How to Have Consistent Handwriting

Having consistent handwriting, or handwriting that always looks the same, can make your handwritten documents stand out from the pack and be a personal style statement. If you’ve decided that you want your handwriting to be consistent, check out this handy list of ways you can work on developing it. There are some general guidelines as well as suggestions for how and what to practice.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Use the same pen.

1. Try different pens until you find your favorite and keep it on you. Buy or borrow different styles and brands of pens to try. Write a few pages with each of them to get a feel for how each one writes. Pick the pen that feels best to you and make that your signature writing tool!^[1]
   
   • High-quality doesn’t have to mean expensive. There are plenty of great pens out there that won’t break the bank.
   • For example, you could use a calligraphy pen, a gel pen, or a simple ballpoint pen. It’s totally up to you and depends on the consistent style you’re going for!

[Edit]Write at different angles.

1. Move the paper to find the position or angle that's most comfortable to write at. Turn the paper 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and everything in between to try out different positions. Choose whatever angle feels most comfortable to write at and always write with your paper turned that way.^[2]
   
   • If having the paper straight in front of you feels best, then by all means stick with doing that! It’s just important to know that everyone writes differently, so if something else feels better, that’s totally fine.

[Edit]Hold the pen with a relaxed grip.

1. This helps you write comfortably and not tire out. Grip the pen loosely between your thumb and index finger. Hold it steadily, but don’t white-knuckle it! Rest the pen on your middle finger and check yourself if you notice you’re gripping it really tightly while you write.^[3]
   
   • If you start gripping your pen too tightly as you write, it can change your handwriting or you can wear out and stop writing with the same pressure. A constant relaxed grip is one of the keys to consistent handwriting!

[Edit]Move the pen with your upper arm.

1. Maintaining a steady hand helps your writing look more uniform. Do your best to keep your forearm, fingers, and wrist still while you write. Instead, use the upper part of your arm and your shoulder to move the pen across the paper while you write, moving the paper up and away from you as you work your way down the page.^[4]
   
   • This can be especially helpful if your hand tends to get tired after writing for a while. Changing up the muscles you use to write with can make you tire out less quickly and keep your handwriting more consistent.

[Edit]Sit up straight when you write.

1. Good posture makes writing more comfortable. Try not to hunch over the page as you write. Maintain a good, straight posture, without being too stiff. Avoid writing in uncomfortable positions that cause you to hunch over, as this can hurt your handwriting’s consistency.^[5]
   
   • Move anything on the surface you’re writing on out of the way, so you can focus on maintaining a comfortable posture.

[Edit]Write every day to practice.

1. Set aside a few minutes every day to work on improving your writing. It could be in the mornings with coffee or in the evenings after work, school, and other responsibilities. Write whenever you have spare moments throughout the day if you’re totally swamped.^[6]
   
   • Developing consistent handwriting takes a lot of time, dedication, and patience, but you can do it! It’s important to know that even the best of “consistent handwriters” probably aren’t as perfect as you think.
   • Carry your trusty pen and a notebook with you wherever you go just for practicing your handwriting with.

[Edit]Find creative ways to practice.

1. Use worksheets, journals, and other writing activities to practice your handwriting. For example, download and print free handwriting worksheets, get a penpal and write letters to them regularly, or start a journal about your adventures. Try incorporating more handwriting into your everyday life by writing letters instead of emails when it’s appropriate or by taking notes by hand instead of on your laptop.^[7]
   
   • You could also try a drill like writing down words from the dictionary one-by-one or look up creative writing prompts and start a notebook of short stories. Whatever keeps you engaged is great!

[Edit]Focus on control instead of speed.

1. Writing in a slow, deliberate way helps you develop a uniform style. Be patient and take your time on each letter and word to develop consistency, then gradually increase your speed as you improve.^[8]
   
   • The same way you tend to make spelling mistakes and other errors when you write fast, you’re bound to make mistakes in your lettering, which hurt your handwriting’s consistency.

[Edit]Use lined paper to develop neatness.

1. Writing between the lines forces you to maintain consistency. Write straight along the bottom line. Use the top line to help you keep the height of letters the same.^[9]
   
   • If you don’t have line paper to practice, use a ruler to draw lines on a blank piece of paper. Draw the lines lightly in pencil and erase them later if you want consistent handwriting on a blank piece of paper.
   • You can also place a piece of lined paper underneath a blank one, so you can see the lines through the blank page, to practice your consistency.

[Edit]Write each letter with the same slant.

1. Slant is the degree to which your letters lean to one side and can vary between letters. Check if you tend to write letters with a slant to the left or the right. Keep the degree of slant the same for every word. If you don’t write with a slant, or you don’t want to anymore, focus on keeping each letter straight up and down.^[10]
   
   • For instance, if you notice that the crossbar on your letter “t” slants at a certain angle, make sure you’re writing your “f” with a crossbar at the same angle.

