Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Look for signs of attraction. Tell him you have a boyfriend. Avoid sending mixed messages. Remember you live in the age of technology. Consider alternate approaches.

Answer: If you're out at a party or event and a guy is talking to you, you should be on the lookout for signs of attraction. Things like persistent eye contact, compliments, and assertive body language may indicate that a guy has his eyes set on you. If you want to reject someone, it helps to identify the early warning signs, and then pull the boyfriend card early on. Leading someone on makes things worse for the both of you. Your best bet is to tell a guy you have a boyfriend as soon as you think he's coming on to you. If you welcome the attention at first and turn it away later, telling him you have a boyfriend might not work as a proper rejection, as he may assume you want to cheat with him. Say your boyfriend's just coming back from the bathroom if someone's coming on too fast. In the vast majority of cases, the simplest way of telling someone you have a boyfriend is the best. If a guy makes an overt advance on you, you should say "I have a boyfriend" without trying to dress it up with any detail. If you're having a conversation and want to be less confrontational, you can work your would-be boyfriend into the conversation. For example, if you're talking about music, you might say "My boyfriend's favourite band is..." This method is a good way of letting someone know you're taken without making it seem like you're rejecting him. Be straightforward. Don't beat around the bush if you're trying to get someone to think you have a boyfriend. Even if you're trying to save someone's feelings, being straightforward about your rejection will minimize the risk of dragging it out longer than it needs to last. Mixed messages are a big problem if you're trying to reject someone. In fact, just being polite can indicate to some guys that you're at least somewhat interested in him. If he's into you, he may take any indication as a sign to keep going. If you're intent on saying "No" to a guy, make sure you're expressing it on all levels. You should also be aware of your body language. While you don't need to be completely standoffish, you should keep your hands to yourself, even if you usually like to express yourself with touch. In other words, if the guy knows your name, he may have enough information to look you up online. If he can look you up, he can find your relationship status on social media. He can figure out you're lying if you have it set to "single." If someone does figure out you're lying, you could use an excuse like you just started seeing someone, and you haven't made it "Facebook official" yet. If you use this technique often, you may want to keep your relationship status hidden. Some women think that the "I have a boyfriend" approach reinforces the concept that a woman needs a man in order to be complete. This tactic is also overused, often to the point where guys may suspect you're lying. Simply saying "I'm not interested in dating anyone" will leave no room for interpretation, as well as demonstrate to others that you're confident in your own decisions.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Ask to schedule a time to talk. Plan out what you are going to say. Take responsibility for your actions. Tell the truth. Don't get mad quickly. Plan to compromise. Be respectful and positive. Ask your sibling to talk with your parents.

Answer: Plan a sit-down conversation with one or both of your parents. Schedule a time when they are not busy trying to make dinner or heading out the door for work. Make time to talk seriously and openly with your parents about what's getting you into trouble. Turn off the TV and your phone so that you can give the conversation your full attention. Knowing what you want to say will help you figure out what is the most important parts to focus on. A plan can also help you say the hard parts that you might be nervous about. A plan will also help you figure out what end result you're looking for. Do you want to be grounded for less time? Do you want to get a phone? Do you want to attend a concert with your friends? Figure out what it is you want, but be realistic. If you're already in trouble, don't expect that your parents will suddenly change their mind after a calm conversation with you. Apologize for whatever got you into trouble. Your parents will appreciate that you acknowledge your wrongdoing. Saying sorry can go a long way. Even if you don't think you did something wrong, try to understand the problem from your parents' point of view. How do they view your actions? It's a good rule of thumb throughout life to tell the truth. Your parents know you well and they are pretty good at detecting lies. If you start by lying, you can get caught in your lies if they don't match up. Even if the truth is difficult to say, your parents will value your honesty and maturity. Keeping your temper in check will help your cause, because you will demonstrate that you can have a mature, calm discussion without automatically getting defensive or saying something rude. You may not get completely out of trouble by having a conversation with your parents, but you can make conditions better for yourself. Give a little and your parents will probably give a little too. This conversation may also lay the groundwork for keeping yourself out of trouble in the future. Talk with your parents in a respectful tone without sarcasm or anger. Listen to what they have to say, even if you disagree with it. You'd like to have the same courtesy, so listen respectfully when they are talking. Understand that your parents are people too and that they might be stressed out too. Have a positive attitude and recognize that this phase won't last forever. Your siblings, especially older ones, might be good ambassadors for you when talking with your parents. They understand your parents and know where you're coming from. They might be able to convince your parents to ease up on you or to see things from your perspective. You will probably need to do something really nice for your sibling if they talk with your parents for you. Make or buy a small gift for them or volunteer to do some of their chores for them. Alternately, ask a trusted adult to talk with your parents. If you don't have a good relationship with your parents, it can be helpful to start a dialogue with another trusted adult first. This person might be an aunt or uncle, grandparent, teacher or coach.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Wait until you're not angry. Practice what you are going to say. Just say it. Establish boundaries. Be persistent.

Answer:
Sometimes your need for space can be more serious than simply "needing to recharge." If someone's actions upset you and that is why you want space from them, wait until you've cooled off to let them know. You'll be able to articulate better why you need space when you're feeling more level-headed. Especially if the conversation may grow heated, it is a good idea to rehearse the conversation ahead of time. Make an outline of your most important points. What do you need your friend to know? Once you have your outline, practice speaking in the mirror. You can always bring the outline with you if you think you may forget an important point. No matter how you go about it, the important thing is just to say what you need to say. Preparation is only effective up to a point. After that, you have to take the leap. Don't over think it and don't put it off. Just pick up the phone and call. You can always do this in person too, if it is easier for you. Avoid doing this online, however, as your words and intent could get misinterpreted. If you feel that your friend is frequently overwhelming your space or if you don't feel like your requests for space are being heard, you may need to set some boundaries. Healthy boundaries are the foundation of a healthy friendship. Explain which behaviors are okay, and which others are not. For example, maybe it is okay for them to email or call, but not okay from them to drop by unannounced. If you want to sever the friendship permanently, it's important to voice it. Don't put it off and give them false hope. Your need for space will not evaporate. When you need space, make sure you get it. Subtle approaches may work sometimes, but sometimes you need to be more direct. In those cases, you may need to assert your need for space more than once. Keep at it! Claiming the space you need is a powerful act of self-love!