Q: A conversation shouldn't be a struggle to see who gets to talk about themselves, or does the most talking. Think of it this way: when you were a kid, you took turns on toys or games. A conversation is the same thing. If it's your friend's turn, let him talk. You'll have your turn, since a conversation is a two-way-street, but allow your friend equal time to talk about himself, giving him your full attention. Don't approach it as if trying to convince the person that your idea or way of seeing/doing things is right. Instead, try to learn and grow from what he's saying. Don't manipulate the conversation to serve your own agenda and steamroll your counterpart. Consider this approach: you're on the same team, trying to find an answer. Conversations like sports are more fun when you're interacting with each other, rather than against each other. There's an old saying, "you can't learn anything new if you're talking." You already know your perspective. To broaden, change, or confirm that point of view, you must let others state theirs. For example, when discussing dinner, you might say: "I prefer ordering tapas to entrees, because I get to taste a variety of the chef's offerings. Which do you prefer?" (Then, let them respond.) "That's interesting; why do you think that is?" Obviously your responses would depend on what the person says, but you can continue to probe her reasoning, so that you get a thorough understanding of why she thinks, feels, or believes what she does. You can't talk about yourself if you're asking well-thought-out questions. It requires the other person to be the focal point. This takes "look for what you can learn, not say," to an entirely new level. Not only does this keep your conversation partner as the focal point, it allows him to delve more deeply into his knowledge/feelings/beliefs which, in turn, strengthen the connection. Be in the moment, listening, when he answers your question. Invariably, this will lead to a mindset allowing further questions, resulting in a very positive experience for all involved. This may sound like the exact opposite of what you're trying to learn, but there's a difference between talking about yourself and your world view. Try stating your opinion, such as "I see the two-party system as limiting our choices and narrowing the potential for alternative voices and points of view in our political system." Then follow this with something like: "How do you see this working in our government?" Once you've put your unique point of view out there, use what you've learned in your conversation thus far to get your conversation partner to expound on his viewpoint. Then probe his point of view with questions geared to learn more. This is how to converse about ideas on a higher level.
A: Practice cooperation instead of competition. Look for what you can learn. Ask probing questions. Show how the world looks through your eyes.

Q: Cough drops have cough-suppressing ingredients. They are also a great way to keep your throat moist, which helps suppress a cough even further. Cough drops are not medicinal but simply help to activate your salivary glands, which brings extra moisture to the back of your throat. Cough drops are best used for dry coughs, rather than wet. Buy cough drops that include ingredients like honey, lemon, eucalyptus, and mint to help ease your coughing symptoms. A warm towel applied to the neck or chest may help relieve congestion in the lungs and nasal passages. This is due to the increase in stimulation, which encourages mucus drainage that can otherwise cause irritation in the throat. To use this method, soak a small, clean towel in lukewarm water for three to five minutes. Wring the water out and apply it to your chest or neck for five minutes. Rewet the towel again in warm water, then repeat the additional steps for up to 20 minutes. Do not apply heat for longer than 20 minutes unless recommended by your doctor or physician. If you don't want to use a towel, you can use a hot gel pack or water bottle to apply heat compression. Make sure it isn't hot enough to burn the skin some kind of barrier, like cloth between the heat source and your skin. Do not apply heat if there is swelling or fever. Use an ice bag instead. People with poor circulation and diabetes should practice caution when using warm compression. When suffering from a bad cough, a warm shower or bath that lasts for five to 10 minutes can reduce it by soothing your throat, encouraging mucus drainage, and relaxing your sore muscles. It can help loosen up bronchial passages with increased humidity and moisture allowing for more productive cough. Make sure the water is not too hot or cold, especially if you have a fever. Keeping your body clean can also help reduce the risk of further viral or bacterial infections. Lukewarm baths can also benefit children and infants with nasal congestion and sore throats. When you are suffering from a cough due to a sore throat, gargle warm salt water. This helps soothe a sore throat and moisturizes your sinuses, which allows mucus to drain and prevents postnasal drip that can trigger coughs. Place 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in a glass of distilled or sterilized warm water and stir until it's dissolved. Gargle the water for one to two minutes, then spit it out. Do not swallow it. If the salt irritates your mouth or throat, you can also use plain, distilled warm water for gargles. Repeat every few hours.
A:
Use cough drops. Apply a warm compress. Take a warm shower. Gargle salt water.