INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If the relationship is one you want or need to improve, start by asking the person why he or she doesn't like you. There could be a huge misunderstanding behind everything, and you could receive valuable information about how the person perceives you (which isn't necessarily how you actually are). Try asking in a way that isn't confrontational. Instead of saying "what's your problem?" you can say "did I do something to make you dislike me?" It's natural to want to fight fire with fire, but if someone is expressing frustration with something you are doing, it can be helpful to take a pause and do your best to respond to the situation calmly, rather than making things worse by charging into battle. Avoid snapping at them or returning the criticism. You can probably think of things that you dislike about them as well, but being mean to them won't resolve the situation. Criticizing the person will only cause the conflict to get more intense. Practice deep breathing while they are talking to keep yourself from getting upset and firing back. It's okay to take a temporary time out and come back to the person once you have cooled off, as well. If you talk to them, let them finish their thoughts before you jump in. You may not like what they are saying, but if you want to repair the relationship, you will need to know what you are dealing with, and you will gain their respect if you respect them enough to listen before you respond. You may even gain some valuable constructive criticism in the process. You can say "I understand that there's something about me you don't like. I'm genuinely interested to hear what that is and see if we can move past this issue together." Sometimes people get on each other's nerves because they are spending too much time around each other, for example coworkers or friends of friends. If you work with the person, do your best to limit contact for a while. If you spend a lot of the time around the same people, try to see other friends or catch these friends while the other person isn't around. Time apart can help people reset, and they may like you more when they see you again. A good way to correct misunderstandings is to let the other person know how you feel. Try to do this in a respectful and emotionally neutral way. Clearing the air may be just what the situation needs to get the person on your side, rather than stewing in their dislike of you. Using "I statements" is a good way to communicate without making the person feel like they are being attacked. You can say "I feel hurt that you don't like me and I'd like to know what I can do to make things better between us."

SUMMARY: Ask questions. Avoid getting defensive. Hear the person out. Take a break. Communicate your feelings.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use a natural sea sponge (sponges harvested from the sea) for an interesting, multi-layered effect, similar to the look of granite (but with any color you choose). You can find natural sponges for around $10 (7.10) at a hardware store. Natural sea sponges often come in sizes of 56in (1315cm). You can use a kitchen sponge, but it won't look quite the same. Choose the colors that you want to paint with and pour them into separate disposable bowls. You can use foam bowls, paper bowls, or regular bowls that you've set aside for craft use (just remember they'll be dirty afterwards). Run water over the sponge enough to get it damp, then crush it with your hands until the water no longer runs out. If you don't wring the sponge out, your paint may come out too watery and not adhere to the foam well. Choosing the paint you want to use, dip the sponge into it, blotting a little bit of paint off the sponge onto the newspaper so that you don't make drips on your foam. Try practicing your sponge painting on the newspaper before moving to the foam; this will give you a better idea of what you want to do on your project. Touch the sponge to the foam gently, letting it rest on the foam for a few seconds before pulling it away. Repeat until the entire project is covered in paint. Try rotating the sponge while painting to get different effects. Dampen the sponge with clean water and wring it out before choosing another color. It's important to let the paint dry before adding another coat, or it may end up looking uneven. You can wait up to 60 minutes to ensure the paint dries fully. Use the same technique to paint another coat. Focus on spots where the paint has seeped in and left white spots. Aim to create an even layer so that all the foam is covered. Give your foam project at least an hour to dry before picking it up. Wash your sponge in clean water and wring it out thoroughly, then let it dry in a ventilated area. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling paints.

SUMMARY: Use natural sponges for an artsy, granite-like effect. Put acrylic, water-based paints in separate disposable bowls. Dampen a sponge with water and wring it out. Dip the sponge into the paint, then blot some onto the newspaper. Paint by applying the sponge softly to the foam's surface. Wait at least 15 minutes for the paint to dry. Apply another coat of paint. Let your project dry for an hour and wash your sponge.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Don't cram too many pieces onto one display. The jewelry is not a part of the display; it is the display. Be careful not to divert the attention away from the signature pieces with too much clutter. Each piece of jewelry should get the attention it deserves. If you are selling jewelry to teenagers, you might want to display a lot of jewelry in many options or colors. However, if you are displaying jewelry in a formal setting, you might want to only lay out a few elegant pieces. If your jewelry display is for yourself at home, you can display whatever you would like (your favorite pieces or all the ones you own). Select pieces that go together when choosing the items to display. Put together pieces of jewelry that can be worn together. This might make customers potentially buy more than one piece if they see it as a set. Put pieces together that are of similar type, such as similar sized watches. You might want to separate any expensive jewelry from any bargain pieces. Consider displaying elegant jewelry in a formal style and less traditional pieces in a more unique, crafty, DIY style. You may also want to separate vintage pieces from recently acquired pieces. You can purchase many types of display items in many colors for your jewelry online. You can buy busts for your necklaces, bracelet displays, earring hangers, ring stands, and many other pieces to show your jewelry off in an elegant way. You can also use household items to create your display for a unique look. You can purchase different colored covers for your displays. This allows you to easily change the display color with the season or for the piece of jewelry.

SUMMARY:
Pick signature pieces. Choose your jewelry depending on the situation. Group pieces into sets. Separate jewelry by quality. Use a purchased or DIY display.