Q: When considering a particular topic, if you have had any sort of experience with itgood or badthere's no doubt that those experiences help shape your current beliefs on the matter. However, it's important to recognize that not all experiences accurately reflect the entire picture or the whole truth. Part of forming an opinion comes from separating your feelings and emotions from the facts. For instance, if you were bit by a German Shepherd as a small child, you could hold the opinion that all German Shepherds are dangerous; or your opinion may be as extreme as believing that all dogs are dangerous. When seeking and forming your own opinion, like whether or not German Shepherds (or dogs in general) are good animals, you need to be able to set aside your personal experiences and look at the bigger picture. Having a conversation with those who are close to you may help you gain some perspective. People tend to trust those they are closest to, so you may be more likely to consider a differing perspective from your best friend rather than someone you don't know. For instance, if you are trying to form an opinion on healthcare laws, ask your friends and family what their experience with the healthcare system has been. Based on their experiences, you may be able to see areas where the law works and you support it; or areas where it doesn't work and has room for improvement. Often times, though, your friend's perspectives may align with your already-established beliefs, as we tend to surround ourselves with like-minded people. So try not to rely too heavily on the opinions of your like-minded friends and family. Doing so can limit your exposure to other valuable ideas and perspectives. If anything, these discussions may give you another way of looking at a situation and/or more reasons to support your opinion. This is particularly useful for topics that you have very little or no experience in. For instance, if you have a preconceived notion that people in a particular culture, or even town, behave a certain way, visit the place to experience their behavior for yourself. It's possible you may be surprised. Or start smallif there is a certain type of food that "just sounds gross" to you, try it. Try to eat it in a variety of ways. Maybe the thought of eating shrimp sounds gross, or you don't like the texture of raw shrimp, but it might actually taste good to you if it's deep fried.
A: Consider your own biases toward a topic. Talk with family and friends about their experiences. Step outside of your comfort zone to experience something for yourself.

Q: Sometimes self-isolation can be a sign of a bigger problem. They may be trying to cope with abuse or trauma, alcohol and drug abuse, or mental health issues, such as depression. Your friend may not even realize that their problems are causing them to isolate themselves. Recognize when your friend's isolation isn't just them being shy or introverted so that you can support them in getting the help they need. Look for other signs that there may be a problem. For example, mood swings, changes in appetite or sleep habits, nervousness, and agitation may all be signs of a mental health or substance abuse problem. Consider whether you have noticed these changes over time or if they happened suddenly. The onset of your friend's symptoms can help you to understand it better. Ask other people close to your friend if they have any concerns. You might say, for instance, "Have you noticed anything that worries you about Daniel?" In some cases, your friend might not be self-isolating. You may not want to accept it, but your friendship might be fading. Your friend might also be voluntarily separating from society. One direct way to determine if your friend wants or needs help with their self-isolation is to ask them. You might, for example, ask your friend if they feel lonely. You might say, "Do you feel lonely or isolated very often?" Or, you could say, "Sometimes it seems like you're isolating yourself. Is this on purpose or is there something I can help with?" Some people aren't as social as other people by choice. They may prefer, and even thrive off of time alone. If your friend is an introvert, you may not need to help them at all. Unless they show other signs of a problem, respect that they enjoy time alone and appreciate and make the most of the time you spend together. Make an effort to spend time with your friend, but if they make it clear that they want or need some alone time, then respect that.
A: Recognize when they need help. Ask if they want help. Respect introversion.

Q: Write down a list that eliminates unhealthy snacks and incorporates healthy snacks you want to try. Do your best to stick to the list, while also keeping an open mind to trying new things. The unfortunate truth is that organic, sugar-free, and low-fat items are generally more expensive. If you rely on fresh fruits and vegetables, you may find that you're shopping more frequently and having to replenish food items in larger quantities. This is where fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and fresh grains are stocked. The inner aisles carry processed and packaged foods such as potato chips, cookies, and frozen snacks. Health food stores offer healthy options throughout the entire store. Feel free to wander unhindered! If you want a packaged snack, make sure to read the ingredients on the label. A label that claims it has all-natural ingredients does not always mean it is a healthy choice. A common example is all-natural fruit juice, which is actually high in sugar. Organic may be healthier, but it can still be an unnecessary and indulgent snack. Choosing a package of cookies just because they are organic will do nothing to improve your snacking habits. Stick with healthy food choices and avoid purchasing items that you can easily do without.
A: Create a shopping list. Be prepared to spend more money. Keep to the outer rim of the grocery store. Read and compare the labels. Avoid indulgent purchases.

Q: First, try to rub a baby wipe on the area where the marker has stained the wood. Make sure to rub with the grain, not against it. The alcohol in the baby wipe may remove most of the marker stain. You'll first sand the marked area with 80-grit sandpaper. This should remove most of the stain, but will leave some abrasive pattern behind on your wood. Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood, not against it. Go over the same spot with 100-grit sandpaper until the entire stain is gone. Again, sand with the grain of the wood, not against it. This should smooth out the area and blend it with the rest of the wood. Staining or finishing the wood will protect it from future marker damage. You can get wood stain at any home improvement or big box store.
A:
Wipe the marker stain away using a baby wipe. Sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper. Sand the area with 100-grit sandpaper. Stain or treat the wood with finish.