Fresh, raw peanuts often have dirt on them, even if it isn't visible. Place 2 pounds (907 g) of peanuts in a colander, and use cool water from the sink to rinse them. Shake the colander well to ensure that all of the peanuts are cleaned. There's no need to dry the peanuts after rinsing them if you plan to boil them. Add the peanuts to a large stockpot, and cover them with 3 gallons (11 l) of water. Mix in 5 tablespoons (85 g) of salt, and stir well to ensure that it's completely incorporated. You can use any type of salt that you like, including regular table salt, but kosher salt is usually the best option. Place the pot on the stove, and turn the burner to high. Cover the pot, and allow the peanuts to simmer for 4 hours. After four hours, remove a peanut from the pot and open it. It should have the texture of a cooked, dried bean and should hold its shape but not crunch when you bite it. If the peanuts aren't done, allow them to simmer for another 3 to 4 hours until they reach the proper texture. The cooking time will vary based on how fresh the peanuts are. Fresher peanuts take less time to cook. You may need to add additional water to the pot during the cooking process. When the peanuts are done boiling, drain them in a colander. Shake well to remove the excess water, and set them out on a clean towel or piece of paper towel to dry. Place them in a covered container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Summary: Rinse the peanuts. Place the peanuts, water, and salt in a stock pot. Simmer the peanuts for several hours. Test the peanuts and cook longer if necessary. Drain the peanuts and allow them to cool.

Boil a small pot of water. Pour the water into a ceramic cup. You can put the ball directly in the pot of water, but don't leave it in for more than a couple minutes. Ping pong balls can melt or burn when overheated. The water will heat up the air inside the ping pong ball. This causes the air to expand, popping the ball back into shape. To increase the heat and pressure, use a spoon to push the ball underneath the water. Hold it there for about 20 seconds, or until the ball is fixed. Use the spoon or a pair of kitchen tongs to take out the ball. The water will be too hot to touch with your bare hands. Wrap a tissue or handkerchief around the ball, taping all the edges together to form a little sack. Hang the sack from a nail or clothes hanger until the ball cools, about 510 minutes. The ball won't be quite as good as new, but it will be round and usable again. Leaving the ball to cool on a flat surface can cause it to slump and form a flat surface.

Summary: Heat a cup of water. Drop the ping-pong ball on top of the water. Press the ping pong ball under the water (optional). Take it out. Hang the ball in a tissue.

You'll need to make an extra effort to prove your trustworthiness to your partner. Communicate your plans and respond to your partner's requests for information and reassurance. Note, however, that your past history of cheating does not completely eliminate your right to privacy. Be mindful of your partner's need for information, but do not feel compelled to provide a full list of your cell phone and social media passwords or to account for your whereabouts at all times. Such practices perpetuate mistrust rather than allowing you to rebuild your shattered relationship. Do not expect forgiveness -- least of all on your schedule. Your partner will need to learn he or she has reason to trust you. Take a "time out" if you find that emotions are running high. Your partner may need some physical or emotional space to process his or her feelings. Politely leave the room, go for a walk, or give your partner the freedom to distance him or herself for a period of time. Consider scheduling specific windows of time to process difficult feelings. You might set an egg timer for half an hour, for example, and use that limited span of time for discussion. Doing so provides structure and predictability; you can both focus upon the subject at hand without having the conversation degenerate into "venting" or other unproductive behavior. Forgiving yourself does not mean you're off the hook for the consequences of your behavior, nor does it exempt you from the hard work of taking steps to change your behavior. Rather, forgiving yourself frees up your mental and emotional energy to move forward. You can then work on healing your relationship and changing your habits. Each day is a new day. When you wake up each morning, remind yourself of your decision to move forward and focus on repairing your damaged relationship. If you find rituals helpful, consider taking a symbolic step such as (carefully) burning or shredding a paper labeled "cheating." Remind yourself of this action when you're tempted to dwell upon your past behavior. You've burned your bridges, literally or metaphorically, and have committed to move forward. If you find yourself wallowing in regret, brainstorm a productive action you can undertake instead. You might consider sending your partner a loving text, performing a chore around the house, or working on a new hobby that helps you constructively redirect your behavior.

Summary: Expect to be held accountable. Give your partner time and space. Forgive yourself.

The feeling of depersonalization is usually not dangerous and commonly fades. Remind yourself that the feeling is uncomfortable, but temporary. This will make depersonalization have less control over you. Tell yourself, "This feeling will go away." Tell yourself, "I feel weird right now, but I am OK." Think about any other instances in which you experienced depersonalization, and remember that the feeling went away then, too. Notice what the temperature is, what things are around you, and what sounds you are hearing. Engage with a nearby object, such as turning on a fan or writing with a pen. This will force your mind to be in the present moment, and will lessen the feeling of depersonalization. You can also carry around a tactile item, such as sandpaper or something furry, to touch during intense depersonalization moments. Mentally list things you see, hear, and feel around you. If possible, listen to music. Aim for favorite tunes that give you positive feelings, rather than any music that may increase anxiety or sadness. Research shows that music therapy is effective for all sorts of mental illnesses and can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, or agitation, all of which may be present in chronic cases of depersonalization. Begin a conversation, or get back into the conversation you were having. This will bring you into the present moment. If you are alone, text or call a friend or family member just to chat. You do not have to reveal your depersonalization to others. At the same time, many people are aware of and have experienced depersonalization; if you feel comfortable, talk about your feelings with a friend as they are happening.
Summary: Acknowledge and accept the feeling of depersonalization. Focus on your immediate surroundings. Engage with those around you.