Problem: Article: Averting your eyes signals to the other person that you are not interested in a conversation. Even if the other person has already engaged you, a slight diversion in eye contact can signal to them that you do not want to continue the conversation. The rest of your body language can also play a part. Angle your body away from the person and cross your arms or look down. If you're with a friend, turn and engage in conversation so you can avoid looking at the person you don't want to talk to. Acting as if you are alone in your environment makes people want to leave you alone. If there's something about you that stands out, it can act as an unwanted conversation starter. Clothing can help you blend in or stand out. If you want to blend in, try wearing jeans and a dark-colored top, with plain shoes. In the summer, wear sunglasses; in the winter, wear a big coat with a hood. Sometimes averting your eyes isn't a strong enough cue to signal to the other person that you do not wish to talk to them. Instead, draw your attention toward something in your environment. Changing your body language is a strong indicator that you do not have time to converse. Rummage for something in your bag, if you have one. Stop, and look at something around you. Try window shopping if you are on the street, or read a sign that is posted in the hallway. Pretend as if something is wrong with your shoe, and stop to fix it. You do not have to actually use your phone, just pretend to be speaking to someone. Turn slightly away from the person watching you and begin a one-sided conversation; they'll be none the wiser. Pretend to answer a phone call. Keep talking as you walk away from the person you want to avoid. Make sure that your phone is silenced or on vibrate; it would be a dead give-away if you were to receive a call while you are pretending to talk on it! Wear headphones or earbuds so it seems as if you are listening to something. Pretending to listen intently can signal to the other person that you do not want to be disturbed. If you seem to be lost in what you are listening to, you can even get away with not acknowledging the other person. Even before you are close enough to converse with someone, you can nonverbally signal to them that you are too busy to talk. Check your watch often and look like you're in a hurry. Tell them "I'm sorry, I'm running late," if they try to engage you. There are many apps in the works now for smart-phone users to help them avoid others they don't want to see.
Summary: Avert your eyes. Stay anonymous. Preoccupy yourself with something else. Use your phone. Listen to music. Pretend to be late. Use an App.

Problem: Article: Positive portrayals of smoking in the media often lead to increased tobacco usage among teens. Don't watch movies or TV that glorifies smoking. Smoking isn't cool; it's a dangerous addiction. Ignore marketing by tobacco companies. They may try to make tobacco use look appealing instead of showing its dangers. Realize that smoking is not the social norm despite what you may see on TV. Most people don't smoke. Only 20% of teens are smokers Flavored tobacco is a gateway for many smokers. Don't get started with flavored tobacco or chewing tobacco; they are just as bad for you Avoid smoking hookah. Hookahs often have tobacco that is fruit flavored. Don't let the taste fool you into thinking it's not bad for you. Cigarette smoking is declining among teens. Many teens use e-cigarettes instead. They are also bad for you and addictive. Don't use smokeless tobacco. Chewing tobacco can also be very dangerous and can lead to oral cancer. If your parents smoke, you are more likely to smoke. Realize the dangers of smoking, especially if you are susceptible to its influence. Sleep on time and wake up early in order to stay and feel healthy and energetic throughout the day, so you don't have the need for a stimulant like nicotine. Know if you are more susceptible to addiction because of your family background. If you are, make sure to avoid starting smoking entirely. Stay away from secondhand smoke. If friends around you smoke, your lungs can be damaged from their smoke. If you have started smoking, quit as soon as possible. There are a number of approaches that can help you to stop right now. Dispose of your lighters, matches, smokes, or any other object that might weaken your determination. Don't keep around any triggers that were part of your life as a smoker. Avoid situations or places where tobacco is used. Get rid of temptations to bum a cigarette from a friend or stranger, since you will be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
Summary: Ignore media perception of smoking. Avoid tobacco flavorings and other tobacco products. Keep in mind biological and social factors that lead to smoking. Find approaches to quit smoking.

Problem: Article: Place a bucket underneath the pipes to catch any water that may drain out. The trap is the curved pipe that dips below the horizontal and vertical pipes. Try to unscrew PVC pipes by hand. If you can't unscrew the pipes by hand, then use a pipe wrench or channel locks to loosen the connections. Check the trap for clogs and clean the trap if needed. If you find the clog in the trap, reattach the trap. Turn on the hot water and see if the sink drains. If the sink is still clogged, then follow the next steps to use the cable auger. Push the end of the cable auger into the stub pipe until the auger meets resistance. Tighten the lock screw. Push forward as you do this to guide the auger deeper into the pipe. If the cable catches on something, then turn the handle counterclockwise and pull the auger back. If the auger meets resistance again, continue pulling the cable out and cranking the handle clockwise until the cable catches on the clog. Reattach the horizontal pipe and the trap. Do not tighten the plastic parts too much or they may crack. If the water runs slowly, then fill up the sink part of the way and use a plunger to dislodge the remains of the clog.
Summary: Open the cabinet beneath your sink. Detach the trap. Empty water from the trap into the bucket. Remove the horizontal pipe that connects the trap to the stub pipe in the wall. Pull out about 18" (46 cm) of cable from the stub pipe. Crank the handle in a clockwise direction. Retract the cable from the stub pipe. Turn on the hot water to see if the sink drains.

Problem: Article: In a worst-case scenario, a blown tire could cause you to crash. Turn on the car and activate the directional signals, then apply the brakes and put the car in reverse so the person can see if lights are working correctly. Ask the person to stand in front of the vehicle, then turn on the headlights and activate the directional signals. Carjackers sometimes hide in the back seat, then surprise the driver once the car is started. Check mirrors to be sure they are aligned properly, giving you a proper view of the road. Check the gauges every time you start your car. Check the engine temperature gauge after the engine has had time to warm.
Summary:
Check the tires for proper inflation and any obvious damage or signs of excessive wear. Ask someone to stand behind your car to check the lights. Check the back seat or seats to make sure no one is hiding there. Check your windows to make sure you have good visibility. Know how the gauges on your dashboard should look when everything is working properly. Check the vents, heating system and air conditioning to be sure they are in working order so you can defog or defrost the windows when necessary.