Friends

 

How many friends do you have? Which do you think is better, having many friends or just a few very close ones? Do you think your friends would stay with you if you were in trouble? You know people say, "A friend can't be known in prosperity." A lot of those who say this claim that their conclusion is based on personal experience of losing a supposed friend when they were in a difficult situation. If so, it seems friendship is more a matter of social convenience than character or shared interest. However, others can point to unexpected support during a serious crisis from someone whom they did not expect to be a good friend. So I guess the question of friendship can cut both ways: in some cases it is mere lip service and in others it is genuine commitment.

 

НОВЫЕ СЛОВА

cut both ways :     have or result in advantages as well as disadvantages
lip service :     insincere claims of friendship, admiration, support, etc.
commitment :     a strong or firm belief shown by one's actions; loyalty 
mere        всего лишь

 

ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ

I. Why do you suppose "a friend can't be known in prosperity"?
2. Who is mosr likely to say that?
3. Are any counter-examplest given? If so, what? 

 

1. Why do people need to make friends?
2. Is it okay for your spouse to have friends of the opposite sex?
3. How did you meet yout best friend?
4. What usually causes trouble between friends?
5. What is the most important thing in maintaining a harmonious friendship?
6. Do you believe the saying, "Out of sight, out of mind"?
7. Whats the difference berween having male and female friends?
8. What's the difference between the friends you made in elementary middle and high school, and college?
9. Do you tell your friends everything about your privare life? 

 

МНЕНИЯ

l. Friendship often turns sour because of money problems. People think it's okay to lend money to a friend, but when they try to get the money back they become estranged. My point is this: "Lend money to your friend if you want to lose them both." 

2. As in marriage, understanding is the most important thing in friendship. Having a friend means that you may often be angry, hurt, even disappointed by your friend. Whenever you are in such a situation, you must be "ready" to understand your friend, however. If not, the friendship will break up sooner than later. Without understanding, you can't overcome the ups and downs of any retrationship. 

 

turn sour:     become estranged, unfriendly or unpleasant
ups and downs :     periods of good and bad luck or spirits 

 

МЫСЛИ ВСЛУХ

1. Warm friends often freeze up at the mention of cash. 

2. A friend that isn't in need is a friend indeed. 

3. The best recipe for making friends is to be one yourself. 

4. Having money and friends is easy. Having friends and no money is an accomplishment.

5. Time separates the best of friends, but so does money - and marriage.

6. A good friend is one who can tell you all his problems - but doesn't.

7. The more arguments you win, the fewer friends you'll have. 

8. Friendship is like money - easier made than kept. 

9. Blessed are our enemies, for they tell us the truth when our friends flatter us.

l0. You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth.