INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Checking it all the time will give off the impression that you would rather be somewhere else. It's fine to pull out your phone to show them something related to the conversation, but don't rely on your phone when you have nothing to talk about. Remember that there's a lot more to a person than their appearance, and everyone appreciates compliments about their personality, intelligence, and sense of humor. Do not compliment them on the sexual parts of their body on the first date, since it will make it seem like you're there with one goal in mind. Do not "neg" your date. Backhanded compliments like "You look a lot like my little sister, she's in middle school!" or "You're such a dork, but at least you're cute!" will hurt your date's feelings and drive them away from you. Don't overdo it with the genuine compliments. Two or three throughout the whole course of the date should suffice, since more can come off as a demand for reciprocation. Looking deeply into their eyes and nodding as they talk will show that you're a good listener. However, don't stare at them, and make sure you spend some time looking elsewhere every once in awhile. Ask about their job or hobbies to get the conversation rolling, and then follow up with questions about things you find interesting. For example, if they say that they went to school for psychology, ask what their favorite class was. Don't let the conversation end with "oh, that's cool" over and over. Don't talk about yourself the whole time, as it can be seen as arrogant or self-centered. Don't ask questions about previous relationships. It will make it seem like you're comparing yourself to her past romantic interests, which comes off as insecure and annoying. Similarly, don't talk about your ex-partners, as it may cause them to compare themselves to people they don't even know! A person who is uncomfortable will look down a lot, hold their arms close to their body or touch their face and neck, and shuffle around in their seat. If you're talking and they looks uncomfortable, that's your cue to switch the topic to something more positive, like music, movies, or hobbies. Current events can be a great conversation starter, but being too negative or trying to show off your worldly knowledge will not impress your date. If you talk about the news, tell them about uplifting stories by starting the conversation with "Hey, did you hear about?" Contribute a personal story that's related to what you were talking about only after your date is done speaking. Interrupting to tell your own story can be seen as trying to one-up them, which will make them feel small and like their story wasn't worth telling. It's impressive if you can recall something they said a long time ago and work it into the conversation. For example, if they said they like hockey and you're trying to think of things to do, offer to take them to a hockey game.

SUMMARY: Put away your phone. Compliment them genuinely and kindly. Make eye contact, especially if they're talking. Ask them questions about themselves. Avoid sensitive topics like family issues, religion, and politics. Listen closely when they talk.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: . Meditation is one of the best ways to master your emotions. Through meditation and practicing mindfulness, you learn to acknowledge your emotions, accept them and let them go. Though some people manage to release emotional attachments on command, this is generally only attained after practicing meditation for a long time and maintaining a daily practice. Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and assume a comfortable position that allows you to breathe deeply. You can practice a simple meditation by focusing on your breath. Inhale through your nose and breathe into your belly; exhale from your belly through your nose. While breathing, focus on your breath as it moves through your body. Scan your body with your awareness from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Just be aware of your sensations. Is it hot or cold? Can you feel the seat/floor below you? Just notice. Imagine something that you associate with a peaceful feeling, and concentrate on that image in your mind. Every time your mind wanders, acknowledge, accept the thoughts and let them go. Bring the focus back to your visualization. If any thoughts or emotions come up, simply acknowledge them. Do not try to change or fix them: just accept them. Then let them go and continue to breathe deeply. A good meditation session can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes or longer if desired. Once you have reached your "place," you'll notice the shift in your mood, thoughts and behaviors. Once you're good at it, you can use it on the fly in situations that challenge your emotional stability, and you'll be able to immediately regain your composure. Many issues in life simply don't have a pure, single answer, and you can't think in such black and white terms. When you're wrong, make amends or apologize to avoid sinking into all-consuming feelings of guilt or regret. Your life should have no room for negative emotions. They don't do you any good! No matter how angry, frustrated or worried you are, do not act upon such emotions until you have taken the time to carefully review the situation. Place yourself in a position to think clearly and see the consequences of your actions. If there's even the slightest possibility you might act differently if you sleep on it, do so. Think before you speak. Often emotions cause us to blurt out a response that doesn't reflect well on us. Take your time and use wisdom. If you're dying to say something before thinking it through, remember the adage that it is better not to be heard and to have people think you're not so bright, than to open your mouth and confirm it. If a colleague criticizes your work, refrain from writing her an angry email or saying something curt to her while you're angry. Rather, take some time to figure out whether her criticism is valid, whether you can improve your work thanks to her input or whether you need to ask her to change the tone in which she delivers criticism to be more professional. If you recognize a situation that might rile you up, take control of the reigns as quickly as you can. Leave the situation, somehow tune out, or steer it in a different direction. Only you know what would work for you. But to do this, you need to know you, your triggers, and your go-to reactions. So study up on the only thing you have access to 24/7. You. This will only be easy if you strive to help yourself out! So instead of facing a situation and wondering why the heck you can't seem to get a grip on it, do the work. Breathe. Distract yourself. Heck, reread this article. Ask others how they disengage. Habits take practice, not miracles. Practice emotionless habits and sooner or later, you'll be emotionless. Though you may not notice it until someone points it out!

SUMMARY:
Practice meditation Use visualization during meditation. Admit when you're wrong. Avoid self-sabotaging behavior. Know yourself.