5/24_close friend (sophia) Flashcards
** If you have any trouble understanding me due to my pronunciation or accent, please let me know. Don’t hesitate, ok?
Let’s talk about this week’s topic. I’ll start with a question. **
- What qualities do you value most in a close friend, and why are they important to you?
(절친에게서 가장 소중히 여기는 특성은 무엇이며, 왜 그것들이 당신에게 중요한가요?)
Respect is the most important value in a close friend. I shouldn’t feel any jealousy or envy towards my friend’s lifestyle. If I do, it creates a sense of competition and can lead to feelings of superiority or frustration. In other words, I need to accept and appreciate my friend’s lifestyle without looking down on it.
superiority [suːpɪriɔːrəti] : 우월성, 우세
*frustration : 불만, 좌절
*look down on : ~을 경시하다
- How do you maintain and nurture your close friendships, especially during challenging times?
(특히 어려운 시기에는 어떻게 친분을 유지하고 기를 것인가요?)
Regular communication is important. I stay in touch regularly by phone and text. Sometimes, even just calling to say hello shows I care and am thinking about him.
But I think the most important thing is to be a good listener. When my friend is going through tough times, I always try to listen actively. Sometimes, he just needs someone to hear his story without giving solutions or judgments because he already knows his problems and the possible solutions.
- Can you recall a memorable moment or experience you shared with your best friend? What made it special?
(가장 친한 친구와 함께한 기억에 남는 순간이나 경험을 상기해보실 수 있나요? 그것이 특별한 이유가 무엇인가요?)
We were members of the Soongsil High School Choir. After high school, we each lived different lives but ended up moving to Canada around the same time, though we settled in different areas. Because of this, we share many experiences, especially as immigrants. Now, he lives in Calgary, which is a four-hour flight away from me, but we text each other almost every day and meet up at least once a year. Even though we reconnected about 25 years after high school, the choir had a great and unforgettable impact on us because we were so sensitive in our high school days. That’s why we remain so close!
- In what ways do your closest friends support and encourage you in pursuing your goals and dreams?
(당신의 가장 친한 친구들이 당신의 목표와 꿈을 추구하는 데 어떻게 지원하고 격려하나요?)
In fact, my friend and I have very different lifestyles. He has been running a franchise restaurant for about 10 years, while I have been working at a hospital for around 4 years since after the pandemic. To make a long story short, he is an employer, and I’m an employee.
He always encourages me to stay employed at the hospital until retirement. Working as a hospital staff comes with some risks, but the benefits and pensions in the healthcare field in Canada are very valuable. Knowing this, he always encourages me to stick with it.
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with your close friends, and what do you do to resolve them?
(가까운 친구와의 갈등이나 의견 차이를 어떻게 다루나요? 그리고 그것을 해결하기 위해 무엇을 하나요?)
Handling conflicts or disagreements with close friends, maybe this is the same for my relationship with my wife, requires a combination of communication, empathy, and a willingness to find a resolution.
-. When conflict or disagreement comes up, take a moment to calm down before dealing with the problem. Avoid reactions in anger or frustration, which can escalate the situation.
*escalate : 확대[증가/악화]되다[시키다]
-. To discuss the conflict in private, I prepare a comfortable setting where I can talk openly without distractions or interruptions.
-. When I express my feelings and perspective without blaming or accusing. For example, say “I felt hurt when…..” instead of “You always…..”
*perspective : 관점
*blame : ~을 탓하다, ~책임[때문]으로 보다
*accusing : 비난하는 듯한
-. But, the most important thing is to listen actively. Give my friend or wife the opportunity to share their side of the story without interrupting, and if I realize I made a mistake, say I’m sorry.
- Do you believe in the concept of a “soulmate” friend, someone who understands you deeply and shares a special connection with you?
(당신을 깊이 이해하고 특별한 연결을 공유하는 친구라는 “영혼의 동반자” 개념을 믿나요?)
I’ve been living outside my home country for over 10 years now. As a first-generation immigrant, it’s challenging to maintain relationships with my old friends in Korea, and it’s also not easy to make new friends here.
A soulmate can make me feel understood, accepted, and share a purpose in life. While some people think we can have multiple soulmates throughout our lives but, I believe one soulmate is enough. So, to conclude I believe in the concept of a “soulmate” friend.
- How do you strike a balance between maintaining your individuality and nurturing your close friendships?
(개성을 유지하면서 친분을 키우는 사이에서 어떻게 균형을 유지하나요?)
*strike a balance : 균형을 유지하다
Striking a balance between maintaining my individuality and nurturing close friendships can be challenging, but it’s crucial.
First of all, I try to respect differences. I understand that we don’t have to agree on everything, and that different opinions and interests can enrich our friendship. For example, my friend is interested in drawing and wood print, while I’m interested in music. We want to hear about each other’s interests and enjoy sharing them.
We also try to spend quality time together. Even though we only meet once or twice a year, we focus on meaningful conversations and activities. For example, we will join the Stampede festival in Calgary next July, and also we have a plan for a road trip across Canada. This includes not just us, but also our family members.
- What role do your closest friends play in your overall happiness and well-being?
(당신의 가장 친한 친구들이 당신의 전반적인 행복과 안녕에 어떤 역할을 하나요?)
My closest friends play a significant role in my overall happiness and satisfaction in my life. He provides emotional support, friendship and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental health.
My friend offers a safe space to share thoughts and feelings, reducing stress and a positive goal in life.
He also always provides constructive feedback, encouragement, and help with my new challenges, which contributes to personal growth and a sense of security.
Additionally, sharing enjoyable activities and experiences with a friend can enhance life satisfaction and create positive memories.
Overall, close friendship is a cornerstone of emotional and psychological well-being, by extension contributing to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
