Remaining Friends
Vocabulary
- volatile unstable and likely to change rapidly, especially in a negative way.
- stonewall to refuse to cooperate or communicate, often by becoming silent or unresponsive.
- ex-girlfriend a woman one used to have a romantic relationship with but is no longer dating.
- persevered continued in a course of action despite difficulties or delays.
- rewarding providing satisfaction or benefits as a result of effort.
Full Transcripttap the text to seek
Welcome to Effortless English. In fact, we dated for many years. Have you seen the TV show Seinfeld? You know the characters Jerry and Elaine? Well, that's Kristen and I.
She and I had a very volatile relationship, probably because we are so alike. We both love change and the excitement of new experiences. We both love travel. And we can both be restless and moody.
As a result, we argued all the time. Thinking back, I realize that I frequently became emotionally flooded during these arguments. In truth, I hate to argue. I quickly become stressed, and once I'm overwhelmed, I stonewall.
Kristen does the same. And so, Kristen and I got locked into a very negative pattern. We'd argue. The argument would become more and more heated, pulses rising.
Then she or I, or both of us, would become overwhelmed. Typically, one of us would walk out of the room or shut down and refuse to talk more. I found this to be very stressful.
Eventually, we broke up, but we have remained best friends. In fact, we have a much better relationship as friends. It's easier for us to take a break and calm down when one of us gets upset.
Since we are so alike, we understand and support each other. In many countries, it is considered strange to remain friends with an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend.
But it is fairly common in America, especially among younger generations. Still, many people don't understand. They think it's too difficult to do. And it's true.
In the beginning, after we had just broken up, it was very difficult. But we continue to communicate, and we have been rewarded with a very unique friendship. We are now like close siblings.
I've also remained close friends with my ex-girlfriend, Tip, who is in Thailand. She's a wonderful and amazing person. Of course, it wasn't easy for a while. There are always intense feelings.
in this kind of situation. But again, we persevered and have been rewarded with a tremendous friendship. I'm very happy that Kristen and Tip are still in my life.
It's not always possible, of course, but in general, I think it's worth the effort to remain friends with someone after a breakup. This can be difficult and painful initially, but very rewarding long term.
Okay, that completes this episode of Effortless English. For a full transcript, a full text and vocabulary explanation of this episode, go to www.effortlessenglish.com. $9.99 per month. See you next time.
Bye-bye.