Originally posted by Warslaw:

Following this guide requires you to have played the game.

This guide is designed to bring you back to society.

• How to Get a Life
  
  
• How to Get a Girlfriend
  
  
• How to Get a Job

Although it will be a hard journey, I will assure you that you will not regret it.

Feeling happy with your life can be difficult. It is easy to get distracted by obligations, work, technology and health problems. If you are currently unhappy with some aspect of your life, you can commit to making changes throughout the year that will make you happier and healthier. You can learn how to get a life by embracing physical, work, leisure, and social goals.


1. Define what a life is to you.

This notion of "a life" is subjective. You need to reflect on what is important to you. What do you want to achieve in life? What makes you happy? Only once you think about those kinds of things will you begin to realize how to attain a life.

• Don't let others define a meaningful life for you. While it is true that many people will tend to see certain things as more indicative of "a life" than others based on human universal needs, such as having kids or family, having fun experiences, or having meaningful work, ultimately, what matters most is what you personally find to be important.

2.Write in a journal.

Write about the things that are bothering you in your own life or that excite you. Keeping a journal has been found to increase well-being and can help you find patterns in your life both positive and negative. More specifically, writing in a journal can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings, allow you to get to know yourself better, reduce stress, or solve problems by looking at them in a new light.

• Figure out whatever kind of journal works best for you. You could write with pen and paper or keep a digital journal on your laptop. What matters most is getting your thoughts on paper and reflecting on them.

3.Discuss your life with others.

Sometimes, the act of expressing yourself to another can give you an in depth view into what you want and need. In addition, other people may have insight into your life that you may be blind to.

• Consider booking an appointment with a counselor, if you do not want to talk to family or friends. Talk therapy can be very effective both at treating underlying emotional issues but also at giving your thoughts life and helping you sort through them.

4.Break your life down into domains.

List the main areas of your life, such as social, work, spiritual, family, leisure, health, community and charity. Once you have broken your life down into these domains, reflect on whether you are happy with these aspects of your life. Getting a life usually means creating a balance among the domains of life you find to be important.

• Take to heart the phrase "everything in moderation." Reduce activities that are not done in moderation to achieve a more balanced life.

5.Brainstorm ways to create more time for areas that are lacking.

Say, for example, that you identify that you are not doing enough for your community and for your health. Spend some time thinking of ways to create more time to improve your life in these specific domains.

• For example, you could make a list of a few charities you would like to inquire about.
  
• Regarding your health, you could take some time adjusting your budget to see if you can afford a gym membership. You could spend some time researching local sports teams you could join.
  
• If you are particularly busy, you may also have to think about where to cut back on to gain the extra time or resources. The best places to start are domains you think you are spending too much time on (e.g., work).

6. Reassess your life every few months.

Review the state of your life (you can do this in part by reading your journal) and decide if your life is more fulfilling with the changes you have made. The best way to decide is if you personally feel happier about your life. Remember not to think too much about what others may think about your life. You are the one living it, after all.

• Give yourself time to change your life, as it won't be easy. Try to focus on making small changes over a year. After a year is over, you should have a better idea of what makes you happy.

1. Practice letting go of the things you cannot control.

Inevitably, things will come up in your life that are largely or entirely out of your control. This is just part of life. While you cannot change certain circumstances, you can change your attitude towards them. Trying to control the things you can't can often backfire and make you more stressed out.

• Every time you think of something that you cannot control, write it on a piece of paper. Place it in a box and move on. Letting go of stressful situations or people will allow you to work on the things you can control.

2. Live in the present.

Think about how you will make today better, instead of always working toward a future goal. If you life too far ahead in the future all the time, you are missing out on life. Life only happens in the present moment. While this isn't a recommendation to live every day like it is your last, because every day is not actually your last, it is a good idea to spend some time each day enjoying the present moment. To live more in the present, you can:

• Do only one task at a time; avoid multitasking.
  
• Put some space in between your day to day tasks to give you some time to reflect and not feel too rushed.
  
• Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to do absolutely nothing at all but sit in silence.
  
• Eat slowly and focus on the flavor and texture of your food.

3. Do something new every week.

Get an activity guide for your city, ask some friends, or dig around online for fun things to do near you. Take a risk and try some new activities. Go by yourself or ask a friend or your significant other. What matters most is that you are trying something novel and being open-minded about it. Trying something new can have a number of benefits, such as:

• Giving you courage by facing the unknown.
  
• Fighting off boredom.
  
• Allowing you to grow via new experiences.

