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Saturday 31 May 2014

B. F. Skinner

"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."



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This Chill Bear Hung Out In A Backyard Hammock Because He Does What He Wants

#BearLife


A super chill bear got tired from wandering around and doing bear things, and decided to take a breather in a man's hammock in Daytona Beach, Fla.


A super chill bear got tired from wandering around and doing bear things, and decided to take a breather in a man's hammock in Daytona Beach, Fla.


abcnews.go.com


"I'm just here to chill, man," the bear said, sipping from a chill bear beer.


"I'm just here to chill, man," the bear said, sipping from a chill bear beer.


abcnews.go.com


Photographer Rafael Torres told WFTV the bear stayed in the hammock for about 20 minutes, until he left to go pursue more chill bear activities.


Photographer Rafael Torres told WFTV the bear stayed in the hammock for about 20 minutes, until he left to go pursue more chill bear activities.


"He got in the hammock like he was a tourist or something," said hammock owner Vincent James. "Then something spooked him and he ran right back there. Then half an hour later I come back and I saw there he is in the hammock again."


abcnews.go.com


Residents said the bear has been spotted hangin' around the 'hood for several days, tearing through bird feeders and trash cans and generally living the life we all dream about.


Residents said the bear has been spotted hangin' around the 'hood for several days, tearing through bird feeders and trash cans and generally living the life we all dream about.


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How to Ride Off a Drop on a Mountain Bike

You are buzzing down a sweet single-track with a few of your best pals. As you burst out of a corner, you are faced with a ladder drop. The rider in front of you confidently rides off it and gracefully drops through the air then sticks a buttery-smooth landing. You sheepishly pick the ride-around trail, and internally turn green with envy at the prowess of the rider preceding you.


Safely riding off a drop - ladder or natural - is a mountain-biking skill that will instantly open up new lines and allow you to have more fun than ever on your bike. With a bit of knowledge and some practice, you will be the one filling the new riders with envy as you gracefully and confidently ride off the drops.


EditSteps



  1. Scout the drop. Take note of the condition of the ladder (if it's a ladder drop), the steepness and roughness of the landing, and what the terrain would be like if you overshot or undershot the landing.





  2. Roll up to the drop at a reasonably fast speed. If you are going too slow your front wheel will dive as soon as it rolls off the edge and toss you over the bars. Too fast and you might overshoot the landing.





  3. Get into your attack position when two seconds away from the edge of the drop.





    • Center your weight over your pedals and keep your hands light.

    • Bend your knees slightly.

    • Keep your arms bent and relaxed.

    • Relax your grip on the handlebars.

    • Get your chest low - you want you upper body to be almost horizontal.

    • Look at the landing.



  4. Unweigh the front wheel as it reaches the edge by pushing your hips back and lightly lifting up on the handlebar. The slower you are going the further back you must have your weight to keep your front wheel from diving while the rear wheel is still on the ramp.





  5. Keep your front wheel level with the take-off until the back wheel leaves the ramp.





  6. Maintain your stance with your weight back over your rear wheel as you begin to fall.





  7. Extend your legs and prepare to soften the impact as you near the landing.





  8. Absorb the landing by using your legs as suspension.





  9. Have fun by exploring new lines and finding things to drop from!








EditVideo


EditWarnings



  • Riding off drops is dangerous, ride responsibly and start small.


EditRelated wikiHows







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How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn

Moss consists of tiny plants that form a habitat for small invertebrates. Most mosses are native and benign, part of a natural succession of vegetation. They cover bare ground and prevent soil erosion. Moss does not kill your grass, but it can creep into your lawn if your grass has already started dying. In order to get rid of it, you will need to use physical and, possible, chemical methods of removal. In recent years home owners and gardeners have become more interested in encouraging moss because of its beauty and as part of an effort to minimize use of chemicals around the home. A perfect lawn could include some moss, and the world would not come to an end! But if you can't stand the sight of moss in the lawn, then read on.


EditSteps


EditPhysical and Chemical Moss Removal



  1. Remove loose moss with scarification.[1] Scarification, also referred to as dethatching, is the process of vigorously raking or agitating the lawn in order to remove loose moss and other compact organic material.





