How should I act if I have to work after school with the opposite gender for a project?

In today’s society, interacting and working with the opposite gender is something we all have to deal with. It’s the way we go about it that we must be mindful of. Here are some helpful tips that can be used as a guide, inshaAllah:

• DON’T WAIT!-When you first get assigned the partner and your assignment, try to divide up the work in equal parts right away, to save yourself from meeting up several times. Assign each other tasks, and try to complete them in a timely manner where meeting up may not even be necessary.
• EYES UP!-Make sure you are in a public place, such as public libraries, community centers or even the malls
• HEAD IN THE GAME!-When meeting your partner, try to get started with your work right away and stay on track. Getting distracted and going off topic can lead to other things that may not be permitted in Islam with a non-mehram
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT GEAR!-Observe modesty ladies, boys lower your gaze inshaAllah
• CONFERENCE IN!-Skype is awesome! This is a great way to connect with your partner and stay away from any kind of actions that may not please Allah (swt). But again, even with Skype, texting, or calling remember to be focused and not get distracted by talking about things outside your project.
• CHECK YOURSELF!-Being polite is of course a good thing and is encouraged in Islam, but being overly nice and charming can create wrong feelings to the opposite gender. Limit yourself from laughing, unnecessary conversations and eye contact as much as possible, by doing this, not only are you giving your partner the message that you’re all business, but are also pleasing Allah (swt) inshAllah.