| How to Date Shy Guys Posted: 03 Feb 2018 04:00 PM PST Are you wondering how to take things to the next level with that shy cutie? Shy guys can be perplexing— they may not openly let you know they like you or ask you out, so you'll have to be willing to make the first move in order to date them. Once you've broken the ice, work your magic to get closer to a shy guy. No matter what happens, you'll need to reel in your expectations--a shy guy may be a little different from other guys you've dated. EditTaking the Initiative - Show interest in little ways. Some shy guys need the green light to know that you're interested. Whenever you see him, be sure to smile and say "hi."[1]
- If you see him from across the room, hold eye contact for a little while and smile. Doing so may give him the courage to come over.
- Approach him one-on-one. Even the most outgoing guys can be overwhelmed when you're constantly surrounded by a group of friends. Take the pressure off by stepping away from your pals to chat him up.[2]
- A shy guy will be more likely to engage with you one-on-one.
- If your friends are around, ask them to meet you later so you can talk in private. Then walk up to your shy guy with a huge smile and say "Hi."
- Ask open-ended questions to keep conversations going. Greeting one another and making small talk will only get you so far with a shy guy. Take conversations deeper by using open-ended questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer.[3]
- For instance, you might ask, "What brings you here tonight?" to learn more about why he's at an event. You might ask, "Where'd you get that awesome t-shirt?" to get him talking about a favorite comic book character.
- Suggest low-key activities to warm up to one another. Once you and Mr. Shy get on friendly terms, suggest a time for you to hang out together. These should be low-key get-togethers under "safe" conditions, using something that connects the two of you.[4]
- For example, if he's a stellar math student and you're struggling, you might ask him to tutor you. If you both live in the same neighborhood, you might ask if he wants to walk home from school together.
- You can also ask what some of his favorite things to do are, then choose one that you can do together.
EditBuilding a Connection - Chat side-by-side rather than face-to-face. Guys in general are more receptive during shoulder-to-shoulder activities as opposed to head-on ones. Try to reduce the pressure and help him get comfortable with you by talking and doing activities side-by-side.[5]
- For instance, you might chat him up when you're both serving food at the local soup kitchen.
- Connect through shared interests. Your shy crush will be more relaxed when he's in his "zone," so find things you have in common. Use these interests to deepen conversations or bring excitement to your time together.[6]
- For example, if you both like Stranger Things, consider binge-watching the show or going to a convention together.
- You're more likely to win him over if the interest is genuinely mutual. He'll be able to tell if you're pretending to like something just to get close to him.
- Invite him out to a no-pressure small gathering. Calling it a "date" just might freak out a shy guy in the early stages, so ask him out to lighter, small group gatherings. Maybe ask him to come with you and friends to a concert or a festival happening in your city.[7]
- Keep these gatherings intimate— you don't want him to be overwhelmed by too many people, but you also don't want him to feel too anxious about a one-on-one date just yet.
- Up the stakes by hanging out one-on-one. After you've gotten to know one another, initiate plans for a real date. Plan the date around your personalities, so you both feel comfortable.[8]
- Consider going to a movie for a first date with a shy guy, because there's no pressure to talk or make face-to-face chit-chat.
- If he's not the mushy type, resist the urge to plan a romantic candlelight dinner. Instead, go for something light-hearted and casual, so you can both be yourselves.
EditAdvancing the Relationship - Get comfortable with some silence. At first, you might be unnerved by the many silences that come with dating a shy guy. You might need to repeat something to yourself, like "Silence is not a bad thing" to avoid rushing in with empty or unnecessary conversation.[9]
- Over time, you might find that you enjoy the shared silences between you—it can be a relief to not always have to talk!
- Silence is perfectly okay and natural in relationships.
- Give him space as needed. If your boyfriend is shy or introverted, he may need time alone to recharge. Don't take this personally—it's nothing against you. Just establish a way for him to let you know when he needs a little space.[10]
- He might put on some headphones when you're together to demonstrate a need to pull away. Or, he might grow quiet and withdrawn.
- If this happens, you might ask, "Why don't I go in the other room and give you some space?" or "I think I'll go hang out with my friends for a while. Call ya later, okay?"
