It's Phoebe's first year at senior high. She was upset about a problem with a friend at school, so she sent a message to Cora. Cora is an influencer, and she often shares her ideas and helps people solve problems on her vlog. She reads out Phoebe's problem and gives her some advice on building a better relationship.
Phoebe 今年高一。她因為在學校跟朋友發生的問題感到很煩，所以她留言給 Cora。Cora 是一位網路紅人，她經常在她的影像部落格中分享她的想法，且幫助他人解決問題。她讀出 Phoebe 的煩惱並給她建立更好關係的一些建議。
I'm in my first year at senior high, and I'm a member of the cheerleading squad. However, I've recently had a problem with my best friend, Kathy. She is the team captain. I think she's picking on me. Last Thursday, she got mad in front of everyone because I showed up for practice a few minutes late. Later, she even shouted at me because I messed up my moves. I'm afraid our friendship will be destroyed if this continues. What can I do?
我是高一生，我是啦啦隊的一員。可是，最近我和最要好的朋友 Kathy 發生了一個問題。她是啦啦隊隊長。我覺得她在找我麻煩。上星期四，她在大家面前發火，因為我練習時遲到了幾分鐘。後來，她甚至對我大吼大叫，因為我動作出錯。我怕再這樣下去會毀了我們的友誼。我該怎麼辦？
(Cora's advice)
（Cora 的建議）
Dear Phoebe, that can happen in any friendship. I had a similar experience in high school.
親愛的 Phoebe，在任何一段友情裡都可能發生這樣的事。我在高中的時候也有過類似的經歷。
First, you need to stay cool. Next time Kathy shouts at you, take a step back, breathe deeply, and listen to what she says. Showing anger is bad for a relationship. Conflicts can't be solved when emotions are high.
首先，妳要保持冷靜。下次 Kathy 對妳大吼大叫，停下來思考一下，深呼吸，聽聽看她說些什麼。表達憤怒傷感情。情緒激動時是無法解決衝突的。
I also need to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility. Phoebe, maybe you don't fully appreciate your friend's position. Perhaps it is no big deal for you to arrive a little late for practice, but Kathy might not think so. As the captain, she has the stress of getting everyone to work together, so she can't show favoritism to her friends. That could be why she "picks on" you, as you said.
我也要強調負責任的重要性。Phoebe，或許妳並不完全理解妳朋友的立場。對妳來說練習遲到一下並不算什麼，可是 Kathy 可能不那麼認為。身為隊長，她有壓力要讓大家一起合作，所以不能表現出偏袒朋友。那可能是妳口中「找妳麻煩」的原因。
Another thing to mention is the powerful effect of kind words in ending conflicts. Arguments between friends can be very painful, and nobody really "wins." So, try to use friendly words to end the bad feelings. For example, you could thank her for her efforts, and say the team is doing well because of her. You can also promise you'll try your best for the team.
另一件我想說的事是用說好話來停止衝突是非常有效的。朋友間的爭執是非常痛苦的，而且沒有真正的「贏家」。所以嘗試以友好的說詞去結束疙瘩吧。例如，妳可以感謝她的努力，並說啦啦隊可以如此的好是因為她的功勞。妳也可以承諾妳會為啦啦隊盡心盡力。
Building good relationships with other people is an important life skill. It can be difficult, but it's worth learning. Anyway, Phoebe, I hope my tips will help you. I'm sure your relationship will become stronger than ever. Remember, when two sides are in conflict, there doesn't have to be only one winner.
與他人建立友好關係是重要的生活技能。它有點難，但值得學習。無論如何，Phoebe，我希望我的建議有幫到妳。我確定妳們之間的關係會比以前更加穩固。要記得，當兩方發生衝突時，贏家未必只能有一個。
- custom [ˋkʌstəm] n.
習俗，慣例；習慣
It is a custom in Taiwan to have a family dinner on New Year's Eve.
It's Aunt Mary's custom to send hand-written letters instead of emails. - light [laɪt] v.
點燃；照亮
When you light the fireworks, make sure you stand back to be safe.
The lamp was bright enough to light the whole room. - light [laɪt] n.
光；燈
There are large windows in the apartment so it gets plenty of light.
I pressed the switch but the light didn't come on. - candle [ˋkænd!] n.
蠟燭
During the power cut I had to light candles to do my homework. - celebrate [ˋsɛlə͵bret] v.
慶祝
I plan to celebrate my next birthday with a dinner party. - celebration [͵sɛləˋbreʃən] n.
慶祝；慶祝活動
We took Mom to dinner in celebration of Mother's Day.
In this city, there is a huge and noisy celebration at New Year. - amusing [əˋmjuzɪŋ] adj.
有趣的，好笑的
The picnic was a success, with amusing activities. - amused [əˋmjuzd] adj.
愉快的
The hotel has plenty of activities to keep guests amused. - amuse [əˋmjuz] v.
提供娛樂，使愉快
If the rides at Disneyland don't amuse you, it has some great shows. - amusement [əˋmjuzmənt] n.
樂趣；消遣娛樂
John isn't serious about golf. He only plays the sport for amusement.