    • If you have a small lawn, you can do this by hand. Simply rake the yard thoroughly and with ample force to lift the moss away. Use a spring-tine rake.

    • If you have a larger lawn, you can get a dethatching blade for your lawn mower.[2] Set the height adjustment so that the tines can touch the surface of the soil, but if you set it too low, you will also remove your grass. Dethatch your entire lawn using this method and dispose of the moss you remove.

    • It is especially important to dethatch your lawn if you apply a chemical herbicide to kill or weaken moss beforehand.



  2. Try a glyphosate herbicide. Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most popular currently on the market, but they tend to have mixed results when used to kill moss.[3]





    • This chemical works by being absorbed through leaves and transferred into the soil.

    • The exact conditions needed to make glyphosate effective against moss are presently unknown, but for best results, apply the herbicide only if there are no competing plants that the herbicide might go after instead.

    • As with any herbicide, follow the label instructions carefully.



  3. Use iron sulfate or another sulfate-based herbicide. While these herbicides are less common, they tend to have a higher rate of success when used to kill moss. Iron or ferrous sulfate is recommended most often, but ammonium sulfate and copper sulfate herbicides are also effective.





    • Iron weakens the moss, often killing it in the process or making it easier to kill and remove manually.

    • Spray a 5 gallon (20 L) mixture over a 1000 square feet (304.8 square meters) area. The mixture should be about 3 oz (90 ml) of iron sulfate to 5 gallons (20 L) of water.

    • If using copper sulfate, use 2 to 5 oz (60 to 150 ml) for every 4 gallons (16 L) of water, and spray this mixture over a 1000 square foot (304.8 square meter) area.

    • Always follow label instructions carefully.



  4. Consider using a moss-killing soap. A cryptocidal soap product kills moss on contact. The chemical bleaches moss, turning it a white-yellow color, and should be applied sparsely.





    • These soaps do not pose any threat to sidewalks or other structures.

    • For best results, apply this treatment during a dry spell, when moss is at its weakest.

    • Carefully follow the instructions on the label when applying.




EditReducing Moss-Friendly Conditions



  1. Plant shade-loving perennials and shrubs. Grass does not grow well in areas of heavy shade, but regrettably, moss does. If you cannot control the amount of shade your lawn receives, try planting flowers and other plants that thrive in shaded areas to prevent moss from growing instead.





    • Plants that love shade include astilbe, brunnera, heuchera, hostas, hellebore, ferns, hydrangea, pulmonaria, and tiarella.[4] There are other shrubs and flowers that do well with shade, as well. Simply look for shade-loving plants the next time you visit a gardening store or plant nursery.



  2. Let the sun shine through. Moss grows well in the shade, but most normal varieties of grass do not. If you want to make your lawn healthier, consider clearing away removable obstacles from your yard so that more natural sunlight can reach your grass.





    • Keep piles of firewood, bricks, or other debris inside storage areas like your garage or garden shed.

    • When building a new shed, think about how the position of the structure may cast shade over the lawn.

    • Trim large trees and heavy shrubs so that more light can peek through.



  3. Avoid watering your lawn excessively. Moss thrives in areas of heavy moisture. If your lawn is doing poorly for other reasons and is already vulnerable to moss, excessive watering will only hasten the arrival of moss.





    • You should especially avoid watering your lawn at night in the early fall or spring, during which moss growth is most persistent.

    • If your lawn is naturally soggy, try improving its ability to drain by changing the grading of the lawn, aerating the lawn, dethatching the lawn, or installing subsurface drain lines.[5]



  4. Give your lawn enough water to thrive. While too much moisture will create the ideal conditions for moss, too little moisture can weaken your grass and make your lawn more vulnerable to moss, too.





    • When lawns are too dehydrated, the grass turns brown and weak. It may become too weak to respond to rain or other moisture when it does arrive. As a result, once it rains, the moss grows quickly while the grass continues to die.




EditMaking Your Lawn Healthier



  1. Prevent injuries to your lawn. While most people want to be able to enjoy their lawn, if you treat it too roughly, the grass will become notably weak. As the grass begins dying on its own, you might see more moss creeping in.





