Article: When you feel you are ready to use tampons instead of pads for your period, you may need to gain the permission of your parents (in many cases your mother). Gaining their permission is important because they buy your feminine products. It is also good for them to know what is going on in your life so that they can take care of you. For example, if your mom says she is headed to the store in an hour, ask her if you can have a talk before she goes. Perhaps send a quick text to ask your parent or guardian to meet with you so that when you see them face to face, they will be ready to listen. Say, "When I get home from school today, can we talk for a minute?" If you feel embarrassed or stressed about talking to your parents about using tampons, try writing them a letter. You may also want to write a letter if it's hard to find time to sit down with them. Writing a letter helps you organize your thoughts and make a strong appeal. Write down your thoughts in a logical order, such as opening with your desire to use tampons, describing why they are a good idea, explaining that you have the responsibility to handle them, and closing with a polite request. Revise your letter for proper wording and punctuation. You could open with, "Dear Mom, I know it may seem weird that I'm writing a letter, but I wanted to ask you something personal, and I feel more comfortable writing a letter than talking face to face." You could also consider making it electronic, either writing a text or email, if that is something your parent or guardian would read. If talking to a parent or guardian is too difficult, either emotionally or logistically, you may want to talk to another trusted adult first. Get advice from them on how to approach your parents. Discuss your fears with them. They may be able to offer advice that makes you feel less uncomfortable than talking to your own parents. Another adult you might discuss this with is your doctor. Your doctor can offer medical advice about tampon application, calming the fears of both you and your parents. Pull aside a trusted adult and ask, "Hey, can I talk to you about a personal issue real quick?" This can also be an experienced friend. Part of asking for permission is being ready to have your request denied. Your parents may not feel you are emotionally prepared for such a step. They may think you need to be a little older, or that tampons aren't safe. Be prepared to show maturity by not getting upset at their refusal. Think about their personalities and your past experiences with them to help you anticipate what they might say. Ask why they won't agree to let you use a tampon in a respectful manner. Not getting upset can be the sign of maturity your parents need to agree to let you start using tampons. For example, a mature person is thankful, meaning they express gratitude even when things don't go their way. Understand that your parents are most likely interested in your safety and are not trying to be mean.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Ask your parent/guardian for a private conversation. Write them a letter. Talk to someone you trust. Be prepared to be denied.
Article: Butter and shortening are the 2 most common fats used to grease baking pans. Butter will impart a slight richness to the batter and will help the exterior bake to a golden brown. Shortening is flavorless and the batter is less likely to brown. Oil-based sprays and vegetable oil should not be used to grease the pan. Oil turns into a hard glaze when it is heated that can be tough to remove from the pan. Gently dip your brush or paper towel into your shortening and pick up a glob about the size of a dollar coin. If your shortening is too hard, let it sit out at room temperature until it softens up enough to be pliable. Leave your shortening within reach in case you need more for another pan. You can buy pastry brushes at most home goods stores. Grab a new stick of unsalted butter from the package. Open up 1 side of the paper until about half of the butter stick is out. Leave the paper on the bottom half of the butter so you can hold it without getting your hands greasy.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose between butter or shortening to grease your pan with. Scoop up shortening with a pastry brush for a flavorless option. Open up a stick of unsalted butter for a smoother and richer pan lining.
Article: You don't want to change who you are just to get the attention of a guy, especially if it means pretending to love Star Wars or talking about a band you can't stand for hours. Talk about your favorite TV shows, a great movie you just saw, the hobby you most care about, or really any of the things you care about, and guys will be drawn to your passion. Think about it as not being different from talking to your girlfriends about everyday things except that you can avoid talking about the guys you like! The subject of your conversation is less important than making sure that you and the guys you talk to maintain a fair balance between talking and listening. Try not to dominate any conversation and leave room for other people to talk. If you're talking to a guy one-on-one, try not to do more than about half the talking. Though it's important to feel comfortable actually talking about the things that matter to you, you should also be able to get a sense of when a guy is starting to lose interest. If you've been talking about your horse for twenty minutes and you see the guy shifting on his feet, checking his phone, or looking around for a friend who can give him a save, then you can shift subjects by asking him a question instead. Learn to read body language and facial expressions to see whether or not a guy is listening to you. If he's listening, he'll be making eye contact (unless he's super shy or has a crush on you!), and turning his body toward you instead of away. One thing you can do is to offer a subtle compliment to a guy from time to time. You don't have to tell him he has the world's most beautiful eyes or that he's a big hunk, but you can compliment a new shirt the guy is wearing, tell him he did great in yesterday's basketball game, or just make a kind, lighthearted comment that lets the guy know you care. You don't have to actually have a crush on the guy to give him a compliment, either. You can say something like, "You're so good at chemistry. How do you do it?" Or, "You have such a unique laugh. I could tell it was you from the other side of the hall." If you want to have a good time hanging out with guys, then you should ask them about themselves from time to time without interrogating them. You can get to know them little by little and show that you care about the things that matter to them. You don't need to interview them, but you should ask them a question or two in the course of a conversation. Here are some things you can ask them about to show them you care: Their favorite bands Their hobbies Their favorite TV shows, movies, or actors Their weekend plans Their pets Guys like girls who don't take themselves too seriously. While it's not attractive to actually put yourself down or to make fun of yourself in a real way, like saying that you're fat, that you're stupid, or that you hate something about yourself, some light humor can show that you're a fun, easygoing person. This is different from bad-mouthing yourself in hopes that someone will give you some attention; just learn to laugh at yourself and the rest of your life will be much easier. For example, you can make a comment like, "Big surprise, I tripped again," or, "I wonder how many more pink sweaters I can wear," to show guys that you're aware of your goofy or endearing qualities while not being committed to perfection.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk about the things that actually interest you. Know when you should change the subject. Compliment them. Ask them questions. Be okay with poking fun at yourself.