Thanksgiving Dinner Prep

A Stress-Free Guide to Preparing Thanksgiving Dinner

I love the way Thanksgiving feels. I love the beautiful fall colors, being with loved ones, reminders of all that we have to be thankful for, and the completeness of Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving dinner is about more than an abundance of decadent comfort foods. It is about taking the time to sit and visit, to enjoy a meal we get once a year, and to slow things down for a bit. Unfortunately for the cook, the time leading up to the meal includes rushing to get everything done, hoping everything will come together, and working through a giant mess in the kitchen, While I enjoy cooking, I often dream up an experience much different than what actually takes place. In large part this is due to my inability to mentally organize all of the tasks needed to ‘make it happen.’ I had a moment of clarity when I realized what I need is a timeline. It isn’t making the dishes that is taxing, it’s timing all of it. Once I started making a timeline, I thought, why not add a menu and shopping list so the timing chart will work? And the best part is, I was able to find some incredible healthy recipes to build my Thanksgiving dinner!

The link below “Guide for the Chef” offers a delicious Thanksgiving dinner menu with a shopping list and timing guide included! I’m a little biased, but each dish is DELISH. You may want to add your own twist (e.g., gravy types are personal…) but I will definitely be using this for the meal I’m prepping this year!

For some great ideas for family traditions and table decorating check out our Pinterest page in the “thanksgiving” board!

Click “Guide for the Chef” below to view the guide!

Turkey Feathers and Pine Needles

Holidays Are Upon Us

Holidays bring joy to many, and at the same time carry their own stressors unique to the season. For some, decorations are all things joy and nostalgia. For others, they are annoying clutter. To an extent we can each choose our level involvement with the pumpkin spice phenomenon and neighborhood light displays. But for most of us, there is at least one holiday gathering we are expected to attend or would like to attend. If only we could get a preview of what to expect…

Family Get-Togethers

A family get together can be the least amount of stress out of our holiday obligations, or can create a great amount of anxiety. Each family has its own traditions and routines, so you would know your own better than anyone. If you have been skipping them over the years but are still invited - just go. You don’t have to love it, but you will regret it someday if you don’t put in time now. Regret is high on the list of uncomfortable emotions.

Expect someone to say or do something uncomfortable. Then just move on and tell yourself “that was expected.”

Remember that everyone there cares about each other.

Do your best to be interested (or appear so) in the lives of family members. Use it as a time to catch up by asking questions. My recommendation is to think ahead of time about what you are interested in knowing that won’t fall into the “too personal” category so you can have a guide of what you want to talk with people about. Suggested topics - hobbies, any new changes such as a move or a job, kids, current events in your area that aren’t political.

Know that people will want to know what is new in your life. This doesn’t mean they are judging (or maybe they are but that’s their problem and that’s weird for them if they are). Think of what you might want to share. Have you read any new books? Have you gone somewhere new? Whether it be a new restaurant or a vacation, have you tried something new? If you truly have not done anything new, that’s ok too! Just say so. Nothing to panic about.

Holiday Work Parties

Holiday party

You should go. You should avoid drinking too much. Let someone else take the role of “that guy” that everyone is talking about later. You should keep in mind there are all varying degrees of comfort, most of which morph as the party moves along.

Most likely someone has been put in charge of organizing the venue (where, what food will be served, how much people will pay) and the schedule.

Mingle

You will probably have to ‘mingle” upon arrival. This is a good time to look around and just blend in. You will find someone to talk to, or maybe there will be something for people to do while they wait such as eat appetizers. I recommend admiring the decorations if you do not see someone you feel comfortable talking to. Whatever you choose to do, remember to smile. People feel comfortable around someone who looks like they are enjoying themselves. And usually a smile will turn into genuine joy or at least contentment.

You can use similar guidelines for conversation that are outlined in the family gathering section. Talking about what’s new in your life or others makes for an interesting conversation.

Try not to: complain, ramble (be sure to take turns talking and listening), making strong political statements or opinions.

Try to: ask others things like what they are doing for the holidays, if they will be spending it with family or doing something else, expand on what they say if possible.

Meals

There is likely a meal. If so, be sure to scope out the seating when you arrive. People often place a jacket or purse where they will be sitting. Find a spot that’s open and do the same. It won’t matter who you are sitting by at that point, everyone will chat with each other once they sit. You can take the role of the person who does more of the listening during the meal, that’s not a big deal. Point being, do not worry much about who you sit near, just get a seat.

