约会
dating解释为“约会”是最合适的字眼。然而“约会”在中文语境中的重要性、使用频率、含义清晰度远远不及“dating”在英语境遇中的地位。比如，在中国，我们可能会问别人：“你有没有男/女朋友？”但是一般不会问别人：“你最近在约会什么人吗？”事实上，这句话在中文里听上去如此别扭，简直就像是病句。但在美国，问别人：“Are you dating someone？”则显得太正常、太通顺了。
这种区别绝不仅仅只是体现在用词上，而是文化的差异。在中国，两个人谈恋爱就是谈恋爱了，没有谈就是没有谈，基本不存在什么模棱两可的状态，而dating这个词在英语世界里，恰恰就是用来形容两个人之间模棱两可的状态。
典型对话
1.有个约会
A：I have a date for Sunday night and I really can't decide what to do.A：星期日晚上我有个约会，我不知道该干什么。B：You could take her to a dinner or a movie.B：你可以带她去吃顿饭，或看一场电影。A：No，I want it to be more exciting than that.A：不，我想这不够刺激。B：Does she like sports？ You could take her to a basketball game.B：她喜爱运动吗？你可带她去打篮球。A：I don't think so.I took her to a basket
ball game last time and she kept grumbling at me for quite a few days.A：我认为不行。上次带她玩过了，她抱怨了我好几天呢。
2.再去一次
A：I've been waiting for you.Where did you go？A：我一直在等你，你去哪儿了？B：I went walking in the big pine trees.Why are you crying？B：我去大松树林里散步去了，你为什么哭了？A：I'm afraid you'll leave me.A：我害怕你离开我。B：Oh，Baby.I can't leave you.B：噢，宝贝。我不会离开你。A：Will you there with me for the second time？A：你愿意和我再去一次吗？B：Where？B：哪儿？A：The big pine trees.A：大松树林。B：If you're sure，it's OK.B：如果你认为这样很好，我就去。
3.为约会出主意
A：There's a play on campus this weekend.And，I hear that girl really likes the symphony.A：本周末校园里要有一台戏剧上演，我听说那个女孩很喜欢交响乐。B：That's a good idea.That way she'll think that I enjoy culture.Do you have any other ideas？B：好主意，这样她会认为我很有文艺修养。你还有其他主意吗？A：What's the matter with those ideas？I thought they were great.A：这些主意怎么啦，我想挺不错的。 B：Yes，they were，but I need just a few more for future reference.B：是不错，我想要多些用作以后参考。A：Have you ever tried going on a picnic？ If you take some other couples，you can play guitar，sing songs and drink beer.A：出去野餐你试过吗？你可以约上其他情侣，你们可以弹吉他、唱歌、喝啤酒。B：Cool， but what if the weather isn't cooperating？B：真酷，就不知天公作不作美。
4.偶遇
A：I meet a girl. She was gorgeous.I couldn't take my eyes off her.A：我认识一个女孩。她美极了，我无法将视线从她身上移开。B：It sounds like love at first sight.Then what？B：听起来像是一见钟情。然后呢？A：We had a nice conversation，and I asked her out again.And she said yes.A：我们聊得很愉快，当我邀她下次再出来约会时，她说“好”。B：You found a winner！B：你走桃花运了！A：I was blown away！A：我真是太兴奋了！
5.约会准备
A： How do I look in this dress？ I prepare for the date tomorrow. A： 我穿这件连衣裙怎么样？我为明天的约会准备的。 B： You look very charming in it. B： 你看上去真迷人。 A： Really？ Thanks. A： 真的吗？谢谢。 B： When did you get it？ B：这条裙子什么时候买的？ A： I bought it yesterday. A： 昨天买的。 B：You've made a good choice. B： 你的眼力不错啊。 A：Thank you. I like it so much. A： 谢谢。我太喜欢它了。
6.让你久等了
A：Jack， I'm sorry. I have kept you waiting for so long. A：杰克，很抱歉，让你久等了。 B：Rose，here you are！ But why did you take so long to get here？Is there a heavy traffic？ B：露丝，你终于来了。怎么这么长时间才到？是不是路上堵得厉害？ A： Something came up on the way. A jaywalker was killed in a horrible car accident. The road was closed， so I had to turn right to take another road. A：路上出了点事情，一个乱闯马路的人被轧死了。道路关闭，我只好右拐从另一条路上开过来。 B：It's understandable. B：我能理解。
7.正在约会
A：Did you see that babe over there？ I'm dating with her. A：看见那边那个美女没有？我正在跟她约会呢！ B： Man，do you know whom you are dating with？ It's my sister. You are pulling my legs，aren't you？ B： 老兄，你知道你在和谁约会吗？她是我妹妹。你是不是在跟我开玩笑？ A： No，I'm not. She'll go to see my parents with me today. A：不，我没和你闹着玩。今天她要和我一起去见我的父母！ B： It sounds you are going steady. Anyhow，you've made a good choice.Congratulations！ B： 这么说你俩定下来了。行啊，你的眼力不错啊。祝贺你！
热恋情侣
每个人心中都有自己喜欢的异性，人性的本能促使对自己喜欢的异性展开追求，目的在于将两颗陌生的心融汇在一起，这段追求的过程就是恋爱。恋爱都是谈出来的，中国人称为“谈恋爱”。谈恋爱的过程主要是通过语言交流，所以双方都说真话尤其必要。
典型对话
1.邀请
A： Are you free on this weekend？ A：这个周末你有空吗？ B：Yes，I am.What's up？ B： 是的，有空。有什么事吗？ A：Then，would you please go to a dancing party with me？ A：那么，请你跟我一块去参加一个舞会好吗？ B：With pleasure.I suppose you dance much. B：太好了，我想你经常跳舞吧。 A：Oh，no.As a matter of fact，I haven't danced for a long time. A：不。其实，我都很长一段时间没有跳了。
2.谢绝邀请