3. Learn something new.

Take a class online or in person or watch some free lectures online. A lifelong learning center can provide an inexpensive opportunity to learn photography, social media or another skill you've been wanting to master. You can try these websites to search for classes or lectures that interest you:

• https://www.coursera.org/
  
• http://oyc.yale.edu/
  
• https://www.edx.org/

1. Do not work on weekends.

Make sure you have two days per week to devote to yourself and/or your family. Make the working weekend something that is abnormal, not normal. If you can cut down time in the work domain, you will find more time for other important life domains.

• Try to keep in mind that work is like a gas, it will continue to expand if you let it. It will take up more and more of your time. You can always work more. There will always be more work to be done. Just save it for a week day!

2. Turn off electronic devices when you get home.

Ask your family to do the same for several hours per day, so that you can connect. Studies show that checking your email less can make you happier, so turn your phone off and spend some quality time with those you love.

3. Take a risk at work.

Volunteer for something or go the extra mile on a project. Showing initiative and using more of your intellect can make work more fulfilling.

• That said, keep in mind that balance in your life is important, too. You will have to ask yourself whether it is worth putting in that extra work time to do something fulfilling even if it means taking time away from other important life domains. Only you can answer that question for yourself.

4. Remember why you work in the first place.

Most of us work in order to be able to enjoy life. If you are spending all your time working and you are not having any time to spend with your family or to do the things you love, then you need to find ways to cut back.

• Keep in mind, however, that if you get lots of meaning out of your work and view your job as giving you the life that you want, then it is totally fine to work a lot. What matters is what you view as important in defining your life.

1. Get exercise.

Working your heart and muscles for at least 30 minutes a day will actually help you live healthier and longer. Try some of these ideas to improve your physical life:

• Plan outdoor and adventurous activities with your family. Make exercise fun several nights a week or on the weekend. Go hiking, biking, explore your local city on foot or play a sport.
  
• Join an adult sport league or active hobby group. If you miss being part of a team, join a soccer, kickball or basketball league. Most cities and suburbs have many options, and they schedule games after work and on weekends.
  
• Try a new workout. If you usually go to the gym, try new classes or get outside to walk or run several days a week. Break up your routine.

2. Walk in nature.

Experiencing the beauty of nature can lead to feelings of awe and make you feel more wondrous.
So, get out in nature whenever you can for your health and for getting a sense of wonder.

3. Get plenty of sleep.

Give yourself 8 hours plus an hour to get ready and an hour to wake up. The result can be a relaxed, happier self. Make sure to stick to a routine; falling into a typical pattern of sleep can help you fall asleep each night

• Make sure to create a dark, noise free room that can help you sleep. Also, avoid drinking caffeine close to when you go to sleep or you may have trouble falling asleep.

4.Volunteer for a charity.

Donate your time and connect with people who need your help. Studies have shown that volunteering for a charity can make you happier, improve empathy and make you feel fulfilled.

• To find a charity, search online, ask around in your neighborhood, or look in your local newspaper for opportunities to volunteer.

5.Build your relationships and support system.

Pick at least an hour a week where you can interact with people who are important to you without distractions from work. This will increase your mental well being and decrease your stress; social support is very important for health.

Getting a girlfriend might seem really hard, but don’t give up! Start your search for a girlfriend by meeting more girls through clubs, events, and mutual friends. Then, impress girls by looking your best and talking to them. When you find a girl who interests you, ask her on a date. If the two of you click, you might ask her to be your girlfriend!


1.Hint that you want a date by asking her to do a fun activity.

This will show her you’re interested without you having to directly state it. Mention the activity and ask her if she’s interested in it. If she says yes, suggest you hang out. If she’s not interested, suggest something you know she likes. If she still says she’s not interested, it’s best to move on.

• For instance, say, “The championship game is coming up and I’m thinking about going. Are you interested?”
  
• As another example, say, “It’s been forever since I went bowling. How about you?”

2.Be direct and ask for a date if you feel brave.

Being direct is the best way to get a date, though you may be rejected. Tell the girl that you’re interested in going out with her, then suggest a date.

3.Make her feel special on the date by showing her attention.

Your date is your chance to make a good impression on her. Be nice to her, and give her your full attention the entire time. Here are some ways to show her you care:

• Keep your phone put away.
  
• Ask her a lot of questions.
  
• Look her in the eye while she’s talking.
  
• Ask her how she’s doing.
  
• Give her compliments.

4.Ask her for a second date at the end of the night.

Let her know you had a good time and want to see her again. Then, follow-up after your date with a text or call to let her know you had a good time.