[Edit]Create letters that are uniform in size.

1. Letters of a consistent size make the whole document coherent. Write each letter with about the same height and width as the adjacent letters. Keep all words on a page the same size from word to word.^[11]
   
   • Naturally, you might write documents in smaller or larger font, depending on the size of the page, the line spacing, and other factors. However, the important thing is keeping the sizing of the letters and the words consistent at whatever scale you’re writing at.

[Edit]Space out letters and words evenly.

1. Even spacing brings everything together nicely on the page. Use the bottoms of your letters to guide your spacing. Try to keep the space between the bottoms of each letter the same. Move your pen over the same distance from the last word every time you’re starting a new word.^[12]
   
   • Try to keep internal spacing in letters the same, too. For example, keep spacing between the humps and lines in the letters “m,” “n,” and “h” the same and keep the spaces in the middles of letters like “o” and “a” the same.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://loopsandtails.com/handwriting-tips/
2. ↑ https://thepostmansknock.com/8-tips-improve-your-handwriting/
3. ↑ https://thepostmansknock.com/8-tips-improve-your-handwriting/
4. ↑ https://www.ryanhart.org/improve-your-handwriting/
5. ↑ https://www.ryanhart.org/improve-your-handwriting/
6. ↑ https://loopsandtails.com/handwriting-tips/
7. ↑ https://thepostmansknock.com/8-tips-improve-your-handwriting/
8. ↑ https://loopsandtails.com/handwriting-tips/
9. ↑ https://thepostmansknock.com/8-tips-improve-your-handwriting/
10. ↑ https://brainspring.com/ortongillinghamweekly/beautiful-handwriting-easy-1-2-3/
11. ↑ https://brainspring.com/ortongillinghamweekly/beautiful-handwriting-easy-1-2-3/
12. ↑ https://loopsandtails.com/handwriting-tips/

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How to Trap a Soccer Ball

Trapping a soccer ball is a way of stopping the ball and gaining control of it quickly. As you gain more experience in soccer, trapping the ball becomes a very necessary skill used to gain an advantage over the other team. By choosing the right type of trap to use and knowing how to be ready for a ground or an air trap, you can impress your teammates and start playing soccer like a pro.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Learning Different Types of Traps

1. Use the inside of your foot to stop the ball with an inside trap. The inside trap is the easiest trap to master and also the most common one in soccer. As the ball moves toward you, rotate your foot toward the ball so that the inside of your foot is facing it. Let the ball hit you and move your foot back slightly, cushioning the blow and keeping the ball close to you.^[1]
   
   • If the ball is coming at you from an angle, you’ll need to be able to adjust your footing on the fly. You should always trap the ball with the foot furthest from it, as this will be easier to rotate to face the ball.
   • You shouldn’t kick the ball as you go to stop it. The ball should move your foot rather than your foot moving the ball.
2. Put your foot on the ball to perfect the step trap. Placing one foot on the ball will stop it completely, allowing you to get your next shot exactly right. As the ball moves toward you, lift up your dominant foot over the ball and let it hit your heel. The ball should bounce forward slightly and stop right in front of you.^[2]
   
   • If you bring your foot down on the ball just as it hits your heel, you can stop it completely. This is great for lining up a new shot to send the ball to the other end of the field!
   • Getting the timing of the step trap perfect is the most difficult part. Keep an eye on the speed of the ball as it comes toward you to make sure you trap it. As always, practice makes perfect!
3. Practice leaning back slightly for a chest trap. A chest trap will stop a ball coming toward your torso and drop it down toward your feet. Stay on your toes so you can move around, and keep your knees slightly bent as the ball comes toward you. Lean back slightly as the ball hits your chest, letting it bounce forward and land near your feet.^[3]
   
   • As with any type of trap or drill in soccer, getting the chest trap right will take a lot of practice. Find someone who can throw the ball to you and help you adjust to the movement needed to get the trap perfect.
   • Make sure the ball hits you in the chest rather than in the stomach or abdomen.
   • Don’t push back against the ball as it hits you. A trap should keep the ball where it is rather than pushing it away.
4. Lift your dominant leg to catch the ball for a thigh trap. A thigh trap involves bouncing the ball off the middle of your upper leg to gain control of it quickly. As the ball comes toward you, lift one of your legs so your thigh is slightly diagonal. Let the ball hit the middle of your thigh and begin straightening your legs as it falls toward your feet.^[4]
   
   • Make sure the ball hits in the softer part of your thigh near the middle. If it hits your knee it will bounce off at an unpredictable angle, and if it hits too high up on your leg you might catch it in your gut instead.
   • Your thigh should be at an angle of around 110-degrees from your torso. This will help the ball drop in front of you, rather than bouncing straight up or sending it too far away.
5. Stay calm when attempting a head trap. If you can move past your instinct to duck out of the way, trapping the ball with your head can stop more difficult shots. Stay on your toes to move into the path of the ball and let it bounce off of your forehead. The ball should lose momentum against your head and drop down in front of you.^[5]
   
   • This is a different move than heading a soccer ball. You should allow the ball to move your head back slightly, rather than pushing against the ball to move it forward. Heading the ball will send it far away rather than giving you better control of it.