A：Ann，I was wondering if you had any plans for Saturday afternoon.A：安，我想知道这周六下午你是否有空。B：Well，a friend and I are going to a supermarket fair.Why？B：噢，我将和一位朋友去逛超市，有事吗？A：The art museum has a special exhibit of French sculptures.I hoped you might want to go with me.A：艺术博物馆有一个关于法国雕塑的特别展览会。我希望你能同我一起去。B：I'm afraid I can't.I planned to spend all day supermarket.B：恐怕我不能去了，我想在超市逛一天。A：How about next week then？A：那么下周怎么样？B：Thanks for the invitation，but I don't think I can.I've got a lot of commitments next week.B：非常感谢你的邀请，但是我想我不能。下周我有很多事要做。
3.浪漫就餐
A：What time is it now，dear？A：现在几点了，亲爱的？B：It's eight o'clock already.Time has passed quickly.B：已经8点了，时间过得太快了。A：Oh，it's late.I'm hungry.A：噢，太晚了，我饿了。B：We'd better get something to eat，what do you say？B：我们最好弄点儿吃的东西，你说呢？A：Let's go to a snack bar，I bet you'll like it.A：我们去快餐店吧，我打赌你一定喜欢。B：All right.B：好的。
4.一见钟情
A：How wonderful it is to be in love！ It's love at first sight！ Oh，he's my Romeo！A：恋爱真是件美好的事！我对他一见钟情，他就是我的罗密欧。B：Hey，Julie！ How's it going？B：嗨，茱莉，近来好吗？A：Oh，Mark！ You surprised me！A：啊，马克，你吓我一跳！B：Who were you talking to？B：你刚在和谁说话？A：Um...I was just thinking aloud.A：嗯，我只是在自言自语。B：You look so happy.I see a twinkle in your eyes.B：你看起来很高兴，眼睛闪闪发亮。
5.坠入爱河
A： I came to know a girl three weeks ago and we have so much in common.A：我三周前认识了一个女孩儿。我们有很多共同点。B： So？B：然后呢？A：So I think I may fall in love with her.A：我想我可能是爱上她了。B：You're attracted to her.That sounds great，but how do you know that it's a crush or it's real love？B：你被她吸引了。听起来不错，不过你怎么知道那是一时冲动还是真爱？A：Then what's the difference between“having a crush”and“falling in love”？A：那这两者之间有什么区别吗？B：That's a big question.Well，if you're in love，maybe you'll take every opportunity to talk to her or telephone her for no reason at all.B：这问题可不好回答。好吧，如果你真爱上她的话，你会抓住每个机会同她聊天，或毫无理由地给她打电话。
6.漫步
A：I want to go for a walk. A：我想去散散步。 B： I come with you，darling.I need to get some fresh air too. B： 我和你一起去吧，亲爱的。我也需要呼吸新鲜的空气。 A： Where do you want to go？ A：你想去哪里散步？ B：Why don't we walk along the river？ B：要不要沿着河边走走呢？ A：OK.It's romantic. A：好的，还挺浪漫。
7.浪漫侃谈
A：Hi，John.I see you like to go jogging，too. A：你好，约翰。我看你也喜欢跑步。 B：Oh，hi Mary.No，I don't really like jogging，but I need the exercise. B：噢，你好，玛丽。不，我不是很喜欢跑步，不过我需要锻炼。 A：I like jogging，but I dislike going by myself.It's not only boring to go alone，but I'm afraid I might get mugged in the park. A：我喜欢慢跑，但不喜欢一个人去。一个人慢跑不仅心烦，而且我担心在公园里被抢劫。 B：Don't worry.I'll protect you. B：别担心，我会保护你的。
8.一起离开枯燥小城
A：I hate this dull town.I need vigour and make money.I can't do anything here，so I am leaving. A：我讨厌这个枯燥的小城。我需要活力，我想赚大钱，但在这儿什么也不能做，我要走了。 B：Just a second，my dear！ B：亲爱的，稍等片刻。 A：Don't try to stop me，my mind is make up. A：不要阻止我，我主意已定。 B：Then how will you deal with me？ B：那我怎么办？ A：Follow me，of course.Go out to broaden your eyesight. A：当然是跟随我了。出去开开眼界。
谈婚论嫁
有些西方人结婚前要与许多人谈恋爱，这种现象在西方不仅被接受而且受提倡。有人相信与许多不同人约会就有机会找到你实际上想与哪类人共度此生。婚姻话题的背后是形形色色的人生哲学。
典型对话
1.异性交往原则
A：There's a thing I can't seem to understand.Sometimes，a bad guy who goofs around always keeps very good girls.Bad people get good girls eating out of their hands.A：有件事我不明白，有时，一个坏小子，总是跟随着一位好姑娘，那些坏家伙们却能使好姑娘们对他们服服帖帖的。B：That's indeed a mystery.Some bad eggs always seem to have a sort of alluring power.And some girls just enjoy hanging around with them.B：这的确是一个谜，有些坏蛋看上去总有些诱惑力，许多女孩喜欢跟他们在一起。A：I don't know what pleasure they can get out of being with them.A：我不知道跟他们在一起有什么好处。B：Beggars match with beggars，you bet.Birds of a feather flock together，you bet. B：什么人找什么人，常言说，物以类聚。A：I know it in principle，but in practice，good girls are usually in bad company.A：我懂这个原则，但事实上，好女孩通常与坏人来往。
2.打听异性的情况
A：Come on，you must tell me everything about him.A：来，你得告诉我他的每一件事。B：Well，he's very tall and handsome.B：好吧，他长得很高很英俊。A：Hm...A：嗯……B：He has big blue eyes and long blond hair.B：他有一双大大的蓝眼睛，长长的金发。A：Oh，how long？A：哦，有多长？B：Down to his shoulders.It's beautiful，like gold.B：披在双肩上。很美，像金子一般。
