How to Have a Glow Up

Having a glow up is an empowering transformation of who you are. This might look like changing your appearance, drinking more water, or achieving your goals. Whatever your glow up means to you, it’s all about becoming the best version of yourself and learning to practice self-care and acceptance! Look after your body inside and out by eating a well-balanced diet, working out regularly, and looking after your skin. Practice being confident and surrounding yourself with positive people to help you feel that glow!

Steps

Changing Your Appearance

1. Follow a skincare routine to help your skin glow. Your skin is one of the first things that people notice about you and having glowing skin will really help your transformation shine! Clean your face with water twice a day and use a toner, moisturizer, and exfoliator that is suitable for your skin type. Remember to take off your makeup each night before you go to sleep so that you wake up with fresh and smooth skin.^[1]
   
   • If you have problems or concerns about your skin, visit a dermatologist for professional advice. Getting your skin to glow might be as simple as using a different product or getting more of a specific nutrient!
2. Stand up straight and tall to improve your posture. Your posture can make a huge difference in your appearance! Keep your back straight, your shoulders back, and your arms resting naturally by your sides. When you’re sitting down, keep your back at a right angle to your thighs and try to release any tension to prevent straining your muscles.^[2]
   
   • If you experience any pain or are having trouble maintaining good posture, visit a doctor or a physiotherapist for professional advice.
3. Wear clothes that emphasize your favorite features. Wearing clothes that flaunt your best features will help you to look and feel your best! Maybe you want to wear a color that makes your eyes pop or a pair of boots that draw attention to your long legs? Try out plenty of different clothes and experiment with different outfits to find a style you love. Don’t be afraid to try out statement pieces like a bright blazer, an elegant dress, or some new heels.^[3]
   
   • Choose tighter fitting garments if you want to accentuate your figure.
   • Vertical lines have a slimming effect while horizontal lines accentuate curves.
   • Ultimately, wear clothes that make you feel happy and confident!
4. Experiment with makeup to see if you like how it makes you look. Whether makeup is totally foreign to you or you want to try out a new product, experimenting with makeup can make a huge difference to your appearance. There are plenty of free makeup tutorials available online, so use these to your advantage to try out different looks and learn about new products. Even if you decide that makeup isn’t for you, at least you have practiced a new skill and become more sure of who you are.^[4]
   
   • Remember to care for your skin especially well if you use makeup regularly. Always moisturize and take off all of your makeup at the end of the day.
5. Get a new hairstyle that you have always wanted to try. Maybe it’s bangs, balayage, or a bob? Take the plunge and get that cut or color you have always wanted! Look online for inspiration if you need it and print out pictures to take along with you to your hair appointment. Explain to your hairstylist the look you’re going for and listen to their advice about what cut and color would work best with your style.^[5]
   
   • A new hairstyle is an easy way to quickly change your appearance dramatically!

Making Lifestyle Changes

1. Drink of water every day to stay hydrated. Glowing up happens from the inside out and water is the key to helping you look and feel your best every day. Buy a reusable drink bottle and keep it filled up with fresh water at all times. Carry it with you wherever you go to remind yourself to stay hydrated!^[6]
   
   • of water is just an approximate figure, as the ideal amount of water differs from person to person. Drink the amount of water that helps you to feel your best and visit a doctor or a dietitian if you have any concerns.
   • If you aren’t the biggest fan of plain water, you can always make infused water using your favorite produce to give it a bit more flavor. Try strawberries, cucumber, oranges, or mint!
   • Remembering to drink more water can be difficult when you first start. Try setting a reminder on your phone or putting a note on the fridge. Alternatively, you can also download smartphone apps that track your water intake and give you friendly reminders.
2. Brush your teeth regularly to help your smile look its best. A bright, happy smile is a massive part of the glow up transformation! Brush your teeth every morning and night, and remember to floss your teeth each day too. Visit a dentist once a year for an annual checkup to keep your teeth healthy and strong!^[7]
   
   • You can also use teeth-whitening products to help your smile dazzle.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. How you fuel your body can make a huge difference to your glow up. Each 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and plenty of lean protein, whole-grains, and healthy fats. Remember that everything in moderation is the best way to go, so limit your intake of processed foods but treat yourself occasionally too.^[8]
   
   • Visit a doctor or a dietician if you have any concerns about your diet.
   • Avoid skipping meals or following fad diets, as these practices won’t help you to look and feel your best.
4. Exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy. Exercise helps you to look and feel your best, in both your body and mind! Find a type of exercise that you enjoy, such as swimming, running, or yoga. Aim to exercise 3-5 times per week, unless you have been instructed otherwise by a health professional. You can also exercise with friends if that makes it more fun!^[9]
   
   • You don’t have to join a gym unless you want to. There are plenty of ways to exercise in your own home.