    • Lawn injuries can occur when you play sports in the yard, ride a bike in your yard, or have a dog dig through your lawn.

    • Additionally, crane fly larvae can also cause physical injury to your lawn. If you have a lot of crane flies in your area, consider taking measures to exterminate or repel them.



  2. Aerate the area. Over time, your lawn can become too compacted for air, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots of the grass. As a result, the grass can die off and moss can grow in its place. Regular aeration can help control and prevent this.





    • Rent, borrow, or buy a core aerator machine to get the job done. This machine pushes a set of hollow tines into the lawn, digging out small batches of soil less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

    • By removing cores of soil, you free up just enough space in your yard for the soil to spread out and decompress.

    • Try to do this at least once before the start of the growing season and once before the end of the growing season.



  3. Dethatch your lawn regularly. Dethatching disturbs the lawn more deeply than aeration does. If aeration is done on a regular basis, you will not need to dethatch quite as often. If you have a lot of problems with moss, however, it is still a good idea to go the extra length and dethatch, as well.





    • For best results, dethatch during the spring every other year.

    • A dethatching lawn mower blade digs down into the lawn and yanks up most of the plant material growing in the upper thatch layer of your lawn rather than in the soil. Since this is where moss grows, disturbing the thatch can help prevent moss from settling in.



  4. Seed thin areas. If certain areas of your lawn are sparsely covered by grass, planting grass seed in those areas is a good way to prevent moss from covering those areas and improve the overall quality of your lawn.





    • Consider seeding your lawn with a shade-resistant variety of grass. These include ryegrass, fine fescues, roughstalk bluegrass, and bentgrass. Alternatively, you could also look for a pre-packaged mix labeled as "sun-shade" grass seed.

    • When adding new seed, topdress the seeds with 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) of loose soil or sand and keep the area moist until the seedlings establish themselves.[6]



  5. Treat the lawn with fertilizer. Moss can also squeeze its way in if the soil has poor fertility. Poor fertility means that the soil is unable to provide the nutrients needed for grass to thrive. Regular fertilizer is the best way to improve these conditions.





    • You can have a lawn care professional test a sample of your soil from the area where moss grows. In general, though, a good indication that low fertility is your lawn's problem will be if the moss appears in dry, sunny areas of the lawn.

    • Use a fertilizer with a high concentration of nitrogen and decent amounts of potassium and iron.

    • Fertilizer is most helpful when use four times per year: early spring, late spring, mid-summer, and early fall.



  6. Spread agricultural lime. Lime should be used to control the acidity of your soil. Moss often grows once acidic soil begins limiting the nutrients supplied to your grass, providing room for moss to sneak in.





    • Use a calcium-based lime for best results.

    • Test the pH of you soil. Ideal conditions will be neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7. If the pH is below 6, it is acidic, and if it is above 7, it is alkaline.

    • Only use lime to treat acidic soil, not alkaline soil.

    • Apply the lime to your lawn twice each growing season if your soil has tested acidic.




EditThings You'll Need



  • Dethatcher

  • Aerator

  • Herbicide or moss killing soap

  • Shade-loving plants

  • Fertilizer

  • Shade-resistant grass see

  • Agricultural lime

  • Soil pH tester


EditSources and Citations




Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found








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How to Prevent Razor Bumps

When men shave, they take part in a time-honored tradition of hygiene and grooming as far back as prerecorded history. Most of us learned to shave from our fathers, uncles, or older brothers, who themselves passed the ritual down through countless generations. Along the way, we may have picked up some bad habits or methods that don't work on our skin. If you are having trouble with bumps, burns, or irritation while shaving, follow these instructions for healthier, smoother skin.


EditSteps


EditShaving to Prevent Bumps



  1. Take a hot shower or wash your face with warm water. A hot shower with frequent face scrubbing will cleanse your pores more thoroughly than splashing water on your face a few times, but sometimes the snooze button wins that morning time struggle. Use soap and warm water if you're washing your face. This will soften the hair and remove any grime or bacteria that clogs pores and leads to bumps.