3.浪漫侃谈
A：“Drink to me only with your eyes，and I will pledge with mine；Or leave a kiss within the cup，and I'll not ask for wine.”Isn't that the way the song goes？A：“只需你那秋波同我干杯，我会以深情的目光相对。若你留在杯中一个亲吻，则比美酒还令人心醉。”歌词是不是这样唱的？B：I believe so，and thank you，kind sir.B：我想是的。谢谢你的赞美，亲爱的先生。A：Where would you like to go for dinner tonight？A：今晚你想到哪家餐馆去吃饭？B：Oh，I'd rather leave that up to you.Remember，you promised to surprise me.B：哦，由你做主吧。别忘了，你说有让我意想不到的事。A：I did，didn't I？ Well，then，I think dinner first and then to the theatre.A：我那么说的吗？那么咱们先去吃饭，吃完饭去剧场。
4.谈论异性
A：I love blondes，what about you？A：我喜欢金发碧眼白皮肤的女郎，你呢？B：No particularly.I like brunettes better.B：不是特别喜欢。我更喜欢浅黑头发和黑皮肤的女孩。A：And I like a girl with a nice smile.A：我喜欢面带微笑的女孩。B：Do you？ I can't say that I do.What I like is a girl with a nice nature.B：是吗？我不。我喜欢具有良好气质的女孩。A：Well，yes，but surely you like a girl with good looks.A：哦，是的，不过你一定喜欢漂亮的女孩。B：Yes，but I like a girl with good brain better.B：对。不过我更喜欢聪明的女孩。
5.赞美异性
A：Good job！A：干得很好！B：Do you really think so？B：你真这么认为吗？A：Yes. Definitely！ You performed extremely well.A：是的，是真的！你表演得很好。B：I'm glad you approve.B：能得到您的称赞真是太好了。A：As a matter of fact， I don't think I've ever seen a performance given better than that. I really enjoyed your performance today.A：事实上，我认为我以前从未看过比这更好的演出了。我确实非常喜欢你今天的表演。B：Really？ thank you， Ms. Beth. I'm so glad you came.B：真的吗？谢谢，贝斯小姐。很高兴你能来。
6.心心相印
A：This is the happiest day of my life.I feel like I'm on top of the world.A：这是我一生中最快乐的日子。我觉得我快乐地像飞在世界的顶端一般。B：From the first day I saw you，with spaghetti all over you，I knew I was in love with you.B：自从我第一次见到你，泼了你一身意大利面时，我就知道我已经坠入爱河了。A：I was，too，even though we had just met.A：我也是，虽然我们那时刚刚相遇。B：We are so lucky to have such a good relationship.You are so easy to get along with.B：我们感情能这么好，真的很幸运。你很好相处。
7.幸福到极点
A：Look at these newlyweds.They seem as if they're on top of the world. A：看这些新婚的人，他们好像是幸福到了极点。 B：Yes，they do.It's great for them to tie the knot and get married. B： 是啊。对他们来说共结连理是多么好的事啊。 A：People who have just got married feel that the world is right before them. A： 刚结婚的人们总觉得世界就在他们面前。 B：Nothing seems to be happier for them. B：对于他们来说没有什么比之更幸福的了。
求婚
在西方，男方“单腿跪地求婚”已经相当令人乏味了，现在的惊喜求婚的花样层出不穷。诸如在20000英尺高空跳伞前求婚、通过电视广告求婚等等，一个浪漫的求婚方式的确是一个人一生得以回忆的美好事情。从目前中国的情况看，其实这类情形也并不稀奇。但是中国文化一直以含蓄著称，这种当众表白爱意的行为到目前为止，也只是少数人愿意做。调查显示，超过80%的女性认为求婚形式没有她们期望的那么浪漫，所以寻找一枚漂亮的订婚戒指也显得尤为重要了。
典型对话
1.征得父母同意
A：I would like to propose to your daughter.I want to marry her.A：我想向你女儿求婚。我想和她结婚。B：What？ You two got engaged？B：什么？你们俩订婚了？A：No，sir，we haven't got engaged yet.I first wanted to ask your permission.A：没有，先生，我们还没订婚。我想先得到您的允许。B：(Laughs) You sound like my great grandfather，I heard he was a gentleman from Britain.B：（笑）你听起来像我的曾祖父，我听说他是从英国来的绅士。A：So，are you giving me permission to marry your daughter？A：那么，你准许我和您的女儿结婚了吗？B：That is up to her！ You have to propose，then she has to accept.B：那由她做决定！你得求婚，然后她得接受。
2.真情表白
A：I want to say...A：我想说……B：Say it！ What is it？B：说吧！说什么？A：That I can't go on any longer without you.A：我不能没有你。B：You know you shouldn't say that at a time like this.B：你知道你不应该在这个时候说。A：Nancy，I made up my mind you were the only woman for me at the first sight.A：南希，看到你的第一眼时，我就决定你是我唯一想要的女人。B：Too sudden！ I'm not ready for it.B：太突然了！我还没有准备。
3.求婚形式
A：Should I take Mary out to an expensive restaurant，then give her99 roses before I propose？A：我应该带玛丽去一个很贵的餐馆，然后在我求婚前给她99朵玫瑰吗？B：Oh，that would cost a fortune.Plus，Mary loves big public events.Ask her here，now！ Propose in front of her entire family，she will like that a lot.B：哦，那会花费很多，再说，玛丽喜欢热闹公开的事。在这儿求婚，现在！在她的整个家族前求婚，她会喜欢的。A：Good idea.I'll do that.A：好主意，那我就这么做。
4.寻找求婚机会