Becoming Confident and Setting Goals

1. Say positive affirmations every day to help build good self-esteem. A huge part of your glow up is learning to believe in yourself! Write down recurrent, negative thoughts and then write positive, logical affirmations as a counter-argument. Practice saying these positive affirmations aloud every day. Although it may feel difficult or silly at the beginning, with enough time and practice it should become easier to believe the positive affirmations.^[10]
   
   • Some popular positive affirmations include, “I deserve to be happy,”, “I am an intelligent and hard-working person,” and “I am capable of reaching my goals,”.
2. Surround yourself with positive people that support you. The attitude of the people who you are close to can influence you greatly. Seek family and friends that have a positive attitude and are supportive of who you are! You can also be positive and supportive to those around you, helping them glow too!^[11]
   
   • If you are having trouble finding positive and supportive people, try making a few new friends. Join a club or group with people that have similar interests, use social media, or simply reach out and talk to new people that you normally wouldn't. You have nothing to lose!
3. Use positive self-talk and practice being assertive to help your confidence grow. Glowing up is all about having the confidence to shine and to be your best self. Even if you don’t feel confident right away, simply fake it till you make it and nobody will be able to tell the difference! Use positive self-talk to bring yourself up instead of down, challenge negative thoughts about yourself, and practice being assertive in your day-to-day life. It can also help to surround yourself with confident people, as their confidence can rub off on you!^[12]
   
   • If you are having trouble with your confidence or self-esteem, talking to a mental health professional like a counselor or psychologist can really help.
4. Set achievable goals and challenge yourself to accomplish them. Maybe you have financial, career, or personal goals that you have been wanting to achieve? Sit down and write a list of your goals. Then break each goal up into smaller, actionable steps that you can get started on. Keep your goals realistic and celebrate your successes!^[13]
   
   • Remember that your goals can be as big or as little as you like. As long as you are realistic about how you will achieve them, that’s all that matters!

Video

Tips

• It’s not going to happen overnight. If you keep doing this, it’ll show in your attitude and your appearance.
• Remember that your glow up is about you and not anyone else. All that matters is that you are happy with who you are and if others happen to notice your transformation, then that's a great bonus!

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-products-do-i-actually-need-for-a-simple-everyday-skin-care-routine/
2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-effects-of-poor-posture/
3. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/fashion-psychology/
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201606/the-surprising-psychology-behind-makeup
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201505/what-your-hair-really-says-about-you
6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/23-foods-good-skin/
7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/teeth.html
8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
9. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-wise-open-mind/201108/5-steps-to-make-affirmations-work-for-you
11. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/positive-self-talk/
12. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/assertiveness-training/
13. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/

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How to Know if You Are Ready for a Relationship

It can be hard to know if you're prepared and ready for a real and serious relationship. It's even harder if you just broke up with your ex, or are just starting dating. It is important to make sure you truly are ready before entering into a serious romantic relationship.

Steps

Investigating Your Feelings

1. Consider your motives. If you are a teenager, you may not have ever wanted a "real" relationship, then all of a sudden everyone is dating, and you think you should be, too. If this sounds like you, take a step back. Remember that dating is not a competition. Real emotions and real people are a part of romantic relationships, and you don't want to jump into a relationship just because all your friends are.^[1]
   
2. Be aware of what a relationship demands. Teens and young adults are ready for relationships at different times depending on maturity. In order to be in a healthy romantic relationship you must recognize what you have to be ready to give. Healthy dating relationships consist of some of the same elements as other relationships (e.g. friendships, family, etc.). However, with dating relationships, it can be easy to get caught up in the other person and neglect friends or activities. Consider the following key components to healthy relationships:^[2][3]
   
   • Feeling comfortable expressing your thoughts, feelings, opinions, or dreams
   • Being considerate of the other person's thoughts, feelings, and opinions
   • Treating one another with respect
   • Offering support to the other
   • Avoiding violence
   • Being able to resolve conflicts
   • Trusting each other
   • Comforting one another
   • Being able to confide in one another
   • Communicating directly and openly
   • Encouraging the other to have friends and other interests
   • Being honest about past relationships or sexual activity
   • Participating in sexual activity by choice
3. Question whether you enjoy the person’s company. This may seem obvious but you surely don’t want to get involved in a relationship with a person you don’t like to hang out with. Usually, when couples are "in love", they want to be together for hours on end and dread parting.^[4] While your love symptoms may not be that strong, you should still look forward to the time you spend with this person.
   
   • Take note that, while you can be excited about spending time with your partner and saddened when they leave, there is a line drawn that can make this behavior obsessive or codependent. A codependent relationship means you frequently give up your needs or interests in favor of your partner's, or always want to be with this particular person only. If you spot such a pattern in yourself, you need professional help to learn how to form healthier attachments.
4. Decide if you want to take a sexual relationship further. To know if you should be starting a relationship, it’s important to determine how much you actually care about this person. Maybe you have been hooking up with someone, but don't know if you want to keep it this way or take on the title of "boyfriend" or "girlfriend".
   