[Edit]Trapping a Ground Pass

1. Move into the path of the ball. Keep your eye on the ball as it moves in your direction to work out where you can intercept it. Stay on the balls of your feet and move quickly so you can get into the balls path when it's coming your way.^[6]
   
   • Be ready to adjust your positioning if someone else touches the ball and changes its path. Don’t assume you’re in the right place to trap the ball until you’ve touched it.
2. Choose between the step trap for more control and the inside trap for more agility. Both the step trap and the inside trap have their pros and cons, so you’ll need to be able to quickly chose the right one for the situation you’re in. Use the step trap if you have time to gain control of the ball, and go with the inside trap to get control of the ball more quickly.^[7]
   
   • If you’ve practiced both types of ground trap for long enough, you should be able to make this choice almost without thinking. Go with whatever seems best for the moment rather than overthinking what you’ll do.
3. Trap the ball and keep on moving. Using whichever trap you think is best for the situation, trap the ball to slow it down and bring it under your control. Once you’ve got it, keep the ball moving by passing it to a teammate or dribble it past the other team.^[8]
   
   • Don’t worry if you make a mistake or have the ball taken off of you; it just gives you another chance to practice trapping the ball.

[Edit]Trapping an Air Pass

1. Anticipate where the ball will land and where you need to be. If the ball is flying through the air toward you, you’ll need to be able to move quickly to where you think the ball will be. Stay on the balls of your feet and watch the ball as it travels. Focus on the arc of the ball and try to position yourself where you think it will land.^[9]
   
   • It can take some practice to be able to work out where you need to be to trap a ball. Don’t worry if you don’t get it exactly right the first time.
   • It’s always better to be behind the ball than in front of it when you’re trying to trap it. If you’re too far back to trap the ball in the air, you may still be able to trap it on the ground.
2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lean back slightly. When you’ve found the right place to stand to trap the ball, get in a comfortable stance to intercept it. Keep your feet apart so that you can keep your balance. Lean back slightly to keep an eye on the ball as it comes toward you.^[10]
   
   • Over time, you should find yourself standing in this position naturally. If you’re still learning, move into a stance that you’re comfortable with - it’s much better to be in the right place and looking at the ball than trying to get your stance exactly right!
3. Trap the ball with your head, chest or thigh. Watch the ball as it comes closer to you and judge the height it will be at when you intercept it. Let the ball hit your head, chest, or thigh and move your body back softly to cushion its momentum.^[11]
   
   • If the ball seems too high to trap it with your head, take a step or two backward to get into a better position. Similarly, if the ball is too low for a thigh trap, you should either move forward to get a better position or move backward to attempt a ground trap instead.
   • It’s safer to move forward or backward to trap the ball, rather than trying to duck or jump to catch it. Ducking or jumping will likely make you lose control of the ball and your body.
   • It might be difficult to focus on getting the trap exactly right if you’re under the pressure of a big game. Try not to overthink it. Let the instincts you built up when practicing kick in to help trap the ball.
4. Drop the ball toward your feet and follow its movement. The ball should bounce lightly away from you and fall toward your feet. Keep watching its motion and start moving in the direction that it’s going. Once you have control of the ball, you can pass it to someone else or continue dribbling it toward the goal!^[12]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Don’t expect to be a master of one or all of these traps immediately. Have patience, keep practicing, and you’ll be able to do them in no time.
• Try to take the ball out of the equation if you’re having trouble getting it right. Practice the movements of your body before you get someone to kick a ball at you.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.soccerxpert.com/soccertips/inside-foot-traps.aspx
2. ↑ https://www.somuchmorethanagame.com/trap-soccer-ball-5-steps-kill-ball-stone-dead/
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmgVQApiEd4?t=58
4. ↑ https://www.soccerxpert.com/soccertips/thigh-traps.aspx
5. ↑ https://www.ducksters.com/sports/soccer/controlling_the_ball.php
6. ↑ https://www.soccerxpert.com/soccertips/inside-foot-traps.aspx
7. ↑ https://www.somuchmorethanagame.com/trap-soccer-ball-5-steps-kill-ball-stone-dead/
8. ↑ https://www.somuchmorethanagame.com/trap-soccer-ball-5-steps-kill-ball-stone-dead/
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmgVQApiEd4?t=173
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/YmgVQApiEd4?t=44
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/aKpRx3kTH5I?t=96
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/aKpRx3kTH5I?t=130

