Article: Initiate conversation about common interests, or questions about them. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, begin on a lighthearted level. Consider using the F.O.R.D. technique, by focusing the conversation on the following topics: Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams (Hopes). See a conversation as two sided. Be interested in what others say, and be interesting by relating to others. Share stories, but allow others an opportunity to speak. Be friendly and personable. Even if you're more of an introvert than an extrovert, by simply being positive in the conversation, and showing genuine interest in what the person is saying, you are more likely to develop a closer connection. It can be hard to develop a deep relationship with a group. Cultivating closer friendships and relationships often requires one-on-one settings. This may involve doing something outside of work, school, or home. Invite someone to lunch, coffee, or a hang-out spot. Ask them to go on a hike or walk, or some other outdoor activity. Go to a bar for drinks If that person agrees, that's a good sign that they are interested in also getting to know you, and giving you a chance. If they decline, they may be busy, or less interested in a close relationship. Getting out of your ordinary routine can often help you to be closer with someone. If the new person is interested in things that you normally would be less likely to try, consider trying it. New experiences can help you find new friends, and can possibly help you to be more open and interesting to others. Consider going out of your comfort zone in these ways: Go to a local food festival rather than a restaurant. Take a day trip to a local state or national park. Go to a museum that's not so traditional, like a radio and television museum or a sports hall of fame. Consider going to a local comedy show or a play rather than the movies. Go to a sporting event that might be outside the usual. Take a class together art, fitness, cooking, or something else that seems different. Many successful romantic relationships are not just based on sexual compatibility, but also on a close friendship. It's important that the person you're dating makes you feel attractive and loved, but it's also key that you can communicate about important things. Try online dating. This is an opportunity to meet a lot people, and see if you hit it off before meeting up in person. Go to parties, events, and social gatherings with the goal of having one-on-one time with someone interesting. Consider doing activities on your own, without the people who you usually hang out with. Doing things independently may push you to talk more with new people, and get you to open up more than usual. You're more likely to develop a relationship with someone new if you're not hanging out with a friend already.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Identify someone that you want to get to know better. Find ways to interact with that person one-on-one. Take an interest in exploring new things with someone. Search for a partner. Venture out on your own.

Ask yourself what each item represents for you. For instance, it could remind you of a special memory or might have been a gift from someone special. Think about why an item is important so you can decide if you're ready to let it go. As an example, you might have kept old birthday cards that remind you how loved you are. You might also have heirlooms that your grandparents gave you or concert stubs that remind you how much fun you had with your friends. Don't feel pressured to keep items that are stressing you out or making it hard for you to live the life you want. Ask yourself if each sentimental item you have makes you feel happy or not. Only keep items that bring you joy. For instance, let's say a loved one gave you a decorative plate they hand painted. You might choose to keep this item because it makes you feel happy. On the other hand, you might let go of a flower bouquet that you caught at a wedding because it's just gathering dust. Gifts are one of the hardest sentimental items to let go, but that doesn't mean you have to let gifts clutter up your life. To help you release gifts, remind yourself that your friends and family likely want you to live a happy life. If a gift isn't serving you, give it away or sell it. Additionally, keep in mind that the person who gave you the gift likely wants it to be used and enjoyed. If you aren't using a gifted item, give it to someone who will. It may be easier to let items go if you recognize that they aren't helping you live the life you want. When you're evaluating an item, consider if you ever use the item or currently display it as a decoration. If it's not something you use or need, let it go so it's not becoming clutter. As an example, let's say you have a stack of drawings that your child made. These can be super hard to get rid of, but it may be easier if you pick 1 to display and let the others go. This way you can remember their drawings every day without having the excess clutter. If you're a very sentimental person, it might be hard to tell what's important and what isn't. Talking to someone who isn't sentimental may help you get perspective on an item. Ask for help with difficult items if you're having trouble letting things go. For instance, you might ask your best friend to help you sort items. If you can't find someone to come over and help, snap a photo and text it to someone you trust. Ask, "Should I keep this item or let it go? It's been stored at the back of my closet." It's easier to pick out what you do want versus what you want to let go. Focus on identifying the items that you want to keep. Then, donate or give away all of the remaining items. This will help you feel like you're creating a life that you love rather than letting go of things that are important to you. If you feel obligated to keep something, it's probably best to just let it go. Only keep items you truly want.
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One-sentence summary --
Determine why you've been keeping each item. Decide if an item brings you happiness. Ask yourself if the giver of a gift would want you burdened. Identify how this item fits into your daily life. Get a second opinion from someone who isn't sentimental. Pick your most cherished items to keep but let the rest go.