   • Signs that you are interested in upgrading a sexual relationship may include having fun together and spending time that is not sexual in nature, having absorbing and thrilling conversations, being encouraged to improve yourself because of the other person, and wanting to know more about them – including meeting their friends and family.^[5]
   • Signs that you want the relationship to stay in the "sexual" category may include only being lovers with no friendship element, having a greater interest in sex than quality time or conversation, being consumed in the person’s physical appearance, and keeping a wall up in which you discuss things in terms of fantasy rather than real feelings, opinions, and dreams.^[6]
5. Ask yourself if you are okay with being exclusive.^[7] Another way to know if you are ready for a serious relationship is your commitment to just one person. You like the person you are dating so much that you can’t imagine seeing him with another girl or having another make him bowl over laughing. The desire for exclusivity is often a major indicator of the beginnings of a romantic relationship.^[8]
   
   • Be warned: extreme possessiveness, jealousy, or controlling are not elements of a healthy love relationship. Yes, you and your partner should want to turn away other suitors, but pushing away friends and losing your head if they talk to someone else is a red flag and an unhealthy attachment, or even abuse.^[9]
6. Know how to handle, and dish out, rejection in a mature way. At the start of a relationship, the last thing on your mind is the end. However, when dating, particularly in teenage years, you have to be prepared with the possibility of rejection. Your date may find someone else they like, or you may lose your interest in being in a relationship. Can you appropriately respond to rejection? What about rejecting another, can you let someone down in a nice, firm way?
   
   • When rejected, it's okay to feel sad, disappointed, or angry (or any other emotion). Feeling this way is normal. However, use these feelings positively. Be nice to yourself rather than making yourself feel even worse with negative criticism. Make an effort to remember all the good qualities you have. Pat yourself on the back for having the courage to be vulnerable in the first place. Then, use what you learned from this situation to improve yourself and your relationships in the future.^[10]
   • When having to break up or reject someone, think through the conversation beforehand. Carefully go over your reasons and decide how to share them in a respectful way. Always break up face-to-face. For example, tell your date that you need to talk to him/her about something important. Initiate the conversation by saying something you like about the person. Next, explain what's not working and that you want to break up. Tell the person that you are sorry to hurt him/her. Finally, respect the other person's need for space.^[11]

Developing Stability

1. Practice self-love.^[12] To be ready for a relationship, you must have a healthy relationship with yourself first. When you love yourself first, you understand and honor your values and needs. This makes you more stable for potential relationship.
   
   • Perform self-care regularly, taking part in activities that make you feel good and relieve stress. Examples may include reading a book, walking your dog, or participating in a hobby.
   • Make decisions based on needs rather than wants. Choose to take advantage of opportunities and be around people that honor your values and needs.^[13]
2. Know your boundaries. Before you enter a relationship, you want to think about what you are willing to do or how far you are willing to go. You want to think about things like this beforehand as it can be easy to get swept up when you're in the middle of hooking up and your date is pleading with you to take things further. You must feel comfortable telling your date what you want and don't want, and also not feel scared to say "stop" if it becomes necessary.
   
   • Setting boundaries allows you to feel safe within your relationship knowing that you stand behind doing things at your own pace. By setting limits, you are supporting your own needs and values emotionally, mentally, and physically.^[14]
3. Want someone to complement you, not complete you. In terms of relationships, two halves do not form a whole. Rather, two whole, healthy people come together to form a greater whole. Looking for someone to complete you is a recipe for a dysfunctional, codependent relationship. You are ready to be in a healthy relationship with another person when you already see yourself as a complete. As a result, you are looking for a partner who complements all that you have to offer.^[15][16]
   
4. Have your own interests.^[17] A surefire sign of disaster is being more concerned with finding a partner or being in love than you are in pursuing your goals and desires. Healthy relationships involve two partners who have the freedom and trust within each other to engage in hobbies and activities individually (and also together), hanging out with friends without your mate being there, and supporting one another in achieving your dreams.^[18]
   
5. Recognize that the early flame will burn out. The honeymoon phase is the early days in the relationship when you two seem to agree on everything, every word that comes out of your date’s mouth is funny or charming, and the attraction is undeniable. You must prepare for this period to end sooner or later. Assuming this amazing feeling of chemistry and “newness” will last can lead to disappointment when it doesn’t.
   
   • An emotionally stable partner realizes that not every day with your partner will be peaches and cream. The two of you will disagree and even annoy one another. Going into the relationship with a realistic outlook and expectations can sometimes prevent a crash and burn in the end.^[19]
6. Think carefully before rebounding. Rebounding is a concept defined by initiating a new relationship soon after another has ended, without waiting for the emotional pain and confusion to be resolved. In some cases, you may rebound after a relationship ends to avoid being single, get revenge on the old partner, or to have someone else comfort you through the difficult time.
   
   • Contrary to old wives' tales about getting back out there too soon being the cause for relationship doom, research shows that people who are able to start new relationships in a shorter amount of time have enhanced well-being and higher self-esteem.^[20]
   • Still, you should carefully question your motives before starting a rebound relationship. Are you doing it to get back at your ex? Are you constantly comparing your new date to your old date? If so, you may want to give yourself time to completely get over them first.

