Problem: Article: No matter how things progress between you, your friendship is the foundation of your relationship and the most important thing. This thought should feel like a safety net for you when you're mustering the nerve to ask your friend out. If it's not what your friend wants or they're not yet open to the possibility, you'll have your friendship to fall back on, and you should: a true friend will understand and be there to make sure everything is okay. Even if you start dating and things are going well, don't forget that they were your friend first. The comfort of that bond will make your connection even stronger. Try to think of your new relationship as a branching outgrowth of your friendship, not a replacement for it. All of your interactions should come from a place of caring and acceptance. There's no reason for the friendship to suffer simply because you're trying to build on it. Dating a friend can sometimes cause complications if you tend to hang around the same people. Be upfront with your other friends about the situation and let them know that it won't alter the friendship of the group. Take particular care not to isolate yourselves when you're with your mutual friends: this can be easy to do when you first begin to date someone, but it might give the rest of your friends the impression that you're disinterested in them. Since you began as friends, work on cultivating an environment where you can still spend time together even when you're involved with someone. Make some time each week for all of your friends to get together. During this time, involve yourself in the group's activities and discussions, and don't make it feel like you and the friend you like are separating yourselves from the rest of your friends. If your dating efforts aren't met with success, don't let it come between you and your friend. You knew to keep your expectations out of the picture, so there's no need to take it too hard. Not wanting to date may just mean that he or she values you very highly as a friend, which is a good thing. There's no harm in liking someone, and you shouldn't feel awkward or guilty if you tried and things didn't work out. In the worst case scenario, you can simply go back to being friends. It's a win-win! You shouldn't be embarrassed or feel the need to "punish" your friend if things don't work. Withdrawing from your friend group will make you appear sulky and may send the message that you were only looking to date the person from the beginning. Allowing resentment to build up will take its toll on your friendship, which is precisely what you don't want to happen. Whether you hit it off on your date or you don't, take pleasure in being around one another. Starting off as friends means you already know you have common interests, can communicate openly and like spending time together. Look at it as a chance to spend some quality time with the person with no thought to the outcome. Do things that you both enjoy and relish the occasion to make new experiences and memories with the friendship at the heart of your relationship. For a first date, keep things from feeling too serious by suggesting a short hike or picnic outside, a casual dinner at one of your favorite restaurants followed by coffee, or a movie.
Summary: Remember that you're friends. Try not to neglect your mutual friends. Don't despair if it doesn't work out. Enjoy each other's company.

Problem: Article: Although giving your crush the cold shoulder (or playing hard to get) can work out sometimes, it can often backfire and can make your crush think you're mean. Recess and lunch are perfect for spending time with him. Sit next to him during lunchtime, or invite him to play a game with you during recess. If you are feeling extra brave, ask your crush if he would like to spend time with you outside of school. This will give you a better chance of talking with him one-on-one. Ask your crush what their favorite books, movies, or activities are. If you and your crush share similar interests, talking about the things you both like can be a great way to bond and connect. If you and your crush don't have many common interests, that's ok. Try asking him (nicely) why he likes the things he does -- for example, if you don't particularly care for baseball but your crush is a baseball fanatic, ask him what things he likes best about the sport. Don't pretend to like certain things just because your crush likes them. While it can be nice to show some curiosity in your crush's interests, remember that you don't need to have everything in common in order for him to like you. Faking interests or trying to change your personality can leave you feeling uncomfortable or unhappy, and if you appear uncomfortable or unhappy it might make your crush feel uncomfortable too (which might make him less likely to return your affections).
Summary: Be nice to him. Choose appropriate times to interact with your crush. Ask your crush personal questions. Be yourself.

Problem: Article: If you have been drinking at all you are at least on the spectrum of drunkenness. You could be showing signs of impairment and slower brain function including lack of motor skills and slower reaction time, leading to the inability to operate a motor vehicle. Some of these signs could be: Poor balance or stumbling. Difficulty speaking clearly and slurred words. Abnormal behavior leading to you doing things you wouldn't normally do if you were sober. As soon as you notice that you are showing signs of impairment, give your keys to a friend, the host or the bartender to ensure that you won't drive until you are sober. Make sure to only give them your car key. Hold onto your house keys. If your friend, the host or the bartender are advising you not to drive, you are likely too drunk. Listen to their advice and acknowledge that they are trying to help you. Bystander intervention is common when it comes to drinking and driving. Many people will be willing to step in, take your keys and help you get home safely. If no one if offering to help, you may need to ask. Take a ride from a sober friend. It is best to get in a car with someone you trust when you are in this vulnerable state. Allow the host or bartender to call a cab or car service to take you home. If you are having a difficult time finding a safe way to get home, find a place to stay which does not involve you driving. Ask the host of the party if there is a place you can sleep. Give them your keys and ask that they keep them in a safe place until the morning. Stay with a friend if they live nearby and are on their way home. Find a hotel within walking distance. Call them to book a room, or have a friend help you secure one. Ask the friend if they will walk you to the hotel and make sure you get checked in safely. There are people in your life who care about you and want to be sure that you are safe. It may seem scary or embarrassing to call your parents or your siblings if you are too drunk to drive, but they will be glad you did. Your safety is the most important. You may need your phone to call someone for a ride or get help from a friend. Be sure to charge your phone before you leave the house. It is also a good idea to bring a charger with you in case your battery dies before the end of the night or you end up staying where you are and need to get home the next morning. You may also want to invest in a portable battery charger for your phone should there not be a power outlet available. Make sure it is fully charged before you leave your house. Keep it handy in your pocket or your bag throughout the night.
Summary:
Pay attention to your body. Give up your keys. Listen to other people. Accept help. Stay where you are. Have an emergency back-up plan. Make sure that your phone is charged.