Article: When you're having a problem with someone, first try talking to a person you trust; whether it's a significant other or just a friend, sometimes it's easy to do things that make the problem worse before you have the chance to make them better. For example, if you're having a fight with your girlfriend because she thinks you cheated on her (even if you didn't), don't make the problem worse by spending a lot of time out being social with other girls. This will only make you look worse and make it harder to argue with her from the moral high ground. Instead, take a vacation from people until you work things out with her. Another example for a problem with a friend is if your best friend is mad at you for blowing off their party in order to spend time with someone else. In this situation, you'll want to avoid seeming distant or disinterested in their feelings. Instead, try to do something nice for them. Avoid arguing because it will only make the other person defensive. Instead, come to a solution for whatever the problem is that the two of you are having. Make sure you understand what's really bothering them first. Sometimes people seem mad about one thing but really they're mad about something else. If you want to really fix the problem, it's a good idea to make sure you're working on the right problem first. For example, your boyfriend might say that he's mad you decided to go to the big state school in the next town over instead of going to the local college with him. Of course, you'll still be able to see each other all the time and date without serious problems: what he's really worried about is that all that time off on your own will lead you to meet someone new. When you're fighting with someone it's easy to feel that you're right or your way of doing something is best. You're working with your own brain after all. However, people rarely argue with you just to be contrary. They're doing the best that they can with what they know and the situation might look very different from their perspective. Try seeing things from their side of the field in order to help you find a way to meet in the middle. Sometimes, if you're having a hard time understanding their perspective, it can be really helpful to just ask them. Ask them to explain, at length, why they think it would be better to take another route. Say something like: "Can you explain your thinking to me? I'd really like to know better." By walking through their feelings and thought process, you can often gain a better understanding of the problem and how to solve it. When people feel disrespected or cornered, they will often become more argumentative and combative, even if they would normally agree with you. If you see a personal situation developing, try taking steps to make that person feel like they have more control and that they are respected. You will find that suddenly they are much more willing to talk. For example, you'll want to dial back your language. Don't insult them or use accusatory language like "you should have ______". Instead, use "I" statements to express yourself. Say things like, "I felt hurt after out last conversation," or, "I get upset when you talk to me like that." Make them feel in control by giving them choices or options, as well as doing things like coming up with what they think is a fair solution to the problem. Once you've taken those basic first steps towards solving the problem, you should start really talking through a solution. Communication is key here and communication is more than just telling them what you think. You'll want to think before you speak, being careful to think about how what you say comes across. You'll also want to be a really good listener, really focusing on what they're saying and working to understand them. For these serious, problem-solving conversations, you should generally set aside a large chunk of time and meet in a place that's private and quiet. This will remove distractions and things which add more stress. Talking it out also shows the other person that you have put a priority on making things right, which can earn you some points and soften them up for finding a solution. The solution to more interpersonal conflicts will be a middle ground. This means you're going to have to stop seeing things in black and white. Don't see "my way" and "their way". You're both great people and you have so much to offer each other, so instead talk it out and find "our way" instead. For example, if your girlfriend is upset because you can't agree which family to spend Christmas with, you can propose a third option: spending the week before Christmas with her family, the week after with your family, and the day itself with just each other. For example, if your friend is upset because they want to take one class with you but you want to take another class instead, you can suggest that you keep your classes separate but both take a study period that you can spend together studying in the library.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Avoid behaviors that make the problem worse. Be clear about what the problem is. Try to see the other perspectives. Make sure they feel respected and in control. Talk it out. Find a middle ground.
Article: This may seem simple, but it's the most important aspect of any tutoring position. You need to know the subject inside and out. Don't hesitate to use books, online resources, or your own teachers as resources to brush up on algebra before you begin tutoring students. When you schedule the tutoring session, be sure to get all the necessary information from the student, so you can provide adequate assistance. Find out what they're currently studying, what they've struggled with in the past, and what their goals are. You should also request access to homework assignments, quizzes, and tests. This will give you a clear idea of where they're struggling, and how to help. Some tutors create a short questionnaire to help them make a good start. This can include all the important data like the student's name, their availability, and their current course schedule. You might want to consider making a quiz for new students. This can help you determine their knowledge level, and better prepare to offer them superior tutoring. Don't "wing it." You want to make sure you're making the most of your time. Make a brief outline of what you're going to do, how much time each thing should take, and what the student will learn, during each lesson. Continually adjust these expectations based on your student's progress. The last thing you want is to have your student arrive only to discover you can't actually work the problem. Work through every problem a few times in advance, so you're certain to be able to offer them guidance as they solve the problem. Remember there is often more than one way to solve the problem, so keep track of the student's method and give them a chance to find the right answer. Then, walk them through the simplest way to solve.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know your stuff. Get information from students. Create a lesson plan. Practice the problems.
Article: Gnats cannot bite through clothing, so an easy way to avoid getting bit is to wear clothing that fits loosely. Tight clothing can stretch over the skin and provide holes in the fabric that gnats can bite you through. Long sleeve shirts, gloves, and jeans, for example, provide good coverage. This is especially helpful in summer and early autumn when bugs are more active. This is a good short-term solution when you are faced with a large number of gnats. Tie ordinary garden netting over your head. Wearing a hat makes this easier. Throw the netting over your head or hat, wrap it loosely around your neck, and either tuck it into your shirt or tie loosely with a piece of strong. This will protect your head and neck while still allowing you to see. In extreme cases, you may wish to buy permethrin-treated clothing to cover your entire body. It is the only insect repellent currently used during clothing factory production. You may choose to buy this clothing instead of spraying your own clothing with permethrin. It is EPA-approved as safe for everyone, including children, to wear, and kills and repels bugs.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Choose long clothing. Use netting to protect your face and neck. Try permethrin-treated clothing.