Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Talk to one another. Ask important questions. Have deeper, more meaningful discussions. Leave each other love notes. Consider seeking the help of a therapist. Share in your worries and joys.

Answer: Whether your relationship is just starting out or you've been together a while, it's always important to talk to each other. Get to know one another through conversation. Ask about their day, or what's on their mind. Tell them about what's bothering you and confide in them. The most basic communication is necessary and effective in strengthening your bond with your partner. If you feel like there's distance between you and your partner, let them know. Talking to them about how you're feeling can help bridge the gap. Say something like, "I feel like we aren't as close as we used to be. What can we do to fix this?" Even if you feel like you already know everything about your partner, there is always more to learn. Ask them about their dreams, goals, and ideas. Listen intently and respond thoughtfully. Ask them how they feel about your relationship, and if they think there is any area that could use some work. By asking them meaningful, important questions, you will not only show them you care enough to learn more about them and their thoughts, but you will also be working on strengthening your relationship. Some other questions you might consider are: what traits do you value most in a partner? When was the last time you felt really disappointed? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? What's something that always makes you happy? It's important to talk about your everyday lives with one another, but it's also important to go deeper than that in your conversations. Try to set aside time each day to have a real, meaningful conversation with your partner. Maybe there is something on your mind that you need to discuss, or maybe your partner has been under some stress at work and might want to unload. Keep that space open for real conversation, and make it a point to engage with one another on that level as often as possible. Try talking about your feelings, either for one another or in general. Having emotional discussions can lead to a sense of vulnerability and trust, which can bring you closer together. Use text messages or sticky notes to leave one another little love notes now and then. Randomly letting your partner know you care can make them feel special and important. Love notes are a simple, sweet way to remind your partner of your feelings for them. No matter how much time goes by in a relationship, it's important not to let one another forget how you feel for each other. Losing sight of the feelings that made you fall for each other in the first place can sometimes make you feel distant. Despite myths that couples' therapy is ineffective, it can actually be a great tool for strengthening your relationship. Find a provider in your area, or through your insurance network if you're covered. However, make sure you have a serious discussion about seeking therapy beforehand, and that both of you are on board. Take some time to discuss what you would both like in a therapist as well. For example, do you feel more comfortable with a man or a woman? Do you want to do sessions together or separately? Make a list of what you both want. As partners, you probably have at least a few things that you both worry about or get joy from. Whether it's parenting, work, extended families, or finances, there are probably things you could spend time discussing together. Having someone to share in those emotions with you is a great way to feel closer by sharing a common ground. You don't need to worry, or even be happy, alone. Your partner is there to go through those things with you. Try your best not to distance yourself from them. Instead, work to include them.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Listen more than you talk. Communicate whole messages. Be mindful of your tone.

Answer: Your parents will be able to forgive you more easily if they feel heard and understood. Shutting up and listening can stop arguments and reduce emotional intensity. Staring blankly at your parents as they speak will likely upset them. You should nod and display appropriate expressions, so they know you are listening, and not tuning them out. Ask questions to clarify and check your understanding. This will demonstrate that you are processing what they are telling you. For example, you could say something like, "I'm hearing you say that you're angry that I stayed out past curfew without clearing it with you. Is that right?" When it is time for you to talk, use the whole message formula to avoid misunderstandings. Start your statement with an observation of facts. This is usually a description of a behavior. Then explain what you interpret that behavior to mean and how that makes you feel. You should finish with what you would like to happen to focus the discussion on resolution. For example, "I ditched school to hang out with friends. I knew it was wrong, but I was thought it would make me seem cool. I was afraid I would be teased and embarrassed if I didn't go with everyone else. I would like some help coming up with good ways to resist peer pressure to better handle this kind of situation in the future." Your feelings about what your parents or the situation may affect your communication. The same sentence said in different tones can mean wildly different things. Feelings of frustration may result in a sarcastic tone or shouting before you even realize it. Try to remain objective and focus on communicating your message rather than your emotion. If your parents do comment about your tone, apologize and explain your experiencing frustration trying to clearly communicate your message.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Do what you can. Take some time to stop and breathe. Focus on what's going well and make that a larger part of your life. Talk about what you're feeling with others in the situation. Check yourself for signs of depression. See a doctor if you suspect you are depressed.

Answer: You may not be able to solve the situation--your mother is still going to be sick no matter what you do. However, you can be there for her. You can show up when you're needed. You can offer support and encouragement. It may not be dealing with the problem as you'd liked to do, but you will be doing something, which can help alleviate your feelings of uselessness. You can pray, meditate, or just take a few deep breaths, but whatever way, take a moment to calm yourself down. Accept that you do not have control over the situation. Your mother may be sick, but you can take the time you are spending with her to develop a better relationship with her than you've had in the past. Even if it doesn't change anything, it will help others realize that they aren't the only ones who are dealing with these feelings, which is a way you can provide support. It also opens up the discussion, so others have a chance to talk about their feelings, as well. Long-term stressful situations can lead to depression, and feeling useless could be a symptom of depression, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms of depression include having trouble focusing, feeling pessimistic, not being interested in things you usually enjoy, feeling guilty, being extra tired, being consistently sad, and even experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Feeling sad on occasion doesn't mean you're depressed. Depression is a sustained period of not caring and feeling sad. When symptoms start to overrun your life, you may be depressed. If you are depressed, you may need medication, or you might need to seek out counseling to help you work through some issues, which may help alleviate your feelings of uselessness. Remember, being depressed is not a sign of weakness. It can be caused by a traumatic event in your life, but it could also be a chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected. Also, certain medications, your genes, and other problems like illnesses can also lead to depression.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Place one to two large marshmallows in with the brown sugar. Leave it be.

Answer:
Either a bag or a sugar container will work, provided it's airtight. The marshmallows will soften the sugar for you. Leave them in there, and the sugar will stay soft.