A：Hi，May.You look fantastic，as always.Did you have a good day？A：嗨，梅。你看起来总是那么美。今天过得好吗？B：It was OK.Some of the staff were late today because of the weather，so we got a little behind.B：还好。今天因为天气不好，有些同事迟到了，所以我们的进度有点落后。A：That's too bad.So，how are your mom and dad doing？A：那真是糟糕，那你爸妈好吗？B：They're fine.Why do you ask？B：他们很好。为什么这样问呢？A：I just wanted to know.They are such great people.A：只是问问而已。他们人真好。B：John，you never talk about my parents or the weather.What's going on？B：约翰，你以前从不问起我的父母，或是谈论天气。怎么啦？A：Oh，nothing.A：噢，没事。
5.求婚
A：I haven't eaten yet.Do you want to go out for pizza？A：我还没吃呢，想不想出去吃比萨？B：Well，I'm not really hungry.My stomach feels kind of funny，and I feel a little out of it.B：嗯，我还不是很饿。我的胃有点不舒服，而且精神有点恍惚。A：You sure are dressed up.Something's wrong here.A：你穿着这么正式，一定有什么事不对劲。B：May，I love you，and I want to be with you forever.Will you marry me？B：梅，我爱你，我想永远和你在一起。你愿意嫁给我吗？A：Oh，John，I love you，too.Yes，darling，I will.A：噢，约翰。我也爱你。是的，亲爱的，我愿意。B：You will？You do？I love you，May.B：你愿意？你真的愿意？梅，我爱你。
6.太高兴了
A：Mary，I love you.Will you marry me？ A： 玛丽，我爱你。你愿意嫁给我吗？ B： I will.I've been waiting for this moment for along time.I'm so happy. B： 我愿意。我等待这个时刻已经很久了。我太高兴了。 A：Not as happy as I am.Now I'm the happiest man in the world. A：但比不上我高兴。现在我是世界上最快乐的人了。
7.受惊了
A：Would you be more convinced if I fell to my knees？ A：难道我跪下来求婚你才会相信吗？ B：Turn me loose，and get out of here！ B： 放开我，你走吧！ A：Forgive me for startling you with my sentiments. Can't you see it？ A： 我让你受惊了，请原谅，你难道看不出来吗？ B：Get up off your knees.I don't like your common jokes！ B： 站起来。我不喜欢你开的玩笑！ A：This is an honorable proposal of marriage，made at what I consider a most opportune moment. A：这是体面的求婚，我认为提的正是时候。
婚礼
在美国，一般由新娘一方主办婚礼，这和中国习俗正相反，新娘的家庭要准备婚礼的各项事宜，给宾客发送请柬也是新娘方面的事。要是他们想要一个像样儿的婚礼，就要花费巨资。如果你有女儿的话，你最好让她在中国而不是在美国结婚。
给结婚的人买礼物实际上比我们大多数人想像得要容易。新娘和新郎会在一个商场开一个账户，把自己想要的东西列在那里。你可以到那个商场挑选一件你认为合适的礼物。
典型对话
1.婚礼日期
A：Oh！ You're engaged！ What a beautiful ring！ Who to？A：哦！你已订婚了！多漂亮的戒指！和谁？B：Of course William. Who else？B：当然是威廉，还能有谁？A：When's the wedding going to be？A：婚礼什么时候举行？B：We haven't fixed it yet. There are a lot of things to sort out， you know.B：我们还没定。你知道有许多事要做的。
2.准备婚礼
A：Are you having a big wedding？A：你准备把婚礼场面办得很大吗？B：Yes， I've always dreamt of having a big wedding.B：是的，我做梦都想把婚礼办得隆重些。A：But what does your future husband say about that？A：那你未婚夫对此怎么说的呢？B：He doesn't really enjoy big occasions， but I think he'll come round to the idea in the end. It only happens once in a lifetime.B：他不很喜欢大场面，但我认为他最终会同意我的看法的。一生中只有一次嘛。A：Perhaps I'll agree with your future husband. I couldn't stand a big wedding with many relatives and friends of my parents or my wife whom I'd never met before.A：或许我倒是会同意你未婚夫的观点。我无法忍受场面很大的婚礼，还有那些从未见过的父母或妻子的亲戚朋友们。
3.参加婚礼
A：Hey，Agnes！What are you doing here？A：啊，艾格妮丝？你怎么在这里？B：Henry，I don't believe it！Are you a friend of the groom？B：亨利，真是令人难以相信！你是新郎的朋友吗？A：Yeah，Kevin and I work together.A：是啊！凯文和我在同一地方工作。B：What a coincidence，I work with Vera.B：真巧！我和维拉是同事。A：Vera is the bride？Right？A：维拉是新娘吗？B：You mean you didn't know her name？B：你不晓得她的名字吗？A：Well，Kevin's always been a little secretive about all his girlfriends.A：凯文对于所有女朋友的事总是神秘兮兮的。
4.婚礼上
A：When does the bride throw the bouquet？A：新娘什么时候扔掉手中的花束？B：After the cake is cut and before the bride leaves to change her clothes.B：在蛋糕切好之后，新娘离席更衣之前。A：Do I give favors to my wedding guests？A：我要给参加婚礼的客人赠送纪念品吗？B：Among many ethnic groups favors are given to all guests at the recep
tion.Whether or not you choose to give them will depend upon tradition within your family.B：有许多民族在婚宴上向所有的客人赠送纪念品。你是否给客人礼物取决于你家的传统。A：Well，I have so much questions.A：哦，我有太多问题了。B：It doesn't matter.B：没事。A：Thank you.A：谢谢。
5.结婚
