To cheer someone up

Hilltop and valley experiences come into all our lives. When we’re down

, a few words of encouragement make a big difference. Often a smile or friendly “hello” is all that we need to make us feel better. But sometimes it’s hard to know what to say to cheer someone else up. First of all, be sensitive. Perhaps a sad friend just wants someone to listen. Let him know you understand by giving gentle feedback like “hmm,” “uh-huh” and “oh.” Also try giving a suggestion that brings laughter or leads to problem solving.
我們每個人的生命中都會走過高峰和低谷。當我們心情低沈的時候，幾句鼓勵的話會
使我們的情緒大為改觀。通常只要一個微笑，或是一聲友善的「哈囉」就可以使我們
的心情好起來。不過有時候真不知道該怎麼說才能鼓舞別人。首先，得敏感一點。或
許一個傷心的朋友只希望有人聽聽他說話。那就以溫和的回應像是「嗯」、「嗯哼」、
「喔」，讓他知道你瞭解；同時試著給予建議，以帶給他歡笑或是幫助他解決問題。
Conversation 1Sharon: Hi, Joyce! Are the kids keeping you busy?
Joyce: Busy is hardly the word. Both kids have been sick all week. Besides trips to the doctor,
they’ve fussed about nap time and refused to eat!
Sharon: You must be exhausted!
Joyce: I’m so tired. Last night Bruce came home with a pile of work from the office, so he was no help!
Sharon: I know it’s tough. Hang in there. Let me order a pizza for you tonight. Have
Bruce feed the kids while you take a long, relaxing bath.
Joyce: Thanks. I’d really like that.
會話一
莎　崙： 嗨，喬伊絲！孩子們有沒有讓你忙個不停？
喬伊絲： 豈止是忙。兩個孩子都病了一整個禮拜，除了得送來送去看醫生之外，還跟我吵
睡午覺的時間，又不肯好好吃飯！
莎　崙： 你一定累垮了！
喬伊絲： 我好累喔！布魯司昨天晚上從辦公室帶回來一大堆工作，所以他也沒幫上忙！
莎　崙： 我曉得那一定很辛苦。撐著點兒，今天晚上我幫你叫一個披薩，你就慢慢地洗個
輕鬆的澡，讓布魯司管孩子們吃飯吧。
喬伊絲： 謝了，這樣子真好。
When the situation is more serious, active listening is called for. Ask questions that help your friend sort out his feelings. Give affirmation and support. Think of saying what you’d like to hear in the other person’s place. Rather than focusing on the negative points in the situation, help him look to the future with a positive attitude.
當情況比較嚴重時，就需要積極的傾聽了。提出問題來幫助你的朋友整理他的感受，給
予肯定和支持。想想看，如果你今天在朋友所處的立場時，你會想聽什麼樣的話。不要
把重心都放在負面的事物上，幫助他以正面的心態展望未來。
Conversation 2
Kaye: Hi, Peggy! Why are you looking so down today?
Peggy: Oh, Kaye! (sob) Tom broke our date for Saturday, and he’s asked Jane to the dance.
Kaye: T h a t ’s awful! I know you thought he was special.
Peggy: Yes, I did. But now I’m hurt and angry.
Kaye: I don’t blame you. I’d feel that way, too. He’ll wake up one day and realize what a
jerk he was. But look on the bright side. There are other fish
in the sea.
Peggy: I guess you’re right.
會話二
凱　： 嗨，佩姬！你今天看起來怎麼那麼沮喪呢？
佩姬： 喔，凱！（哭訴）湯姆取消星期六的約會，而且還邀請珍去參加舞會。
凱　： 那好可惡喔！我知道你覺得他很特別。
佩姬： 是啊，可是我現在好傷心、好生氣喔。
凱　： 也難怪你會傷心生氣了，換作是我也會有同樣的感覺。總有一天他會醒悟過來，
發現自己有多蠢。不過往好的一面想想，天涯何處無芳草嘛。
佩姬： 我想你說的也對啦。
Many people avoid visiting someone who is in the hospital because they don’t know what to say. Taking flowers or a cheery balloon gives something to start the conversation. It also serves as a reminder that you care. You might want to share news of friends and the workplace or tell about a funny happening. Remember to keep your visit short so the patient can rest. Often the fact that you were there is more important than what you said during your visit.
很多人不願意去探視住院的人，因為他們不知道該說些什麼。帶一束花或是一個令人開心
的氣球，可以作為打開話匣子的題材，這些禮物同時也提醒病人你是關心他的。你或許可
以分享一些朋友之間或是辦公室裡的消息，或者講講發生了什麼好玩的事。記住探訪時間
不可太長，好讓病人休息。能去看看他，通常比你去的時候說了什麼話要來得重要。
Conversation 3
Carol: Hi, Shelly! I’m so sorry to hear about your accident. We miss you at the office. Everyone
signed this card for you and asked when you will be back.
Shelly: Oh, Carol, I’m so glad you came! It’s so boring sitting here with my leg in this cast. The
doctor says it will take six weeks. That seems like forever!
會話三
凱若： 嗨，雪莉！聽說你發生意外，我真是難過，我們在辦公室裡都好想念你耶。大家寫
了這張卡片給你，還問你什麼時候回來。
雪莉： 喔，凱若，真高興你能來！腳打了石膏坐在這兒好無聊喔。醫生說這石膏得維持
六個星期，感覺好像永遠都不會結束似的！
Carol: You can do it! Remember, you have a talent for keeping busy. We’re praying for you, too.
Shelly: Thanks! That means a lot. Actually, I have been thinking of catching up on letters and
starting a quilt
for my new niece.
Every day you can find someone around you who is hurting. Let him know you’re concerned. Remember, “I care” can be said in a million ways.
凱若： 你一定會度過的！別忘了，你很懂得如何讓自己保持忙碌，而且我們都在為你禱告。
雪莉： 謝謝你們！這對我真是太重要了。事實上，我在想有好幾封信得回，並且開始為我
初生的姪女縫件被子呢。
你每天都可以在生活周遭發現受到傷害的朋友，讓他知道你關心他。記住，「我關心你」
這句話可以有上百萬種的表達方式。
⊙Word Bank
down (adj) 情緒低沉的
feedback (n) 回饋
fuss (v) 無謂紛擾；小題大作
nap (n) 午睡
hang in there (v phr) 堅持到底；不灰心、不氣餒
sort something out (v phr) 將某物整理分類
affirmation (n) 肯定；確認
focus (v) 集中（注意力）
look on the bright side (v phr) 往好的方面看

reminder (n) 提醒的人或事物

quilt (n) 縫以圖案的棉被
@The Day's Phrase
Do we have any rice left? See for yourself.
我們還有剩下米嗎? 自己看看吧

That mountain hike took nine hours. I'm going to sleep like a log tonight!
爬那座山花了九個鐘頭, 我今晚要睡個飽.

Hey, don't forget to send Judy that fax! Don't worry, I will.
嘿! 不要忘了給茱蒂那傳真. 別擔心, 我會的.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
你要保守你心勝過保守一切, 因為一生的果效, 是由心發出.
The electricity wasn't working last night. That's strange.
昨晚沒電. 真奇怪
Paul can't stop talking about his new girlfriend. That's for sure, I wish he'd give it a rest.
保羅一直在談他新的女朋友. 的確! 我希望他暫停一下. (別再談她了.)
What's the problem? I can't open this bottle!
怎麼回事啊? 我打不開這瓶子.