Video

Warnings

• The key to starting a healthy and thriving relationship is two people going into the relationship who are already thriving on their own. If you have unresolved issues with a previous partner or a tendency to lose yourself in a relationship, you should talk to a counselor before getting involved again.

Related wikiHows

• Am I Ready For A Relationship Quiz

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://girlshealth.gov/relationships/dating/index.html
2. ↑ http://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/healthy/index.html
3. ↑ http://depts.washington.edu/livewell/advocate/healthy-relationships/
4. ↑ http://www.livescience.com/33720-13-scientifically-proven-signs-love.html
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201108/lust-vs-love-do-you-know-the-difference
6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201108/lust-vs-love-do-you-know-the-difference
7. ↑ [v161014_b01]. 15 March 2019.
8. ↑ http://www.livescience.com/33720-13-scientifically-proven-signs-love.html
9. ↑ https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/types-of-abuse/
10. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/rejection.html
11. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/break-up.html
12. ↑ [v161014_b01]. 15 March 2019.
13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-hardy/201203/seven-step-prescription-self-love
14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-hardy/201203/seven-step-prescription-self-love
15. ↑ http://personalexcellence.co/blog/singlehood/
16. ↑ http://tinybuddha.com/blog/why-people-who-feel-complete-on-their-own-have-stronger-relationships/
17. ↑ [v161014_b01]. 15 March 2019.
18. ↑ http://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/
19. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ambigamy/201409/making-relationships-last-past-the-honeymoon-period
20. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201405/can-rebound-relationship-be-the-real-deal

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How to Give a Small Dog a Bath

Though some dogs do just fine at the groomer's, yours might be one of the many that don't do well with all the noise and strangers at a pet salon. Small dogs are so easy to bathe, you might as well do it yourself at home. Save your money and make the experience more relaxing for your pet by perfecting your at-home bathing method.

Steps

Preparing for a Bath

1. Gather your basic materials. Depending on how much energy you want to put in, you can give your dog a basic bath or a more thorough cleaning. While thorough cleanings are recommended from time to time, you may just have a muddy pup on your hands who needs a little rinsing. Before getting started, gather these materials so you have everything in one place:
   
   • Towels: enough to both dry the dog and protect the ground from splashing water
   • Dog shampoo: shampoo formulated for humans will dry out a dog's skin, so buy dog shampoo at the pet store, vet, or online. If your dog has any skin conditions, consult your vet for recommendations.
   • Sponge
   • Comb or brush
   • Small cup or bucket (for pouring water)
   • Doggy treats (optional, but can comfort stressed dogs)
2. Consider optional materials for thorough cleanings. While bathing a dog too often will cause dry, flaky skin, you should still give him a thorough cleaning every once in a while. When you notice your dog getting smelly, it might be time for a cleanup. You'll need everything listed in the last step, plus as many of the following optional materials as you'd like:
   
   • Dog conditioner: this will keep his fur soft and smooth after shampooing
   • Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
   • Cotton balls for ear cleaning
   • You don't have to do all these things at once the first time. If you feel your dog is getting overwhelmed, just work on the bath-time first. Then, you may add in more extensive things, like nail trimming, later.
3. Decide where to bathe your small dog. Since your dog is small, you have the option of choosing a bathtub, sink, or even a plastic tub or bucket outside. Choose a location where you can stand, sit, or kneel comfortably without straining yourself. The bath area should be warm and free of drafts — only bathe a dog outdoors on hot days, so he won't get cold.
   
   • If there's any chance your dog will get skittish and jump away from you, bathe him in a bathtub. Don't risk a fall from the sink!
   • Consider taking your dog with you right into the shower. You'll get wet no matter what, so this can be an effective time and mess-saving approach.
   • Put cotton in your dog's ears if you take him into the shower. This prevents water from getting in the ears and causing an ear infection.
4. Place a rubber mat or towel in the sink or tub.^[1] You know from experience how slippery a tub can get once you lather up the soap and shampoo. To keep your dog from slipping on the wet surface, give him a mat or towel that will help keep his feet under him. He'll feel more comfortable and secure, making it easier for you to proceed with the bath.
   
5. Prepare your dog for the bathing process.^[2] If your dog is already comfortable with baths, you can skip this step. But whether you have an adult or puppy, the bathing process might scare your dog, so take things slowly. Help him associate the tub or sink with pleasant things by going through several dry runs.^[3] Depending on the dog, this might take a few days, a few hours, or just a few minutes — let your dog set his own pace.
   
   • Help your dog into the dry tub. Speak reassuringly in a soothing voice, petting and praising him while he sniffs around and explores. Give him treats for being calm inside the tub.
   • Touch and rub him all over while he's in the tub, so he knows how the bathing process will look.
   • When he's comfortable with that, try splashing a little water on him and continue praising and treating.
   • Let him hear the sound of the running faucet while he's not in the tub until it's no longer frightening.
   • Rub him down with a dry towel after every session, to get him used to the drying process.
   • Place him in a tub or sink that has enough water to just cover his paws, then gradually work up to a full, immersive bath.
6. Groom your dog's coat before bathing.^[4] Brush it out to remove any loose dirt, mats, and snarls that will be harder to handle once the coat is wet.^[5] If the fur is too matted, take your dog to a professional groomer, then groom him more regularly in the future to avoid matting. Even professionals can knick the skin handling severe mats — you might do serious damage trying to do it yourself.
   
