| How to Break the Routine in a Long Distance Relationship Posted: 23 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT No matter how long you've been in a long distance relationship, you're probably missing your partner a lot. It's hard to feel close to them when they're so far away, but no need to fear—if you're wondering how to break the routine, we're right there with you. We know how important it is to find new ways to feel excited about your relationship, and we've put together some ideas for you to try! [Edit]Plan creative virtual dates. - Try something new and different for your next virtual date. There's nothing wrong with defaulting to the tried-and-true, but spicing up your usual virtual dinner date or movie night could help shake things up if it's starting to get predictable. Ultimately, what counts as creative will change depending what you and your partner normally tend to do—as long as it's something new and exciting, you're set![1]
- For instance, do something silly like taking a personality test together, or something romantic like going virtual stargazing.
- If you're both into music, make a playlist together, attend a virtual concert, or put on your own karaoke night.
- Go on a virtual vacation and explore a bucket list destination.
- Including friends on a virtual group date can be a fun way to switch things up!
[Edit]Send an unexpected gift. - A surprise gift can make your partner's day! You have lots of options: go with something you already know they love, like their favorite book or a box of chocolates—or the gift could be something small but thoughtful, like a trinket that made you think of them when you saw it.[2]
- If your partner is sick, send a care package with things like tea or vitamins.
- If your gifts are usually more serious, like a handwritten love letter, shake things up (and make your partner laugh) by sending them a silly poem or funny meme.
- If it's difficult for you to mail or ship physical items, send virtual gifts like a cute eCard or a subscription to a streaming service.
[Edit]Learn something new together. - It keeps things fresh and provides a new way to bond. Don't let the distance stop you from getting into an exciting new activity, and maybe even picking up some useful skills along the way. Instead of circling back to the same topics or conversations, you and your partner will get to try something new and bond through sharing the experience![3]
- For example, sign up for a virtual baking class together. Take pictures of your results and even make it a fun competition to see who does best.
- If both of you want to get into reading, start your own book club—take turns picking out books and chat about what you loved (or hated)!
- Set a new goal together, like learning a new language or losing weight by the end of the year.
[Edit]Watch something new. - Exploring new content will give you more to talk about together. If you're bored of rewatching the same things that the two of you always do, look for a movie or show that neither of you have seen before. The classics can be comforting, but exploring an entirely different genre or kind of video content can start exciting new conversations. You might even get hooked along the way![4]
- If you always watch rom-coms, for instance, suggest an action movie instead.
- Pick out something random on Netflix and hit play, or give a random YouTube channel a chance.
[Edit]Send each other voice memos. - Your partner will love hearing your voice, and vice versa. Voice memos are an excellent way to add variety to phone calling or texting, and they're also great because you can save and listen to them again whenever you want. If you're having a long day or are busy with work, a thoughtful voice message can really brighten your mood.[5]
- You can record something simple but sweet, like saying "I was thinking about you today," or something longer, like a passage from their favorite book.
[Edit]Try growing plants together. - This can be a really fun and cute experience. It's super heartwarming to witness your plants grow day by day as a result of your hard work, especially when you know your partner is seeing the same thing on their end. Plus, the plants create a visible sign of your relationship and love.[6]
- If your plants have flowers, you could press them to make keepsakes, or even mail them to each other.
- You could make it a friendly competition to see whose plant grows faster!
[Edit]Play online drinking games. - You don't have to be in the same room to get tipsy together! Who says getting drunk on camera can't still be fun? You'll have a great time and probably end up having some memorable late-night conversations.[7]
- Play Truth or Shots, Never Have I Ever, or even dare to start a round of Power Hour.
- You don't even have to play a specific drinking game—you could put on your favorite comedy, for example, and take a shot every time you can't stop yourself from laughing.
- If you're feeling something more lowkey, just kick back with your favorite drink—wine, champagne, beer, anything goes!—and slowly get woozy with your partner.