Clothing

Clothing is dependent on the venue. If you are having a work party at your office, just wear something mildly festive such as holiday colors or even just your normal work clothes. If your party is at someone’s house, it is likely casual if it is right after work or a little nicer if it is on the weekend or later in the evening. If the party is at a restaurant, dress “business casual” or casual party wear (you can look up either one on the internet). Or honestly, if you aren’t worried about it just be yourself. Everyone respects that.

1. Depending on where you work, there is likely a cost per person for the work party. Be sure to find out who is collecting and pay ahead of time.

2. You do not need a gift for a work party unless there is going to be a white elephant game, or some other gift exchange.*

   *Explanations given at the end of this post.

Gift Etiquette

As the host ahead of time if there will be a gift exchange. If not and it is Christmas, Hanukkah, or other traditionally “gift giving holidays.” it is always safe to go with bringing gifts for children in the family. My sister who does not have children of her own has found that sometimes buying a family game for all of the children in a certain age group is a nice way to cover all the bases without having to spend too much or shop too long.

If there are not children and/or it is not a family gathering (it is a friend gathering), simply bring a gift for the host/hostess. A plant or festive decoration are safe options.

Special Events

It is fun around the holiday season to check out events in your area dedicated to the holidays. For example, most places have a turkey trot which is a fun run/walk on Thanksgiving. Typically they intend to raise money for those in need. Ultimately, they are a great way to start the day! You do not have to be in great shape to participate. All levels of humans show up and the overall attitude of friendliness and joy in the holiday is hard to pass up.

If fun runs/walks aren’t your thing, no big deal. If you just search “upcoming events in (enter town name),” you usually can find all sorts of neat ways to celebrate upcoming holidays in your community. This is a great way to expand the way we celebrate.

Other fun traditions to look up in your community:

• Religious organizations often have special events open to the public

• Parades

• Santa visits

• Craft Fairs

• Toy or Food Drives

• Christmas Tree Lightings

*While Elephant - bring a funny gift or a gag gift. It’s a hilarious game, whose rules will be explained at the party. If nobody explains, be sure to ask - that would a perfectly legitimate question. If you prefer not to play don’t feel bad. This is a game a few people usually sit out from. However, it is packed full of fun and there is no one correct gift which is what makes it extra funny! If you’re looking for some fun gifts - either for white elephant or for that favorite uncle, check out this list of fun and inexpensive ideas.

https://www.inspiredherway.com/20-funny-white-elephant-gifts-under-20/amp/

*Gift Exchange: Hopefully the rules or guidelines of any gift exchange will be explained by the organizer. Be sure to fulfill the expectations if you sign up or agree to participate. An example might be secret Santa. There are many variations to secret Santa, but most include drawing a name, exchanging gifts based on a form filled out by participants about preferred items, and a price limit. Keep in mind it will cost money to participate as you will be purchasing gifts for someone else. It also requires a bit of planning ahead and organization to make sure you bring gifts periodically if it is the type where you get multiple little gifts leading up to the “reveal” or bigger exchange where you all tell who had whom. Some only involve one exchange which is easier in the planning portion but a little more difficult as far as knowing what types of things people will be buying. You can always ask someone who has worked in the organization a while what types of gifts people buy. If you like receiving gifts and don’t mind buying them, secret Santa is a lot of fun!

Closing Thoughts

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a JOY, you must have somebody to divide it with. ”

— Mark Twain

Going to a Wedding

Turn Wedding Blues into a Day of Wedding Bliss

It Starts with an Invitation

You have been invited to a wedding! You should be happy, right? Don’t worry if a wedding invitation makes you more overwhelmed than excited. This is true for many people!

RSVP as soon as you can. People planning a wedding appreciate knowing how many people will attend because this number is required for ordering food, tables, etc.

Usually the RSVP card is self-explanatory. It usually indicates whether or not you can attend, how many guests will come from your party (if you are single this one is simple), and what you would like to eat if it is catered and not buffet style.

If more than one person from your party is going, you just write the number of each meal type on the little line next to the option.

IMPORTANT: only bring a guest if specifically indicated to do so on the invitation. It will say something like, “you and a guest are invited…”

If you do get to bring a guest, it is perfectly acceptable to bring a “date” that is simply a friend. If there is not someone you would like to bring to such an event, you do not need to bring a date. It is just a kind opportunity provided by the guests of honor.