   • To remove small mats, place your fingers between your pet's skin and the mat, then snip it away a few hairs at a time.
   • Check under the tail for fecal mats ("dingleberries") that need to be trimmed off. If the stool is too hard, you can wait until after it's soaked in the bath to work it out of the hair.
   • After the bath, put diaper rash or hemorrhoid cream on any irritated skin around the anus after the mat is removed.
7. Consider protecting the eyes with eye ointment. If you intend to wash your dog's face, you can buy ointment that will prevent stinging from soap. This is especially important for breeds with protruding eyes. You can buy this ointment from your veterinarian's clinic. You can also use a drop of mineral oil instead of prescription ointment.
   
   • Use a dropper to place the ointment or mineral oil onto the eyeball without touching the eye itself.
   • Let the dog blink several times (or push the eyelid open and shut yourself) to spread the ointment or oil around.
   • Never use your finger to wipe ointment onto the eye, and don't let the tip of your container touch the eye.
8. Protect the dog's ears with cotton. If water or shampoo gets into your dog's ear during the bath, it can result in an ear infection. To prevent this, gently tuck a small piece of cotton ball into each ear, but be careful not to push it in too far. You should be able to see it and pull it out easily.
   
   • If in doubt, skip the cotton ball and use a washcloth to wash the dog's head instead of pouring water over it.^[6]

Bathing Your Dog

1. Run your shower head away from your dog. Even if your bathtub doesn't have a shower head, then bath your dog outside with a hose on an easy setting. Never fill it up with water as this will dry the dog's skin. Keep your hand in the water to make sure the water temperature remains correct.
   
   • Lift your dog gently into the tub if he can't get in on his own.
2. Shampoo your dog thoroughly. Work from the back to the front of the body so you're not overwhelming your dog right away and you can gauge how well it's doing.^[7] Make sure to get between the pads and toes and over the tail and genitalia. Combine your rubbing with soothing praise — your dog should be enjoying your caring touch!
   
3. Examine your dog carefully. Skin problems can often indicate more serious health concerns, so take this hands-on opportunity to inspect your dog. Look for strange marks on the skin, rashes, flaking, redness, lumps or bumps, hair loss, or change to skin color.^[8] Your vet can perform tests to figure out if these things are skin issues, or whether there may be internal problems.^[9]
   
4. Rinse the shampoo out of your dog's coat thoroughly. If you're using a kitchen sink, you can use the spray attachment if you have one. Never use a cup or bucket to rinse as it's not effective enough to get under the coat of a long-haired or double coat dog. Either way, use a wet washcloth on the face so you don't overwhelm the dog. If you can still see bubbles on the dog, you need to rinse a couple more times. Any soap, shampoo or conditioner residue left on the dog will attract dirt, defeating the purpose of the bath. Soap residue can also irritate your dog and cause itching. To check if residue is still there, gently pull some fur in between your fingers and if it feels squeaky then you are done.
   
   • A dog conditioner is a good idea for dogs with long fur. Apply after thoroughly rinsing out the shampoo and follow the instructions on the bottle.
   • You can buy a bathtub spray attachments at the pet store or online.
5. Brush the dog's teeth (optional).^[10] Make sure you're using a toothpaste formulated for dogs, not humans. If a dog swallows human toothpaste, he's likely to get an upset stomach. Make sure your dog is used to you handling his mouth before brushing his teeth, so you don't get nipped on the hand.
   
   • Lift his lips and brush the teeth at the front and sides of the mouth.
   • Give praise and speak in a soothing voice throughout, taking frequent breaks for petting.
6. Clean his ears with cotton balls and a dog ear cleanser (optional).^[11] Dog ear cleansers pH balanced to help prevent ear infections. Apply it to a clean cotton ball or an ear-cleaning pad bought at a pet store. Wipe the cleanser first over the outside of the dog's ears, then over the inside of the dog's outer ear. You can move a little way into the ear canal, but don't poke your finger into the dog's ears.^[12]
   
   • Do not pour anything, including water, into your dog's ears, as it can get trapped down by the eardrum and cause infection.
   • Use an alcohol-based ear cleaner so it dries out any water in your dog's ear.^[13]
7. Dry off your dog. Place your dog on a dry towel, then wrap him in another towel to absorb most of the water.^[14] Change towels as needed to continue drying your dog's coat. Let his coat air dry once you have blotted up as much water as you reasonably can. Dry the insides of the ears with cotton to prevent infection.
   