- Allow him time to warm to your friends. Avoid situations in which your friends "grill" him with questions. This might make him retreat back into his shell. Also, ask him in advance if he's okay hanging out with a group of your pals. He may feel more comfortable if he can bring a friend along, too.
- Remember, just because you love your friends doesn't mean your guy will. Give him some time to warm up to them instead of assuming that he'll like them since he likes you.
- Don't draw attention to his shyness. You might think it's cute when your crush acts shy or blushes, but he may be mortified inside. Avoid calling out his shyness, whether in a group or when you're alone. Just overlook it and act like whatever he's doing is totally normal.[11]
- For example, never say "Aww, you're really shy!" or "You're blushing!"
- Calling attention to his shyness will make him feel self-conscious and maybe make him not want to hang out with you.
- Plan to take the lead with intimacy. One of the tough things about dating a shy guy is having to initiate intimacy. Hugs, kisses, and other forms of affection will likely have to be prompted by you in order for them to happen. Your guy may be too shy to make the first move.[12]
- Don't worry about possible rejection! If you've been spending a lot of time together, your shy guy will likely be thrilled to take things to a new level.
- You still need to ask for consent, though. When you're both clear-headed and sober, ask, "Is it okay if I kiss you?" before moving forward.
- Be patient. Dating a shy guy might feel agonizing. You might constantly wonder if you're on the right track. You might also get frustrated when it takes him longer to open up. He will send you signals in his own way to let you know that he's into you. Give it time.[13]
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| How to Teach a Child to Knit Posted: 03 Feb 2018 08:00 AM PST Knitting is a skill that people of all ages can enjoy. If you know a young child who's interested in learning the craft, choose knitting materials that they can comfortably handle. Show the child a few basic stitches and help them knit a few sample squares. When the child is ready to knit on their own, start them on a basic project so they can gain confidence. EditSetting the Child Up For Success - Select yarn that's easy to work with. Pick a yarn that's comfortable and thick enough to handle such as a high-quality wool. Consider using light-colored yarn so the child can see the stitches easier. Don't teach with a thin or glittery yarn, since it can be difficult to see the stitches.[1]
- Choose a yarn that's thick enough to hold between your fingers easily. Thin yarn is more likely to become tangled and the child might drop stitches more often.
- Let the child choose needles that are easy to handle. Use any size of needles as long as they work with the size of the yarn. For example, if you have thick worsted wool, use larger knitting needs such as US size 7. You can buy metal, plastic, wood, or bamboo needles so ask the child which type feels the most comfortable and use those.[2]
- Bamboo and wood may be more comfortable to work with because they'll warm up between the child's hands as they knit.
- Some children prefer thinner needles while other kids find that thicker needles are easier to grasp.
- Keep the teaching session short enough to match the child's attention span. To determine how long to make the lessons, add 2 to 5 minutes to the amount of the child's age. For example, if you're teaching a 5 year old, keep lessons between 7 and 10 minutes long.[3]
- Limiting the sessions will help the child focus and will prevent them from getting bored or disinterested.
- Show the child how to finger knit. Before you introduce the knitting needles, teach the child how to hold the yarn and knit a basic chain using just their fingers. The child will get used to handling the yarn and will gain confidence when they see that they're knitting a chain.[4]
- You don't need to have the child make anything using the chain. Instead, they can simply practice weaving with the yarn and you can see how well they do with following basic instructions.
- Teach the child to use a knitting knobby or loom. If you don't think the child is ready to hold needles and begin knitting, start them on another tool that will make them familiar with yarn. Buy a knitting knobby, knitting spinner, or knitting loom from a craft supply store. Show the child how to weave the yarn around the tool to create basic knit patterns or swatches.[5]
- These tools are great if you've offered the needles to the child, but they kept dropping them.
EditTeaching Basic Stitches - Use knitting needles to teach the child the knit stitch. Once you think the child is ready to use the needles, cast on and knit a row of stitches for the child. Then, show the child how to insert the needle into the stitch to create a new knit stitch. Have the child watch you do this 5 to 7 more times.[6]
- Go slowly and ensure that the child can see you insert the needle and loop the yarn around it.