Gift

Typically a couple getting married will register at a couple of places and you can simply find their names, then choose a gift to buy for them. They will let guests know where they are registered, perhaps on the invitation or “save the date” card sent before the invitations.

You can either send the gift to them ahead of time in the mail, or bring it to the wedding. Either is equally as acceptable.

The Event

Attire (what to wear): If the invitation indicates the type of attire, you can do an internet search for examples of outfits for the type indicated. If the invitation does not indicate attire, simply dress somewhat nice. I have found at every wedding I have attended there is a wide range of fanciness. To a large degree, it depends on each guests’ style and preferences.

Arrival: This is by far the most nerve-wracking part of any event, including a wedding. Hopefully you will see other guests walking in and can follow them, there are signs showing you, or it is obvious because you pull right up to where the ceremony will take place. The last option is most common if it is at a church. Sometimes however, weddings are on a beach or unseen area of a large property and this is when you hope for other guests or signs.

As you walk into a venue, just look around to see what everyone else is doing. There is a great deal of variability when it comes to weddings. Some will begin with mingling before the ceremony, some will start with the ceremony at one location then move to another for a reception.

Seating

For the ceremony, you’ll be able to sit anywhere. At some weddings there is a designation of which side to sit on based on which person getting married you are family/friend of. Whether there is a designation or not, it really does not matter which side you sit on. If you are unsure, just sit anywhere except the first or second row. These two rows are usually for the immediate family. If you are there as immediate family, your family will have shown you where to sit and it may be in one of those two rows.

If you are eating a meal at the reception, seating can be uncomfortable. Just know most people are a little uncomfortable when first finding a seat and as they are first easing into sitting with strangers and/or people they have not seen in a while.

Meal

Some weddings have assigned seating for lunch/dinner and some do not. When there is assigned seating, just find your name card and have a seat. Sometimes the cards are all on a table. In this case, you find your name then find your table accordingly and pick a seat at that table.

When there is not assigned seating, it is up to you to find a seat. This can be stressful if you do not know people at the wedding. Do not let it freak you out though, people will never say you cannot sit with them, and usually people like meeting someone new.

How do I know if a seat is taken?
If you said something like “there is a personal item on the chair or on the plate” you are correct!

There’s no perfect way to act. The great news is, you were invited because the couple getting married wants you there! Keep that in mind throughout the event, as any insecurities start to pop up. So go ahead, you be you.

Use your manners! Within the idea that everyone should be allowed to be themselves, it is also important to use basic manners. Of course there are the typical “please and thank you,” but there are a few more that are not quite as obvious.

Lunch/Dinner:

Buffet: Wait until the wedding party is served before you get in line

Plated (they bring it to your table): Wait until your whole table is served before starting

• If you don’t like the food, don’t mention it. Just eat what you like.

• If there is something shared on the table (e.g., a basket of bread), only take your share.

• When it comes to knowing which silverware, glassware, etc. is yours, simply watch what others are taking then act accordingly if you are unsure.

Bar: If you are 21 or older and enjoy alcoholic beverages, there are a few details to know about the bar at weddings. There are different terms for types of service chosen by the hosts (of course you can always do an internet search if you forget what each means). Regardless of which type of bar is chosen, be sure to tip the bartenders! One or two dollars each drink is appropriate.

No Host Bar: Guests pay for their own drinks

Hosted Bar: Drinks are free. Sometimes the wedding party will designate types of drinks being served. For example, they may have a list of 5 drinks to choose from.

Open Bar: All drinks are free. Depending on the location of the wedding, there may be limited types of alcohol and they will tell you what they have.

Cash Bar: Just as it sounds, you pay for your drinks. Doesn’t have to be cash most places, can use a card too.

Limited: Drinks are paid for within a certain time frame. For example, for one hour between the ceremony and reception drinks are served to guests for free.

DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH. It is difficult to monitor consumption when you are nervous, or if you are really excited to see family and/or friends, the drinks are free (and usually delicious), you’ve looked forward to this event for a while…the list goes on. You will thank yourself the next day if you drink responsibly. You will feel physically healthier, and you will have peace of mind that you were in control.

Dancing

If you enjoy dancing, dance. If you do not enjoy dancing, don’t dance. The great thing at a wedding is that it is perfectly acceptable and expected to do either one. Some people even enjoy standing outside the dance floor and watching people dance. For slow songs, weddings are not like awkward school dances. Typically the people who dance to the slow songs are married couples, fathers and daughters, or other people who know each other well. There is no pressure to ask someone to dance and very unlikely anyone with formally ask you to dance.

