Tell yourself that your work phone or computer should only be used for work-related business. This will help you separate your work and leisure technologies and make it easier to stay on task when you're working. For example, if you want to take a five-minute break to scroll through the news, do so on your personal phone or tablet and switch back to your work computer when you're done. Knowing beforehand what you want to accomplish online will keep you more focused while browsing the Internet. Before you open your browser, for example, set a goal of completing research for a paper within one hour. Before resorting to technological tools, try setting self-imposed limits for yourself. For example, set a timer for ten minutes before allowing yourself to check a news site. Have a friend message you every few hours to keep you on task. If you receive and read the message, that probably means you're not focused!

Summary: Set aside separate devices for work and play. Articulate your goals for an online session before logging on. Set a time cap for your online session, or for the most distracting sites. Ask a friend or coworker to keep you accountable.

Move tables, chairs, umbrellas, carpets, barbecues, and anything else you might have on the deck. Clear the surface of the deck completely, as well as the railings and steps. This may include removing lights, plants, and other items as well. Before emptying your deck, you might want to clear a space below, in the garage, or in the basement where you can store your deck furniture for a few days while your refinishing project is underway. Sweep to remove dust, dirt, and other debris completely. As you sweep, do a visual check of the deck, looking for problem areas such as popped nails, loose screws, warped, rotted, or split boards, chips, or areas that require sanding. Sand down any areas where splintered wood way cause slivers. Tighten down loose screws and hammer down popped nails. Replace single boards that have split or broken. Apply painter's tape to any areas of the deck that adjoin the house, concrete, or other non-deck surfaces to protect them from splashing cleaner and paint. Spring is a good time for a refinishing project, but if you attempt this in the summer, you are better off applying sealer or stain in the early morning or late afternoon. You don't want to be refinishing your deck if the temperature is going to drop below 50 F (10 C) or soar above 95 F (35 C). Don't try to refinish the deck on a sunny day, as applying your refinishing product in direct sunlight will make it dry too quickly, which will cause lap marks, and prevent the stain from absorbing into the wood properly. You should also have a look at the long-range forecast to help choose a day when it won't be raining.

Summary: Remove furniture. Sweep and inspect the deck. Tape areas you want to protect. Choose your day and time.

If you think your boyfriend is ready to kiss you, get close to him. Touch his arm or his face gently to let him know you're ready for a kiss. Don't cross your arms. Crossing your arms may give him the impression that you're not ready for a kiss. Instead, keep your body open and facing his. Smile at him to let him know you're comfortable. If you're relaxed, then he'll feel less anxious about making a move to kiss you. Kissing releases oxytocin, a chemical that makes us feel happy and relaxed. If you're worried about someone watching you, or an being interrupted, try moving to a new spot. Once you start kissing, you may want to keep kissing for a while, so it's important to be in a spot where you feel safe. Look into your boyfriend's eyes before you kiss him, but also try opening your eyes during the kiss. Eye contact is a great way to build intimacy, especially while kissing. It might feel a little awkward at first, so don't stare too long while kissing. Just take a moment to look at your boyfriend while kissing, and then shut your eyes. Take a break between kissing to re-establish eye contact with your boyfriend. Don't shove your tongue down your boyfriend's throat, and don't cover his mouth in spit. Open your mouth wide enough to let your tongues touch and go from there. Relax and work together. Try not to think about anything other than the kiss. If you get tense, the kiss will suffer. Don't breathe through your mouth and into his. Breathe through your nose when you kiss. Keep your hands around his back or neck. Hold him close while you kiss. Don't get carried away if it's just your first kiss. Take some time to appreciate the power of a kiss on its own. Keep the touching simple and affectionate.

Summary: Get close. Find a place where you feel comfortable. Make eye contact. Keep your mouth open. Touch him.

People who are visibly distracted by their cell phones become easy targets for pickpockets and other criminals. Keep an eye on what is going on around you at all times so that you can better detect suspicious activity and protect yourself and your belongings. Glance behind you every once in a while to make sure that you are not being followed by a stranger. Your best chance of defending yourself in the event of an attack is to identify the attacker as soon as possible. You should also avoid reading maps and fumbling through your purse or backpack while walking down the street, as these things consume all of your attention and make you more vulnerable to attacks. If you are traveling in an unknown city, try to get directions to your destination prior to leaving the hotel or hostel you are staying at. Keep valuable possessions, like wallets, smart phones, and cameras out of sight to avoid attracting pickpockets. Store these items safely in your purse or backpack and only take them out when you need them. It may be tempting to have your smartphone out at all times to text, play games, or look up directions, but keep in mind that smartphone theft is on the rise for this very reason. If you use public transportation during your daily commute, you may want to consider bringing a book or magazine to entertain yourself. Tourists are oftentimes targeted by pickpockets because they tend to carry lots of cash on them and are usually unfamiliar with their surroundings. Avoid dressing too flashy, and if applicable, adopt the local style of dress so that you can blend in with the locals. Avoid walking around busy streets while reading a map, as this will draw attention to the fact that you are a tourist and suggest to others that you don't know where you're going. If you are using a map to navigate your way around a new city, find a private place that's indoors, like a cafe or convenience store, to find your way rather than doing it out on the street where everyone can see you. Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment and your ability to defend yourself physically in the event that you are attacked. If you do drink, remember to never leave your beverage unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers. Some date rapists use tasteless, colorless chemicals to lace their victims' drinks without them knowing. If a stranger offers to buy you a drink, don't accept it unless you watch the bartender make it yourself. Criminals are less likely to attack people in groups as there is strength in numbers. Walking around town alone, especially at night, makes you an easy target for criminals, because there is nobody there to help defend you or to serve as a witness. Protect yourself by asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your destination at night; if this is not an option, then consider taking a cab instead. Criminals tend to lurk in dark, deserted streets where there is less law enforcement and fewer potential witnesses. If you are walking down the sidewalk at night, stay as close to the street as possible as criminals may be waiting in alleys for a chance to attack passersby. It is much easier for a pickpocket or rapist to attack a person on foot as opposed to a bicycle. If possible, ride a bike to your destination instead of walking, especially if you are traveling by yourself.
Summary: Be fully aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure. Try not to look like a tourist. Stay sober. Travel in groups. Stay in well-lit, densely populated parts of town. Ride a bike.