【推荐1】Having a pet can be a magical moment for a lot of people. Welcoming a new furry guest in your life conveys a feeling of bliss unmatched by anything else. Unfortunately, many new pet owners can take a while to adjust with their pets and struggle to bond with them.    1     According to celebrity dog trainer Nicole Ellis, certain steps will help you get closer with your pet and eventually become its best friend.

This goes without saying but spending time with your pets can greatly help you band with them. Cats, dogs, and other animals love to be included in the activities of their humans. Whether it is going on errands or just chilling at home watching a movie, make sure your furry friends are with you and enjoying themselves.     2    

Another thing to keep in mind is that playtime between an owner and their pets is the best way to bond and share wonderful moments together. It is important to know what type of play your pet enjoys. 6 Just like each individual is different, animals are different from each other too.     3     Not only would these activities keep them in good health and stave off boredom, but it would go a long way making you and your pets closer.

    4     Whether you’re teaching them a simple command like “sit!" or teaching them a more complex backflip and dance, your pet is sure to enjoy your company and would love you all the more for it. Training would also ease frustration as your pets would grow to be more obedient and well behaved.     5    

【推荐2】Uplifting words

When you see your friends or loved ones feeling down or being met with some setbacks at school or work, you might want to offer them a pep talk. A pep talk is usually a brief, intense and emotional talk designed to influence or encourage an audience.     1     Just saying what you think the other person wants to hear might not be enough. It requires an understanding of what your audience needs — whether it is simply cheering them up or motivating them to change.

The column offers the following steps towards an effective pep talk.

● Step one is to listen.

Don’t jump right in and insist: “you will be fine.” Show your friend that you understand how they feel and empathize.    2    

● Express care and support.

Show your friend that you believe in them.    3     Talk about their strengths based on your knowledge about them. Saying things like: “You are a very resilient person.” “You are outgoing and friendly.” “You bounce back well.” Avoid general sentences like “You can overcome your fears.” or “Time heals.”

● Talk about hope.

You can’t guarantee success.    4     But you can remind the person that he or she has been through a tough time before and gotten through it.

● Be there.

Make sure they know that you will be there for them, follow up with them after the pep talk.

●     5    

Don’t argue if the person disagrees with what you are saying or tells you: “You don’t understand; this time is different.” Tell them: “I’m Sorry, you are having such a hard time.” Then back off.