   • Blow-dry the coat to speed up the process, if he tolerates it. Make sure to keep it on a cool setting so you don't burn the dog's skin. If your dog is scared of the blowdryer, don't push him. Put in the extra time needed for a towel-drying.
   • Older dogs may be more sensitive to the loud sound of the blow dryer, so it's usually better to towel dry them.^[15]
   • Chamois towels are thin fleece like towels that are great at drying dogs when used first. It's best used with normal towels and blow drying for faster drying time.
8. Reward your dog for getting through the bath. Shower him with praise and give him a tasty treat, even if he had trouble getting through the experience. He'll quickly learn that getting a bath is not a frightening experience, but one that leads to treats!
   
9. Let the coat dry before trying to brush it. It's very important to brush your dog after every bath so his hair doesn't get matted. As with humans, brushing or combing is a lot harder when the hair is wet, and you run the risk of damaging the fur. Furthermore, you risk building up an unpleasant association between baths and painful skin-tugging. Wait for the coat to finish air-drying before you brush it out.
   

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• Trimming your dog's nails is easiest when in the tub after a bath. The nails are soft and they don't seem to mind as much. Dog nail clippers are safest to use.
• Some small dogs prefer placing their front paws on the edge of the bath away from you. It can help to keep your dog calm and from that position it's probable that he/she can't jump out, so just go with it.
• One thing that may prevent dogs from shaking is to hold their ear. This should only be done while taking them to a more shake-friendly place.
• If your dog tends to shake, try placing one hand over the back of the neck when washing. This can stop the shake before it starts and keep you and your surroundings relatively dry.
• Always give positive feedback.
• Love and praise your dog while bathing.

Warnings

• Dry your small dog thoroughly and keep him/her sheltered until he/she is completely dry––small dogs can be vulnerable to cold and get chilled quite easily.
• Do not bathe the dog with soap intended for humans. It can damage the dog's skin by making it dry, forming flakes or creating chemical reactions. Human skin and the skin of a dog are not the same.
• Bathe your small dog no more than once a month. Bathing too often may strip the dog of his/her natural oils and waterproofing and cause his/her skin to dry out. Of course, if your veterinarian advises otherwise, then do as advised.
• Use warm water (tepid or lukewarm). If you must use cold water, use it slowly. Continuously running cold water might only be 60°F (about 16°C), but a dog's body cannot tolerate that much cold. If your dog is young, old, small, or has little fur or fat, use warm water!
• Be careful not to get water in the small dog's nose as they can choke very easily. Try covering his/her nose with the palm of your hand. Or, as mentioned, use a washcloth around his/her face, rather than spraying or pouring water over his/her head.

1. • Don't let water get into the dog's ears, as this can result in ear infection.

Things You'll Need

• Towels for drying, perhaps one large towel and a few smaller towels
• Dog shampoo - use a shampoo formulated for dogs, with a good pH balance; a dog's skin has a different pH level than we do, so using human shampoo is inappropriate as it will dry out the dog's skin. Dog shampoo is available from pet stores, your vet or online
• Dog conditioner - this can be used after the shampoo if wished; follow the instructions on the bottle
• Sponge
• Comb or brush
• Doggy treats (optional but can ease any distress)
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste (optional)
• Cotton balls for ear cleaning (optional)
• Small cup, or bucket for pouring water on dog(eases the dog)

Related wikiHows

• Select a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Buy a Puppy
• Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
• Find a Lost Dog
• Bathe a Cat
• Give Your Large Dog a Bath
• Wash a Dog
• Hold a Dachshund Properly
• Choose a Small Dog

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/bathing-your-dog
2. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/bathing-your-dog
3. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/groom-your-dog
5. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
6. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
7. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
8. ↑ Osborn S.C. Dermatology: Pruritic Skin Diseases of Dogs and Cats. Nestle Purina Clinical Handbook Series, 2005: pp.1-6.
9. ↑ Ettinger S.J., Feldman E.C. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Volume 1. W.B. Saunders Company, 2000: pp. 26-62.
10. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/brushing-your-dogs-teeth
11. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/how-to-clean-dogs-ears/
12. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
13. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
14. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.
15. ↑ [v161280_b01]. 26 February 2020.

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How to Be a Better Person

Life can be a whirlwind of responsibilities and stress, but with the right focus, you can start becoming a better person and who you want to be. In this article, we’ll help you learn how to be a better person in a number of different ways. From honoring yourself to doing small acts of kindness, there’s something you can do each and every day to better yourself and grow as an individual. Keep reading to learn how you can embark on your self-improvement journey.

Things You Should Know

• Keep a gratitude journal to be more positive and compassionate.
• Take care of your mental and physical health to brighten your mood and be happier.
• Find healthier outlets for anger, like exercising and doing yoga, to redirect negative emotions.

Steps

Set goals for yourself.

1. Positive, obtainable aspirations can give you something to thrive for. Everyone needs something to live for, so think about what you want in life. Not only can striving for something make you a happier and better person, but it can also help you find your purpose. Use a pen and paper and write down the short and long-term goals you would like to achieve.^[1] Try asking yourself these questions to find and set an achievable goal:^[2]
   
   • Is there a relationship in your life you want to improve?
   • What causes or movements are you passionate about?
   • Is there a project you’ve been meaning to finish?
   • What do you like to do in your free time?
   • Making your goal to “be a better” person may be challenging to define and achieve. Instead, opt for small goals that can help you grow as an individual, like reading a nonfiction book, writing a short story, calling your mom every weekend, or helping someone in need every day.