Have Fun!

Make sure to remember that this is one of the most important days in this couple’s life. They have planned a special celebration not only for themselves, but for their friends and family too. Enjoy yourself!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Driving

Let’s Drive

Where Do We Start?

Thanks to online search engines, the actual steps to obtaining a driver’s license are fairly easy to locate and follow.

THIS POST however, intends to support some of the less obvious “to do” items along the way.

• Everyone is nervous. If you wait until you do not feel nervous, you probably will never drive.

• Ask questions along the way. Everyone does.

• Practice, practice, practice

Roadblocks

·       The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)…

·       Fear of failure of steps along the way to obtain the license

·       I don’t know how to take care of a vehicle

·       I can’t afford a car anyway, why bother

·       It’s hard to know what I would need once I get a license

·       Nuances of hitting the road

·       What if I get pulled over?

DMV and Fear

Good news! Everyone fails along the way when getting a driver’s license. OK, not the best news. But rest assured it is very normal to have to take either the written or performance test more than once. The performance test should be a little easier, as long as you have practiced until you feel very comfortable.

Use the supports!

1.     Go online and look for tips

2.     Take a pamphlet from the DMV to use to study the rules of the road

3.     Let the proctor of the testing room and/or the performance test judge know if you have any needs they should be aware of. For example, a people who perform better when speaking out loud to themselves should tell evaluators that ahead of time, just to make everyone more comfortable.

4. Be sure to prepare for any tests or procedures. If you are prepared you will be fine! If you do not study, practice, or read what you need to bring you might be setting yourself up for a wasted trip. It happens to people all the time so it’s nothing to worry about but your chances of success increase substantially if you prepare.

Vehicle Care

Getting Gas

Don’t wait until the tank is empty. This can land you in a stressful situation if you run out.*

Recommendation: find a gas station you like and go there as often as possible (when you need gas of course). This helps with familiarity, predictability, and so forth. It may not sound like a big deal, but finding one that is not busy very often can prevent a great deal of future stress.

It really isn’t difficult. Know which side your tank is on, how to open it, and bring a debit card or cash. What gets stressful is when you pull up and the place is busy. In this case, simply find other cars facing the same direction as you, and line up behind them. When they are finished, you just pull up. Trying to maneuver into the one open space often is not worth it because too many cars are going in different directions and you may find yourself facing or in the way of someone less patient than we hope for.

*If you do run out of gas, pull to the side of the road. Most likely you have cell phone and can call for roadside service (either someone you know, someone you subscribe with such as your insurance provider, or someone you find on an internet search). Whether you have a cell phone or not, another option is to walk to the nearest gas station and fill a portable gas can. Just unscrew the top/nozzle and pump it straight from the gas tank into the can. That may sound self-explanatory, but I thought I’d save you the time I once wasted trying to pump gas in through the actual nozzle (it wasn’t a fun experience and I wasted a lot of gas…and time!). You can pour this can directly into your car.

Oil Change

Stick to the time and mileage guidelines for when you need to take your vehicle in for an oil change. It’s great to find a place you like and return there each time. This prevents someone trying to convince you of things you don’t really need to do. For example, sometimes you will need things updated, such as an air filter. If you go to the same place each time, they will have your records of when you have had such updates.

Cost

Yep, being a driver of a personal vehicle can be costly. But there are ways to drive on a budget.

Buy used. If you know someone who knows about cars, it’s wise to take them car shopping with you either in person or on the internet.

Remember to include registration and insurance in your yearly budget. This way when it comes time to pay them, you have the money.

Don’t drive unless you need to get somewhere.

• Save on gas

• Less wear and tear on the car = less money spent on repairs and upkeep

• Few miles = fewer trips to get oil changes

Buying a car

The search.

At a dealership, someone will approach you as you walk in. It’s best to have a strong idea of what you are looking for in a vehicle otherwise they will try to sell you something you don’t need and/or will attempt to sell unnecessary luxuries. Be clear with what you want to spend. They will always, and I mean always try to stretch past what you say you can pay. Be prepared to spend time.

Looking online, follow similar guidelines as above with a few tweaks. Don’t be too picky, if you see a good deal it’s worth trying out a vehicle. Ask to drive it before purchasing. Take someone with you to meet up with the seller. Let them know you won’t be bringing cash for this visit (safety).