[Edit]Spice things up sexually. - Keep the spark alive with some long-distance sex hacks. Though you may be physically apart, there are still tons of fun ways to get each other excited through the screen—from classics like sexting and apps, to more innovative options like remote-controlled toys, kissing simulators, or even writing erotica for each other![8]
- When sexting your partner, try naming specific body parts, teasing or hinting about the fun you're having, and providing descriptive visuals.[9]
[Edit]Make a surprise visit or meet them halfway. - Shake things up with an unplanned appearance! Though scheduled visits are important for staying in touch, sharing some more spontaneous time and hanging out freely can be a great way to mix things up and bring excitement into both of your lives.[10]
- Just make sure you're aware of your partner's schedule and pick an appropriate time. You wouldn't want to drop in while they're busy with work, or catch them off guard.
- Consider letting them know a couple days in advance if you're worried about the timing. You'll still keep some of the surprise aspect this way.
- A spontaneous plan meet up somewhere in between your respective cities can be fun, too! Enjoy the new environment, do a little sightseeing, and create some special memories.[11]
[Edit]Start a reunion countdown. - Set up a visual reminder to track the remaining days. It might seem like forever until you'll be reunited, but watching the number get smaller each day might make the waiting more bearable, and help you miss your partner just a little less.[12]
- There are lots of ways to do this: download a customizable countdown app, change your phone's lock screen each day to display the number, or mark each new number down on your calendar.
- If you're a little tired of the old routines but not sure what page your partner is on, communicate with them! Together, you can decide how you want to change things up and find options that are perfect for both of you.
[Edit]References |
| How to Play a Harmonica Posted: 22 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT The harmonica is a small, versatile instrument played in nearly every kind of music and many different cultures around the world. Though it may seem confusing to learn at first glance, the harmonica is actually an easy and fun instrument to get started playing. Read the steps below to learn how to play a harmonica. [Edit]Getting Started - Choose a harmonica. There are many different types of harmonica available for purchase, which vary in use and price. For now, purchase either a diatonic or a chromatic harmonica. Either type can be used to play most popular music, such as blues or folk.[1]
 - The diatonic harmonica is arguably the most common type available, and certainly the cheapest. It's tuned to a specific key, which can't be changed. Most diatonic harmonicas are tuned to the key of C. Types of diatonic harmonica include the "blues harmonica," the "tremolo harmonica," and the "octave harmonica."
- In the western world, the blues harmonica is common; in east Asia, the tremolo harmonica is seen more often.
- The chromatic harmonica is a type of harmonica that uses a mechanical apparatus to control which holes make noise. Basic chromatic harmonicas with 10 notes can only play one full key (the same as a diatonic harmonica), but chromatics with 12-16 holes can be tuned to any key. Chromatics are considerably more expensive than most diatonic harmonicas; a quality chromatic from a reputable brand can cost several hundred dollars.[2]
- Because of their flexibility, 12-plus-note chromatic harmonicas are generally preferred for jazz music.
- A common shorthand term for the harmonica is the "harp." This comes from its other traditional names, including "French harp" and "blues harp." It's also known as a "mouth organ".
- Learn about your harmonica. The harmonica is a reed instrument that uses brass reeds. The reeds are what split the air you push or pull through the holes to create tones. Reeds are mounted on a plate, sensibly called the reed plate, which is also usually made of brass. The part of the harmonica that the reed plate is mounted to is called the comb, and is typically made of plastic or metal. The mouthpiece of the harp may be integrated into the comb, or in chromatic harmonicas, screwed on separately. The cover plates cover the rest of the apparatus, and can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.[3]
- A chromatic harp's sliding bar is also usually made of metal.
- Depending on whether you inhale or exhale through your harp, different notes are produced by the reeds. A typical diatonic harp tuned to C on the exhale is tuned to G on the inhale. These scales complement each other nicely, each filling in the other without having to add extra holes.
- The reeds inside your harmonica are delicate and will wear out over time. Gentle playing and regular care are required to maintain a good tone as long as possible.