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How to Clean an RV Shower

Cleaning an RV shower is pretty straightforward, not to mention quick since they’re so small! With some basic household cleaning supplies and a little elbow grease, you should be able to get your RV’s shower sparkling clean in no time. Keep in mind that it’s best not to use any harsh chemicals, so they don’t end up in your grey wastewater tank.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Floor and Walls

1. Mix dish soap, vinegar, and water for a basic all-purpose cleaning solution. Combine about of liquid dish detergent, 2 cups (473 mL) of water, and 1 cup (237 mL) of white vinegar in a clean spray bottle. Screw the lid on and shake the bottle a few times to mix the ingredients together.^[1]
   
   • This cleaning solution works on soap scum, hard water spots, and general grime.
2. Combine bleach and water in a spray bottle to get rid of mold and mildew. Combine 1 cup (237 mL) of bleach with 1 gallon (3.79 L) of water in the bottle and shake it to mix the solution. Follow the same steps to use this solution as you would to use an all-purpose cleaning solution.^[2]
   
   • This solution works to clean and kill mold and mildew in your RV shower, which can appear as dark brown, green, or black spots on various surfaces.
3. Spray the cleaning solution onto the floor and walls of your RV shower. Point the nozzle of the spray bottle inside your shower. Squeeze the trigger continuously while you move the nozzle back and forth over the walls and floor until you coat everything in an even layer of the cleaner.^[3]
   
   • If it’s easier, work 1 wall at a time and finish with the floor.
   • Let the all-purpose cleaning solution sit for a few minutes if you’re dealing with tough stains. For mold and mildew, let the bleach solution sit for up to 24 hours to kill all the spores.
4. Scrub the cleaner off the surfaces with a wet sponge. Hold a clean sponge under running water or dip it in a bucket of clean water. Work from top to bottom and wipe the cleaner off each wall, then finish by wiping off the floor of the shower.^[4]
   
   • Rinse the cleaning solution out of the sponge out as you work whenever it gets dirty.
   • If you’re using a bleach solution to get rid of mold and mildew, focus your scrubbing efforts especially on the affected areas.
   • Scrub hard-to-reach nooks and crannies with a cotton swab to remove stains or mold and mildew.
5. Hose down the shower using the shower head to rinse away residues. Grab the shower head and turn it on. Spray down the walls and floor thoroughly to rinse any remaining cleaning solution down the drain.^[5]
   
   • If the shower head doesn’t have a hose, you can also bring a garden hose in from outside or rinse the shower out with buckets of fresh water.
6. Leave your shower open to let it air dry. Open up the door to the shower to ventilate it as much as possible. Open any windows in the bathroom as well for additional air flow.^[6]
   
   • If you want to speed up the drying process, wipe the walls and floors off with an old towel.

[Edit]Shower Head and Fixtures

1. Unscrew the shower head from the hose or shower pipe. Grab the base of the shower head in 1 hand and the hose or pipe in the other. Start twisting the shower head counterclockwise and keep unscrewing it until it comes free.^[7]
   
   • The shower head might have a nut at the base that holds it in place. If this is the case, loosen the nut then pull the head off.
2. Pour white vinegar through the shower head to clean the inside. Hold the shower head vertically over a sink or a container of some kind. Slowly pour white vinegar into the hole at the base of the shower head, where it screws on to the hose or pipe.^[8]
   
   • Vinegar helps get rid of any mineral deposits from hard water inside the shower head.
3. Soak the shower head in white vinegar to unclog the spray holes. Place the spray end of the shower head in a small bowl or container. Fill the bowl or container with enough white vinegar to completely submerge all the spray holes.^[9]
   
   • If there are any holes that are really clogged up by mineral deposits, use a toothpick or another pointy object to scrape them out.
4. Wipe down the shower head and other fixtures with mild dish soap and water. Squeeze a few drops of dish soap onto a wet sponge or cloth. Scrub the exterior of the shower head as well as the hose or pipe and other fixtures in the shower.^[10]
   
   • Use a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar if there are mineral deposits on the fixtures.
   • Another alternative is to just wipe everything down with disinfecting wipes.

