Problem: Article: In order to work toward mending a relationship, you first need to understand what led to the separation. Try making a list of everything that you think contributed to the problem. This will help you organize your thoughts and identify what may need to be done to mend the relationship. For instance, this might look like: anger, lack of time together, ignoring the problem, not responding quickly enough, walking away from conversations instead of dealing with them, and putting down the other person. Try completing a relationship worksheet which identifies your/your partner's situation or concern, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ultimate outcome. Forgiveness is associated with higher chances of having a resolution to a conflict. This is due to the notion that forgiving another person may produce a more positive outlook and emotional state overall. Instead of dwelling on what the other person did wrong, you accept her faults and mistakes. You do not necessarily need to forgive the person face-to-face initially. You can practice forgiveness by trying to understand where the other person is coming from (empathy). Remind yourself that mistakes are human. Engaging in pro-social behaviors can serve to mend broken relationships because positive actions may help the other person appreciate you and focus on the good aspects of the relationship. Examples of pro-social behaviors are: apologizing, offering to pay for something, giving a gift, doing favors, giving complements, and helping out. Avoid insulting the person or engaging in anti-social behaviors such as: avoiding the person, yelling, hitting, throwing objects, etc. Some of the most important components of a healthy relationship are connection, intimacy, admiration, and support. Focus on reconnecting and spending quality time with your partner. Set up a date with your partner where you can focus on reconnecting instead of focusing solely on discussing the problems within the relationship. This can take the pressure off and remind your partner of the positive connection within the relationship. Some examples of fun and intimate dates are: going out to a romantic dinner, having a picnic in the park, walking on the beach, going for a hike, or watching the sunset together. Express your admiration for your partner by telling her what you appreciate about her. Agree with your partner as much as possible if you can in order to reduce the likelihood of a conflict. If your partner brings up any issues, simply validate her feelings. Research shows that stressful situations increase negative thoughts about the relationship. Thus, in order to increase positivity about the relationship and encourage your partner to reconnect with you, you will want to reduce stress levels as much as possible. Invite your partner to do something fun and relaxing such as cooking a meal together (as long as it's easy!), sitting in a hot tub, getting a couples massage, or sitting by a fire with a glass of wine. Try to reduce the amount of stress in the situation by having dim lighting as opposed to bright lights, lighting aromatherapy candles or having other positive smells, playing soothing music, and controlling the room temperature. Avoid potentially stressful situations such as: driving in traffic (or at all), loud situations such as going to a club/bar or concert, and any activities involving very hot or cold temperatures.
Summary: Recognize the reason for separation. Forgive. Do positive things for the person. Reconnect. Engage in stress-free activities together.

Problem: Article: 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.

Problem: Article: This method of forming dreadlocks does not work with shorter hair. Your hair will need to have substantial length in order to form natural dreadlocks. This process also takes time: it can take at least three years for naturally made dreadlocks to form. Natural dreadlocks will only form for individuals with curly, natural, black hair. Individuals with Caucasian or Asian hair will need to use another methodor visit a hair salonin order to obtain dreadlocks. In order for your hair to form natural dreadlocks, it should first be clean. While various rumors may imply that hair needs to be unwashedor even deliberately soiledin order for dreads to form, this is untrue. Your hair makes its own oils, which are necessary for healthy hair, but too much of these oils will prevent hair from forming dreadlocks. Once you start naturally growing dreadlocks, you should take a two-week break from washing your hair, to avoid breaking the locks apart. After this two-week period, begin regularly washing your hair again, once or twice a week. This is the central step to forming natural dreadlocks: you'll need to resist the temptation to brush or comb your hair, and let your hair naturally bind itself together. It's difficult to predict the growth form of natural dreadlocks; unlike other methods, you will not be able to guide or control the shape of your dreadlocks. It's possible to make minor adjustments to naturally formed dreads, however. For example, if your hair develops a thin dreadlock, you can combine this into a larger dread using rubber bands and dread cream.
Summary:
Grow your hair until it's about 10 inches (25.5 cm) long. Wash your hair. Let your hair tangle.