Practice forgiveness.

1. Forgiving yourself and others can help you improve relationships. On your journey to becoming a better person, it’s important to let go of any grudges you're holding. The past is in the past; it’s time to move forward. Allow yourself time to forgive your past mistakes and recognize what they’ve taught you. Then, forgive those who have hurt you. You may not be able to forget what they’ve done, and that’s okay, but forgiveness can give you peace of mind.^[3]
   
   • Dwelling on past wrongs can actually increase your blood pressure and heart rate, while forgiveness can help manage and lower stress.

Be empathetic towards others.

1. Imagining what someone’s been through can give you a new perspective. Empathy is one of the first steps to being a better person because it builds your compassion. Not only does cultivating empathy help you be more sensitive toward other people, but it also helps you form lasting relationships and feel less isolated. Being empathic helps you gain a friend while challenging your perspective. Here are some ways you can be more empathic:^[4]
   
   • Avoid making assumptions about people and jumping to conclusions.
   • Imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes or situation.
   • Actively listen to express interest and help someone feel heard.

Give back to your community.

1. Helping others doesn’t only benefit them; it benefits you too! Research shows that being altruistic (the act of promoting someone else’s welfare) improves mood and overall happiness. So, consider volunteering at a local shelter, donating used clothes, or picking up trash at the park. Even the smallest act can make the biggest difference.^[5]
   
   • Aim to practice at least one act of kindness every day. It doesn’t have to be something big or time-consuming. Even leaving a sticky note on a public bathroom mirror saying, “You’re beautiful inside and out!” can make someone’s day.
   • When you help others, you get a rush of endorphins that make you feel good. This is known as the “helper’s high.”

Go outside your comfort zone.

1. Expose yourself to new experiences to grow as an individual. Comfort zones are great, but they can also be stagnant. Every once and a while, change up your daily schedule, try something new, and step outside your comfort zone. Trying new things that make you a little uncomfortable can broaden your horizons and open your eyes to a different perspective.^[6]
   
   • Make a bucket list of things you can do outside of your comfort zone. Then, spend every other weekend checking an activity off the list.
   • Ask friends to join you on your adventures for double the fun.
   • Experiment with a different routine by going to a different coffee shop for lunch or taking an alternative route to work.
   • Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The impossible can be obtainable if you put your best foot forward.

Learn something new.

1. One of the best ways to better yourself is to educate yourself. Knowledge can go a long way, especially when it comes to understanding other people’s situations. Whether you're in school or not, self-educating can help you grow and evolve as an individual. The more you know, the more perspective you’ll gain. Here are some ways you can learn something new today:^[7]
   
   • Sign up for a class you're interested in online or at a library. Maybe that’s an art class or a course on American Literature.
   • Read a nonfiction book.
   • Listen to a podcast about a topic you want to learn more about, like business, money, culture, or mental health.

Acknowledge your weaknesses.

1. Everyone has flaws, but you can aim to improve yours. Notice how your behavior and attitude affect others. Are people generally happy or sad around you? Do friends come to you for help or advice? Answering these questions and analyzing your interactions can help you discover and strengthen your weaknesses.^[8]
   
   • For instance, if friends don’t usually come to you for advice, ask yourself why. Do you talk over them or criticize their decisions? Maybe you need to work on being a better listener.
   • The more you learn to be flexible and adaptable with your behavior, the better you can care for yourself and those around you.

Control your anger.

1. Feeling angry is natural, but too much anger can hinder compassion. When you want to be a better person, it’s important to understand the whys and hows of someone else’s situation. Things may not work out how they’re supposed to, but that's okay. Take a deep breath and remember that you may not be able to control many things, but you can control your attitude.^[9]
   
   • Try redirecting your anger away from yourself and others by going on a walk, doing yoga, or punching a pillow.
   • Calm yourself down by taking deep belly breaths and visualizing a relaxing or joyful memory.
   • Reconstruct your thinking patterns by avoiding words like “never” or “always” to describe yourself or others.
   • Instead, try journaling or taking deep breaths to calm yourself.

Express your feelings respectfully.

1. Using “I” statements can help you thoughtfully articulate emotions. Life is full of complex and confusing emotions, and with those emotions comes conflict. You may not be able to control every situation you’re in, but you can control your reactions. “I” statements can be used in conflicts or emotionally tense situations to communicate feelings without pointing blame. Check out these ways you can change these phrases into “I” statements:^[10]
   
   • “You never listen to me anymore,” changes to, “I feel that my concerns aren’t being heard.”
   • “I hate when you shout at the kids,” changes to, “When you shout at the kids, I feel upset because I want the kids to feel respected.”
   • “You’re always grounding me. It’s not fair!” changes to, “I feel like you’re always grounding me, and it upsets me.”