- Learn to read harmonica tablature. Like guitars, harmonicas can be played by following tablature, which reduces the notes on a sheet of music down to an easy-to-follow system of holes and breath patterns. Tablature is useful for larger chromatic harmonicas as well, but it differs somewhat from diatonic tablature, and is less common.[4]
 - Breathing is marked by arrows. An up arrow indicates a breath out; a down arrow indicates a breath in.
- Most holes on a diatonic harmonica produce two "neighbor" notes on a given scale; thus playing C and then D on the same scale is accomplished by blowing into the appropriate hole, and then drawing in from the same hole.
- Holes are marked with a number, starting from the lowest (left-hand) tone and moving upward. Thus, the lowest two notes are (up) 1 and (down) 1. On a 10-hole harp, the highest note would be (down) 10.
- Some notes on a regular 10-hole harmonica overlap, notably (down) 2 and (up) 3. This is necessary to allow proper range for playing scales.
- More advanced techniques are marked with slashes or another small mark. Diagonal slashes through the arrows indicate that note bending (covered later) is required to get the proper tone. Chevrons or slashes on chromatic tablature can also indicate whether or not to hold the button in.
- There isn't a standardized system of tablature that's used by all harmonica players. However, once you practice and get comfortable reading one type, most other types will make sense to you quickly.
[Edit]Basic Harmonica Technique - Breathe in with your belly. Breath control is very important when playing the harmonica, and it's important to practice your technique beforehand. To try breathing in with your belly, lie flat on the ground and put your hand on your stomach. Take a deep breath in and feel your stomach rise up, but don't let your chest move. Then, slowly push your breath back out.[5]
- Belly breathing gives you more control over your breath, and it also lets you take more air in.
- Make a note by blowing. The very first thing to practice with your new instrument is making a note. Pick a hole or a set of holes on the mouthpiece and blow gently into them. Neighboring holes are typically designed to harmonize with each other automatically, so try blowing into three holes at once to make a pleasing sound. Practice switching between only playing one hole, and playing chords on multiple holes.
- This type of playing is called "straight-harp" or "first position."
- As you might suspect, the number of holes you blow through is partly controlled by your lips. To allow greater control over the notes you play, you'll eventually learn to use the blade of your tongue to block holes as well. This is covered later.
- Try not to allow any air to escape through your nose. Push it all out through your mouth to get a full note.
- Draw in a breath to change notes. Remembering to pull air across the reeds gently, breathe in to bring each note up a step. By breathing in and out through the mouthpiece, you can gain access to all the notes your harp is tuned for.
- This type of playing is called "cross-harp" or "second position." Cross-harp notes are often well-suited to blues riffs.
- If you have a chromatic harmonica, practice pushing and holding the slide button to further control the notes you produce.
- To make breathing out easier, try saying "hah!" Push the air out forcefully with your diaphragm to get a full note.
- Try playing a scale. On a C-tuned diatonic harmonica, the C scale starts with (up) 4 and climbs to (up) 7. The standard out, in pattern is repeated except for on the 7th hole, where it is switched (draw in first, then out). This scale is the only complete scale on a C-tuned harp, but you can sometimes play songs on other scales, provided they don't require the missing note(s) of the scale.[6]
- Practice. Keep practicing playing scales and individual notes until you're comfortable with playing just one note at a time. Once you can exert that level of control over your instrument, pick out some simple songs and practice them as well. Tablature for songs like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Oh, Susanna" is easy to find online, if you get stuck.
- Try adding texture by playing multiple notes at once. The next step in your practice is to slightly relax your control and add two-note and three-note chords to the songs you practice by playing two or three adjacent holes at once. This will help you develop more control over your mouth and your breathing, and make the songs more interesting to listen to.
- Don't play everything in chords! Try adding a chord at the end of a verse or phrase. The important thing is to get comfortable switching between single notes and multiple notes.
[Edit]Advanced Techniques - Pay for lessons. From this point on, though you can certainly continue to teach yourself, you'll see faster and more technically sound results if you practice under the tutelage of an experienced player. Harmonica lessons vary in price and frequency; feel free to try a few lessons from a teacher and then move on until you find one who fits your needs.
