| How to Make Valentine's Day Special on a Budget Posted: 11 Feb 2018 04:00 PM PST If you're worried that your funds can't stretch far enough to give your beloved a Valentine's Day to remember, don't worry! Diamonds and a five star meal are not a necessity for a meaningful Valentine's Day. Besides, your loved one might not even like those types of gifts or activities! It's all about finding activities you can enjoy together. You can show that you care by planning memorable experiences and putting together small, affordable gifts. EditShowing That You Appreciate Them - Forgo technology for the day. Put your phone down, and turn off the TV while you're having your celebration. Devote all of your attention to your significant other by not letting social media, news notifications, or cat pictures get in the way of your romantic day.[1]
- Have a meaningful conversation. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to reconnect on things you haven't gotten to talk about in a while. Talk about your dreams for the future, remember great memories from early in your relationship, and ask them how they're feeling about their life. Listen well, since they might be telling you something important about themselves.
- Keep your conversations positive. Don't bring up past mistakes or talk about the problems you're having with your relationship, as it could cause a fight, which is the opposite of what you want!
- If he or she says something big, like "I'm not happy with where we live", reassure them that you hear them and that their happiness is important. Say that you can hash out the details of a big change later.
- Surprise your sweetheart by doing a chore for them. If they normally do the laundry, wash the dishes, or clean the gutters, do that for them in exactly the same way that they would do it before they get home. It will show you were thinking about them and wanted to save them the trouble of doing it themselves.[2]
- Give them vouchers for nice deeds from you. This can include foot massages, one week of cooking or dishwashing with no questions asked, or a promise for that special thing they've always wanted in the bedroom.[3]
- Design the vouchers on your computer yourself. You can use a business card template, or just cut out the vouchers into heart shapes once they're printed. Write "redeemable at any time, no expiration date" on them for a cute touch.
- Say "I love you". It doesn't cost anything but it means a great deal.[4] Don't be shy; say it a lot during the day. They will appreciate your honesty and it will mean more than any gift ever could.
EditMaking Gifts - Write a heartfelt love letter. Don't be afraid to gush a little, especially if you're normally pretty un-romantic. Everyone likes reading about how much they're loved in words written by the person who loves them.[5]You can also make it into a card by folding it and adding some personalized doodles.
- Put together a mix tape. Well, nowadays it'll be more of a playlist, but the idea is the same: organize a list of songs that reminds you of them, takes them back to a special memory like a vacation, or is just plain romantic. You can put it on a CD for them to play in their car, or share the playlist on their Spotify account to listen to at any time.[6]
- Make a photo frame with pictures that they can swap out. Head to the thrift shop or dollar store for a cheap photo frame. Print out several pictures of you as a couple that your partner can change out anytime they want! You can also make a scrapbook using old notebooks and duct tape instead of buying a frame.[7]
EditGiving Affordable Gifts - Give them just one rose instead of a whole bouquet. One rose means "you're the one", so don't be embarrassed about not giving your special one an entire garden.[8] Hang the rose upside down on the wall when it starts to wilt because it will dry up and you can keep it for years to come.
- Because a single rose could still be a little pricy on Valentine's Day, ask your mom or grandmother if you can pick a rose from her rose bush. It will be that much more special since it was grown by someone you love.
- Hit the dollar store for inexpensive gifts. They will have all the stuff that's normally expensive at party stores and flower shops, like balloons, candy, and stuffed animals. Snag a few different items since, hey, they're only a buck![9]
- Trade cards in the store. Pick out Valentine's Day cards in the store at the same time. Give them to each other on the spot and decide together if you want to buy the cards, or if you just want to take a picture to remember the moment.
- Gift them a small potted plant. You don't need to spend over $15 for a small potted plant, plus it will last longer than cut flowers. They can keep it on their desk at work as a reminder of how much you love them. Provide instructions on how to properly take care of the plant to help it live a long life and bloom often.[10]
- Succulents, like cacti and aloe vera, are great options since they are low-maintenance and live for a long time. Plus, cacti can grow flowers if they have proper lighting, soil, and watering!
EditPlanning Affordable Activities - Take a one-time partner dance class. Look for a beginner class in a style of dance that your boyfriend or girlfriend would love. Salsa, swing, and waltz are fun even if you have no experience! Drop-in classes at dance studios or recreation centers tend to be $5-15 per person.[11]
- Call to let the studio know that you are planning to come for a drop-in class, so that they can make sure they have enough room in the class.
- Have a picnic. Prepare a special meal of crackers, cheeses, fruits, meats, and dessert by shopping in the sale section at the grocery store. It doesn't have to be fancy! Bring instant hot chocolate or that bottle of wine you've had sitting in your kitchen for a while. Use an old blanket or towel to sit on, and carry your food around in a container you already have, like a backpack or suitcase.[12] You can have a picnic in your backyard if you don't feel like traveling anywhere far.
