Article: Life can be nuts, and it's hard enough to find time to sleep, work, and eat, let alone socialize. But a true friend will always make time for you, even when it's not convenient for them. If they can't find the time to hang out or talk on the phone, then why are they even your friend? If your friend is good about scheduling phone, lunch, or dinner dates, and always follows through, then you have a good friend. Congrats! Make sure you do the same and make time for them, of course. If your friend never makes time for you, always complains about how life has been "crazy busy," and expects you to work around their schedule, then you have a problem. Especially if they spend their time with significant others or different friends. Everyone is busy; not everyone flakes out. Whether it's communication, making time to chill, or buying the next round of drinks, a friendship should be 50/50. It's a give and take, so don't do all the giving if your friend is a taker. Usually, you can feel this happening -- movie night is always at your house, you always call first, they keep borrowing your Simpsons DVDs without asking, etc. And if you feel it happening, cut them off! True friends give back to you without having to think about it. You should both be willing to show affection. Not everyone is a hugger, but everyone has a way of demonstrating that they care for you. Keeping things equal doesn't mean you spend the same amount of cash on people -- relationships aren't bought and sold. It's just about feeling respected and cared for by a friend, however they show it. Don't let your friend always come to you for favors and support, but get busy the minute you need a hand. You should both be reaching out from time to time, not only to ask for help but to offer it. A flake is not a friend. If your friend never seems to do what they say they'll do, leaves you stranded, or forgets about plans you've made, then you have a flake on your hands, and you don't have a true friend. We've all bailed on a plan or made a last-second switch, but if your friend never seems to do what they say they'll do, then they don't value your time or company. With a good friend: "word is bond." If your friend bails on you more often than not, is wishy-washy about making plans, or skips out on a big or important date, they are a flake. Get some Head and Shoulders and wipe them off your calendar. This soul-searching is particularly hard to do, but it's important. Take the time to reflect on why your friend might want to hang out with you. More likely than not, you're just good friends, and the rest of the "benefits" just happen naturally. There are some classic reasons why a fake friend might find you, but usually, you'll see a few of the other warnings signs if they aren't true friends. Still, be on the lookout for those hoping to latch on to your: Popularity. If Mean Girls taught the world anything, it's that true friends stick around no matter how popular you are. Popularity is a fickle beast, but it doesn't bother your true friends. Wealth. Make no mistake-- having rich friends is fun. You get to do all the things you could never afford! But if your friends only love you for your wealth, they'll be gone before the last penny drops. Convenience. Are you giving them a ride to the office or a chance to look over your homework? Are they giving anything back? Boredom. It is summer vacation, and your next door neighbor is suddenly chummy. School starts and you never see him again. These so-called "friends" ditch you as soon as they find a new group of friends or a new boy/girlfriend rolls into town. While friends should encourage and support each other, some friends may be too clingy or needy. If your friend looks to you to constantly stroke their ego and make them feel better about themselves, they may be using you.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Think about whether they make time for you. Decide if you both put the same amount of effort into the friendship. Consider if they are true to their word. Determine if they have other motives for becoming your pal. Recognize if they expect you to bolster their self-esteem.
Article: It will be easier to tie your knit tie when your collar is popped up. If your collar buttons to your shirt at the tips, undo the buttons so you can lift it up. Re-button the tips once your tie is on. It's traditional to wear a tie with the top button on your shirt buttoned. Having it buttoned will also keep your collar from getting in the way when you're tying your tie. Make sure the top side of the tie is facing out. The left end of the tie should hang on one side of your chest, with the right end of the tie on the other side. The lower the left end of your tie hangs, the longer your tie will be once it's tied. When your knit tie is tied around your neck, the left end should hang at the same level as your belt. If you tie your knit tie and the left end falls above or below your belt, undo the knot you made and readjust the length.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Lift up your shirt collar. Button the top button on your shirt. Lay your knit tie around your neck so it's underneath your collar. Adjust your tie so the left end hangs lower than the right end.