INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Fine-toothed combs can snag and break hair, while brushes can lead to frizz. When combing your hair, remember to start from the tips, and work your way up. Never comb straight down from roots to ends. You can also gently comb your hair out using your fingers. Try to use a lower temperature, if you can, as heat protectant sprays can only do so much. It may take longer to get the results you want, but it will be safer for your hair. When heat styling, don't go above 380F (195C). Great styles that enable you to cut down on harsh heating tools include: roller sets, braid-outs, twist-outs, bantu knot outs, buns, and ponytails. This is the safest way to dry your. Consider putting your hair into twists or braids first. When you take them out, after your hair dries, you'll end up with beautiful curls. Avoid drying your hair out in the sun, however, as the sun's rays can be just as harmful to your hair as your skin. If you must dry your hair out in the sun, consider using a UV protectant spray for hair first. Never rub your hair with a towel, as this can lead to frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat it dry, preferably with a microfiber cloth or towel. You can also use a t-shirt instead. To preserve your curls, consider wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt instead. If your hair is long, or not already in a protective style (such as braids or twists), consider putting your hair into a high ponytail or high bun. This will help preserve curls and prevent your hair from getting tangled and roughed up as you toss and turn throughout the night. You can also use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet instead. Cotton pillowcases are not recommended because they draw the moisture out of your hair. They also tend to be coarse, and can lead to snags, frizz, and breakage. At the same time, however, avoid braiding your hair too tightly, as this can weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Also, remember to care for your hair and scalp. You should wash and condition your hair at least every two weeks. After taking your braids out, be sure to detangle your hair before washing it. If you don't do this, your hair will get matted. Consider giving your hair and scalp some time to recover from the pulling involved with braiding/twisting every once in a while.

SUMMARY: Always use a wide-toothed comb, and never a brush. Avoid using heat, if possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible. Be gentle with your hair when towel-drying it. Keep your strands protected at night by using a satin pillowcase. Keep your hair in braids or cornrows to reduce breakage and hair loss.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Recognize that your own life and death, as well as the lives of other creatures, are all parts of the same cycle or life-process. Life and death, rather than being two completely different events, are actually always occurring at the same time. The cells in our bodies, for example, are continuously dying and regenerating in different ways throughout an individual lifetime. This helps our bodies adapt and grow within the world around us. Our bodies serve as fertile ecosystems for countless different life forms, especially after our own lives come to an end. While we are alive, our gastrointestinal system is home to millions of micro-organisms. These all help our bodies stay healthy enough to support proper immune functioning, and, in certain ways, even complex cognitive processing. On a much larger, macro level, our lives fit together in unique ways to form societies and local communities which depend upon our bodies' energy and actions in order to sustain some degree of organization. Your own life is composed of the same mechanisms and materials as other lives around you. Understanding this point can help you become more comfortable with the thought of a world without your particular self still being around. Go on meditative walks in nature. Or, you can simply spend more time outside around many different life forms. These activities can be great ways to become more comfortable with the realization that you're a part of a larger world. Try thinking that after you die you will go somewhere happy. Many religions believe in this. If you ascribe to a particular religion, you may find comfort in considering what your religion believes about the afterlife.

SUMMARY: Consider how life and death are part of the same cycle. Think about how your body is part of a complex ecosystem. Know the role your body plays in the grand scheme of things. Spend time in nature. Consider the afterlife.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: . When you feel comfortable, tell her about your disability, and explain how it affects you personally. If you're dating a neurotypical individual, you'll need to meet in the middle. Be prepared for a few awkward questions. Give honest, factual answers. Relationships are about both partners seeking to understand each other. Encourage your girlfriend to use online resources such as Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Women's Network, and WikiHow to find out more about the autism spectrum. Show her that you can be an attentive partner, but sometimes social situations take a lot of effort for you. In any relationship, you need to have boundaries, both sexual and nonsexual, and autism can make reading cues like body language difficult. Clearly and non-judgmentally communicate your boundaries to your partner, and ask her to do the same. Ask your partner to honestly tell you what makes her uncomfortable and what she would like you not to do in the relationship. Likewise, tell your partner what makes you uncomfortable, as she might not be aware that you don't like a small gesture from her. It might help you both to write these things down on a piece of paper or in a message. It can be easier to come up with boundaries in writing, and you'll have them to refer back to later. When you're on the autism spectrum, you often value the truth and find it difficult to lie. This can be a good trait, but it may come across as too blunt in certain situations. Understand when it is best to give a small "white lie" so as not to not hurt your partner's feelings. For example, if your girlfriend comes home with a new dress, puts it on, and asks you if it looks good, you should say, "yes," even if you don't think so. In this situation, don't think of her question so much like she's asking your opinion of her dress, but more like she's happy in that dress and she's inviting you to share in that happiness with her. Furthermore, understand that your partner won't always be blunt with you. This doesn't mean that you should tolerate blatant lies, but don't demand that your partner tell you every detail of her life. If you have a difficult time expressing your feelings sometimes, it can be a good idea to have a regular check in session every week. This might be over coffee or dinner. Try having a set of questions you always ask. This can be a sweet ritual for you as a couple and a good way to plan staying in touch. It will make you both feel heard and valued. An example set of questions could be: What is something I did that made you happy this week? What is something I did that made you sad this week? What is something you would like us to do together next week? Consciously think about things you can do to make your girlfriend smile. Keep a list in your phone of things your girlfriend likes. If she says one day she likes peonies and specific kind of chocolate, write it down. Every so often, check that list in your phone. Go out and buy her peonies and chocolate for no reason at all. No matter if you're on the autism spectrum or not, writing can be a great way to express how you feel to someone. Your letters can be hard copies or emails. Write down the things you like about your partner, and let her read those things.

SUMMARY:
Explain your autism Keep boundaries clear. Give a compassionate response over a pure honest one. Check in with each other. Make gestures of affection. Write letters.