Problem: Article: When you're having a problem with someone, first try talking to a person you trust; whether it's a significant other or just a friend, sometimes it's easy to do things that make the problem worse before you have the chance to make them better. For example, if you're having a fight with your girlfriend because she thinks you cheated on her (even if you didn't), don't make the problem worse by spending a lot of time out being social with other girls. This will only make you look worse and make it harder to argue with her from the moral high ground. Instead, take a vacation from people until you work things out with her. Another example for a problem with a friend is if your best friend is mad at you for blowing off their party in order to spend time with someone else. In this situation, you'll want to avoid seeming distant or disinterested in their feelings. Instead, try to do something nice for them. Avoid arguing because it will only make the other person defensive. Instead, come to a solution for whatever the problem is that the two of you are having. Make sure you understand what's really bothering them first. Sometimes people seem mad about one thing but really they're mad about something else. If you want to really fix the problem, it's a good idea to make sure you're working on the right problem first. For example, your boyfriend might say that he's mad you decided to go to the big state school in the next town over instead of going to the local college with him. Of course, you'll still be able to see each other all the time and date without serious problems: what he's really worried about is that all that time off on your own will lead you to meet someone new. When you're fighting with someone it's easy to feel that you're right or your way of doing something is best. You're working with your own brain after all. However, people rarely argue with you just to be contrary. They're doing the best that they can with what they know and the situation might look very different from their perspective. Try seeing things from their side of the field in order to help you find a way to meet in the middle. Sometimes, if you're having a hard time understanding their perspective, it can be really helpful to just ask them. Ask them to explain, at length, why they think it would be better to take another route. Say something like: "Can you explain your thinking to me? I'd really like to know better." By walking through their feelings and thought process, you can often gain a better understanding of the problem and how to solve it. When people feel disrespected or cornered, they will often become more argumentative and combative, even if they would normally agree with you. If you see a personal situation developing, try taking steps to make that person feel like they have more control and that they are respected. You will find that suddenly they are much more willing to talk. For example, you'll want to dial back your language. Don't insult them or use accusatory language like "you should have ______". Instead, use "I" statements to express yourself. Say things like, "I felt hurt after out last conversation," or, "I get upset when you talk to me like that." Make them feel in control by giving them choices or options, as well as doing things like coming up with what they think is a fair solution to the problem. Once you've taken those basic first steps towards solving the problem, you should start really talking through a solution. Communication is key here and communication is more than just telling them what you think. You'll want to think before you speak, being careful to think about how what you say comes across. You'll also want to be a really good listener, really focusing on what they're saying and working to understand them. For these serious, problem-solving conversations, you should generally set aside a large chunk of time and meet in a place that's private and quiet. This will remove distractions and things which add more stress. Talking it out also shows the other person that you have put a priority on making things right, which can earn you some points and soften them up for finding a solution. The solution to more interpersonal conflicts will be a middle ground. This means you're going to have to stop seeing things in black and white. Don't see "my way" and "their way". You're both great people and you have so much to offer each other, so instead talk it out and find "our way" instead. For example, if your girlfriend is upset because you can't agree which family to spend Christmas with, you can propose a third option: spending the week before Christmas with her family, the week after with your family, and the day itself with just each other. For example, if your friend is upset because they want to take one class with you but you want to take another class instead, you can suggest that you keep your classes separate but both take a study period that you can spend together studying in the library.
Summary: Avoid behaviors that make the problem worse. Be clear about what the problem is. Try to see the other perspectives. Make sure they feel respected and in control. Talk it out. Find a middle ground.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: These systems deter break-ins and crime because they offer a direct line to emergency services from inside your home, whether you are home or away. If burglars notice that your home is equipped with a home security system, they might pass on your house and move on to an easier target. Only share your home security code with individuals whom you absolutely trust. If you think someone untrustworthy has obtained the code, change it as soon as possible. Choose a home security system with a lighted motion sensor. When these systems detect movement, they turn on flood lighting, making it easy to see what or who is approaching your home. Some home security systems involve cameras. Be sure to invest in a high definition camera, so that if your home is ever burglarized and the cameras capture photos or video of the perpetrator, the images will be clear enough to give a good picture of the burglar. Don't give burglars the opportunity to hide or lurk outside your home. Keep bushes and shrubbery trimmed and leave your porch light on, if possible. You want your home to be as uninviting to criminals as you can make it. While everyone loves a bright, airy space, window coverings are important to install so that your belongings aren't on display for potential burglars. It's especially important to keep your window coverings closed at night when it's easiest for prowlers to look into your home for things they might want to steal when you're gone. This is a basic but very important safety precaution. Before you leave your home or go to bed for the night be sure that all your doors and windows are locked, including your garage door, if you have one. This applies to your car, as well. Be sure that all your windows are closed and any valuables are out of sight or locked in the trunk. Timers help you control when your lights and TV turn on and off when you aren't home. This gives the illusion of someone being home and can help deter potential home break-ins. Many timers can be programmed remotely with your cellphone and some even have a battery backup in case of a power failure. Offering personal information on your mailbox or exterior of your home invites stalkers and burglars to learn who lives at your address. For safety and anonymity do not advertise your name on the exterior of your home. If they keep an eye on your home while you're gone, ask them to watch for any suspicious activity. Authorize them to report any strange activity or suspicious individuals to police or the neighborhood watch group in your absence. If you'll be gone for more than a week, consider having the post office hold your mail and hire a teenager in the neighborhood to mow your lawn. An overgrown lawn with packages piling up at the front door is a dead giveaway to criminals that no one is home at your house. Make it a priority to have your home appear to have someone at home so that potential criminals will be deterred.
Summary:
Invest in a home security system. Install window coverings for privacy. Lock your doors and windows. Install timers on your lights and TV. Remove your name from your home's exterior. Let your neighbors know when you'll be out of town.