(p4)
Task 1
Task 2
Daisy: Alice, don’t you remember my birthday? You didn’t call or send an email. Why?
Alice: Daisy, I suppose we are not friends anymore.
Daisy: That’s news to me. I thought our friendship could survive anything!
Alice: Is that why you never called and sent emails to me?
Daisy: You didn’t either.
Alice: Yes, I did. I stopped when you never reply. I can take a hint.
Daisy: I’m busy! I have classes to worry about!
Alice: New school, new friends. You should never blame me.
(p5)
Task 1
Task 2
Jessie: Dario, what do you think are the two qualities of a good friend?
Dario: It is really difficult to answer, Jessie.
Jessie: I know, but I am sure youcan.
Dario: Well, I think the most important thing is being honest.
Jessie: Can you give an example?
Dario: If your best friend asks you whether his coat is nice, but it isn’t,you have to tell the truth.
Jessie: Can’t you just tell a white lie so you don’t hurt him?
Dario: No! Good friends must be honest with each other.
Jessie: What is the second thing?
Dario: Being a good listener.
Jessie: What makes a good listener?
Dario: A good friend should be willing to listen to you and keep all your secrets.
(p6)
Making Friends in College
In the beginning of the college life everyone is in the same boat, knowing no one, so go out of your way and introduce yourself to a variety of people. It will make your time more enjoyable. The best way to make friends is to be yourself. You want to find people whom you like to hang out with and who like the real you. If you felt pressured to put up a front in high school, college is the time to be honest with yourself and find a community you enjoy. There’s a place for everyone. Find yours and don’t be afraid to be open about it.
Making friends is not an overnight process, and introduction after introduction can make you feel overwhelmed. Be friendly, strike up a conversation, and ask questions. People love to talk about themselves. Don’t feel sheepish if you need to ask for someone’s name again. It’s understandable, and you’re better off doing it now than three months later. Even if you’re generally shy, try to be slightly more social for the first couple of weeks so that you don’t isolate yourself.
The whole process of making friends can be intimidating, but don’t worry. Everyone is in the same boat and will appreciate your efforts to be nice. Don’t put pressure on yourself to form lasting friendships right away; those take time. Just find people with whom you have fun and are comfortable, and the rest will come.