A：Hey， congratulations on your good marriage. A：嘿，祝贺你们喜结良缘！B：Thank you.B：谢谢。A：You've made it， Tom.A：汤姆，你终于结婚了。B：Yes， I feel I'm the luckiest man on earth.B：没错，我觉得我是世界上最幸福的人。A：You surely are. Jenny is a beautiful girl.A：你当然是，珍妮是个美丽的女孩。B：She's also got the best personality.B：而且性格很好。
6.蜜月
A：Where are you going on your honeymoon？A：你们会去哪里度蜜月？B：We're going to Hong Kong. Jenny has always wanted to go there.B：去香港，珍妮一直想去那里。A：Ah， Hong Kong is a good place for the newly weds.A：呀，香港是好地方，最适合新婚夫妇。B：So they say.B：大家都这么说。
7.结婚纪念日
A：Tomorrow is my first wedding anniversary and we'd like to have you join us in a dinner party.A：明天是我结婚1周年纪念日，我们很想请你来参加我们的聚餐会。B：Congratulations！ I'm happy to be invited.B：祝贺祝贺！很高兴你们邀请我。A：Thank you.A：谢谢你。B：Where will you celebrate it？B：你们准备在什么地方庆祝呢？A：We're going to have a dinner party at home this time. My brother has just graduated from a vocational school. You know， he is one of the top students in his cooking class.A：这次，我们准备在家里搞一次聚餐。我弟弟刚从职校毕业，你可知道，他是烹调班的高材生。B：That's to say he is a certified cook now.B：那就是说他现在是一位有证书的厨师了。A：Yes.A：是的。
怀孕生子
在美国，共和党反对堕胎，叫做尊重生命；民主党让妇女自主，称为尊重选择。堕胎是很敏感的话题，而且医生会因为做堕胎手术而被处死。不要太看重钱，要看重孩子的爱和幸福，将来才不会后悔。
生小孩是令人兴奋的过程，但也是不容易的。要生个健康的宝宝需要小心从事。医生不总是守在那里，所以只要需要就叫他来，医生常来照看，接生的过程也会平稳些。在美国，父母是可以一直待在接生室里的。
典型对话
1.做体检
A：Excuse me，doctor，I want to confirm on my pregnancy. A：打扰了，医生，我想做体检看看我是否有宝宝了！ B： Can you give us some urine for a pregnancy test？ B：你能留点尿液做妊娠检查吗？ A：OK.(After 10 minutes) A：好的。(十分钟后) B：Congratulations.You are pregnant. B： 恭喜您，您怀孕了。
2.健康需要
A：How should I take care of my health while I'm pregnancy？ A：怀孕期间，我的健康方面有什么需要注意的？ B：You shouldn't smoke or drink.Smoking and drinking when pregnant harms your baby. B：绝对不能吸烟，喝酒。孕妇吸烟、饮酒对孩子不好。 A：Is it all right to take medicine when I am pregnant？ A：我怀孕期间，服药是否安全？ B：No.You must be very careful about it.Otherwise，eating fish will ensure your baby's brain develops normally. B：不安全，在这方面，你必须非常小心。另外，吃鱼能确保婴儿脑部正常发育。 A：OK.Thank you. A：好的。谢谢您。
3.怀孕真好
A：It's good to be pregnant.What you told me was true.I'm being treated like a queen. A：怀孕真好！你告诉我的都是真的。我被当成皇后似的照顾着。 B： Glad to hear that. B： 太好了。 A：I never imagined he'd be making such a good husband. A：我真没想到，他竟是个模范丈夫。 B： Hey，you've got a whole bunch of parenting guidebooks. B： 哇！你有一大堆育儿手册。 A：Yeah，John bought them for me.He said we should learn all the dos and don'ts.Welcome to the club！ A：嗯，是约翰给我买的。他说我们应该记住所有的须知。欢迎我加入准妈妈的行列。
4.不想要
A： Amy，I am pregnant. A：艾米，我怀孕了。 B：Congratulations！ B：祝贺你啊！ A：Oh，it was an accident. A：哦，是意外的。 B：You don't want it？ B：你不想要？ A：No.Brian doesn't have a job yet.We can't afford this baby. A：不想要。布莱恩还没工作。我们养不起啊。
5.去医院
A：Brian，the contractions are coming rapidly one after another，let's go to the hospital. A：布莱恩，我感觉阵痛一阵接一阵，去医院吧。 B：How far apart are they？ B：间隔多久？ A：Stop asking me！ I need to go！ A：别问了！快走吧！ B：Okay，okay，why am I always the one who gets yelled at？ B：好吧，好吧，为什么我总是挨说？ A：Cause it's convenient. A：方便嘛。
6.生孩子
A：How are you doing？ A：怎么样？ B：I'm not feeling well. B：难受。 A：You'll be okay.Try to save energy from now on.When it's time，I'll let you know. A： 没事儿。省点力气，到时候我告诉你。 B：Brian. B：布莱恩！ A：Yes. A： 在。 B：Hold my hand.I can't take it any more. B：握着我的手，我不行了。 A：Hang in there. A：坚持一下。
7.谈论孩子
A：How much can a kid cost？ A：小孩能费多少钱？ B：You don't know.Someone did the calculations.The cost of a kid is like the cost of a house. B：你不知道，有人算过，一个小孩儿的费用相当于一栋房子的价钱。 A：There are state clinics that can help you and check the baby for free. A：州立的医务所可以免费给孩子检查。 B：Really？ How do you find out about them？ B：是吗？在哪里能找到这些医务所？ A：They are listed on the phone book in the state office section under “Health”. A： 电话簿上有。查州政府，健康部。 B：I'll find out. B：我来查一下。 A：They also provide free immunization once the baby is born. A： 小孩生了，他们还免费打疫苗。
8.婴儿摇篮
