INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you rush up to a quiet-type and start peppering him with a million questions, you're more likely to get a blank stare and a bunch of one-word answers than a good conversation. Ease into it. When you see a shy guy, start saying "Hello" as you pass in the hallway. Smile, give a little wave, and know that you're making progress. Start using his name when you say hi. While it might seem like a little thing, it'll mean a lot for him to know that you know it. Open body language means you've got your head up, your shoulders back, and your limbs uncrossed, suggesting that you're willing to talk and open to listen. Shyer types will be much more likely to open up a little bit and mirror your body language and behavior, so it's a good idea to try to adopt open body language to help out the process. Shy guys will have an easier time talking about things outside of themselves. Music, sports, movies, books, even the weather, are all better topics for a shy guy than to try to prod him into talking about himself. So, asking, "What'd you think of Walking Dead?" will be a way better question than, "How was your weekend?" Check out Facebook, if you can, or other social networking. Notice a guy taking lots of pictures of his pet dog? Strike up a convo about dogs. If you're not sure what a particular guy is into, try finding out from someone else. Talk to his friends. Talk about something you know you have in common, if you know something. If you both are in class together, talk to him about the teacher that you have, or a particular book you're reading for class, or an assignment. Often, shy guys get nervous when conversations last more than a little while, because they're scared of messing up, saying something dumb, or drawing a blank when it's their turn to say something. Don't force the issue, especially at first, by keeping your conversations short. Start by saying "Hi" regularly, then have a quick exchange or two about something. Talk about that assignment by asking a question. When you get the answer, just say, "Yeah, totally. Good luck next week. Good talking to you!" and leave it at that. It's good to end on something positive, like, "Good talking to you!" or "Talk to you later!" Often, shy people will have the feeling that they "messed up" every time they speak. So it's good to leave off with a positive. Lots of quieter types are perfectly communicative and articulate, but struggle to interject in louder or faster types of conversation styles. Just as speaking very quickly isn't a sign that someone is saying anything interesting, speaking very slowly isn't a sign of simplicity. Wait out his pauses and go more slowly than you might be used to. Quieter, introverted types of guys are unlikely to be engaged by motormouths. If you tend to fill silences with lots of talking, try to chill out a little bit. Take a deep breath, and create a calming presence to be around. Shy guys will have an easier time speaking to someone like them.

SUMMARY: Start saying "hello" on a regular basis. Use open body language. try to figure out what his interests are. Keep your interactions brief. Go slowly.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A smile can go a long way if you are trying to make a friend in the line at the grocery store or while playing with your dog at the dog park. It signals to strangers that you are pleasant and that you may be approachable. Say hello to people you might like to befriend. Ask them how their day is going or some other icebreaker. It is important to show that you are interested in the person you are trying to befriend. Don't just tell them about yourself, instead leave room in the conversation for them to engage. This can be done by asking them questions and waiting for them to answer. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is completely timid, but you also don't want to appear completely self-absorbed. Be sure that you are walking the line between the two. Ask the person what they enjoy doing in their spare time. Suggest a common activity that you both could do together. Haven't we all said that we should do something and then the plans were never solidified? If you really want to hang out with this person, make concrete plans to hang out. If you have a plan you are more likely to actually spend time together. It may take some commitment on your part to create a new friendship, as people lead busy and hectic lives that don't always lend themselves to new relationships, but don't give up easily. If someone you are trying to befriend cancels plans or doesn't respond to your call or email right away, don't give up. Give people several chances before walking away. Friendship is not a one way street. While it may fall to you to make the first steps toward a lasting friendship, you should not be doing all the work. Sometimes you want to be friends with someone but they just don't make the effort to keep the relationship going. One of the biggest benefits of having a friendship is that you feel that someone else likes and cares for you and that you reciprocate those feelings. If this is the case, it may be best to walk away. Find someone else who will give you the kind of friendship you deserve.

SUMMARY: Have a pleasant disposition. Greet them pleasantly. Ask them about themselves. Be confident without being cocky. Find a common interest. Make concrete plans. Be persistent but take it slowly. Expect that the person you are befriending will give some effort as well.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the best parts of falling in love is envisioning the future you'll share with your loved one. Do not let yourself spend even a moment imagining your shared future. Live only in the present and the moment you find yourself unable to do this, pull the plug. Avoid scheduling out your time together. Try to plan your meet-ups day of so they're more impromptu and less routine. If you find yourself fantasizing about your friend with benefits, you may not be in the correct emotional space to pursue a relationship like this. Telling your friend with benefits your biggest secrets and making yourself vulnerable to them can only result in you feeling closer to them. This will make it that much harder for you to maintain the distance and separation you need to make this relationship work. Talk about fun things, like books, movies, music and work. Treat your friend with benefits like a co-worker or acquaintance that you don't know very well. You and your partner are both human, so it might be inevitable that some jealousy emerges during your relationship. It's very important to communicate about the feelings you're having, otherwise, your friendship will fail. When you or your partner start getting jealous, have a conversation about whether this relationship is still working for you. Recognize that your jealous feelings may mean you have fallen in love, and if so, get out of the relationship as soon as possible. It's easy to fall in love with someone when you see them every day, so a good way to keep from falling in love is to limit the amount of time you spend with a sexual partner. The longer you go without seeing a person, the easier it becomes to stop obsessing about them. Giving yourself space also includes other forms of communication. Don't call them or reach out to them online. To get yourself through the separation, trying exercising or giving hugs. Exercise increases your dopamine levels and touch increases the oxytocin in your system, which will make you feel happier and calmer. A great way to keep from falling in love is to become too busy to even think about it. Throw your energy into your work, or your hobbies. Concentrate on getting into shape or learning a new skill. Do whatever it takes to keep your mind occupied on yourself and not on the person you're obsessing over. Dating a new person is also a great way to get your mind off of someone else. When you feel yourself starting to go down the love rabbit hole, force your mind to think of something else.

SUMMARY:
Don't fantasize about the future. Don't share too much emotionally. Keep jealousy out of the equation. Give yourself some space. Focus your energy elsewhere.