- Rent a movie from RedBox or the library. Skip the expensive theater tickets and get a movie from a RedBox for $1.50 instead. Sometimes the library will have classic romance titles that RedBox doesn't, like "Singin' in the Rain" or "Casablanca".[13] The library is even better because it's totally free!
- Stargaze. Put on warm clothes and step out to check out the night sky. If you want to travel somewhere by car, bring blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and enough gas to get you there and back. Find somewhere on the city outskirts where the sky is clear. Take along a star chart and look for stars that you know. Choose a star just for the two of you and make a promise to look for it every Valentine's Day.
- Devise a romantic scavenger hunt. Leave a series of short love poems that also act as a hint for where to find the next clue. Take your loved one to places that were important in your relationship, like the coffee shop where you met or the stairs of the building where you had your first kiss.[14] Meet them at every step with a small gift, like a hand-picked flower or piece of their favorite candy.
- Paint portraits of each other in watercolor. Children's watercolor paint kits are cheap and come with a brush or two. You can find these in the kids' craft sections at any general store like Wal-Mart or Target.[15] You also don't need any special paper to make them work; printer paper works just fine! Let them dry and hang them up to look at every day.
- Don't worry about being a good artist. Watercolor is naturally messy and hard to control, so in the end, your painting might not look much like your partner! That's okay; it's the thought that counts.
- Whatever you do, commit to it. A half-finished idea for an activity is worse than no activity at all.
- Ask someone who knows both of you to help you make your idea better.
- If you're not sure it's going to be a hit, scrap the idea and think of a new one. You don't want to put a bunch of effort into an idea only to have it flop!
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Tell If a Person Has a Concussion Posted: 11 Feb 2018 08:00 AM PST A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that most often occurs when someone is hit in the head. Concussions can also occur due to falling, physical abuse, vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian collisions, and injuries from contact sports such as rugby and football. Though the effects of a concussion are usually temporary, a person with a suspected concussion should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Repeated concussions can cause serious damage to the brain, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).[1] Though it may seem like a scary situation, most people with concussions fully recover within a few days.[2] EditChecking for Immediate Signs - Determine if the victim has lost consciousness. Not everyone who gets a concussion will lose consciousness, but some people do. This is the most obvious sign that someone has a concussion. If the person has blacked out after a blow to the head, seek emergency medical treatment.[3]
- Watch for slurred or unclear speech. Ask the person some basic questions such as, "What is your name?" and "Do you know where you are?" If their answers are delayed, slurred, don't make sense, or are hard to understand, they may have a concussion.[4]
- Find out if the victim is confused or doesn't remember what happened. If the person has a blank stare, seems confused, or doesn't know where they are, it could be a sign of a brain injury. If they seem dazed, don't remember what happened, or appear to have memory loss, they likely have a concussion.[5]
- Watch for nausea or vomiting. If someone vomits, especially repeatedly, after being hit in the head or involved in another type of accident, this usually indicates a concussion. If they haven't vomited, ask them if they feel nauseated or have an upset stomach, which may also be a sign of a concussion.[6]
- Look for impaired balance or coordination. People with concussions often have problems with their motor skills, such as being unable to walk in a straight line or catch a ball. If the person is having trouble with these things or has a delayed reaction time, they likely have a concussion.[7]
- Ask the victim if they have a headache, blurred vision, or feel dizzy. A headache that lasts more than a few minutes is a common sign of a concussion. Blurred vision, "seeing stars," and/or feelings of dizziness or fogginess may also indicate a concussion.[8]
- Watch the person carefully for 3-4 hours. If you suspect a concussion, the person should be carefully monitored for the next several hours. It's not a good idea to leave them alone, in case they end up needing emergency medical treatment. If possible, arrange for someone to stay with the person for at least a few hours after the incident and monitor their behavior.[9]
EditMonitoring Them for Additional Symptoms - Look for symptoms over the next several days or weeks. While some concussion symptoms show up immediately, some don't appear until days or weeks afterwards. Even if the person seemed fine after the incident, they may begin to show signs of a concussion later on.[10]
- The victim may exhibit signs such as slurred speech, confusion, nausea or vomiting, impaired balance or coordination, dizziness, blurred vision, or headache.
- These symptoms could indicate medical issues other than a concussion, so it's important to have the person examined by a healthcare provider.
