Q: Distractions from classmates sitting in front of you can make it very difficult to pay attention in class and keep up with lessons. Choose a seat at the front of the classroom, where you can listen attentively to everything that your teacher says. Being up front will also put you on your teacher's radar, which will allow them to see you engaging with the lesson and may help you win you extra points with them. Being in front will also remove the temptation to pull out your phone, read something that isn't pertinent to the class, or zone out. If you can't move to the front of the class, ask your classmates to let you focus and to not talk to you during class. Absorb the most that you can during each lesson by taking notes in class. Instead of writing down every word your teacher says, listen attentively to pick up on the important details, such as names, dates, and places. Write short, simple sentences that include important keywords from the lesson. For instance, "Franz Ferdinand (archduke of Austria) was assassinated on June 28, 1914." Speaking up in class is an excellent way to show that you are keeping up with the course work and thinking about the material thoughtfully. Bring up points and questions that relate directly to the specific lesson or module your class is covering that week. Mention other students' ideas in a respectful way, either to agree or disagree, to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. For example, say something like, "I agree with Andrea's point about global warming, and I think even more effort can be put into making a change." Try to think of questions that will spark further discussion. For instance, "How do you think Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet might have been different if he had written the play in the age of social media?"
A: Sit at the front of the class. Take detailed notes. Take part in class discussions.

Q: The most simple option is being very direct. Approach the person, start a conversation, and make a comment along the lines of "you know, I've really enjoyed talking to you. Do you think I could have your phone number and we could do it again sometime?" If you are asking a stranger, don't worry about having a lengthy conversation. The person likely knows that you are approaching them out of romantic interest. If you know this person before asking for their number, make sure your intentions are clear. You don't want to come across as a platonic friend looking for support when you are really romantically interested in them. Say that you need to borrow something, for example a pen, and then ask if you can have their phone number so you can call them to meet and give whatever the item was back to them. This is simultaneously flirty and straightforward, a perfect combination. Instead of asking a yes-or-no "can I have your number?" question, offer two choices. "Could I have your phone number or email?" This way, they are more likely to give you a definite means of contacting them. Although business cards are less commonly held by today's youth, swapping business cards is a great way to get someone's contact. It also verifies that their number is real, not a fake one given because they aren't interested.
A: Try being direct. Ask to borrow something. Ask with a choice. Swap business cards.

Q: Sleep paralysis can be terrifying, and you may feel the need to fight against it, especially if you feel as though you are being held down. But the best thing you can do is to try and relax. If you feel like you are being held down, don't try to push against the force allow yourself to be pushed. This may help you wake up or slip into a dream. Try memorizing a statement like, "I am in sleep paralysis, a natural condition, and I am in no danger." Repeat the affirmation if sleep paralysis occurs while going to sleep or waking up. Understanding sleep paralysis may help you to relax when it occurs if you know and understand what is happening, and that it is only temporary, it may be easier for you to relax when it happens. Sleep paralysis can be a sign of a rare condition called narcolepsy, but it is usually not indicative of a serious disorder. When you are asleep you experience something called "atonia," which is your brain keeping your body still and relaxed (possibly so you don't act out what is happening in your dream and injure yourself or others.) Sleep paralysis is when you are aware of is state. Scientists believe sleep paralysis may occur when you do not smoothly transition out of REM sleep You may experience hallucinations, including thinking someone is in the room with you or holding you down. Remind yourself that these are just hallucinations, and a normal part of sleep paralysis, and you are not in danger. Some people may be able to break the paralysis by moving an extremity. Try focusing all your attention on your toes or fingers and try to wiggle them or make a fist. Another method is to try scrunching up your face as though you just smelled something foul. Repeat these actions several times and you may be able to wake yourself up. If you share a bed with someone, talk to him about what you are experiencing. He may be able to help you wake up from an episode of sleep paralysis. If your partner notices you breathing heavily and irregularly, ask him to shake you awake. This may or may not work your partner may end up just waking you from normal sleep, but it's worth a try. Most people cannot speak while experiencing sleep paralysis, but talk to your partner about signaling him when you are having an episode. If you focus on your throat you may be able to whisper "Help" or cough, which can signal your partner to wake you up.
A:
Try to relax. Understand that you are okay. Wiggle your toes, scrunching your face, or making a fist. Talk to your partner.