[LIFE ★]
SHOULD I FOLLOW MY BOYFRIEND TO THE BIG CITY?
(P1) Dear Alanis,
(P2) I recently graduated from university. I have been with my boyfriend for three years. He’s naturally intelligent and popular; I’m quiet and hard-working. Now he wants to move to a big city, where we would hopefully find jobs that will pay enough to cover our bills. I was offered a job in our local town that I’m not too excited about, but I at least know I will have enough to MAKE ENDS MEET. Though the idea of moving and having a new life sounds like a dream, AT THE END OF THE DAY that’s all it is. Should I follow my heart and move to the big city with him? Or do I stay where I know I have a job waiting for me, yet possibly ruin my relationship?
(P3) Alanis replies:
(P4) It sounds as if you and your boyfriend balance each other nicely in personality. The challenge can be when his desire for excitement and NOVELTY conflicts with your PRAGMATIC approach to life.
(P5) Have you shared your MISGIVINGS with him? Something that has worked for my husband and me is for each of us to speak for a few minutes and share our vision for the future. Only after you have both described your feelings, and truly believe that you have been understood, can you begin to have a meaningful discussion.
(P6) If you are only agreeing to his desires, you will feel RESENTMENT. Both of your desires need to be considered before you make big changes.
(P7) I recommend a HEART-TO-HEART conversation to figure out this situation.
WORDS: 265
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- What do you think this young woman should do?
- Do you prefer living a big city or a smaller town?
- How do you solve relationship conflicts?
- When you have a problem, whom do you ask for ADVICE?
EXPRESSIONS TO PRACTICE:
What do the following expressions mean? Practice using each expression in a sentence; extra points if you can use it in conversation.
- Make ends meet
- At the end of the day
- Heart-to-heart