    • This also opens the pores and cleanses the skin (it has to be warm, though). Not only will you be working to eliminate the bumps, you'll get a closer, cleaner shave, too.



  2. Use a pre-shave oil. A pre-shave oil is optional, but using some will add another layer of protection by moisturizing the skin and getting the hair to stand straighter off the skin. The straighter it is, the less likely it is to curl, grow in your skin, and form bumps. (This is why those with curly, coiled hair get razor bumps more commonly.[1] )





    • Oddly enough, you can find pre-shave oils at health food stores. But don't eat it. It's made of silicone and is just used to cut down on friction and soften your hairs.[2]



  3. Use shaving cream to work up a thick lather over the hair. The thicker and gellier, the better. Never shave dry! Some men find lathering up easier to do with a shaving brush. Reapply for every additional pass of the razor.





    • Choosing shaving cream is usually a matter of personal taste. However, the better creams on the market are glycerin-based and contain these ingredients: aqua, stearic acid, myristic acid, coconut acid, sodium and potassium hydroxides, and triethanolamine. It's best to avoid benzocaine and menthol, as those are both rather pore-clogging.[2]



  4. Always use a clean, sharp blade. A dull or dirty blade will cut your skin more often than a sharp one will. Replace your blade frequently, especially if you shave often. Cleaning the blade and removing any hair will extend the life of the blade. A blade with rust should be discarded immediately.





    • You can extend the life of your razor by taking good care of it. Wash out any hair trapped in the blades, but don't leave it wet -- the water will wear down the blades.



  5. Shave with the grain. That is, in the direction your hair grows. You may think shaving up or against the grain gives you a closer shave, but cutting the hair this way changes the way it grows back, increasing your risk of razor bumps and ingrown hair.





    • Use light pressure. Pressing the razor too hard against the face or shaving the same patch in multiple strokes will cause irritation.

    • Don't stretch the skin! For your pubic area this may be necessary, but your beard will do just fine on its own, thanks.



  6. Take care of your shaving brush. You may think that the only culprit when it comes to razor bumps is, namely, your razor, but your shaving brush can be a bad guy, too. Make sure it's clean when you're done with it to prevent bacteria from starting their own little colony on your brush.





    • Hang it bristles downward so it drains after you're finished using it. The shape of the brush will stay more intact, but you'll also cut down on bacteria, cutting down on razor bumps.[2] Everybody wins! Well, except the bacteria.



  7. Rinse off the shaving cream with cold water. Warm water opens your pores, which makes it easier for the razor to get the hair. Cold water closes your pores and makes it more difficult for bacteria to get inside. You started with warm water, right? So finish with cold.





    • You can also press a cold, wet cloth against your face for five minutes to really seal the deal.[1] Really, the more time you take, the better.



  8. Rub the area with an alum block. That's a bar that kind of looks like soap, but can be used as a blood coagulant. This can be purchased online or at any specialty shaving store and is more effective than cold water alone in closing open pores. This step is optional, but many men prefer to use one.





    • They are especially useful healing accidental cuts. If you get a quick nick, moisten the block and apply it to the area. It works as an antiseptic![2]



  9. Apply aftershave. Either a splash of lotion or a smear of balm. Choose a product that has a scent you enjoy. Using aftershave will help prevent infection. If you're more of the Chuck Norris/MacGyver type, why don't you make it yourself? But it's best not to use gasoline as aftershave like Chuck Norris does.





    • This step is imperative to restoring moisture to your skin. Go for an alcohol-free one to stay derma-hydrated. If that wasn't a word, it sure is now.

      • You may wish to choose a product specifically made for sensitive skin. If you knows yours reacts to everything under the sun, spend another dollar or two to go for the good stuff.






EditShaving Your Pubic Area



  1. Trim it. If you're growing the Forbidden Forest down there, your razor doesn't stand a chance. Trim the hairs to about 1/4" (.6 cm) before you go near the blade. Don't wanna use scissors? No one will blame you, that's for sure. Electric clippers are like the sippy cups of pubic hair trimming. Use them to avoid snipping your skin.





    • It doesn't have to be even and pretty, it just has to be short. Make sure to check the hard-to-reach areas too!