• Say, “I’d love to take you out again.”
  
• You can also ask for the second date later, if you prefer. For instance, you might text her afterwards to say you had a good time and ask for the second date.
  
• If you’re an adult, it may be best to wait a few days.

5. Spend time on her to help your relationship grow.

How much time you spend together in person will depend on how old your are and your personal schedule. Text her daily to keep in touch, and interact on social media, if you both use it. Do your best to schedule regular dates or hangouts, even if you're just seeing each other at school. Additionally, make an effort to sit by her when you're in a class or event together.

• You'll likely go on a few dates or message each other for awhile before you ask her to be your girlfriend. Try to be patient because rushing things can push her away.
  
• Talking, texting, and hanging out together will help you deepen your connection with her, which can help you get her to be your girlfriend.

6.Ask her to be your girlfriend in person when you feel ready.

Bring her somewhere you can be alone, then let her know that you really like her. Tell her that you hope you can be exclusive, then ask if she'll be your girlfriend.

• Say, "I have so much fun with you, and I think it's time that we make this official. Will you be my girlfriend?"

7. Text her to see if she'll be your girlfriend if you're shy.

Texting is a great option for expressing your interest without having to face her personally. Type out how you feel about her, then ask her to be your girlfriend. Don't text her again until you get a response.

• You might say, "These past few weeks have been amazing. Wanna make it official and be my girlfriend?"

8. Stay calm and respect her feelings if she says no.

While rejection feels terrible, it's something everyone goes through. Remind yourself that she likely isn't trying to hurt your feelings, and she may have reasons that have nothing to do with you. Accept her answer gracefully, then reach out to someone who cares about you for support.

• Say, "I understand. Thanks for being honest with me."
  
• If you don't want to talk to someone about your feelings, do something active, like going for a run, that can help you cope with your emotions.

1. Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself.

Go through your closet and pick out clothes that fit you well. Show off who you are, such as your interests or personality. This will help you feel confident about yourself so you can put your best foot forward.

• Don’t worry about your body type because everyone is attractive in their own way.
  
• For instance, pick something like a concert t-shirt and jeans, a button-up shirt and khakis, or leather and denim. If you’re more effeminate, you might pick pastels or floral prints.
  
• You might show off your interests by wearing t-shirts featuring your favorite bands or sports jerseys from your favorite team.

2. Practice good personal hygiene to make yourself more appealing.

Bathe at least once a day, brush your teeth twice a day, and use personal care products like deodorant. Additionally, make sure your clothes are washed. This will help you appear your best and will show girls that you take good care of yourself.

• You don’t need to douse yourself in cologne or do any manscaping, unless that’s what you want.

3. Do fun activities or a hobby so you seem interesting.

Make a list of things you like to do and topics that interest you. Then, do at least one fun thing every day. This will help you enjoy your life more and will show girls that you’re an interesting person.

• For instance, learn to play an instrument, join a sports team, take up painting, or join a pub quiz team.

4. Be comfortable with being alone so you appear confident.

If you seem desperate and needy, you may have a hard time making a connection with people. Look for ways to be happy while you’re single. Spend time doing things that interest you, and enjoy your time with friends. Don’t make finding a relationship the most important thing in your life.

• List reasons why it’s good to be single so you don’t feel bad. For instance, you get to spend more time with your friends, you have more time for your hobbies, and you can talk to different girls to see what you like.
  
• People are more attracted to you when you seem happy with your life, so this can help you get a girlfriend.

1.Ask your friends to introduce you to girls they know.

Your friends likely know girls they could introduce you to, and this is a common way for people to meet. Get your friends to arrange group outings so you can meet their female friends.

2.Join clubs or teams to meet girls at school.

Look for an after school club that sounds fun or try out for a sports team. Attend club meetings, events, or games to meet more people. Try to make friends with girls you meet so that you can find a potential girlfriend.

• If you find a girl you like, invite her to do something club- or team-related so you can spend time together. For instance, let’s say you’re in debate club together. You might say, “Do you want to meet at the coffee shop tomorrow to compare cases?”

3. Attend events to meet more girls.

If you’re in school, go to events like school dances, football games, and plays. As another option, go to local events like concerts, festivals, or meetups to meet girls. Try to make friends with the girls you meet by starting a conversation about the event.

• If a girl doesn’t seem to want to talk, move on to a different girl. Eventually, you’ll make a new friend.
  
• You can find public events on Facebook, Meetup.com, or local news sites.