A：Mary，here's mine.Being single，I didn't quite know what to get. A：玛丽，这是我的礼物。因为我还是一个人嘛，所以也不知道该给你买什么才好。 B：It's the thought that counts.I'm sure I'll love it whatever it...Oh！ B：只要心意到了就行了。只要是你的礼物，不管是什么我都喜欢。哇！ A：It's a rocking crib.It helps when babies cry.I though it might come in handy. A：是婴儿摇篮。当孩子哭的时候或许会有所帮助。我想这可能会很有用。 B：Of course！ It's a godsend.Thanks，Jane. B：当然了。这礼物实在是太棒了，谢谢你，简。
夫妻关系
夫妻结合组成家庭，生儿育女，孝敬父母，夫妻是家庭的核心。核心人物团结和睦，是家庭幸福的关键，也是家庭心理健康首先要解决的问题。家庭生活是复杂的，如各自的思想、道德、经济收入、政治信仰、文化、个性、亲属等因素，都会产生影响。这就要求夫妻双方，要在生活的长河中互相支持、互相关心、互相谅解、互相慰藉、互相忍让，甚至作出必要的牺牲。这样才能使爱情之树常青，使夫妻关系更融洽。
典型对话
1.丈夫出轨
A：John，what is going on？Lately you haven't been coming home until very，very late.A：约翰，到底怎么了？最近你都特别特别晚才回家。B：I told you I have had to work late.B：我说过我必须加班到很晚。A：Last night，you didn't come home at all.I want to know where you were.A：昨晚，你根本就没回家，我想知道你去了哪里。B：I fell asleep at the office.B：我在办公室睡着了。A：I know that isn't true.I called your office and you didn't answer.A：你在说谎。我打电话到你办公室，而你没接。B：I must have slept through the ringing.B：电话响的时候我一定是睡着了。A：I got worried when you didn't answer，so I went down to your office and you weren't there.A：你没接电话，我很担心，所以我去了你的办公室，结果你不在那里。B：All right.I was with another woman last night.B：好吧，我昨晚和别的女人在一起。
2.丈夫不忠
A：You have been lying to me all these weeks.John，how could you？I have always been true to you.A：这几个星期以来你一直在骗我。约翰，你怎么可以这样对我？我一直都对你很忠诚。B：May，it was an accident.I didn't mean to let it happen.B：梅，这只是个意外。我也不想的。A：Yeah，right！That's the poorest excuse of all.You scum.That's it.I'm out of here.I'm leaving you.A：是啊！这真是最蹩脚的一个借口。你这个人渣！够了，我要离开这里，我要离开你。B：Don't leave，please.I can explain.May，please don't go.B：别走。听我解释。梅，拜托你别走。A：Right now，I really hate you，John.I can't believe you would do this to me.A：约翰，我现在真的很恨你。我真不敢相信你会这样对我。B：May，you are the best thing that ever happened to me.Give me another chance.B：梅，你是我生命中最美好的一部分，再给我一次机会。A：No.I'm leaving.Good bye！A：不。我要走了。再见！
3.定家规
A：I have a bone to pick with you，Mike.Didn't you promise that we'd divvy up the household chores？ I'm doing all of them by myself！ A：迈克，我对你很有意见。你不是答应过我要分担家务的吗？现在所有的事都是我一个人在做！ B：Well，yeah.I just get so worn out after a hard day's work，you know？ B：嗯，没错。可是我辛苦了一天，累得要死，你知道吗？ A： So do I！ I'm working part time，too！ A：我也是！我也在做兼职。 B：You're right.It's just...um...who brings home the thicker bacon... B：你说的是。只是……嗯……谁赚的钱更多…… A：Don't give me that，Mike！ We should make house rules. A：别找借口，迈克。我们应该订立家规。
4.快乐已婚男人
A：Are you a happy married man？ A：你是一个快乐的已婚男人吗？ B：Yes，I am.My wife and I understand each other. B：我是。我和我妻子互相理解。 A：You are a lucky man.How about Mr.Smith？ A：你是个幸运的男人。那么史密斯先生呢？ B：I don't know.But they say that Mrs.Smith wears the pants in the house. B：我不太清楚，不过据说史密斯太太在家握有大权。 A： You mean she bosses her husband around？ A： 这么说她管她丈夫了？ B：That's right.She is pretty but she wants to control everything in his life. B： 没错。她很漂亮，但她想控制她丈夫生活中所有的事情。
5.对婚姻厌倦了
A：I'm fed up with marriage. A：我对婚姻厌倦透了。 B：Why do you say so？ Everyone admires that you have a good wife. B：为什么？每个人都羡慕你有一个好妻子。 A： Oh，no.When we were poor，we often try our best to make ends meet.It was a hard time. A：哦，不是这样。我们穷的时候每个月都要尽力保持收支平衡，那是个非常艰难的岁月。 B：But now you are rich. B：但是你们现在有钱了。 A：And we have some squabbles on some boring things. A：可我们在一些无聊的事上又有了新的争吵。 B： This is ordinary marriage life. B： 这就是最平常的婚姻生活呀！
6.丈夫生病
A：Do you see Mary all these days？ A：你这几天见过玛丽吗？ B：Yeah，but I find that she isn't very happy as before. B： 见过，可我觉得她好像不如以前快乐了。 A：Of course not. A：当然不快乐。 B： Why？ B： 为什么？ A：Don't you know that her husband has contracted cancer？ A：你难道不知道她的丈夫得了癌症？ B：Really？ I don't know indeed. B：真的吗？我的确不知道。
分手离别
一些西方人有了感情迁移，整个人“蒸发了”都不足为奇，比如换个城市、换份工作，甚至可以换个国家生活，所以不太存在藕断丝连的情况。但是中国人与西方人不一样，一些人与原来的爱人有共同的圈子，比如原来两个人是同学、同事，或者是朋友的朋友，这样免不了日后在某些场合邂逅。但有些人会抱着“成不了夫妻，还能做朋友”的心态，继续交往，甚至不拒绝吃饭、聚会。
典型对话
1.争辩