Be grateful.

1. Practicing gratitude every day can help you be more positive. Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an active practice. Being thankful and appreciative of your life, no matter where you are in it, helps you be compassionate and loving towards yourself and others. Take a moment to recognize that goodness can be outside yourself and that every smile or simple favor is a gift.^[11] Here are some more ways you can cultivate gratitude in your life:
   
   • Keep a gratitude journal or make a gratitude list to highlight all the things you're thankful for each day, big or small.^[12]
   • Savor surprises by appreciating the thought that was put into them.
   • Share what you’re thankful for with others. For instance, if your brother helped you move your couch, let him know how much you appreciate his help.^[13]

Be patient.

1. Things don’t always happen the way you’d like them to, and that’s okay! Rather than getting upset when things don’t go your way, take a deep breath and remember to have patience. It’s alright if life is slower. Try savoring these slow moments by noticing the little things and acknowledging the positives in the situation.^[14]
   
   • For instance, maybe you ordered a pizza for family game night, but the deliverer is stuck in traffic. Instead of getting frustrated, recognize that the extra time waiting for your pizza has given you more time to pick out a game. Plus, you’ll probably get a discounted pizza.
   • Another example could be that your computer starts updating the moment you want to work. Rather than getting upset, use the extra minutes of downtime to play with your dog, take a walk, or do some tidying up.

Be yourself.

1. The best way to be a better person is to simply be 100% you! You are unique, special, and one-of-a-kind. Accepting yourself for who you truly are can help you feel happier, improve your life, and strengthen your identity. Follow your gut, do what you love, and explore your interests. The more you do to fuel your energy, the happier and more confident you’ll be.^[15]
   
   • Enroll in classes that spark your interest to learn a new skill or find a new passion.
   • Do things that are meaningful to you to help you feel fulfilled.^[16]

Take care of yourself.

1. Sleep, food, and exercise can give you the energy you need to be better. If you don’t give your body the proper nutrition and rest it needs, you won’t be able to serve yourself or others. Stick to a regular routine that’s healthy for you, and watch how your mood changes for the better. When you support your physical health, you support your mental health.^[17]
   
   • Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night to help your mind and body recharge.^[18]
   • Eat food that nourishes your mind and body. Aim to eat whole foods, but don’t restrict yourself—it’s okay to have a cookie every now and then!
   • Do a form of exercise you enjoy for at least 30 minutes every day. Maybe that’s walking, dancing, hiking, doing yoga, or kickboxing.

Accept that change happens.

1. It’s okay if your goals don’t stay the same as you grow. The journey of self-improvement isn’t a straight path—it bends and twists when you least expect it! Because of this, your short-term and long-term goals may change as you go. This is completely normal and a sign that you’re becoming a better person. After all, you wouldn’t be adapting if you didn’t want to improve.^[19]
   
   • Try your best not to dwell on the past. Instead, focus on the present moment. Change is inevitable, but you can roll with the punches.

Be kind to yourself.

1. Before learning to love others, you must learn to love yourself. Self-compassion may sound like the opposite of being a better person, but caring for yourself is the first step to improvement. After all, if you can’t care for yourself, how can you care for others? Try these exercises to help you be kinder to yourself:^[20]
   
   • Pretend you’re writing a letter to a friend in a similar situation. How would you talk them through it?
   • Place your hand over your heart and whisper positive affirmations to yourself when you’re down, like “I am safe,” “I am kind to myself,” and “I am smart and have a big heart.”
   • Note your accomplishments and achievements without criticism by responding rationally to self-critical thoughts. Acknowledge where the critic comes from and then prove it wrong in a logical way.^[21]
   • Look in the mirror every morning and compliment yourself. You could say something like, “You’re beautiful, no matter what,” or “You have the brightest smile.”

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• Follow the golden rule “treat others the way you want to be treated” to be a kind person.

Related wikiHows

• Be a Good Listener
• Form a Spiritual Philosophy
• Be a Good Person That People Look up To

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161439_b01]. 16 June 2020.
2. ↑ https://actionforhappiness.org/take-action/set-your-goals-and-make-them-happen
3. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition#why_practice
4. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy/definition#what_is
5. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition#what_is
6. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/psychology/resource/the-pros-and-cons-of-comfort-zones
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/science-of-choice/202311/8-tips-for-learning-a-new-skill-effectively
8. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2023/03/14/15-expert-tips-for-turning-leadership-weaknesses-into-strengths/
9. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control
10. ↑ https://www.bumc.bu.edu/facdev-medicine/files/2011/08/I-messages-handout.pdf
11. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definition#why_practice
12. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal
13. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/10_steps_to_savoring_the_good_things_in_life
14. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-be-patient
15. ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/tips-to-improve-your-self-esteem/
16. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_foolproof_ways_to_feel_more_joy_in_2015
17. ↑ https://mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself
18. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/
19. ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/person/
20. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_self_compassion_beats_rumination
21. ↑ https://counseling.uoregon.edu/overcoming-self-criticism

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