4. Offer to help a girl with something.

Doing a girl a favor can be a good icebreaker to introduce yourself. Notice if a girl seems to be struggling with something, then offer your assistance. If she accepts your help, introduce yourself and see if she’ll talk to you.

• Say, “I’m Alex. How’s your day going?”
  
• They may not want to talk, and that’s okay. If they say thank you and want to leave, just say, “You’re welcome” and walk away.

5. Try online dating if you’re 18 or older.

The great part about outline dating is that everyone is there for the same reason. Message girls who have similar interests to you, and chat with them a bit before asking them out for coffee.

• Keep in mind that it’s normal to message a lot of girls before someone responds. Try not to take it personally because everyone experiences the same thing.

1.Ask questions to learn more about a girl who interests you.

Talk to her about herself, and show genuine interest in her answer. Nod along as she talks, and ask follow up questions to learn more. This will show her that you’re interested in who she is as a person.

• Ask questions like, “What do you like to do for fun?” “What are your goals for the next 5 years?” or “What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?”

2.Focus on girls who have things in common with you.

A girl will be more interested in being your girlfriend if you have things in common. Pick girls who have similar interests, hobbies, or personality traits as you do. They don’t need to be exactly like you, but it’s important to have common ground.

• For instance, you might both play the same instrument or both enjoy athletics.
  
• Don’t pretend to have something in common with a girl to get her attention. This usually backfires because she’ll eventually realize you were not forthright.

3.Give genuine compliments to girls who interest you.

This will make her feel good about herself and it shows her you may be interested in being more than friends. Tell her something nice about herself and try not to focus on her body. Only give 1 compliment at a time so she doesn’t get uncomfortable.

• You might say, “Great answer in class today,” “Your performance was amazing!” or “This t-shirt is awesome.”

4. Show off your sense of humor by telling jokes and stories.

Everyone likes to laugh, so using humor can make a girl like you more. Learn a few jokes from the Internet and think about the funniest things that have happened to you. When you’re around the girl you like, share these funny tidbits with her or your group of friends.

• Even bad jokes can be funny if you commit to the punchline. Don’t be afraid to laugh at your own jokes and just be silly.

Maybe your current job just isn’t working out, or maybe you just graduated and are trying to get employed for the first time. The job market can be hard to crack in either case, no matter your age or experience. Start by networking and searching online for job openings, tailoring your resume and cover letter to match what employers are seeking, and then sending in stand-out applications. The process may seem daunting, but going in with determination and a plan will carry you through until you find the perfect opportunity.


1. Carefully read the job description.

Your first step in applying for a job is to find out what the job entails. Give the job description a thorough read. Focus on what qualifications are required and what the job duties are.

• Don’t apply for jobs that you are absolutely not qualified for. For example, if you do not speak Spanish, do not respond to an ad that states, “Spanish required.”

2. Highlight keywords.

Pay attention to what the description emphasizes. For example, if it is a job in marketing, you might see terms such as “digital marketing”, “SEO”, and “Google Analytics”. Make sure that you mention those terms in both your resume and your cover letter.

3. Look over your materials.

Many job search engines and company websites will ask for you to submit your materials online. Before you hit “submit,” take time to proofread everything you have written. This includes your resume and cover letter. You should also look over the fields that ask for your personal information and make sure all of your information is entered correctly.

4. Ace the interview.

Hopefully, all of your hard work results in an interview. If you get asked to come in, take time to prepare. Make sure to have examples ready to explain your past accomplishments and how you can help the company. For example, you could say, “I know you’re looking for a fresh take on how to increase sales. I’d love to tell you about my ideas for a direct marketing campaign.

• Dress professionally.
  
• Make eye contact and speak confidently.
  
• Arrive on time.

5. Follow up.

If you’ve had an interview, it is proper business etiquette to write a brief thank you note. Typically, this is done by email. You can write, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about your organization and am excited about the idea of working as part of your team.

• You can also follow-up after sending a job application. You might write, “I’m writing to make sure that you received my application materials. I’m happy to provide further examples of my qualifications if you would find that helpful.

1.Match your resume to the job description.

Your resume is a way to list your skills and qualifications. Just as importantly, it can be used to show potential employers that your skills fit their needs. Take the time to tweak your resume to each job that you apply for. Look for keywords and themes in the job description and make sure that your resume highlights those terms.

• For example, maybe a job requires “outstanding communication skills”. Make sure to list specific examples of how you have used your communication skills in the past.
  
• You don’t have to totally revamp your resume each time you post it. Just make sure it emphasizes your skills that are most important for that particular job.