Smaller cars

• Use less gas

• Usually cost less to register

• Cost less to insure

• Parts (including tires) are usually cheaper

Choose wisely

See text for tips on choosing a car.

Needs of a Driver

ALWAYS carry your license with you, your registration, and insurance. Most people keep the last two either in the glove box (if it’s not full of random stuff), or in a little folder that can go in a door pocket, center console, or anywhere it will be kept safe.

A user manual for the vehicle. Yes, we can pull most things up online – but what happens if there is no service or a phone battery dies? Safe keeping = wise to keep this in the same place as your insurance and registration.

You can get a durable folder type thing online for very low cost. I recommend this method of safe storage of these important items.

In the trunk:

• First aid kit, including a warm blanket

• Spare tire

Hitting the Road

Don’t Panic! Since the road is occupied by humans, as with anything you will notice there are all types of people and all types of drivers.

• Aggressive

• Timid

• In a hurry

• Cautious

• Impatient/competitive

• Friendly

The list could go on forever. It’s helpful to remember this when driving. You’ll want to be yourself, while making sure to follow driving laws and being a kind person (a friendly wave should be the only hand gesture used in a car!).

Situations

If someone:

Honks at you
Don’t panic. They are either alerting you, or are just an angry or hurried person so don’t even bother looking their way. Either respond accordingly with your car (often it’s in a parking lot or a place cars are moving in different directions, so stopping to make sure you’re not about to hit someone/something is the correct response), or go about your business and be as courteous as possible.

Waves you on at an intersection
Make your move, they are letting you go.

Turns on their blinker in a parking lot
They are waiting for a spot, it’s like a way of “claiming” a spot where a person is pulling out

Is about to merge into you, back into you, or hit your car for some other reason
Give a little honk to alert them, or if able respond accordingly by getting out of the way

Cuts in front of you in their car
It’s up to you, but I recommend simply backing off. If you aren’t going to bump into them with your car, it’s not really worth it to honk. This just starts an altercation.  

Getting Pulled Over by the Police

If you notice a police officer’s lights on behind you, slowly pull to the right of the road. Of course, this part is hopefully obvious once you’ve passed a driving test.  

 Once you’ve pulled over:

• Roll down your passenger side window if possible, as this is likely where they will approach your vehicle.

• Have your license, registration, and insurance available to present to the officer.

• If you feel fit to do so or have reason to do so, it doesn’t hurt to let them know if you have a behavior or circumstance you feel they might want to know about. For example, if you think you may engage in stim behavior, mentioning this will help them understand. Remember, they are people too and most people can be startled by unexpected movements or vocalizations until they are made aware of the reasoning.

• Be polite!

• Wait while they go back to their vehicle, and don’t panic. Most people will get at least one ticket in their lifetime, it’s not something to be terribly upset by.

• They will come back to your car, let you know if you are getting a ticket, a warning, etc. If you have any questions, be sure to ask – it’s ok to clarify to make sure you know what to do next.

• Once they have left your car after saying what your consequence will be, you are free to slowly drive away.

Remember that everyone was a new driver at one point in their life and the more you do it, the easier it will get. Enjoy your new freedom and search out new things to do and see now that you can get more places.

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Making Friends

Making Friends 

Friendships  

We all need companionship.  Friendship is an important part of life.  Some people like to have many friends that they talk to and/or see occasionally, while others prefer to have a couple very close friends that they talk to and/or see frequently, and others like to have both types of friendships. Friendships are different for everyone.  There is no recipe dictating how often you have to speak, what you have to talk about, exactly what to do when spending time together, or any other aspect of the friendship.  It is up to each person how they develop and foster their relationships with people.   

Friends Do: 

• Care about each other’s happiness 

• Like each other’s company 

• Take time to work through difficult situations 

• Share interests and hobbies 

• Look out for each other’s well-being 

• Get happy to see each other’s successes 

• Try to help each other when possible 

• Listen to each other 

• Talk about life experiences, successes and difficulties, family, hobbies, etc. 

• Make sacrifices  

Friends Don’t: 

• Get jealous of each other 

• Have to talk every day 

• Make each other feel bad on purpose 

• Steal from each other 

• Use each other for their own benefit (for example, put you in a bad situation in order to get something they want) 

• Ask you to do things they know could get you in trouble 

• Embarrass you 

• Make you feel guilty 

• Have to tell deepest secrets in order to be a good friend 

When you Hang Out 

Setting up a time to hang out: 

• Decide on something both people will enjoy doing 

• Figure out the exact time/day to get together 

• Exchange phone numbers 

• Figure out how you will get to and from where you’re going 

• Figure out if you will need to bring anything (money, for example) 

• Show up!  

