Q: It's easiest if you hold the two leftmost strands in your left hand, and the two rightmost strands in your right hand, allowing the center strand to hang loose. Numbering the strands can help you keep them straight. They should look like 1 2 3 4 5. Move it over strand 2, and under strand 3, so that it's now in the center. You should now have 2 3 1 4 5. You are essentially weaving your hair, moving the strands from the right to the left, and the left to the right.
A: Hold the strands with both hands. Move the leftmost strand to the center.

Q: You can make this design to size, if you know what size you'd like. Measure the longest pen. You can do this project in just one color, but if you have a second color, you can make a contrasting liner. We'll call the two colors the liner color (shown here in yellow) and the cover color (shown here in blue). If you want you can personalize it, try using different colors of tape, stickers, craft foam and pipe cleaners. This will be the cover color tape, and it should be about half an inch or 11.5 centimeter (0.40.6in) wider than the liner tape. You can trim the length later. Attach the liner tape strips together. Make sure that the sticky portion of the cover color tape has a half-inch or 11.5 centimeter (0.40.6in) allowance at both sides of the liner color tape. This will form the pocket. After folding it back in place, insert the longest pen inside the flap. You could bring the lower pocket all the way up or you could fold a strip of tape in three and put it near the top. Trim the finished product to the width of the liner color and set the strap loosely in place. Fold evenly! When working with duct tape, you can lift if for the first few days. After that, don't count on changing anything. Decide where you want the fold. You may want to leave a little extra length in case you ever get a pen or pencil that's a bit taller than the ones you have now. The easiest is to cut a straight line on a slight angle, but if you want to cut a bit of a curve, you can. In order for the sides of the curve to be equidistant, fold the top flap lengthwise in half and cut the curve through the edges while they are held together. If you curved the end of the top flap, you'll need to cut little slits in the duct tape on one side to receive it so it will stick flat. Here, there's another bit of tape to line the tab.
A: Gather the pens and pencils you'd like to carry in your case. Choose two colors of duct tape. Using the measurement you have taken of the pen, cut a piece of duct tape that is 2-3 times longer than the measured pen you want to hold. Cut two other strips and attach all three of them together to form a duct tape fabric that is a little wider than your selection of pens. Next, cut strips for your liner color tape, which should be the width you want your finished pencil case to be. Put the cover and liner tape strips together. Tape the edge of the bottom of the duct tape fabric and make sure that the two colors are even. Fold the bottom end up, and crease it without sticking the edges yet. Trim the sides of the folded portion. Using the pen as the point of reference, make an upper strap or loop. Fold the sticky side flaps in and stick them down over both the bottom pocket and the upper loop. Put your pens in the pocket and check the size. Fold the top flap down. Trim the end of the top flap so that it will stick into the bottom pocket. Fold short pieces of tape over the sides and end of the flap and any exposed edges. Reinforce the bottom of the pocket with another piece of tape if you want. Put your pens and pencils in the case, fold the flap over, tuck it in, and enjoy!

Q: If you are trying to introduce it into an existing conversation among friends, use a short introductory phrase to begin the story, such as: "You know, that reminds me of a story" or "It's funny you should mention that, just the other day, I was" It's important to get the first laugh as quickly as possible, ideally in the first 30 seconds. Don't worry about setting up an elaborate, detailed scene or mentioning what happened the night before, unless it's full of funny details that get to the point. If you can't tell the story in less than thirty seconds, make sure the first thirty seconds and compelling and entertaining. Don't trail off, don't look away from people and don't stutter. Try to relax and tell the story in a casual tone, like you're telling it to a good friend. Because you have practiced the story beforehand and gotten used to telling the material well, it should be easy to act like a confident storyteller. Well-timed hand movements and facial expressions can really liven up the details of the story and keep your listener engaged. Don't forget to also vary your voice and pause before the punchline. As in all comedy, timing is very important and will contribute to a good telling. Don't be afraid to look your audience in the eye as you delve into the details of the story. Eye contact also indicates you are confident and comfortable in front of your audience. Most listeners will only remember the last part or punchline of a story. If the ending is flat, it will likely ruin the funnier details in the set up. Remember not to laugh yourself. Ideally, you want to leave the audience laughing and wanting more. Desperation, no matter how smoothly it's presented, is never funny. If your story doesn't get the big laugh you were hoping for, shrug it off. Wrap up the story with a smile and say something like: "Well, I guess you had to be there" or "I guess it really can't be translated from the original German". Don't focus on the story if it doesn't go over as well as you had hoped. The best way to recover is to laugh at yourself (even if no one else did) and move on to another topic or subject.
A: Introduce the story. Be brief. Be confident. Remember to use your hands and face. Make eye contact. Try to end on the biggest laugh. Move on if your audience doesn't laugh.

Q: Whether or not you see the problem in your spouse's relationship with your family, be supportive of your partner and be sure to stand up for their feelings if you need to. You may need to put your marriage ahead of your family of origin, and your family should recognize the importance of the bond between you and your spouse. If you have a hard time understanding where your spouse is coming from, consider that they probably want to keep the peace just as much as you do. Most people understand that family is a sensitive topic and do not wish to rock the boat. You might not see your spouse's concerns as a big deal, but consider how you would want your spouse to react if the roles were reversed, and you had a problem with your spouse's family. Show empathy towards your spouse. Let them know what to expect so as to avoid any surprises. Share your family's background, jobs, personalities, or whatever information you think would be helpful to your partner. Address any potential conflict points before your spouse and your family see each other. For example, "Uncle Bill loves to talk about gun rights. I know you don't like guns, so if he brings it up, it's okay to try to change the subject or walk away." Families are like little cultures all their own, and what might be acceptable in one family is not in another. Let your partner know how your family handles communication and conflict. Since you likely know both your spouse's family and your family, you can compare the two and address differences. For example, your spouse may be from a noisy family where you have to shout to be heard at the dinner table. Your family may be much quieter. Let your spouse know that yelling would be considered very rude to your family.
A:
Support your spouse. Teach your spouse about your family. Give your spouse effective strategies in dealing with your family.