No fight can end, and no friendship can move on, until everyone says these little words: I’m sorry. Sometimes, however, they can be difficult to say. 36
It is not about winning.
Friendships aren’t like the Super Bowl, and there should never be a winner and a loser. When you start fighting with a friend, it may feel important that you “win” the fight by proving you’re right and he is wrong, or by making him be the first to apologize.
In reality, you’ll both lose if you let your fight ruin your friendship, and you’ll both win if you find a way to heal it.
37
You may have heard the expression “His pride stood in the way”. It is usually used to describe a person who is so determined to be “right” that he lets an opportunity for happiness pass him by forever. 38 Remember: as time goes on, we usually forget who was right and who was wrong in a disagreement, and only remember the sadness of losing a friend.
Take the first step.
Are you sick of fighting? Do you think this fight is just not important enough to ruin your friendship? 39 You don’t have to take full responsibility for starting the fight, or even say that your feelings were wrong. But you should find something you did or said that’s worth apologizing for. Maybe you’re sorry that you let the fight go for so long, or that you overreacted to something your friend did. If you say you’re sorry, it’s like an invitation for your friend to do the same. 40
A. Then try to be the first to apologize.
B. Don’t let this happen to a friendship you care about.
C. It’s about taking some responsibility for the argument.
D. Stop thinking about your pride.
E. Here are some things to keep in mind.
F. Once you’ve both said it, you’ll both feel a million times better.
G. There are some special cases when you shouldn’t be the one to apologize first.
EDBAF
—Good afternoon. My name is Peter. I’m the general manager of the personnel department. I’ll be interviewing you. Please sit down.
— 61 , Peter. My name’s Jon. Jon Smash.
—Well, Jon, it’s a pleasure to meet you. 62 .
—I’ve been a manager at Nike for over three years. I won manager of the year award two years ago, and I got promoted last August.
—OK. Tell me about yourself…your personality.
— 63 . I think before I act, and if something goes wrong in our company I always remain calm. I never scream at my employees. And I’ve never lost my temper.
— 64 ?
—I think I’m good at solving problems. 65 . I also love challenges. I work well under pressure. When my boss pushes me to finish a project early I always get it done and never complain.
—Jon, you seem like a very good manager. I like your ambition. You’re very confident and motivated. We like that here at Microsoft. Well, our interview is over……
A. I’m glad it’s you who will offer me the opportunity to get the job B. I enjoy approaching problems directly C. Nice to meet you D. What are your strengths E. I owe my success to my employees F. Tell me about your work experience G. I think I’m very level-headed |
61. _______ 62. _______ 63. _______ 64. _______ 65. _______