- Watch for changes in mood and behavior over the next month. Sudden changes in behavior or mood often indicate a concussion. If the person seems grouchy, irritable, angry, sad, or otherwise emotional, seemingly without a reason, they may have a concussion. If the person becomes violent, acts out, or loses interest in their favorite things or activities, this can also indicate a concussion.[11]
- Determine if they have sensitivity to light or sound. People that are suffering from concussions are often more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. If these things make the person cringe or complain of pain, or if they have ringing in their ears, they may have a concussion.[12]
- Recognize changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Look for behavior that contradicts their usual patterns or habits. If the person has lost their appetite or is eating much more than normal, it could be a sign of a concussion. Similarly, if the person has trouble sleeping or is sleeping excessively, they may have a concussion.[13]
- Find out if the victim has problems with memory or concentration. Even if the person seems clear-headed after the incident, they may develop issues later on. If they seem unfocused, unable to concentrate, or have trouble remembering things that happened either before or after the incident, they likely have a concussion.[14]
- Watch for excessive crying in children. If the person that you suspect may have a concussion is a child, determine if they seem to be crying more than usual. Though most of the concussion symptoms are the same in children and adults, children may cry excessively because they are in pain, feeling off, or don't know how to express what is wrong.[15]
EditSeeking Medical Treatment - Seek emergency medical care for seizures, difficulty breathing, or fluid leaking from the ears. If the victim doesn't respond or wake up after losing consciousness, experiences worsening headaches, vomits repeatedly, has blood or fluid leaking from the ears and nose, has a seizure, difficulty breathing, or slurred speech, take them to the emergency room immediately. These symptoms could indicate a very serious brain injury.[16]
- Get a medical evaluation for anyone with a suspected concussion within 1-2 days. Even if emergency medical treatment isn't required, all head injuries should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional. If you suspect someone has a concussion, take them to the doctor within 2 days of the incident.[17]
- Get immediate medical attention if the victim's symptoms worsen. In general, the symptoms of a concussion decrease over time. If the opposite is happening and the person experiences worsening pain, such as headache, and/or increased fatigue, seek immediate medical attention. These signs could indicate a more serious injury.[18]
- Follow the prescribed treatment plant. Usually, bed rest is prescribed for people with concussions. This includes both physical and mental rest, meaning the person should avoid physical activity (like exercise) as well as strenuous mental activity (such as playing video games or doing crossword puzzles). Be sure to rest for as long as the doctor recommends, and always follow any other treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider.[19]
- Avoid exercise and activity until cleared by a doctor. If the victim got a concussion while playing a sport, exercising, or doing another physical activity, remove the person from the game or activity. They should not resume the activity until evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is a contact sport in which they may get hit again.[20]
- Minor bumps may not be a concussion and the injured person may respond adequately and have no complaints. It is still a good measure to keep a close watch for emergency signs, especially vomiting, sluggish speech, or disorientation.
- Always monitor the victim for a long period after the injury to be sure they do not worsen. Allow them to rest, but awaken them every so often and ask them questions.
- The recovery time from a concussion may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. This differs for each person and individual injury.
- A serious head injury can result in a coma if the victim is not treated immediately.
- Severity of a head injury may be difficult to assess but if someone is knocked unconscious call emergency services. Brain hemorrhage should be ruled out and may not exhibit symptoms right away. A slow bleed could affect the person days after injury.
- Repeated injury to the brain can lead to brain swelling, long-term disabilities, or death. You are more likely to suffer repeated concussions if you do not allow the brain to heal after an initial concussion.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Ask a Girl to the Movies Posted: 11 Feb 2018 12:00 AM PST Taking a girl to the movies can be a fun and casual way to spend time together, but asking her out can be scary. There's no need to worry, though. Pick a movie ahead of time and find the right time to ask her, and she just might say yes! EditAsking Her out in Person - Comb your hair, put on deodorant, and wear a nice outfit. When you're ready to make your move, make sure you look and smell your best by taking a little extra time when you get dressed. Comb your hair neatly, pick an outfit that's clean and wrinkle-free, and put on deodorant and a light cologne or perfume. Girls appreciate good hygiene, and looking your best might give you an extra confidence boost.[1]
- Plan to invite other friends if you don't know the girl very well. If you're just getting to know each other, the girl might feel more comfortable going to the movies with a group of friends. It can help break the awkward tension that can sometimes exist on one-on-one dates. If she has strict parents, going out as part of a group might make it easier for her to get permission to go with you, too.[2]
- Approach her when she's not busy or distracted. Make sure you'll have her full attention by picking a time when she's not talking to anyone else or busy with schoolwork. If she's sitting at a table by herself, make eye contact and smile, then ask if you can sit down. If she's standing in a group talking to other people, join the group and wait for a break in the conversation, then ask her if you can talk to her alone.
- If she's with friends, wait for a break in the conversation, then try saying something like, "Hey, Janie, I wanted to ask you something. Can we go talk over there for just a minute?"
- It's okay to ask her out in front of her friends, but if she says no, you might feel embarrassed because there were people watching.