[Edit]Shower Drain

1. Put baking soda and vinegar down the drain to loosen clogs and grime. Pour about 3 tbsp (60 g) of baking soda down the drain and add about 1 cup (237 mL) of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight to loosen any buildups.^[11]
   
   • If you notice that your shower isn’t draining as fast as it used to, try this to clear clogs and improve the drainage.
   • Avoid strong chemical drain cleaners, such as Drano and similar products, because it’s not good to have them sitting in your wastewater tank.
2. Rinse the drain out with hot water to flush it out. Grab the shower head and turn on the hot water. Aim the stream of water directly down the drain and hold it there for a minute or two to rinse the baking soda and vinegar along with any loosened gunk down the drain.^[12]
   
   • If the drain still seems to be draining slowly, repeat the process with the baking soda and vinegar until the problem improves.
3. Pull hair and other gunk out of the drain with a wire coat hanger. Untwist and straighten out a wire coat hanger to make a long tool you can use for fishing debris out of the drain. Stick 1 end of the coat hanger down into the drain and scrape out hair and whatever else may be sitting inside the drain.^[13]
   
   • You could also use needle nose pliers or another skinny, pointy utensil to do this. Just don’t use something wooden or fragile that could break.
   • Put a shower drain screen in the drain to catch hair and other debris and prevent clogs, if it doesn’t already have one.
4. Scrub discolored drain surfaces with baking soda to whiten them. Sprinkle baking soda around the drain wherever it’s stained and discolored. Wet a dish scrubbing pad or an old toothbrush and scrub the baking soda into the stained bits to clean them.^[14]
   
   • White plastic shower drains are especially prone to getting a brownish or orangish ring around them.
   • If you want to reach down inside the drain, tape an old toothbrush to a long metal rod of some kind with duct tape or another sturdy tape.

[Edit]Tips

• Keep dish soap, white vinegar, and baking powder in your RV at all times, so they’re handy whenever you want to give your shower a nice deep cleaning.
• If your RV shower drain doesn’t have a drain screen, install one to help catch hair and other debris, so it doesn’t clog the drain.

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners in your RV shower because they’re really corrosive and it’s not a good idea to leave them sitting in your wastewater tank.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Floor and Walls

• Water
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Dish soap

[Edit]Shower Head and Fixtures

• White vinegar
• Bowl or container
• Dish soap
• Water
• Sponge or cloth

[Edit]Shower Drain

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Metal coat hanger
• Scouring pad or toothbrush

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.urbanadventure.org/what-can-i-use-to-clean-my-rv-shower/
2. ↑ https://www.urbanadventure.org/what-can-i-use-to-clean-my-rv-shower/
3. ↑ https://www.urbanadventure.org/what-can-i-use-to-clean-my-rv-shower/
4. ↑ https://www.urbanadventure.org/what-can-i-use-to-clean-my-rv-shower/
5. ↑ https://www.generalrv.com/blog/clean-interior-rv/
6. ↑ https://www.urbanadventure.org/what-can-i-use-to-clean-my-rv-shower/
7. ↑ https://roadslesstraveled.us/rv-plumbing-tips-how-to-clean-rv-faucets-sink-drains-shower-wands/
8. ↑ https://roadslesstraveled.us/rv-plumbing-tips-how-to-clean-rv-faucets-sink-drains-shower-wands/
9. ↑ https://roadslesstraveled.us/rv-plumbing-tips-how-to-clean-rv-faucets-sink-drains-shower-wands/
10. ↑ https://www.jayco.com/blog/maintenance-tips/cleaning-your-rv-the-interior/
11. ↑ https://mobilerving.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-rv-drains-clean-fresh-and-functioning-properly
12. ↑ https://mobilerving.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-rv-drains-clean-fresh-and-functioning-properly
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=153&v=BWRhAwa-tXk&feature=youtu.be
14. ↑ https://roadslesstraveled.us/rv-plumbing-tips-how-to-clean-rv-faucets-sink-drains-shower-wands/

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How to Style a Grey Cardigan

Gray cardigans are the perfect staple piece for any wardrobe. With so many styling options, it can be hard to choose what outfit to wear! By picking out fun, complementary colors and pieces, you can wear your gray cardigan with confidence every time.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Create a classic look with a white shirt.

1. You can wear this outfit almost anywhere at any time. Pair your gray cardigan with a white T-shirt, tank top, button-down, or crop top underneath for a look that pops instantly.^[1]
   
   • Lighter gray cardigans will blend in with the white color, while darker gray ones will pop against it.
   • You can pair this outfit with some jeans and boots for a fall or winter look.
   • Or, try some khaki shorts and sandals during warmer weather.

[Edit]Use a plaid top to brighten up your outfit.

1. A plaid shirt will give your look a little visual interest. Try wearing a red, blue, or green plaid shirt under your gray cardigan for a pop of color and pattern.^[2]
   
   • You can leave your cardigan open to show off your shirt, or you can button it up for a more sophisticated look.
   • Pair your outfit with a beanie to stay cozy during the winter time.

[Edit]Try light wash jeans for an effortless outfit.