- Even as you take lessons, continue to rely on guides and books to help augment your playing. There's no reason to drop all your other material just because you're supplementing it with professional lessons.
- Skip holes. It's easy to fall into a pattern of constantly forcing air in and out through your harp, but as you begin to play more advanced songs, you'll need to practice skipping over some holes to reach others. Play songs with notes that require you to jump a hole or two, such as the American traditional tune, "Shenandoah," which has a jump from the 4th to the 6th hole near the end of the second phrase (on a standard C diatonic).
- Practice skipping by pulling the harmonica slightly away and then returning it to the appropriate position (to further your familiarity with the position of each hole) and by stopping your airflow without removing the harmonica (to give you more practice with breath control).
- Play with two hands cupped. To start with, you've probably been holding the harmonica with the pointer finger and thumb of your left (or non-dominant) hand and sliding it as you play.[7] Up your game by adding your right (or dominant) hand. Rest the heel of your right palm under your left thumb, and then lay the blade of your right palm along your left to that your fingers can curl up around your left pinky finger. This creates a "sounding hole" that can be used to affect the sound coming from your harmonica.
- Add a soft warble or wail by flapping your sounding hole open and shut. Use it at the end of a verse to add emotion, or just practice it anywhere you like.
- Create a train whistle effect by starting with the sounding hole open, then tapping it shut and open again once.
- Play a muted, soft sound by leaving the sounding hole mostly closed.
- You'll likely find that this position forces you to hold your harp at an angle, with the left end pointed slightly down and inward. This position actually lends itself to other techniques as well, so embrace it.
- Learn to tongue block. Tongue blocking is a great way to roll single notes into beautiful chords without breaking the original note. Using the side (blade) of your tongue, you'll block some notes of a chord, and then lift off partway through the note to add them. This technique takes practice, but your sounding hole position should help present the side of your tongue to the mouthpiece naturally.[8]
- Start by opening your mouth to cover the first four holes of your harp. Using your tongue, block holes 1 through 3 and play a straight-position note on hole 4. If you did it right, you should only hear (up) 4 being played. Once you can do this with ease, play a sustained note and then lift your tongue off halfway through to introduce the full harmony.
- Tongue blocks can be used to add a waltz- or polka-like airiness to songs by alternating them with individual notes, or in any of a number of other different ways. They're very flexible. Practice using them until you're comfortable improvising them from song to song.
- Begin to learn note bending. Probably the most advanced technique in terms of the sheer amount of practice it takes to master is note bending. Note bending is the art of actually changing the notes your harmonica produces by making airflow tighter and sharper. Master harpists can turn a diatonic harmonica into a de facto chromatic harmonica just by note bending. For now, practice using it to produce flat notes to increase your repertoire.[9]
- The basic technique for bending a note is to make the opening in your lips very very small, and sharply suck air through them into the hole you want to bend. Draw a cross-harp note and gradually pinch your lips together until you begin to hear the tone change. By pinching your lips more or less, you can further control the tone of the note.
- Be very careful when you practice note bending. Because the air crosses the reeds so sharply, it can easily loosen or bend them, ruining your instrument. Patience and care are required to find a happy medium between not bending a note and bending it too harshly.
[Edit]Playing "Happy Birthday" - Blow into 6 twice. The holes on your harmonica are labeled 1 through 10 from left to right. To start the song, breathe in through hole 6 two times. This will be the "Happy" in the first line of "Happy Birthday."[10]
- Ideally, your harmonica should be in the key of C (most standard ones are). If it isn't, that's okay—you'll still be playing "Happy Birthday," but it will be in a different key. If you'd like to get a harmonica in the key of C, you can buy a new one or take yours into a music shop to have a professional change the key.
- "Happy Birthday" is usually played at a tempo of 100 BPM, or beats per minute. Every note is played on a single beat, and the tempo stays the same through the entire song.
- Breathe in through 6, then blow into 6. Breathing in is different from blowing into the holes—when you breathe in, place your mouth over the hole, but take a breath instead of blowing out. Breathe in through hole 6, then blow out over it again.[11]
- This is the "Birthday" in the first line of the song.