A：I really hate to say this，but don't go away mad，just go away.A：我很讨厌这样说，但是请你默默地走开，好吗？B：I knew this would happen someday.B：我知道事情迟早会发生的。A：Then，why didn't you try to prevent it in the beginning？A：那么，为什么不事先预防呢？B：Well，It's not all my fault，Ann.You are responsible，too.B：安，那不全是我的错，你也有责任啊。A：I don't want to argue anymore.Please get out of my life.A：我不想再争辩了。请从我的生命中消失！
2.只做朋友
A：What a drag！ I got that “Let's just be good friends”line again. A：真是倒霉！又有人跟我说“让我们只做朋友”了。 B： Too bad！ I almost thought you had something. B： 太糟了！我差点以为你们有戏呢。 A：Well，it's over，anyway.Time to find some new. A： 得了，不管怎样，这次算是完了。该找个新的了。 B：Good luck，buddy. B：伙计，祝你好运。
3.闹分手
A：Hi，Jack，we're having a party tonight，wanna come join us？ You can bring your girlfriend. A：嗨，杰克，我们今晚有个聚会，要不要来？你可以带上你的女朋友。 B：Well...I'm breaking up with Mary. B：嗯……我和玛丽闹分手呢。 A：What happened？ Did you have a fight？ A：发生什么了？你们吵嘴了？ B：No.She's really a very nice girl... B：没有。她确实是个好女孩。 A：Yeah，she is.She's pretty，caring，and easy going.And she's great cook！ A：她的确是。她漂亮，体贴，还很好相处。还有她能做一手好菜！ B： You're right. B：你说得对。
4.执意挽留
A：I want to break up！A：我想和你分手。B：Hey，come on！ It's too early to say that.We still have a lot of time to think about our relationship？B：嘿，别这样！你未免言之过早。我们还有足够的时间考虑两人之间的关系。A：Oh，do we？ How would you fix our relationship？A：噢！是吗？你想如何补救我们之间的关系？B：I'm sorry.Please forgive me.B：对不起，原谅我吧！A：That's not enough！A：光道歉是不够的。B：Oh，Lily，please！ I promise I'll never let it happen again.B：求求你，莉莉，我发誓绝不让旧事重演。A：Let me think about it.A：让我再考虑一下吧。
5.分手
A：So you broke up with Sally？A：你和莎莉分手了？B：Yeah，we're through with each other.Now I just can't get over her.I went with her for two years.B：是的，我们分手了，但我还是忘不了她。毕竟在一起待了两年啊。A：I suppose it's very hard.A：我想那很困难。B：Yes，very hard.Isn't that something how she left me after two years？B：是的，太困难了。她为什么要在两年之后离开我呢？A：Don't be mad.I'm sure you'll go with another fine lady someday.A：别太伤心了。我保证你会很快找到另一半的。B：I don't think so.I never want to get hurt again.B：我不这么认为，我不想再次受到伤害。A：I understand.A：可以理解。
6.和平分手
A：Hello， Mary. I haven't seen you for ages. Are you still seeing Paul？ A：嗨，玛丽，好久不见了。你还在和保罗交往吗？ B：No.We broke up last month.I'm taking a break from dating for a while. B： 没有。我们上个月分手了。我暂时不想约会了。 A：Did you break up amicably？ Sometimes couples row a lot before splitting up. A： 你们是友好地分手吗？有些情侣分手前会大吵大闹。 B： We just decided to stop seeing each other. It was all very amicable. B：我们只是决定不再见面，始终很和气。
7.还打算见面
A：What shall we do，Mary？ A：玛丽，我们该怎么做？ B：I think we should be just friends if we are to see each other again. B：如果还打算见面，我想做普通朋友比较好。 A：So，we can still keep our friendship，right？ A：那么，我们仍可以难持我们之间的友谊，对吧？ B：I guess so. B：大概吧。
8.忘不了
A：I'll never forget Lucy.After all，she was my first lover.A：我总也忘不了露西。毕竟，她是我的初恋情人。B：I think you'll lay it to rest with the time flying.B：我想随着时间的流逝，你会淡忘这件事的。A：I remember that someone says that it is difficult to forget the people who dont' want to forget.A：我记得有人说过，对于不想忘记的人来说，忘记是件困难的事。B：But I think time can change everything.B：但是我认为时间可以改变一切。
交友聚会
现代社会，许多人都忙着工作、学习，很少有时间结交新的朋友，中国和西方都是如此，所以越来越多的人开始为了结交朋友而参加各类聚会。西方派对文化何时被引入中国实在是无据可考，但近年来国内各类时尚派对却似乎有日益兴盛之势，其中欧美奢侈大牌的推波助澜功不可没。
典型对话
1.婚前聚会
A：I asked Jane who she wants to invite and she gave me a list of only 20. A：我问简想邀请谁来参加晚会，她却只给了我20个人的名单。 B：I think she wants to keep it small and intimate. B： 我认为简只想办一个小而舒适、气氛融洽的晚会。 A：This bachelorette party is Jane's last hurrah，so let's paint the town red. A：这次晚会是简在婚前最后一次快乐的机会了，让我们尽情欢乐吧！
2.只有女子参加
A：What do you have in mind？ A：你的计划是什么？ B：A real girls' night out. B：一个只有女子才能参加的晚会。 A：I have to rain on your parade，but I think Jane is looking for moral sup
port not a wild night. A：虽说不想打击你的情绪，但是简想要的好像并不是一个疯狂的夜晚，而是一个能给她精神帮助的聚会。 B：Ah，gotcha！ Then my place with cake and tea？ B：我知道了。那就在我们家吃蛋糕，喝茶怎么样？ A：OK. A：我看行。
3.牵红线