1. Light wash bottoms always look good with a gray cardigan. Go for skinny jeans, capris, or even jean shorts to look great every time.^[3]
   
   • For a more modern look, go for ripped or distressed jeans.
   • Try a vintage outfit with flared jeans and a gray cardigan.
   • Go for cropped jeans that hit at your ankle for an interesting silhouette.

[Edit]Try a sporty outfit with leggings.

1. Keep your look casual on your day off. Put on a pair of classic black leggings, then pair your outfit with a white T-shirt and your gray cardigan.^[4]
   
   • This look works best with a longer cardigan that hits just below your bum.
   • Pair your outfit with running shoes and a beanie if it’s cold out.

[Edit]Look chic in a black outfit.

1. Darker gray cardigans look great with an all-black outfit. Try pants and a shirt, a long dress and tights, or a skirt and a button-down with your cardigan on top.^[5]
   
   • If all black is a little too much for you, go for navy blue instead.

[Edit]Try an all-gray outfit for a monochromatic, chic outfit.

1. Turn heads in an outfit made entirely of gray tones. Pair your cardigan with a gray top, gray trousers, and a gray overcoat to hit the art museum or go out to a fancy brunch.^[6]
   
   • Don’t worry about matching all of your grays—in fact, varying tones will make your outfit look more put together.
   • Add a pop of color with your shoes or a handbag.

[Edit]Create casual looks with sneakers.

1. Pair your cardigan with running shoes or sneakers for a sporty look. Try wearing leggings, jeans, or a tennis skirt with your cardigan to complete your outfit.^[7]
   
   • White sneakers always look great with gray, while black or navy ones will blend in more with your outfit.
   • Or, add a pop of color to your look with red, blue, or green sneakers.

[Edit]Elevate your outfit with a pair of heels.

1. You can make any outfit a little more fancy with the right shoes. Try kitten heels for a day at the office, wedges for a spring evening, or stilettos for a night out on the town.^[8]
   
   • Black heels always look chic and sophisticated with a gray cardigan.

[Edit]Accessorize with a neutral handbag.

1. Let your gray cardigan stand out with natural colors. Grab a purse, handbag, or clutch that’s gray, white, or black for the perfect outfit every time.^[9]
   
   • You could also wear a black satchel or fanny pack for a more modern look.
   • For a casual outfit, try a neutral backpack instead.

[Edit]Brighten up your look with a fun scarf.

1. Gray is a neutral, so you can pair it with almost anything. Make your outfit stand out with pinks, reds, blues, and greens, especially during the spring and summer.^[10]
   
   • You can also add color in with your handbag or your jewelry.

[Edit]Pair your look with silver jewelry.

1. Grab your silver rings, necklaces, and earrings for a perfect outfit. Silver always looks great with gray, and they’re so similar that you almost can’t go wrong.^[11]
   
   • Make your look feel a little edgier by wearing a chain necklace or a statement necklace.
   • Dress your outfit up with long, dangly earrings, or keep it simple with small studs.

[Edit]Tips

• If your cardigan is a little oversized, cinch your waist with a belt to show off your figure.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-a-cardigan/
2. ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-a-cardigan/
3. ↑ https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-a-cardigan/
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=99&v=BxkLjrR7PXs&feature=youtu.be
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=274&v=fcPJsqY1ry4&feature=youtu.be
6. ↑ https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-gray-color-palettes-and-ensembles-for-you-to-choose-from/
7. ↑ https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-gray-color-palettes-and-ensembles-for-you-to-choose-from/
8. ↑ https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-gray-color-palettes-and-ensembles-for-you-to-choose-from/
9. ↑ https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-gray-color-palettes-and-ensembles-for-you-to-choose-from/
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=47&v=BxkLjrR7PXs&feature=youtu.be
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=232&v=BxkLjrR7PXs&feature=youtu.be

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How to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary

You've been offered the job of your dreams. There's just one problem: the pay. Don't let a low starting salary get in your way! Many employers' initial offer is lower than what they're willing to pay, so you can absolutely negotiate a higher starting salary—you just need to be confident that you're worth it. We've pulled together lots of tips to help you negotiate your ideal compensation package, from the initial offer to your counter-offer to the employer's response.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Ask for time to consider the offer.

1. You need time to research and prepare a counter-offer. Thank the employer graciously for the offer and let them know you need time to think about it. That signals that you're interested in the position but that you're taking their offer seriously. Usually, they'll give you at least a couple of days to think it over.^[1]
   
   • For example, you might say "Thank you so much for the offer. I certainly have a lot to think about. Would you mind if I give you an answer on Friday?"
   • If you're in a high-demand sector, the employer may not be willing to give you a lot of time—especially if they have others lined up who could also take the job. If you have a day or less, squeeze out every spare moment you can to work on your counter-offer.