- Try not to be too goofy when you ask her out. Cracking jokes can help you calm your nervous energy, especially if you are known for being funny, but she might not take you seriously if you joke around too much. Take a deep breath to calm your nerves, make eye contact with her, and think about what you like about this girl before you ask her out.
- Be straightforward and invite her to the movie you chose. Now is the time to be bold, so ask her to the movies early in the conversation. If you think of this as a date, you should let her know that up front.
- Try saying something like, "Are you interested in seeing the new Jurassic World sequel? Some friends and I are thinking of going next Friday. Would you like to be my date?"[3]
- If she says she doesn't want to see that movie or she's already seen it, suggest your second pick. If she says no to that, she may not be interested in dating you.
- Accept her answer with a smile no matter what she says. If she says yes, great! Ask for her phone number if you don't already have it and tell her you'll text her when you get the tickets. If she turns you down, accept it gracefully. Try saying something like, "No problem, maybe another time." Even if your feelings are hurt, try not to show it. Just be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there, and try again next time.
EditTexting Her to Ask Her Out - Get her phone number if you don't already have it. If you'd be more comfortable asking her out through text, get her phone number. The best way to get her number is to ask her for it yourself, but if one of your friends has it, you can ask if they'll pass it on to you.
- If a friend gave you her number, let her know when you text her the first time so she doesn't think you're stalking her. Say something like, "Hey Lilah, this is Jamie. I got your number from Jacob, I hope you don't mind!"
- Ask her out early in the conversation. It's fine to make a little small talk first, but you don't want the conversation to turn mundane. Try to get to the point as soon as possible.[4]
- Try breaking the ice with a question like "How was your day?" You can chat about her answer, but when that conversation starts to fade, go ahead and tell her what's on your mind.
- Keep it simple when you ask her out. You don't need to send her three paragraphs detailing everything you like about her. Being straightforward will make you seem more confident. If you're asking her on a date, make sure it's clear when you ask her![5]
- Try including a compliment when you ask her out. Say something like, "I think you're really cool. Some friends and I are going to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on Friday. Do you want to be my date?"
- Wait for her response. Don't send her a wall of texts when she hasn't answered back yet. She might be busy or she might be trying to decide how she wants to answer. Wait patiently for her to respond to your texts before you send any new ones.
- Wrap up the conversation when you get an answer. If she says yes, awesome! Set up your plans and tell her you'll talk to her later.
- If she says no, send her a gracious text that lets her know you respect her answer. Say something like, "No problem, maybe we can hang out another time. Have a great night!"
EditHaving Fun at the Movies - Choose a light-hearted movie. If it's your first time seeing a movie together, avoid movies with a serious or depressing theme. Pick a comedy or action movie to keep the mood lighthearted. Romantic comedies can be a fun way to have a few laughs while setting a date mood.[6]
- Pick a movie you'll like, too. Don't just assume she wants to see a chick flick. Pick something you'll both like, not just a sappy love story that you picked because you think it's for girls. You'll be bored, and if she's the kind of girl who loves scary movies, she'll probably be bored too.[7]
- If you're already friends with the girl, just ask her what kind of movies she likes!
- Buy the tickets in advance so the movie isn't sold out. The last thing you want is to get to the movie theater only to find out that there aren't any seats left. Buy your tickets online or drop by the theater a few hours before the date so you'll have your tickets ahead of time. This will show her that you cared enough to plan ahead.[8]
- You don't always have to pay for everything in a relationship, but a good rule of thumb is that the person who does the asking usually picks up the bill for a date.[9]
- Be 5 minutes early whether you're picking her up or meeting her there. Being late doesn't make you seem cool or like you have a busy life, it makes you seem inconsiderate. Try showing up about 5 minutes early. This will show her that you're interested without making you seem overeager.[10]
- Wear something nice but casual. You'll be sitting in a chair for about 2 hours, and more if you decide to get something to eat after the movie, so choose an outfit that is comfortable but nice-looking. Think along the lines of a nice shirt and jeans or an Oxford shirt and khakis.[11]
- Buy popcorn and drinks if you have extra money. If you can afford it, it's a nice gesture to offer her a snack and a drink to enjoy during the movie. Ask her what she likes, then get it for her. Keep it simple, though — there's no need to buy her the entire concession stand.[12]
- Make eye contact during a funny part of the movie. If you notice that you're both laughing at the same part of the movie, look over and catch her eye. Laughing together can make you both feel closer to each other, and you'll have something to talk about after the movie is over.[13]
- Put your arm around her or hold her hand if she leans towards you. During the movie, you might notice her leaning towards you. If she does this, it's probably a sign that she likes you and is enjoying herself. This might be a good time to try putting your arm around her. If that seems a little too bold for you, try brushing your hand against hers. If she doesn't pull away, try holding her hand.[14]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment