Learning to communicate assertively is a way to express and control your emotions while creating change in an undesirable situation. It's okay to say state your opinion or say no to things that make you uncomfortable or that you simply don't have time for, as long as you do so clearly and tactfully. For example, if a friend invites you to a party, you could say: "Thank you for thinking of me! I really don't like big crowds, though, so I'll pass this time. How about we meet up for coffee instead?" This allows you to express your feelings instead of keeping them inside and letting them control you. This type of communication helps you express your emotions without blaming or belittling others. Before you say a sentence that could come off as blaming or judgmental, stop yourself and restructure it into an observation or a statement of opinion. For example, instead of saying "You don't care about me," you could try: "I felt hurt when you didn't call me back when you said you would. What happened?" No situation has only one side. Asking others to share their thoughts can help you understand their perspective and create an equal dialogue. Active listening can help also calm down your own emotions, giving you control over them and putting you in the right mental space to put their ideas to use. When you share your opinion, for example, follow it up with something like: "What are your thoughts on this?" " These statements feel blaming and can lead to feelings of frustration and anger that things aren't the way you want them to be. When you notice yourself using "shoulds, "oughts," or other expectant words or phrases, stop and remember that nothing and no one is perfect. Challenge yourself to embrace imperfection and accept things the way they are right now. For example, instead of thinking "My partner should never hurt my feelings," you can try reminding yourself that it wasn't personal, and that you both make mistakes. If you realize you're being hard on yourself, show yourself kindness and compassion. For example, if you're thinking something like "I should've studied for this test more. I'm going to fail," change it to "I studied hard and I'm as prepared as I could be. No matter what happens, I'll be fine."
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Express feelings directly and confidently. Use "I"-statements to make your point without blaming others. Invite others to share their perspectives. Avoid judgmental language like "shoulds" and "oughts.

Some engineered hardwood manufacturers recommend installing underlayment between the flooring and a concrete subfloor. Underlayment prevents the flooring from moving and makes the floor quieter to walk on.You can use foam, wood, cement board, or another hard, thin layer for the underlayment. Plywood is a popular choice, as it can be nailed into place along the edges. Each manufacturer will have different spacing requirements, so make sure you check the directions. If your hardwood didn't come with spacers, you can get some of your own from most home improvement stores. You should pour enough glue that it's about the width of 2 or 3 boards. Then use the trowel to scrape the side of the bucket and prevent drips. You should hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Make sure the teeth of the trowel are touching the concrete, and spread the glue. You should only spread the glue far enough to work with 2 or 3 rows of flooring. Otherwise it will dry too quickly. You can use less glue than this to start if you're nervous about timing. Spread enough for two rows until you get the hang of it and can work more quickly. They should be flush against the spacers, with the tongue facing out into the room. As you lay each new board down, make sure its edge is flush against the edge of the piece before it. This secures each row and makes sure there's no space between them. As you set each new board, use a tapping block and mallet to secure it in place. The edges of the new boards should be staggered about 6 inches (15cm) from each end. If you're gluing the boards down, use a tapping block that lays on top of the board and has a curved edge the hangs down over the edge of the flooring. Otherwise your block will get stuck in the glue. Once you've finished gluing down your flooring, let it dry for 24 hours. If you haven't finished the flooring but need to stop for a while, give it 24 hours before you step on it again. Once your flooring is in, remove the spacers and slide the trim pieces between the flooring and the wall. If necessary, use a flat bar to pull the trim taught against the first row of flooring.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Add underlayment if recommended by the manufacturer. Lay out your spacers against the wall. Pour glue onto the concrete. Use the trowel to spread the glue. Lay the first row of boards. Fit the groove of the second row over the tongue of the first. Let the flooring dry for 24 hours. Install the trim.

Before attempting to wash a doll's hair, read the manufacturer's instructions if you still have them. Some types of dolls come with special instructions for washing and hair care. American Girl dolls, for example, have hair that you should not wash on your own. The corporation provides a number you can call to ask for advice in the event your doll's hair is damaged.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Read manufacturer's instructions first, when possible.

By default, the camera is set to the Photo mode. To view your photos, tap the small box in the lower left corner.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Open the Camera app. Slide the lower right corner bar to the Camera icon. Tap the larger Camera icon (on the bottom tab) to take a picture.