[Edit]Prepare yourself mentally to negotiate.

1. The employer expects you to negotiate for a higher salary. Often, employers intentionally low-ball you on the initial salary offer—and they aren't expecting you to just take it. They're expecting you to come back with what you really want so you can work together to (hopefully!) find a happy medium everyone is comfortable with.^[2]
   
   • This is where you might have to use the advice to "fake it till you make it." It's fine if you don't have the confidence necessary to ask the employer for a higher salary, as long as you can pretend that you do!
   • Remember that as the employer is listening to you, they're also gauging your willingness to engage and seek the best. They'll extrapolate your performance to how willing you'll be to give and get the best for the company.^[3]

[Edit]Check comparable salaries in your field.

1. Look at salary guides online and talk to colleagues. Get an idea of what other people in your position are earning. This can help you figure out what kind of compensation package it would be reasonable to ask for. While salary guides can give you cold data, colleagues and other people in your industry can tell you more about other perks and benefits they get from their employers.^[4]
   
   • Mentors and former supervisors can also help you get a good idea of what you should expect. If you don't have a lot of contacts in your field, use a resource such as LinkedIn to talk to people in similar positions.^[5]
   • Take your geographic area into consideration as well. For example, a $60,000 salary will go a lot further in Cincinnati, OH than it will in San Francisco, CA.^[6]

[Edit]Research the company's background.

1. Find out where there's flexibility so you can negotiate reasonably. Even if the company loves you and thinks you're the best person for the job, there are some constraints you just won't be able to get around. If the company is strapped for cash, it might not be able to offer the salary or benefits package you really want. Similarly, internal policies might prohibit them from offering you above a certain amount.^[7]
   
   • Navigate to the human resources page of the company's website and have a look around. This can help you get a sense of what aspects of the job offer might not be up for negotiation.
   • If you feel relatively friendly with the person who made the offer, you might straight-up ask them how flexible the offer is or how much wiggle room they have.
   • Some information is publicly available if you do a little research. If the job offer is from a publicly-traded corporation, you can find a lot of information about the company's financial health through required reports and disclosures. Look on the corporate website or the website of the regulatory agency that handles stock trading in your country.

[Edit]Make a list of what makes you particularly valuable.

1. Write down factors that demonstrate why you're a cut above. Salary negotiations present an opportunity for you to highlight why you're really the best person for the job. You know that they already want you—now it's your job to show them why you're worth more than their original offer. Use specific, concrete facts as evidence that you're especially valuable. If there's anything special that you didn't bring up in your interview, add it to your list.^[8] Some areas to focus on might be:^[9]
   
   • Ongoing education or training in recent developments in your field
   • Your extensive experience in important facets of the job
   • Your network of professional contacts or clients you can bring
   • Any awards or recognition you've received

[Edit]Create a range of salaries you'll accept.

1. Set your low number at your absolute minimum and the high end at your ideal. Based on your research and your knowledge of your own background and experience, come up with a realistic salary range that you can use for negotiation. Keep the high end of your range reasonable, but give yourself plenty of room to maneuver in case the employer makes another counter-offer.^[10]
   
   • For example, if your research shows that other people in your position make an average of $70,000 a year and the employer has offered you $50,000, you might create a range of $60,000 to $85,000.
   • Add up your living expenses and create a budget (if you don't already have one). This will help you determine the minimum end of your range.^[11]

[Edit]Value the compensation package as a whole.

1. Negotiate paid time off, flex-time, retirement plans, and other perks. Everything your employer offers has a value, and some benefits might be more important to you than a few extra dollars on your paycheck. If you're willing to trade a higher salary for other perks, keep those ideas in your back pocket — you might be able to use them to get a better compensation package than what you were originally offered.^[12]
   
   • Many things might be extremely valuable to you, such as flexible works hours or the ability to work from home, that won't really cost the employer anything. These perks can help you get a more favorable offer even if additional money isn't in the cards.
   • Remember that when you negotiate a higher salary, you're negotiating the entire package at once. Your paycheck is only one facet of your overall compensation. For example, if you're not interested in the free gym membership the employer offers, you might be able to exchange that for a little more money.

[Edit]Practice your pitch.

1. Stand in front of a mirror and practice asking for a higher salary. If you're going to be making your counter-offer in person or over the phone, it's a good idea to practice. Take some notes if you need them to refer to at first, then compose a brief statement that presents your counter-offer and the reasoning behind your figure.^[13]
   
   • For example, you might say "I appreciate the offer and look forward to working with you. However, $50,000 is below the market average for employees at my level. As we discussed during the interview, I have several high-profile clients I can bring on board with me, as well as national recognition for my work in social media. I expected something more in the $70,000 range."

