Article: During a heated argument, it can be tempting to say some hurtful things. Instead of attacking with your words, carefully select what you want to say and make it a constructive message. You can still speak your mind and express yourself honestly, so long as you aren't using your message to hurt your partner. Use "I" statements such as "I feel...." or "I would like..." Ask for input. Say something like "What do you think about..." Listen carefully and openly to anything your spouse might say. Be honest and speak your mind in a calm and fair manner. When things get too emotional, a discussion might turn into a shouting competition. Yelling at one another will do another but cause harm to the relationship. Loud outbursts should be avoided at all costs when trying to improve your marriage. Yelling will not convey any useful message you may have hoped to get across. You are allowed to have and feel emotions. However, they cannot become angry outbursts during a discussion. If one person tries to make all the choices in a relationship, it can lead to the other party feeling dis-empowered or undervalued. Choices that can involve both people, should. Try to keep both your own and your spouse's needs in mind when discussing any plans. Work towards options that are best for both partners. Don't try to force a choice to get your way. Decisions should be cooperative, not competitive. Whenever your spouse is talking to you, practicing active listening can help her feel like she is being heard. You will be able to more fully engage in a conversation with your spouse by carefully listening to what she is saying and giving cues that you are paying attention. Restate things your spouse has said. "I just want to make sure I understood..." Summarize what you heard. "It sounds like..." Use encouragers like "oh", "I see", or "mmhmm" Validate what is being said. "I'm glad you brought this up." Allow for silences. Don't jump in the moment your spouse is done talking. Passive-aggressive behavior is when you may act nicely to a person, while feeling resentful and working in secret to undermine her. Often times, being afraid of direct conflict or expressing one's feelings can result in passive-aggressive behavior. By avoiding engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, you can help reduce the harm that it can cause to your marriage. Watch your behavior and try to find what causes you to act passive-aggressively. Practice being assertive and honest with your negative feelings. Realize that being passive-aggressive is a form of lying. Keep in mind that it's perfectly normal and healthy to have disagreements.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Speak constructively. Avoid yelling. Make decisions together. Actively listen. Avoid being passive-aggressive.
Article: You might use half an envelope or a paper box. The size of the container will necessarily depend on the size of the bridge you have built. Use a string or bent paperclip to attach the container to the center of the bridge. A thin bridge may break immediately after you attach the container, but a thicker, stronger spaghetti bridge will hold. You can use multiple hanging points to distribute the weight evenly across the bridge. Alternatively, you can place the weight directly on the roadbed of the bridge. However, this will increase the chances of you accidentally collapsing the bridge when placing weights on it, so be very careful. Again, the size and density of the weighted objects will depend on the size of the bridge you built. For smaller bridges, coins will work as weighted objects. For larger bridges, consider using something like bags of sand or, if your bridge is quite large, actual weights from a weight set. Make sure you know the actual weight of the objects you use so that you can accurately determine how much weight you've added to the bridge before it collapses. Begin to add weights to the container a little at a time. Take care not to jar the bridge or cause the container to swing. This can be a very nerve-wracking process. Eventually, you will have added too much weight for your bridge to hold and it will collapse. After enjoying the bridge's destruction, determine how much weight the bridge held by calculating the sum of the weights you added to the bridge. You will now want to go through this process again making minor alterations to the materials or adjustments to how you constructed the bridge. The goal here is to see if you can build a stronger bridge capable of holding more weight. Like any good science experiment, a little trial and error will be necessary.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Hang a lightweight container under the center of the bridge. Acquire weighted objects. Add weight. Watch the bridge collapse. Go back to the drawing board.
Article: Write down the reasons for wanting to lose weight this week. Include long-term goals. Ask yourself what your motivation for weight loss is in the short term and long term. If you find cravings for food are very bad, try to commit mealtime to tasting and enjoying your food. Don't eat out. Studies show we consume more calories in groups and when we are drinking alcohol. Don't watch TV while you eat. You may get distracted, making you eat more and not notice when you are full. Pick a way to treat yourself after you lose weight this week. Choose a food that you will allow yourself to eat in place of a healthy food on the fifth day. Choose a serving that is 300 calories or less. Consider treating yourself with a purchase you have wanted to make for a while. Opt for an experience, such as booking a vacation.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Keep a journal of your goals. Visualize reaching your goal before you answer a craving. Practice mindful eating. Plan a reward.