- Let the child try the knit stitch. If the child wants to try knitting, hold the child's hands in yours so you're both holding the needles. Knit a few stitches together before letting the child hold the needles. Encourage the child as they try to insert the needle and loop the yarn.[7]
- If the child doesn't want to try to knit without you holding the needles, don't force them to. You can always take a break and try again later.
- Show the child how to knit the purl stitch. Once the child is successfully doing the knit stitch without any assistance, show them how to do the pearl stitch. Instead of inserting the needle inside and behind the existing stitch, show the child how the needle goes down and in front of the stitch. Slowly knit 5 to 7 purl stitches with the child watching you.[8]
- Sing a rhyme to help the child remember the stitches. If the child is having a hard time remembering how to handle the needle when making a knit stitch, sing this rhyme and show them the movements that go with it:[9]
- In through the front door (Insert the needle through the front of the stitch)
- Around the back (Loop the yarn around the needle)
- Out through the window (Use the needle to pull the loop through the stitch)
- And off jumps Jack (Slide the old stitch off of the needle).
EditBeginning Simple Projects - Knit a garter stitch square with the child. Teach the child to garter stitch by knitting every row. Take turns knitting rows of stitches so you create a basic square. Knitting back and forth with the child will give you a chance to guide them and correct mistakes.[10]
- The child can use the finished garter stitch square as a tiny placement, toy blanket, or rug for a toy.
- Show the child how to read patterns. If the child is at least 6 or 7 years old, show them what a standard knitting pattern looks like. Tell them what a few of the symbols and abbreviations mean. If you're looking at a pattern chart, show the child how to read from the bottom to the top.
- Don't worry if the child doesn't completely understand the patterns. If they're learning very simple projects, they won't need to rely on a chart.
- Select an easy project for the child to work on. Once the child is ready to work by themselves for a while, choose a basic project that only requires knit or purl stitches. Choose a simple design such as a washcloth, scarf, swatches, or a doll's blanket. Check on the child occasionally to see if they need your help.[11]
- Ensure that the child can finish 1 simple project before moving on to another one.
- Help the child troubleshoot mistakes. It's inevitable that the child will make mistakes as they're learning to knit. Instead of simply fixing the mistake, show them they made the error and what you can do to fix it. The child will learn how to avoid that mistake and will understand that they can move beyond their mistakes.[12]
- Be patient with the child. Children learn at different rates so follow the child's lead. If the child is very interested in learning how to knit, they may pick it up quickly. Never force the child to practice knitting if they don't want to learn. Instead, help the child and instruct them when they come to you to work on stitches.
- Remember to encourage and praise the child's successes. Kids want to feel proud of their accomplishments and are more likely to stick with something if they feel supported.
EditThings You'll Need EditSetting the Child Up For Success - Yarn
- Knitting needles made of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic
EditTeaching Basic Stitches - Yarn
- Knitting needles made of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic
- Knitting knobby, spinner, or loom
EditBeginning Simple Projects - Yarn
- Knitting needles made of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic
- Knitting patterns
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Use a Travel Pillow Posted: 03 Feb 2018 12:00 AM PST A good travel pillow can make a world of difference on long trips. Ideally, the pillow will provide support for your neck or body so that you can sleep in a relaxed position, even on cramped, uncomfortable plane rides. Choose a pillow that suits your sleeping style and try different positions to find where you are most comfortable. EditTraveling with a Neck Pillow - Try your neck pillow before buying it. Neck pillows don't typically come in different sizes, so the only way to know if it will fit comfortably is to try it on. If possible, put your neck pillow on before you buy it, or keep the receipt and try it on before your trip. You should be able to rest your head on it without bending your neck uncomfortably, and the material shouldn't pinch or chafe on your neck.[1]
- Inflate your pillow if necessary. Inflatable travel pillows can be a convenient way to save space when traveling. If yours is inflatable, blow into the air tube until the pillow is round and firm. Seal the air tube once you're done by replacing the cap.[2]
- Some inflatable pillows self-inflate. Typically, this involves turning a valve which will then cause the pillow to slowly inflate, but check your pillow's instructions to see how yours inflates.[3]
- Non-inflatable travel pillows are typically filled with foam or microbeads. While they are less convenient for packing, you may find that they are more comfortable.
