Problem: Article: It is important to be hygienic if you want to make new friends. Take showers and use deodorant daily. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Brush your hair daily and find a hairstyle that compliments you. Don't change who you are to fit in and don't do anything you don't want to do. You will be more confident and happier if you act like who you really are. Accept your personality and physical traits and all the things that make you who you are. It is better to form genuine friendships with people rather than try to become someone that you aren't. Be you and if someone doesn't like it than that is their fault. Put effort into your clothes, but don't change them to be someone you are not. Find a style that you like. Look online or in magazines for style inspiration. Go through your closet and decide what you want to keep and what you don't want. Don't worry about trying to find clothes that are expensive. You can find plenty of stylish clothing at inexpensive or even used clothing stores. What is most important is that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes. Try your best to be confident and you will be more likeable and more likely to get noticed by popular kids. Tell yourself positive affirmations, walk and speak confidently, and listen to upbeat music. Work on loving yourself and being confident in who you are. Avoid being arrogant; otherwise, people may dislike you. Being social to everybody will make you stand out to popular kids. If you are very shy, start off small and work your way up. Start by befriending people in classes who are not popular. Go to a small event or club meeting at school to practice socializing with new people. Try not to be insecure when you talk to new people, just be yourself. Use positive language when you talk to people. Join in on new social activities even if it is just for a couple minutes to help you gradually get more comfortable. If you successfully get noticed by the popular kids and start making friendships with them, don't forget about your other friends. Stay true to who you are and be friends with everyone, even if they are not popular.
Summary: Take care of your personal hygiene. Be yourself. Find a style that works for you. Be confident. Be friendly and outgoing. Still be friends with your other friends.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The fabric needs to be the same width as your desired bag, plus 1 inch (2.5cm) for the side seam allowances. You should also add 1 inch (2.5cm) to the overall height for the hems. For example, if you want a 6 by 12in (15 by 30cm) bag, your fabric should be 7 by 25 inches (18 by 64cm). Use a sturdy fabric, such as canvas, cotton, linen or canvas. The strip can be whatever length you want it to be, but it needs to be twice the width, plus a 1in (2.5cm) seam allowance. You can cut 1 long strip to make a shoulder strap, or 2 short strips to make handles. The strap or handle does not have to match your bag. You can use a contrasting color to make your bag look more interesting. Use sturdy, woven fabric for this, like cotton, linen, or canvas. Don't use stretchy fabric. Cut a 1 by 1in (2.5 by 2.5cm) piece of Velcro. Find the center of the front and back top hem. Glue each piece of Velcro to the inside of your bag, right against the top edge of the hem. Wait until the glue dries, then press the Velcro together to close the bag. Avoid using self-adhesive Velcro. The glue will eventually come off. For best results, use fabric glue. You can use hot glue in a pinch, however.

SUMMARY: Cut a piece of fabric twice the height you want your bag to be. Cut a long strip of fabric for the handle or shoulder strap. Add a Velcro closure, if you want the bag to open and close. Finished!

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: In some instances, a parent may threaten suicide as a way of frightening you or getting you to do something they want. While such threats should still be taken seriously, you also have to take measures to protect yourself emotionally. You can identify emotional manipulation suicide threats by their tell-tale "If, then" form, although sometimes they may be more subtle. Your parent may make a conditional statement, such as: "If you leave me here all alone, I will kill myself." "If I can't come live with you, I may as well just die." "If you really love me and want me to stay alive, you wouldn't treat me like this." Convey to your parent that you are sorry they are in pain and that you want to help, but you will not be controlled or manipulated by threats. Do this in a gentle and non-assuming way, and actually follow up on your words and call for professional assistance. For example, say "Mom, I love you so much and I definitely don't want you to hurt yourself, but you can't come to live with me right now. I will do what I can to make sure you get the help you need." Such a statement shows compassion, but sets boundaries of what you will and won't do. No matter what your parent threatens, avoid trying to prove yourself or give in to the manipulation. Doing so will only jump start a repetitive cycle of your parent tossing around threats whenever things are not going his way. Stand firm in your boundaries. And, remember, even if you were to give in this one time, it wouldn't resolve the underlying emotional problem that prompted them to threaten suicide in the first place. Let your parent know that you are concerned for his safety, thus when they threaten suicide you will take them seriously and call the emergency services so they can receive the proper treatment. Setting this boundary releases you from manipulation while ensuring your parent remains safe. Try your best to prevent any fighting or confrontations. There is no need to tell your parent that you know they are manipulating you. This may only worsen the situation and deter you from reaching a solution. A power struggle may result in your parent attempting a suicide simply to show you he or she was serious. Once you identify emotional manipulation hiding behind these suicidal threats, consult with a therapist for your parent and yourself. With the guidance of a professional, you may be able to express your feelings about being manipulated in a safe environment without fearing your parent will attempt suicide. Remember, no matter how much you love, care for, or pray for your parent, you cannot keep them alive only your parent can do that. It is unfair for your parent to place such a burden (i.e. whether they live or die) in your hands. Clearly state your concerns, but continue to stand behind your boundaries: "Dad, it hurts me to hear you say you want to kill yourself. But, no matter what I say or do, that decision lies with you. I can't stop you from harming yourself, but I do want you to get the appropriate help."
Summary:
Learn to spot emotional manipulation. Express concern, but set boundaries. Don't give in to demands. Refrain from confronting your parent. Place the responsibility in your parent's hands.