Problem: Article: There is a saying that goes, "Always be extra nice to your enemies. Nothing annoys them more." Try to be as polite as possible in class, and don't take the bait if your teacher tries to get a rise out of you. Eventually, this may wear them down and they'll start treating you like one of their favorites. And if not well, it will really annoy them that you don't seem to be upset by them anymore. Pay special attention to the kids that the teacher treats best. Try to act like they do, and use the same tone of voice. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, ask yourself, "How would (your teacher's favorite) handle this? What would they probably say?" The number one pet peeve of most teachers is being ignored in class. Think how it would feel if you read a report in class, and the kids started talking to each other like you weren't there no fun, right? Pretend you're taking notes. Work on homework for a different class, write a poem or story, or make "to-do" lists. Avoid drawing or doodling, because most teachers can see that it isn't writing from across the room. If you're too shy to hand it to your teacher, leave it on their desk at the end of the day with a little note just saying the gift is from you and you hope they enjoy it. If you get juice or a candy bar between classes, buy two and bring one to your teacher. Pay attention to which topics your teacher seems to be most excited about, then print out a funny or interesting article about it. Bake cookies or brownies, and wrap up a few little bundles of 2-3 cookies each. Hand them out to all your friends and teachers. This way it won't look like you specifically brought them to kiss up to your annoying teacher. If on assignment they give numbers 1-20 plus a bonus problem, always answer the bonus question. If your grades aren't the best, ask if you can do an additional project to improve your grade. Your teacher will be impressed by your initiative, and may treat you better as well. Although it's difficult to get past your own feelings sometimes, it's important to see if there is anything you can change. Are you late all the time? Do you forget to do your homework? Do you interrupt her when she is giving a lecture? Correct your behavior and your teacher will probably treat you better. If your teacher keeps calling on you and embarrassing you with difficult questions, try rephrasing the question before you answer it. She may not realize you don't understand the material she might just think you haven't been doing the work.
Summary: Kill them with kindness. Watch how other students interact with them. Always look like you're paying attention. Bring them a gift. Do extra credit. Don't do anything to make the situation worse. Rephrase confusing questions.

Problem: Article: Your (hopefully) spouse-to-be should be surprised, delighted, and / or put a bit off-balance by your proposition. It is the sort of romantic moment most people live for, so be sure to get it right by planning it out early. Think about the appropriate place, time, and words to say. You should think of things your partner particularly enjoys favorite restaurants, activities, and / or music but for whatever reason does not get to indulge in often. Use these as background elements to set up a truly memorable proposition to marry. Short, simple words carry a lot more power than big, fancy words. If you want to make a great impact with what you say, plan to speak plainly and from the heart. Since you are doing the asking, it is your responsibility to have the engagement ring picked out ahead of time. Think about what your partner likes and dislikes. If there is jewelry for you to examine, do so and avoid gems and colors that make few or no appearances in your partner's current collection. Feel free to specifically ask your partner about engagement rings, but be sure to do it well in advance of when you actually plan to buy the ring, so he or she will have forgotten all about it. Do not feel as though you have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on an engagement ring. The more important thing is what the ring symbolizes. Besides, the wedding itself is likely to set you back plenty on its own. With the ring stowed safely away, begin your day or night out together. Be on your best behavior and keep things happy and bright. When the time comes, drop to one knee in front of your partner, pull out your ring, and say your piece. With any luck, you will get a resounding "yes!". Propose in public, if you can help it at all. Having witnesses around proves to your lover that you are ready to get married no matter who knows it and no matter what they might think. The people around you will love the show, too. Once the night is through and you are successfully engaged to be married, waste no time in laying out plans for the ceremony and honeymoon. Even a small civil ceremony needs a time and a place; most people will also want a more formal ceremony, whether religious or civil, which requires all kinds of event planning skills and plenty of money. Do not forget to register with a wedding gift registry, if you would like people to bring wedding gifts. Plan the wedding with your lover. Include parents and legal guardians as well. More often than not, they will gladly help plan and defray the cost of the event.
Summary: Plan ahead to pop the question. Purchase an engagement ring. Ask your lover to marry you. Begin to plan the wedding.

Problem: Article: When you're sad, you may only want to lie around--and that's okay for a while. Eventually though, it can help to push yourself to get up and move around. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins which act as feel-good chemicals for the brain. Walk around the block, play fetch with your dog, or have a dance party with your best friend. People with a sense of humor are more resilient in tough life situations, so try to find ways to laugh. Hang with a buddy who's known to be a jokester or queue up your favorite comedy film or TV show. A great way to move through sadness is by spending time on hobbies or passions. These are often anchors that bring joy despite unhappy circumstances. If you love playing tennis, schedule a few matches this week. If you like to bake, try out a new recipe with a loved one. Alcohol, drugs, junk food, and excessive shopping can feel good when you're sad. These activities only numb the pain temporarily, though. They may even plant seeds for addictive or destructive behavior down the line. Resist the temptation to turn to such activities when you're sad by keeping them out of reach. Limit your access to alcohol, drugs, or junk food (stock your fridge and pantry with healthy foods) and withdraw the amount of cash you need for everyday expenses and hide your credit cards. Instead of engaging in unhealthy coping, make time for positive self-care activities.
Summary:
Get physically active. Laugh. Do things you enjoy. Avoid unhealthy coping.