- Breathing in is often denoted with a minus sign. If you saw it written down, it might look like this: -6.
- Blow into 7, then breathe in through 7. Place your mouth over hole 7, then breathe in. Right after that, blow out through the same hole.[12]
- This is the "to you" in the line "Happy birthday to you."
- Repeat the first 4 notes. Since the line repeats itself once, the first 4 notes are the exact same. Play 6, 6, -6, 6 to get "Happy birthday" again.[13]
- Breathe in through 8, then blow into 7. The last part of the phrase is slightly different. To play "to you," breathe in through 8, then blow into 7. That finishes up the last line of "Happy birthday to you" for the second time.[14]
- Blow into 6, 6, 9, 8, then 7. This is how you'll play "Happy birthday dear." Take a big breath beforehand so you have enough air to blow all the notes![15]
- Breathe in through 7, then 6. If you were singing the song, this is when you'd say the birthday person's name. Breathe in through 7, then immediately blow into 6.[16]
- Play -9, -9, 8, 7, -8, 7. This is the last line of "Happy Birthday." Breathe in through 9, then breathe in through 9 again. Blow into 8, then blow into 7. Breathe in through 8, then blow out through 7 to finish it up.[17]
[Edit]Playing "Hallelujah" - Start by playing 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, -6, -6, -6. Remember that negative numbers indicate breathing in, while positive ones indicate blowing out. For this line, you'll blow out into 5, then 6, then 6, then 6, then 6, then breathe into 6, then 6, then 6.[18]
- This is the line "I've heard there was a secret chord."
- When you blow out into 6 three times, speed up a bit. The tempo gets a little faster on the word "secret."
- Play 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, -6, -6, -6. You're repeating the exact same phrase that you just played. This is the line, "That David played, and it pleased the Lord."[19]
- Contrary to the line before it, you don't speed up near the end on this one. Play each note on a single beat.
- Progress to 6, -6, -6, -6, -6, -6, 6, 6, -5, 6, 6. Breathe out on 6, then breathe in on 6 five times. Blow out on 6 twice, then breathe in on 5, then blow out on 6 twice.[20]
- This is the line "But you don't really care for music, do you?" Each note is played on one beat.
- Play 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, -6, -6, -7. Blow out on 5, then blow out on 6 four times. Breathe in on 6 twice, then breathe in on 7.[21]
- This is the line, "It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth."
- Play 6, 7, 7, -6, 7, 7, -8 next. Blow out on 6, then blow out on 7 twice. Breathe in on 6, then blow out on 7 twice. Finally, breathe in on 8.[22]
- This is the line, "The minor fall, the major lift."
- Emphasize the notes 7, -8, -8, -8, -8, 8, 8, 8, -8, -8, 7, 7. This is when the song starts to get loud! Blow out through 7, then breathe in on 8 four times. Blow out on 8 three times, then breathe in on 8 twice. Blow out on 7 two more times.[23]
- This is the line, "The baffled king composing Hallelujah."
- Start the chorus with 5, 6, -6, -6, -6, 6, 5, 5. Blow out on 5, then blow out on 6. Breathe in on 6 three times, then blow out on 6. Blow out on 5 two more times.[24]
- This is when the song goes, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah."
- Finish up with 5, 6, -6, -6, -6, 6, 5, -5, 5, -4, 4, 4. Blow out on 5, then blow out on 6. Breathe in on 6 three times, then blow out on 6. Blow out on 5, then breathe in on 5, then blow out on 5 again. Breathe in on 4, then blow out on 4 two times.[25]
- This is when the song repeats "Hallelujah, Hallelujah." However, the second "Hallelujah" is fairly drawn out, which is why there are more notes to play. Speed the last notes up just slightly so you can fit them all in.
- Like most instruments, everyone sounds bad when they start playing harmonica, and it takes some people longer than others to develop a good sound. Practice every day, and don't give up.
- When bending notes, draw from way down deep. Bending notes on a harmonica requires a strong core and strong lungs to sustain.
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