Supernatural returns with its ninth season on Tuesday, promising plenty of bloody battles and manly tears.
The show's overstock of demon-hunting tips aren't really practical — though a Supernatural fan will always be able to loan you some extra salt — but you can still learn a lot from the Winchesters.
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Because even though they laugh in the face of danger, they deal with enough everyday phobias to keep a psychiatrist busy for decades.
When you ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" think of really specific examples. When you compare being openly emotional to being dragged into hell, talking about your feelings seems like a much better option.
Be interesting, but not flashy. No one wants to talk to the loudest guy in the room -- they want to listen to the one with the best stories.
If Supernatural teaches you anything, it's if at first you don't succeed, you'll probably get a second chance. That's not absolutely true outside of their universe, but it can still be a relieving assumption.
To conquer the fear, try to stop the concept. If you don't want to live in someone's shadow, just move.
Don't try to fight your situation, just adapt to it. Put all the energy you would have put into railing against your destiny toward a new project.
At any given moment, those around you have a million things on their minds. These thoughts range in importance from picking up groceries to ridding the world of all evil. In other words, people don't care if you're not exactly sure what to do with your arms.
Remind yourself how bad you'll feel if you never know what could have happened if you said hello. Unless you're Sam Winchester, in which case you know what would happen -- and you should never make any move.
Every time your friends have to explain a piece of pop culture or recount an event you missed, you're providing valuable entertainment, and they appreciate it. It's important to remember they will eventually return the favor.
Triple check your reply/reply-all settings, mirror-check your teeth directly after every meal, and always wear nice underwear. You'll be just fine.
You can't prevent change, but you can ground yourself in some things that stay the same. The fact that you're done with college this fall doesn't mean you can't get new folders.
Remember the alternative, and relish the ability to complain about kids today.
Sometimes cheesy motivational posters with mountains and kittens are right. Being different is awesome -- unless something is chasing you, and an inability to blend in is hazardous to your health. In preparation, practice your hiding skills.
If you see a clown, run. You should be afraid of clowns. They're dangerous.
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