The hotel often arranges special events and amusements for its guests. - prefer [prɪˋfɝ] v.
寧可，偏好
I hate hot weather, and I actually prefer winter to summer. - preference [ˋprɛfərəns] n.
偏好，偏愛；偏愛的事物
Julie's preference for bright colors makes her clothes stand out.
Annie's musical preferences are very similar to mine. We both love jazz and rock music. - tradition [trəˋdɪʃən] n.
傳統，慣例
In this area there is an old tradition of singing and dancing during a wedding. - traditional [trəˋdɪʃən!] adj.
傳統的，慣例的
We celebrated Christmas in the traditional way, by giving each other presents. - strength [strɛŋθ] n.
力氣；強度
I don't have enough strength to move this heavy table by myself.
Jack found it difficult to express the strength of his feelings for Joanne. - strengthen [ˋstrɛŋθən] v.
增強；使鞏固
This exercise will help you strengthen your leg muscles.
Going on vacation together last year strengthened my friendship with Tom. - associate [əˋsoʃɪɪt] v.
聯想
I always associate this song with a trip I took to Japan. - association [ə͵sosɪˋeʃən] n.
聯想；關連
The popular association of Africa with poverty represents a narrow view.
Most scientists accept the association between carbon dioxide and climate change. - ideal [aɪˋdiəl] adj.
理想的，完美的
The island is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation. - ideal [aɪˋdiəl] n.
理想
Studying science at a top university is my ideal, and I'm sure I'll make it. - available [əˋveləb!] adj.
沒有交往對象的；有空的；可取得的
If your brother is still available, I know a nice girl that he may like.
Are you available for lunch on Thursday or Friday this week?
This item is only available through our website, and you can't find it in any other stores. - belief [bɪˋlif] n.
看法；信仰；信念
It's my belief that high school students are too young for romantic relationships.
The idea that pork is an unclean meat is part of certain religious beliefs.
To succeed in business, you must have strong belief in what you are doing. - memory [ˋmɛmərɪ] n.
記憶力；回憶
The boss has a good memory for the names of everyone in the office.
The terrible memories of the war stayed with Arthur for the rest of his life. - memorize [ˋmɛmə͵raɪz] v.
記住，熟背
We have to memorize this entire poem for Monday's class. - explanation [͵ɛkspləˋneʃən] n.
解釋，說明
There is no explanation for those strange lights in the sky last night.
Suddenly and without explanation, Jean stood up and left the room. - explain [ɪkˋsplen] v.
解釋，說明
The teacher asked John to explain why he was so late for the class. - apply [əˋplaɪ] v.
塗抹；應用，實施；申請
Apply a small amount of the cream to the wound.
The school has applied some new ways of teaching children.
That job would suit you, and you should apply for it. - application [͵æpləˋkeʃən] n.
應用；申請
The application of these methods can help you relax and deal with stress.
I'm expecting an email about my application to Yale University. - slippery [ˋslɪpərɪ] adj.
滑溜的
The fish was very slippery and fell out of my hands. - slip [slɪp] v.
滑跤；溜走
The path was very icy and I slipped several times.
Fiona slipped away before the party ended, and I didn't see her again that night. - consider [kənˋsɪdɚ] v.
認為；考慮
I know Lucas well, but I don't consider him to be a close friend.
Please consider my offer and give me an answer tomorrow. - consideration [kənsɪdəˋreʃən] n.
考慮
After serious consideration, Steven decided not to join the army. - practice [ˋpræktɪs] n.
慣例，習俗；施行
When I was in India, I found some of the religious practices very interesting.
Is Edward really going to put his crazy idea into practice? - unique [juˋnik] adj.
獨特的，獨一無二的
The band has won a lot of fans with its fun songs and unique style. - cultural [ˋkʌltʃərəl] adj.
文化上的
When you travel to another country, it is important to respect cultural differences. - culture [ˋkʌltʃɚ] n.
文化
The book is a study of South Pacific islanders and their culture. - worth [wɝθ] adj.
值得；有...價值的
The museum has a lot to see and is really worth visiting.
It's a nice jacket, but it isn't worth three thousand dollars. - worth [wɝθ] n.
價值
Nobody knows Mr. Price's exact worth, but he is a billionaire for sure. - worthy [ˋwɝðɪ] adj.
值得的
The young boy's bravery is worthy of a medal. - try out
試驗
Windsurfing looks fun, and I'd love to try it out this summer. - hold up
支撐住
That pole doesn't look strong enough to hold up such a big tent. - come across
偶然遇到
When we were hiking in the hills, we came across an old farmer with his sheep. - in that case
既然那樣，在那種情況下
John: My brother is picking me up later.
Janet: In that case, I won't wait for you. - make fun of
取笑，嘲弄
The first time she went to school in glasses, Dee's classmates made fun of her. - serve the purpose of
用於...目的
The mother bird's quick action served the purpose of protecting its young from a snake. - be supposed to
應該...的
I know cabbage is supposed to be good for me, but I hate its taste. - die out
過時；滅絕
Some languages in remote parts of the world are gradually dying out.
The dodo was a flightless bird that died out more than two centuries ago.