  2. Soak it. If you took the time to read the above sections on beard grooming, this is the exact same process. You want to soak the hair follicles in warm or hot water to open up your pores. They'll be more receptive to shaving, resulting in smoother skin.





    • You can do this a number of ways. First off, the shower or bath is your best bet. The more time you spend under the water, the better. However, you could also take a wet washrag to the area if you're pressed for time.



  3. Exfoliate the area. Thought that one was coming later, didn't you? If you want to get rid of the top layer of dead skin (relax, everybody has it) and align your hairs (both things aiding in a closer, better shave), you'll exfoliate now. Just your normal shower gel will work fine!





  4. Lather up generously. Gentlemen, hate to break it to you, but you may want to swallow your pride and grab your girlfriend's shaving cream. Generally speaking, women's shaving cream is better for sensitive areas and doesn't contain any harsh perfumes.[3] If you can handle the pink container, you'll be better off.





    • Don't use the same stuff you used on your face, if you can help it. Choose a product that's specifically made for pubic hair shaving (namely, scent-free). As you probably well know, your face is a completely different canvas than what's down there.



  5. Stretch the area taut and shave away. Your (new) razor needs a smooth, even surface, so stretch it taut and shave with the grain to prevent irritation and razor bumps. Yeah, yeah, yeah -- shaving against the grain will get you closer -- but that's not what this article is about. If you really wanna avoid the bumps, you'll shave with the grain.





    • Use a good razor. Throw out the ones you use every few shaving sessions. They just dull and do a poor job after too long (and can actually lead to spreading bacteria, creating bumps and burn). Treat yours right by rinsing all the hair off and drying it when you're done -- water will erode away the metal.



  6. Exfoliate again. Now that your skin has been scalped and left to its own devices, it's time to exfoliate once more. With your normal soap (so you know it doesn't burn), rub down the area. You'll realign the hairs, wipe away the excess dead skin particles that were brought up by shaving, and unblock any clogged pores. Win to the third degree!





    • If you must choose one exfoliating process to do, choose this one. You don't want to leave your follicles all over the place, allowing for ingrown hairs and bacteria to spread. All that work for nothing!



  7. Pat dry and moisturize. Now that the hard part is done, it's simply time to dry off and moisturize. Don't rub the area too hard as that may irritate it, but do pat it with a dry towel. Then, hit the unscented lotion, aloe vera, or baby oil. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, remember.





    • Do not go for aftershave. Do you want an ambulance to be called? Stick to alcohol-free, unscented creams and lotions. Baby oil is good if you're not planning on having sex after, as it can deteriorate latex condoms.[3]



  8. Wear loose clothing. You know when you wear tight clothes to the gym, sometimes after all the sweat and exercising, you get a few pimples? Well, loose clothing might've prevented that and the same goes for razor bumps. The area needs to breathe as much as possible -- aka a great excuse for sweatpants.





    • This actually goes for your beard, too, if you keep clothing around your face. On the off chance you're wearing scarves or turtlenecks to cover up the bumps, know that this could actually be making it worse!




EditTreating and Preventing Future Bumps



  1. Shave less often. Not the sage wisdom you were hoping for, eh? But straight up, the less you shave, the less the top layer of skin from your face has to get ripped up and torn apart. If you can skip a day, do so. Your skin will thank you for it.





    • If you have razor bumps already, give 'em a chance to heal! Skip a few days of shaving to let them do their thing. You won't have to grow a hobo beard (but if you could, that'd also be useful), but do grow some stubble. They'll work themselves out.



  2. Apply heat to the razor bumps. If you had a few razor bumps from before you embarked upon this safe, smooth, bump-free journey, wet a washrag with hot water and keep it on your bumps (your lovely lady bumps) for 5-10 minutes. This will open up the pore and kill the bacteria, which makes the bumps redden and more swollen.





  3. Use glycolic acid cream to relieve preexisting bumps. You can find some at most pharmacies. Salicylic acid is also effective. Apply it immediately after shaving and again before bed. You may experience a bit of stinging, but it should subside almost immediately.[2]





    • In a pinch, aloe vera or hydrocortisone should also help. These products are a little easier to find in your mom's/sister's/roommate's medicine cabinet, huh?