- Cover your pillow in a T-shirt or scarf to make it softer. Some neck pillows, particularly the less expensive inflatable ones, are made of plastic and may not have a very comfortable surface. Use a thin, soft piece of clothing like a T-shirt or light scarf to cover your pillow and make it more comfortable.
- You can also buy a removable cover for your pillow. Just make sure it fits your pillow before buying it.
- Place the pillow around your neck. Most neck pillows are U-shaped and will fit around the back of your neck with the opening over your throat. Some have straps that cross the opening to keep it in place.[4]
- If your pillow is not U-shaped, it may be designed to fit between your shoulder and head. This type limits which direction you can rest your head in, so it's best for sleepers who don't change position much.
- Recline your seat. Most neck pillows are designed to support your head as it falls back or to the side. This position can be more comfortable if your back is slightly reclined. Gently recline your seat, being careful not to move the seat too quickly or too far towards the passengers behind you, until you can lean back comfortably.[5]
- Cover your eyes. Even on nighttime flights, the plane is likely to be full of small electronic lights that can make it difficult to sleep. Eye masks are relatively inexpensive and often sold at drugstores and beauty shops. Some travel pillows, such as the GoSleep, come with an eye-mask. You can also improvise one by putting a T-shirt or hoodie over your head for more comfortable sleeping.[6]
- Rotate the pillow for different sleeping positions. If you have a U-shaped pillow, try turning it around so that it supports your chin as your head falls forward. If you have a pillow that fits on your shoulder, try switching shoulders to find the most comfortable position.[7]
- Place the pillow on the tray table if you want to lean forward to sleep. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, you may find it more natural to lean forward instead of reclining. Try putting your travel pillow on your tray table and resting your head on top of it.[8]
- U-shaped pillows are ideal for this, since they provide a space to put your face while resting your forehead directly on the pillow. Otherwise, you will have to turn your face to the side, which may become uncomfortable after long periods.
EditUsing a Body Pillow - Travel light to save more space for your pillow. Body pillows tend to take up more space than neck pillows, even when they deflate. The more room you have in your suitcase and your seat, the more comfortable you will be with a body pillow.[9]
- Body pillows range in size, but some may be as long and wide as your torso.
- Wear loose clothing for comfort. Body pillows often work best when they are propped against your legs or shoulders. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid too much pressure or compression on your body when using the pillow. If you tend to run hot, dress light so the body pillow won't cause you to overheat.[10]
- Inflate your pillow if necessary. Some body pillows inflate and deflate for easy storage. You may have to inflate the pillow by blowing into it, or it may self-inflate with the push of a button. Look on your pillow's packaging or label for instructions on inflating it.
- If you find that the pillow is too firm for comfort once inflated, you can deflate it slightly to create a softer surface.
- If you are not worried about space, you may prefer a body pillow that is not inflatable, such as one filled with foam or microbeads.
- Attach the pillow to your seat or seatbelt if possible. Some body pillows, like the Travelrest, attach to your seatbelt, while others, like the FaceCradle, may connect to the seat behind or in front of you. Keep your most comfortable sleeping position in mind when you choose a style.
- If your pillow attaches to the seatbelt, move it up to where you can comfortably lean your head against it.
- If the pillow attaches to the back of your seat, position it so that you can lead forward at a comfortable angle and rest your head against the pillow.
- Lean forward or sideways onto your pillow. Most body pillows are designed for leaning forward or to the side to let the pillow support your weight. Find a position that is comfortable for you and leaves your neck as straight as possible.[11]
- Your body pillow may have a J-shaped curve on each end. The larger curve will fit over your shoulder, and the smaller curve can be tucked under your opposite arm to help keep it in place.
- Some body pillows are designed to rest on your lap or tray table and support your upper body while you lean forward.
- Neck pillows are smaller and more convenient than body pillows. However, body pillows are typically more comfortable and cater more specifically to certain sleep needs, such as needing to sleep leaning forward.
- If you are traveling with children, consider buying a fun, animal-shaped pillow designed for young passengers, like Trunki Yunki or Critter Piller.[12]
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