Be the friend you would want others to be for you. Sometimes friends are only in our lives for a small time, when we work together, when we’re on a sports team or classmate, and sometimes you will be friends for a long time!

Remember To:

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

IEP Meeting at School

IEP Meetings

How to Get Through Your Special Education Meeting

f you dread your special education meetings (or any school meeting all about you), you’re not alone. Most people don’t have to sit in a meeting where multiple professionals – teachers, counselors, therapists, etc. talk about their progress – or lack thereof. Painful, right?

Or you might be thinking you kind of like these meetings if you are a student who works really hard all the time and all of the professionals come with only nice things to say. However, even in this case it can still be awkward or uncomfortable.

So how does one manage the discomfort of such meetings?

1. It is OK for you to speak out your concerns, goals, and desires at these meetings. Here’s the most important thing I can teach you: those are supposed to be the purpose of these meetings!

2. These meetings are not supposed to be parent/teacher conferences, they are not intended to be a forum for teachers to complain about everything you’ve ever done wrong, and they most certainly are not productive if the focus is not on how to help you be successful.

3. Let’s focus on what the school DOES want you to do, tools that can be implemented to help you reach your full potential, and a plan for how you will successfully complete your school experience.

If you are in a meeting and you notice the focus is not on your goals and ways the school can help you reach those goals, speak up. Politely mention that it is easier to improve if you s) feel comfortable and b) know the expectations.

Talk to your parent(s) before the meeting about helping you be sure the meeting is productive!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Understanding Dating

Dating

Important Dating Terms

Dating: Two people consider each other to be boyfriend/girlfriend

Going Out: Same as dating

Date: Two people go somewhere as more than just friends.  The guy should pay for whatever it is they go out to do, but this isn’t always the case – sometimes the girl offers to pay for herself or for both people. 

Good ideas for a date are the movies, dinner, going to the mall, going somewhere in your city known to be a nice ‘hangout spot’, going skating or something similar.

How It All Works

In our society, the typical pattern of relationships is that around middle school or high school people start dating (see next section for details).  Some people don’t date until much later in life.  It happens at different times for different people.  If you think about it, the main reason for dating is to find someone you want to spend a lot of time with, or maybe even eventually marry.  If you are dating someone who starts to bug you or you notice you are still attracted to other people easily, you should probably end the relationship. 

After people date seriously, after varied amounts of time they decide they would like to get married.  Age is not a factor of when you get married (although usually it’s after age 18), it’s when you are ready.  However, in general it’s best to date someone around your same age. This way you have interests in common. 

Getting Together and/or Breaking Up

Different Forms of Dating:

• A girl and a boy start hanging out then it develops into having a feeling for each other different than just being friends       

• A girl or a boy has a ‘crush’ (they are attracted to another person as more than just a friend) so they ask them to “go out”.  If the other person likes them in the same way, they agree to “go out”.

• You decide to start to go out on dates with different people but make it clear you are not looking for a serious relationship.

Around high school age, nobody has to technically ask the other person to “go out”, rather the two people just start to spend a lot of time together and talk/text one or more times per day. 

Unofficial Rules:        

When you are dating someone, it’s OK to talk to and hang out with other people of the same sex. You would just have to be careful not to spend too much time or talk all the time to that other person or the person you’re dating might become jealous.

One person should not do all of the calling, talking, or nice deeds for the other person. This should be reciprocal.  If you start to notice you are always the one calling, you might want to hold off a little bit to see if the other person calls you.  If they don’t, they probably aren’t interested anymore.  It’s OK to ask them if they are or aren’t. 

If someone says they’re “not interested”, they “don’t want a relationship”, they’d “like to see other people”, etc., you should realize they don’t want to date you anymore. This is OK because you can find another person you’d be interested in dating after a while.

It’s normal to still feel like you want to be around a person after you break up. You’ll get over them eventually after you aren’t in contact with them as much anymore. It just makes things worse to beg, smother, or make the other person feel guilty. It never helps people get back together when they do the trust is often gone and things have changed from when you were in the relationship. Give yourself time to move on too without rushing into the next relationship.

In Closing:

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!