are: Tension in how they are standing or sitting (arms crossed is a good sign of anger and impatience) Any expression other than a neutral one on their face (if they are very excited, this is a request that you participate in their excitement and are excited for them, if they are sad, they will probably want sympathy) Touching their neck, ears and face is a sign of insecurity, probably means that they feel uncomfortable about what they are trying to tell you. People tend to jump to conclusions when they are angry and this can often mean that you hear something (often a criticism of you) that your partner isn't trying to say. If they are trying to explain something that you do that they don't like, remember that its in both of your best interests to understand what you are being told and respond. When something is bothering you, bring it up. If you feel like your partner is hiding something from you, ask about it. Keep the channels of communication wide open. It's important to be honest but kind. Some tips for making communication easier are: Avoid saying things like "you always_____" or "You never_____" These are unlikely to be true, and will probably make your partner get defensive. Start sentences with "I feel like______." You're always right about your feelings, and this is a great way to make the other person NOT be defensive because you're not complaining about their behavior. Try to avoid "I feel like you____" This can be rephrased in a way that only uses "I." For example, rather than "I feel like you never do the dishes" say "I feel like I always do the dishes" Don't interrupt. If you're not sure if your partner is finished talking, give them a few seconds of silence, and then ask if they are done. This is a really helpful tip to avoid tension building up in your relationship, and the fear that comes with the words 'we have to talk'. Schedule a time once a week, or once a month, to talk about any issues (big or small) in your relationship, and you will be less likely to have more difficulties that can make you break up. You can also schedule time during which you don't talk. If, for example, you're always very tired when you get home from work, agree that the first 15 mins (half an hour, two hours, or whatever) is going to be relaxation time during which you leave each other alone.
A: Listen. Pay attention to body language, watching for concealed emotions. Don't be defensive and don't jump to conclusions. Communicate. Schedule time to talk.

Q: Permanent dye will last the longest and can cover gray hairs and roots. Semi-permanent dye can only darken hair, and will last up to 8 washes. Demi-permanent dye can slightly lift your hair color, and will last up to 25 washes. If you're using permanent dye, apply it to your hair when it's dry. For semi-permanent dye, shampoo your hair and dye it while it's still slightly damp. When deciding between 2 colors, stick with the color that is closer to your natural color. Making a big change, like bleaching dark hair, is best done with a professional salon colorist. If your hair is longer than shoulder-length, buy at least 2 boxes of dye in case you run out during the process. You should only need 1 box if your hair is shoulder-length or shorter. Your scalp will have built up enough natural oils to protect your skin from irritation. Washing your hair removes those natural oils, so it's best to wait 2 days before dyeing. If you pick an old shirt or robe that closes in the front, you won't have to lift anything over your head when it's time to rinse out your dye. You can also wrap an old towel around your shoulders and fasten the ends together for an extra layer of protection. You can also lay down newspaper or garbage bags to protect floors and surfaces from dye stains. Work in a room with natural light if possible, so you can accurately check your new hair color. The bathroom is generally the best place to work, especially if you have a window that lets in natural light. You can use the mirror to check up on your progress, use the countertops as a workspace, and the sink and shower are readily available in case you need to rinse off. If your dye doesn't have instructions for a strand test, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9mL) of color and 1.5 teaspoons (7.4mL) of developing cream. Using disposable gloves, apply the dye to a 1 inch (2.5cm) section of your hair. Not all kits have the same mixing ratio (for example, some might require a 1:1 mixture of color and developing cream for the strand test), so check the instructions before you start mixing the dye. If you've dyed your hair before, work the dye from root to tip, taking care not to get dye on your scalp. After the instructed time has passed, which is usually 20 to 30 minutes, rinse your test strands with lukewarm water. Dry it with a blow dryer, and then check the color. If you're happy with it, you're ready to dye the rest of your hair. If you're not happy with your test strand's color, you can try a new color on a different strand of hair.
A:
Choose between a permanent, semi-permanent, or demi-permanent dye. Go with a dye 2 to 3 shades lighter or darker than your current color. Leave your hair unwashed for 2 days before you dye it. Wear an old button-front shirt or robe to avoid stains. Test dye on a small section of your hair before dyeing the rest. Rinse and dry your test strands to check the color.