[Edit]Express your interest in the job.

1. Tell the employer you want to work for them before you present a counter-offer. You want the employer to know that they've already got you—there are just a few details to work out. If they understand that you're excited about the opportunity they won't take your negotiation attempts as a sign you're not interested.^[14]
   
   • For example, you might say "I'm extremely enthusiastic about working for you and think this company would be a great fit for me."
   • Some employers might ask you questions at this point, especially if employees with your skills are in high demand. For example, they might ask if you have any other offers or if they are currently your top choice. Be prepared to answer those ahead of time.

[Edit]Start negotiations at the higher end of your range.

1. Tell the employer what your ideal salary would be, including benefits. Remember that the entire package is on the table—not just the salary. Make a clear and direct statement of the compensation you want, followed by a sentence or two justifying your figure.^[15]
   
   • For example, you might say "I look forward to contributing to this firm and appreciate your offer. But based on my reputation and experience, I expected a salary more in the $80,000 to $85,000 range. Others at this level make at least that much, and they don't have the international recognition that I do."
   • After you make your counter-offer, say nothing—stand firm and give the employer a chance to respond. They might ask you questions or immediately come back with a different figure.^[16]
   • If they balk at your offer and say the numbers are simply too far apart, you still have room since you started at the higher end of your range. Come down if you think they'll be willing to work with a lower number.

[Edit]Give the employer time to consider your counter-offer.

1. Allow the employer at least as much time as they gave you. Some employers will be ready to respond to your counter-offer right away. However, the person extending the offer might not have complete control over the compensation package offered. If they need to talk it over with someone else in the company, give them at least a day or two to do that before getting back to you.^[17]
   
   • After you've given them time, wait for them to call you. If you call them before the time you gave them is up, you lose the power of your position. You could also potentially come across as desperate.
   • If the time expires and you still haven't heard from them, it's okay to go ahead and give them a call. For example, if you gave them 2 days on Monday, you might call them on Thursday morning and say "We left off discussing my compensation package on Monday. Have you had enough time to consider my counter-offer?"

[Edit]Compromise on issues you can re-visit later.

1. Ask your employer if they're willing to table something until later. Your employer might be in a better position to decide on some aspects of your compensation package after you've been working with them for a few months. This is particularly true for non-monetary benefits, such as flex time or the ability to work from home.^[18]
   
   • For example, suppose you asked your employer for permission to work from home on Fridays. Before they've hired you, they might not trust you to do that and maintain the appropriate level of production. However, after you've been working for them for 6 months, they're in a better position to decide if that's appropriate.
   • When discussing these issues with the employer, acknowledge if you're willing to table something until later. You might say "I understand you might have a hard time deciding whether to give me flex time right now. Would you be willing to revisit that issue in 6 months?"
   • Don't count on your employer to bring up the tabled issue again—be proactive and mention it yourself after the agreed-upon period has passed.

[Edit]Sample Negotiation Scripts

Sample Salary Negotiation Script

Benefit Negotiation Email

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If you're a recent college grad, your school's career office will likely have resources on starting salary negotiation that can help.^[19]
• Whether negotiating in person, over the phone, or in writing, be polite and professional. Remember that if all goes well, you'll ultimately be working with these people—you want to continue to make a good impression.^[20]
• If the employer refuses your counter-offer and doesn't budge from their initial offer, see if you can find out why. Based on what they say, there might be room for you to bring up additional compensation later.

[Edit]Warnings

• Always get the employer's final offer in writing before you agree to it—especially if it differs from the initial offer they made.
• Resist the temptation to try to negotiate every little thing or argue for the sake of arguing. Even if you get what you asked for, it can come back to bite you later.^[21]
• Never immediately accept a salary offer, even if you already know it's in a range you would accept. You should still take time to think about it critically and make sure the job and the company are good fits for you.^[22]
• Never be the first one to bring up salary. Always let the employer make the first offer. Then, you have the opportunity to counter.^[23]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Figure Out Your Yearly Salary
• Be Confident

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/10/22/five-steps-take-when-negotiating-pay-and-benefits-new-job-opinion
2. ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/10/22/five-steps-take-when-negotiating-pay-and-benefits-new-job-opinion
3. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
4. ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/10/22/five-steps-take-when-negotiating-pay-and-benefits-new-job-opinion
5. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
6. ↑ https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/region_rankings_current.jsp?region=021
7. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
8. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
9. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
10. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
11. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
12. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
13. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
14. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
15. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
16. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
17. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
18. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
19. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
20. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/40588267/heres-how-to-negotiate-your-salary-over-email
21. ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
22. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/
23. ↑ https://gradschool.missouri.edu/professional_development/salary-benefit-negotiation/

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