2. Create a personal profile.

Start your resume by telling employers a little about yourself. Write a brief paragraph that tells the employer about your skills and lets them know what specific qualifications you can bring to the job. Keep it brief and professional.

• In a few sentences, describe your most important skills.
  
• Stay away from vague skills such as “organized”. Use descriptive terms such as “negotiator”, “decision-making”, and “time management”.

3. Write a cover letter.

A lot of jobs will simply require a resume, but others will ask for a cover letter. Have a draft on hand and be ready to tailor it to the specifics of each job. A good cover letter should explain your experience and qualifications. You should use specific examples to describe why you would be a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

• Maybe a job description calls for someone who can work as part of a team. You could write about how, as an intern, you were in charge of organizing a project that multiple interns worked on.
  
• Try to keep your cover letter to one page in length.

4. Edit carefully.

Look over your resume and cover letter and then look them over again. Make sure to fix any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or family member to give your materials a read. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors that you may have missed.

5. Polish your online presence.

The modern job search is conducted largely online. It’s important that you make a good impression online. Take care to create positive, professional social media profiles. You never know when a potential employee might be viewing your information.

• For example, take care to create an impressive LinkedIn profile. Your headline should be succinct, like “Research Analyst”.
  
• Use the space provided to list your qualifications and experience.
  
• Don’t forget to edit your profile.
  
• Include your contact information and a link to your resume.

1. Search online.

Many, if not most, companies and organizations advertise open positions on employment websites and on company websites. If you know which company you want to work for, start by checking out their website. You will likely see a tab labeled “Job Openings” or “Career Opportunities.” Click the tab to see what is available.

• You can also use online job search engines to widen your search. Enter keywords and geographic location on popular sites such as Indeed, Jobs.com, TheLadders, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
  
• For example, if you are looking for a job as a medical equipment salesperson in Chicago, your search terms might be “sales” and “medical” and your geographic area would be “Chicago, Illinois”.
  
• Craigslist is also a good site to search. It is especially helpful if you are looking for immediate employment. Be sure to check out the company website and vet employers before you send in your resume and contact information, though!

2. Use social media sites.

Social networking sites are not just for fun and keeping in touch with old friends. They can also help you find and apply for jobs. If you choose to use social media in your job search, consider setting your social profile to “private” and creating a new, professional profile that you share with potential employers. The following sites are great tools for job hunting:

• LinkedIn: You can use this site to create a professional online profile. You can post a biography that lets potential employers get to know you. You can also post your current resume for others to view.
  
• Twitter: People are increasingly using this tool to find jobs. If you’re familiar with Twitter, you can follow companies that you are interested in and see posts advertising jobs. You can also search the site using popular hashtags such as #jobs and #jobhunt.

3. Utilize your state job bank.

You can also use the internet to search employment resources in your own state. Each state has an online collection of available jobs known as a job bank. Find the job bank for your state and start searching.

• Much like other job search engines, the state job banks will allow you to search by keyword and city.

4.Start networking.

Networking is a chance to strengthen connections with people in your career field. It’s also a time to meet new people. Put yourself out there and start communicating with people who could be helpful in your job search.You can say something like, “I’m just getting started in marketing, and I wondered if you know of any opportunities that could be right for me.” If you can get a referral, your resume might just be pushed to the top of the list! Consider reaching out to:

• Former professors
  
• Past employers
  
• People at the company you want to work for
  
• Anyone you know who has a career similar to the one you want

5. Spread the word that you are job hunting.

Friends and family can be great resources in your job hunt. They might know of openings that you aren't aware of. They could also have a friend of a friend who is looking to hire. Make sure that everyone in your circle knows that you are looking for a new job.

• You can say, "I'm looking for a new job in publishing. Can you let me know if you hear of any openings in that field?"
  
• Consider whether finding a headhunter would be useful for finding the job you want.

6. Attend a job fair.

A job or career fair is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about potential employers. Both cities and universities have job fairs. Sometimes private organizations will also hold job fairs.

• Check your city or university website to find information about upcoming job fairs.
  
• At a job fair, you can gather brochures and other information from companies that are hiring. You might also be able to speak to recruiters.

7. Stay organized.

Having a concrete plan will be one of your best resources. Take some time to create a plan for how you will go about your job search. You should also make to sure to avoid applying for the same position more than once. Make a calendar of weekly or daily activities related to your search. On this calendar you can include tasks like:

• Look at online postings
  
• Reach out to your network
  
• Work on resume and cover letter
  
• Apply for a certain number of jobs each week