Problem: Article: The easiest way to peel a tomato is to blanch it, which just means it spends a short time in boiling water. If you're peeling and seeding your tomatoes, you need to remove the skins before you remove the seeds so you don't make a mess and lose half the tomato. Start by making an "X" on the bottom with the knife. Then, you can either add the tomatoes to the pot or pour boiling water over the tomatoes in a heat-safe boil. If you add the tomatoes to the pot, use a slotted spoon to add them in so you don't splash hot water. Once they have been in there for 15 to 30 seconds, move them out. Work in small batches, as you want to get them out of the water quickly. You'll know the tomatoes are ready to come out because the skins will start to wrinkle. Once the tomatoes come out of the boiling water, they need to immediately go in a bowl of ice water. The ice water stops the cooking process, so you end up with tomatoes that are easy to peel but that haven't been cooked yet. Once the tomatoes have cooled (it shouldn't take very long), pull them out of the water one-by-one, peeling them as you go. Since they've been blanched, all you'll really need is your fingers to pull off the peel. It should come right off. If it doesn't, you need to blanch the tomato a bit longer. Cut into the top of the tomato. You can simply use your fingers for this process, though you may also use a spoon. Scrap out the seeds and gel part of the tomato. If you're making a sauce, scrap the seeds into a strainer over the bowl. That way, you can use the juice in your sauce.
Summary: Bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch the tomatoes. Place them in a bowl of ice water. Peel off the skin. Pull out the seeds.

Problem: Article: The place of the date definitely sets the tone for the date. If you are trying to be more romantic and lavish, reserve a table at a fancy restaurant. If you want to be more casual, consider taking her out for ice cream or to a casual bar. If you do decide to go for the casual date, be sure the place won't be too crowded. You don't want to have to deal with the frustration of waiting in line for the entire time. It can also make it difficult to talk if the place is too crowded If you decide to go for the fancy date, be sure the items are within your price range. It is silly to spend hundreds of dollars on a first date if you don't have the money for it. Generally, it is a good idea to pick her up from her house because it shows that you really care about the date. This will also give you a chance to talk on the way. It is an especially good place to ask her about her music tastes since you will be able to easily play music in your car. If you would like to be romantic, buy her flowers and give them to her when you pick her up. It is a nice gesture and shows that you have been thinking about the date for a while. Roses are always a good choice if you are unsure of which type of flower to buy. If you feel this is too forward or old-school, skip it. It is key to make sure you dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're going to a fancy restaurant, wear nicer clothes than if you were taking her to a movie and ice cream. Take a shower, fix your hair, put on deodorant and cologne, brush your teeth, carry gum, wear a nice clean shirt, pants, and shoes, and don't forget to shave your face. Your time and effort in your looks will let her know that you care. If you are unsure of what to wear for where you are going consider these different dress codes: Casual: This is what you would likely wear if you were getting ice cream, going to the park or to a bar. Check out our article on how to dress casual. A good outfit could be a polo, nice jeans or khakis, and reasonably nice shoes. Semi-formal: This is a good option for dinner and a movie at a nice restaurant and theater. Check out our article on how to dress semi-formally. Try to wear clothes that you reserve for nicer occasions, instead of everyday street wear. Getting stood up is no fun for anyone, so try to make sure it doesn't happen. This will also show her that you have been thinking about the date and that you want to make sure it happens. Sending a quick "Looking forward to seeing you at 7" should be sufficient. Checking your phone for texts or emails during the date will show her that you do not truly care about the date. It sends the message that she is not as important as your phone. If you are expecting an important call, tell her beforehand.
Summary: Figure out where you want to take your date. Decide whether or not to meet her at the place or pick her up from her house. Consider buying her flowers. Look good. Consider messaging her before the date to confirm. Put your phone on silent.

Problem: Article: Whether you are successful or not is not only defined by any one particular outcome or quality. You are a brother, a son, a friend, a student, a football player, a citizen of this country. List all roles you can think of. You might be doing better in some roles than others. This is natural and to be expected. Think about the quality of your relationships or the number of roles you have. What do you think makes you successful? Think about the effort you are putting into all of these roles. Remember that you will always have ups and downs in life. You might have to think about your actions, the quality of your relationship with others, your performance, or other aspects of your role. Here are some examples of success in different roles: As a citizen: you make sure you recycle. As a son: you speak politely to your dad. As a football player: you attend all of your practice sessions with the team and encourage your teammates to improve. Think about how you successful you are in your different roles by asking yourself some questions. Are those who depend on you satisfied and happy? Do you feel that you are living up to your ideals? Ask others for their opinions on your success. There may be people you engage with in different roles. For example, ask your mother how you're doing as a son, or ask your boss how you're doing as a recently hired employee. Other people may tell you things about your performance that might surprise you. Do you think you can be a better son by taking care of your mother? Do you think you can be a better friend by being more reliable? Think of things you can do to improve your success in these roles. Remember that success in your roles is malleable; it depends on how you define it and whether you want to change to reach the ideals you set for yourself.
Summary:
Think of the different roles you play in life. Define your success in these roles. Keep in mind that definitions of success can vary by domain. Evaluate how you are doing in different roles. Identify the roles that you can improve your performance in.