Sometimes embarrassment is unavoidable, so the only thing you can do is to pretend you're not embarrassed at all. With time and practice, this form of acting will help you actually overcome your embarrassment. You can also try to deal with embarrassment by using humor to lighten the atmosphere. This is a common strategy among young people learning about sex; just mention the word "penis" in a room of teens and everyone will start to giggle! It turns out that laughter is a normal human instinct to try to deflect attention from feelings of embarrassment. So don't be afraid to smile to relieve some tension. Embarrassment tends to feel like everyone is looking at you and judging you. But when young people learn about sex education, they all likely feel embarrassed and awkward. No one is busy judging you; they are all busy feeling just as awkward as you do! Especially in a school sex ed course, there might be times when you disagree with something that your teacher says. It is OK to disagree and have your own opinion. If you feel that the teacher is saying things that are discriminatory or dangerous, let your parents know so that they can determine if they should talk with school officials. Otherwise, feel free to raise your hand and politely but firmly let the teacher know that there are other valid opinions on the subject. Realize you are unlikely to change the teacher's opinion, but at least you will let other students know that there are other opinions out there. If you are overwhelmed by information you've learned about sexuality or the human body, you might feel anxious, confused, or scared. Sometimes these responses happen because a person has heard just enough about an issue to worry them but hasn't learned enough to understand the issue completely. If you are feeling confused, worried, or disturbed by something you have heard, talk to someone you trust who can help to reassure you. Consider talking to your parent or a trusted adult and letting them know what you heard or experienced and why it is bothering you. If you experience prolonged anxiety about these issues or about yourself as a sexual being, consider talking to a professional therapist or counselor. You can start by talking to your parents or to your doctor, school nurse, or school counselor about your concerns. Ask for a referral or recommendation.

Summary: Fake it till you make it. Know how to respond if you disagree. Find someone to talk to.

Visit your local hardware store to see their selection of bolt cutters. Aim to get cutters 24 inches (61cm) long or larger since they will give you the most leverage as you try to cut through the lock. Larger pairs of bolt cutters can cut through locks with a larger diameter. Tilt the lock to the side so you can easily cut the side of the shackle, or the metal clasp that holds the lock together. Hold the bolt cutters in a comfortable position near your waist. Pull the handles apart so the blades open. Place the bolt cutters on one side of the shackle close to the body of the lock. If the lock isn't attached to anything, secure it in locking pliers or a vise so it doesn't move around when you try cutting it. Spin the handle on the vise to close it around the lock. Hold the grips on your cutters and apply firm pressure to break through the lock. Squeeze the handles together until it cuts through the shackle. If you can't cut through the lock yourself, ask a friend to help you close the bolt cutters. If the lock is made of hardened steel, bolt cutters may not work. Bolt cutters work best on padlocks or chained bike locks.

Summary: Use a pair of bolt cutters at least 24in (61cm) long. Put the lock's shackle between the blades of the bolt cutters. Squeeze the grips together to close the cutters.

The bride and groom might have a particular song list they want to use for the wedding party processional, bride's processional, and recessional. If not, send them several tried-and-true options to choose from, such as "First Day of my Life" by Bright Eyes, "Here Comes the Sun" covered by the Sleepy Time Players, and "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele. If your bride and groom prefer more traditional options, Pachelbel's Canon in D, Claude Debussy's "Claire de Lune," and Bach's "Air on the G string" are classics. Great genres for these events include smooth jazz and classical. Match the feel of the music to the atmosphere of the venue. These include: the father/bride dance, the mother/groom dance, and the first dance as couple. The couple may have songs in mind, but most slow, romantic songs will work. Great options include "When You Need Me" by Bruce Springsteen, "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder, and "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars. Send your list to the couple for approval. Make sure that it's at least two hours long, and start with a slow song to get people ready for dancing. Include a wide variety of songs that are suited for every demographic (children, young adults, and older folks). Pick songs that 85% of people would know. Ask the couple for their list of must-play and don't-play songs. Change the genre between each song that so that everyone gets a break sometimes. You want people with different music tastes to have a chance to get a drink, step outside, or talk to the couple while keeping some guests on the dance floor.

Summary: Work with the bride and groom to decide songs for the ceremony. Make a cocktail hour, entrance, and dinner playlist. Plan out songs for the formal dances. Create a dance set.

to strangers. Read a list of jokes, then find a place where you don't know anyone. Go up to strangers and see how many people you can make laugh! Remember to be friendly and cheerful, though, and never rude or tactless. Find a place with music and just let yourself go like you were a kid again. Don't be afraid to flail your limbs around (just make sure to be considerate of people standing nearby). Dancing has plenty of physical and emotional benefits, too! Didn't you love spinning in circles when you were a kid? It made you feel free, like you were flying (and maybe a little dizzy). Try it out as an adult and see if it doesn't make you feel like a silly little tot again. Part of being silly is getting in touch with things that make you happy. Put your favorite song on your headphones and sing every word as loudly as you can. Kids know how to bring the silly. Get down on the floor and follow their lead. Pretend to be animals, play with toys, or make up your own game with wacky rules. You don't have to be reserved when you're at the pool! Make a big splash in the deep end by tucking your arms and legs close to your body when you jump in. When's the last time you got a bird's-eye view of your surroundings? Some trees are just made for climbing. Just remember to be careful! Find a tree with strong, sturdy limbs that will support you, and don't go higher than you feel is safe. Snow days are the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your silly side. Sliding down a hill on your sled will make you feel like a kid again! Try going down the hill in different ways, like sitting straight up, turned backwards, or laying on your belly.
Summary: Tell jokes Dance freely. Twirl in circles. Sing at the top of your lungs. Get on the floor and play with a little kid. Do a cannonball. Climb a tree. Go sledding.