  4. Don't pick at them! Kinda like asking you to not look at a car crash, huh? But try your hardest. They may look like acne, but they're actually irritations that can get infected. Mixing in your finger oils won't make the situation any better.[4]





    • Don't rub them either. When in doubt, stay away. They'll go away with time. Patience, young Jedi.




EditTips



  • If you find that your razor is too irritating for your skin, swap it for a different product, such as a safety razor. A safety razor uses less pressure and results in less skin irritation.

  • Keep your skin healthy by washing regularly and using moisturizers, even on the days you don't shave.

  • Always, always, always, always use shaving cream. Shaving dry is a terrible decision that you will regret.


EditThings You'll Need



  • A new razor

  • Pre-shaving oil

  • Shaving cream

  • Washrag

  • Shaving brush (optional)

  • Alum block

  • Aftershave

  • Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc. (optional)

  • Exfoliate

  • Shaving cream for pubic shaving

  • Soap and water


EditRelated wikiHows





EditSources & Citations




Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found








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Arthur Schopenhauer

"Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see."



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Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

"Lawyers spend a great deal of their time shoveling smoke."



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Napoleon Bonaparte

"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."



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Elvis Presley

"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."



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Friday 30 May 2014

John Dewey

"Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another."



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Lady Gaga's New Puppy Is Insanely Adorable

Her little monster has the cutest p-p-p-puppy face!


This is Asia:



instagram.com


She's Lady Gaga’s new French bulldog puppy.



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She is also totally taking over Gaga's Instagram photos.



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Which is cool because she is ridiculously cute.



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Created by Peter

How to Avoid Being Socially Awkward at a College Party

Socially awkward moments that sometimes make us cringe from the inside out are a natural part of life. It happens to every one of us, especially during adolescence. However, a dramatic transformation occurs when we enter college; this is a time of self-exploration and coming into one's own. Learn how to break the awkward barrier at parties, in class, or simply hanging around the dorm room, even if you are shyer than the average person.


EditSteps



  1. Prepare conversation topics ahead of time. If social interaction stresses you out, think of a few topics that you are comfortable carrying on a conversation about. Before the party, come up with questions you might ask or responses you might give that surround these topics. Playing out possible conversation scenarios takes the edge off having to think on the spot at a college party. At a party it may (will) be loud so keep in mind that these conversations might be cut short or happen while you wait on line for beer or the bathroom. Suggested strategies and topics include:





    • Have an anecdote or two prepared. This short story could stem from personal experience, an episode from your favorite TV show, a Vine you saw or someone’s obnoxious Instagram picture. Add in some humor if you can because a funny story always wins over a crowd. Humorous or not, these snippets from your personal life will flow easily because they are genuine and you are prepared to tell them

    • Talk about current events. Everyone attending a college party is connected to social media, giving us common ground when it comes to current events. Unfortunately, at parties no one is going to talk about news or politics so keep the topics fairly general. Think of pop culture references or on-campus quirks that interest you and share them with the other partygoers. Mutual conversation points will help you survive a party.

    • Think of topics that can be easily understood in a loud and over-stimulated environment. These topics might include: sports, celebrities, music, class schedules, or anything else that is simple and within your conversation comfort zone.



  2. Go to the party with at least one close friend. Even if you go to a party with your friends, you can still feel very alone. Bring a friend that you can rely on and stick with for the night. Bringing a trustworthy comrade makes college parties less stressful because:





    • A friend is a great buffer for awkward conversations because they can pull you out of them or jump into them, either way they’re a lifesaver.

    • A friend will make it less uncomfortable when you stand in the corner and don’t talk to anyone else. At least you have your pal with you and you guys can scope out the scene together, gossip, and find out where to move next.

    • Your friend can be your bathroom trip companion or your dance partner. Whatever you need or want to do at the party you two can complete it together.

    • Having a friend makes conversation flow more smoothly because you have someone you’re comfortable with to bounce ideas off of. It is much easier to be yourself when you’re with a best buddy who knows your quirks. With a good friend by your side, you’re likely to be more outgoing and willing to try new things.



  3. Wear an outfit you feel confident in. What clothes you wear to a party can determine whether you’re fidgeting all night or feeling comfortable and relaxed. Don’t feel the need to conform to the standards (or non-standards) of college party attire.- Wear an outfit that reflects you. If you feel confident in your outfit, feeling confident in your social skills is right around the corner. Here are ways to avoid dressing uncomfortably to a party:





    • Don’t wear anything too thick because sweating may occur, increasing internal stress levels. In the winter, wear a jacket over your party outfit and hide the jacket in the kitchen cabinet if need be.

    • Avoid wearing super tight and light-colored clothing. Once again, you will most likely perspire at a college party and a tight and light colored shirt will display sweat stains all too well. These stains may cause you to become self conscious and inhibit your social interactions.

    • Try not to wear anything that strays too far from your comfort zone. If you don’t usually wear crop tops you will most likely not feel confident in them. Try to deter from extreme outfit choices and remain somewhere in the realm of casual, comfortable and classy.



  4. Hover around the food or game table. The food or game table is a social hot spot that always has a flux of people. If your friend is nowhere to be found, make your way over to the tray of mini sandwiches or current beer pong tournament. These two places at parties ease social anxieties and take the spot light off you. These stations help with socialization because:





    • The snack and drink stations allow you to be occupied. You can be alone eating some food and sipping on a drink and it is completely normal. You can also be a single bystander watching a game, which limits necessary interaction.

    • These places can also generate conversations. People love free food, so party goers will always make their way over to the chips and dip. If you are getting a plate of food at the same time as someone else, strike up a discussion about how great the punch is or how bad the quiche is. Watching a game can also spark conversation because you and other spectators already have the game as a mutual conversation topic.

    • Watching a game can also result in you becoming a participant. Playing in a game is a great way of interacting with people in a fun and relaxed manner. If you are a superstar at the game there will be cheering and if you are bad there will be light-hearted laughing. Either way you are socializing.



  5. Stay Calm. At parties, you are most awkward when you’re obsessively thinking about how uncomfortable you feel. Your head swarms with thoughts of miscommunications and unheard punch lines over the blasting music. Just remember that these situations aren’t that serious and you don’t need to impress anyone. Some suggestions for staying calm are:





    • Take a breather: If you feel yourself getting flustered, excuse yourself for a second. Go to the bathroom or step outside into the fresh air and gather your thoughts. Remind yourself that there’s nothing to feel uncomfortable about, it’s just a party.

    • Stop worrying so much. Parties are not as big of a deal as they’re cracked up to be, so try and relax. When you begin to relax, your thoughts will flow more naturally and you will be able to be yourself without your anxious thoughts holding you back.

    • Rely on your prepared conversation topics if you begin to feel nervous. Using these conversation topics you put on reserve can help you keep your cool in a time of near panic.



  6. Be interactive. There isn't any guaranteed way to make your nerves disappear. There will always be that moment where you must push past your anxiety, walk up to someone, and start a conversation. Fortunately, there are a lot of strategies that can take the edge off those feelings of inhibition, and make them easier to overcome. Here are some suggestions:





    • Approach the people or groups that you are least intimidated by. If you recognize someone from your class, but the two of you have never talked, here’s your chance. Or, if you see someone who also looks a bit nervous talk to them to ease both of your anxieties. Once you’ve started talking to one person that is like climbing the ladder to the diving board, now you’re ready to jump.

    • Give yourself a role at the party. Take it upon yourself to introduce people to each other, make or distribute drinks, or tell the DJ what songs people want to hear. Theses interactions require you to be more talkative and let your social side shine.






EditTips



  • Always be happy with yourself. Someone's opinion of you at a party does not matter. All that matters is that you are pushing past your comfort zone, having fun, and staying true to yourself.

  • Be brave! Coming out of your shell is not an easy task and it takes some courage to make that first move and talk to someone at a party. Just go for it and don’t look back.

  • Don’t let preparing a topic ahead of time completely shut your brain off when new topics are discussed. Try to integrate the topics you’ve prepared into the topics being discussed, or simply try to speak freely! At a party, conversations rarely have boundaries.






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