A：Let's have a little get together this weekend！ A：这个周末选择我们来办个小型联欢晚会吧！ B：What do you have in mind？ B：那你有什么想法了吗？ A：I was thinking we could invite over a few close friends and play some cards or a board game. A：我想我们可以邀请一些比较熟的朋友，来玩个纸牌游戏，或是些棋盘游戏什么的。 B：Tom wants to meet Ann，then you entice her over and I'll invite him！ We could try to set them up. B：汤姆想认识安，那么，你负责邀请安，我去邀请汤姆！我们可以试着帮他们牵红线。 A：Ann is a bit ashy and I think it'd be too obvious. A：安有点内向，而且我觉得这样太明显了。
4.准备晚会
A：What time do you want people to drop in？ A：那你希望他们什么时候来啊？ B：About half past eight，I'll need time to prepare some finger food after I get home from work. B： 大概8点半吧，下班回到家里后，我还需要些时间来准备小点心。 A： Hi，I'm home.Anything I can do to help？ A：嗨，我在家呀。有什么事情是我可以帮忙的？ B：There's veggies and dip in the fridge.Will you put it on the coffee table？ Also，make sure there's lots of juice in the fridge.Oh，and open a bottle of wine. B：冰箱里有些蔬菜和调味汁。你可以把它们放到咖啡桌上吗？还有，确定一下冰箱里的果汁够不够。哦，然后开瓶酒。
5.参加聚会
A：Hey，Richard and Betty！ You made it.Come in and make yourselves at home. A：嗨，理查德，贝蒂你们来了啊！进来，随便吧！ B：Thank you.You said not to bring anything，but we can't come empty handed. B： 谢谢。虽然你不让我们带东西来，但我们总不能真的空手而来吧。 A：Ah，wine！ Wine is always welcome.Which reminds me，care for a drink？ A：哇，是葡萄酒啊！葡萄酒当然是随时都欢迎啦。噢，你要喝点儿什么？ B：I wouldn't say no to some whiskey.I take it straight.Thanks. B：来杯威士忌怎么样？不要放冰块，谢谢。 A：Nothing for me.I'm the designated driver for tonight.Well，something smells good. A：我不要了。因为今天晚上我要开车。嗯，味道好香啊！ B：Jack's cooking up a storm in the kitchen. B：杰克正要厨房里准备吃的呢。
6.几点来的
A： Hey Jeff！ Where've you been lately？ I haven't seen you around in ages. A：嘿，杰夫！你最近去哪儿了？我可有些日子没看到你了。 B：Hi，Lucy.I've been up to my work so I haven't been out much.What you been up to？ B：嗨，露西！我工作一直是忙得不可开交，所以就没怎么出来。你近来在忙什么呢？ A：Nothing much really. A：其实也没什么。 B：What time did you get here？ B：你们几点来的？ A：About an hour ago. A：大约一个小时前。
7.打招呼
A： Mary's got a nice house，doesn't she？ A：玛丽有套不错的房子，是吗？ B：Yeah，it's cool.Listen.I'd better go say hi to her. B：是的，很不错。听着，我最好去跟她打个招呼。 A： Right.She's in the kitchen I think.I'll talk to you later. A：好的。我想，她在厨房呢。一会儿再跟我聊。 B：Hi，Mary！ I brought you a bottle of plonk. B：嗨，玛丽！我给你带来了一瓶酒。 C： Hi Jeff！ You're a star.There's beer in the fridge if you want. C：嗨，杰夫！你太好了。如果你想喝啤酒的话，冰箱里有。
8.宴会太棒了
A：This was a very successful party，John.Your parents are beaming. A：这个宴会实在是太棒了，约翰。你的父母都很高兴。 B：Oh，thank you for coming.And the gold picture frames are beautiful. B： 谢谢你能来参加。你送的金制像框非常漂亮。 A：They deserve it. A： 应该的。
异地相思
异地恋，顾名思义，是相隔两地的恋爱，随着时代的发展，越来越多的人因为求学和深造，工作等各种原因而不得不“背井离乡”，势必造成爱侣的分离。一般，异地恋是比较稳重、深厚的感情。因为维持异地恋需要忍受更多，当然，也会收获更多。异地恋，首先需要的是勇气，一种敢于挑战现实的勇气，一种能够承担任何风险的勇气，一种能够坦然面对失败的勇气。要明白，现实是一股强大而又无形的力量，我们都无法预计将要发生的情况，但可以拿出勇气来与这股力量抗衡，我们也可以拿出勇气来接受失败的结果。
典型对话
1.抱怨
A：Hi，Kitty，you look a little down.What's up？ A：嘿，基蒂，你看上去有点不开心，怎么了？ B： I just had an argument with my boyfriend.Now I really don't know whether I should stick with it any longer. B： 我刚和我男朋友吵了一架。我现在真不知道到底要不要维持这段感情了。 A： Well，long distance relationship is challenging and difficult.How long have you guys been together？ A：异地恋是挺有挑战也挺难的。你们在一起多长时间了？ B： Almost a year.We talk to each other on the phone every day，but recently the conversations are getting dull，and we run out of words very quickly. B： 快一年了。我们每天都打电话，但最近谈话内容变得很乏味，说着说着就没的说了。 A： Well，maybe he was just busy. A： 也许他只是太忙了。 B： That's what he said. B：他就是这么说的。
2.寻找新的方式
A： Relationships are difficult，no matter if two people live near one another or in your case，when two people live far apart.Besides talking on the phone，there are many other things you can do together. A： 无论两人住得很近还是天各一方，恋爱关系都不容易。除了打电话以外，你们还可以一起做许多东西。 B：Oh？ B：是吗？ A： You can use instant messenger and a webcam for real time chat and visual connection. A：你可以试试一些即时通信程序，用摄像头来视频。 B：Yeah，I think we should try more.But I don't have a webcam. B： 是啊，我们应该试试其他的方法沟通。但我还没有摄像头。 A：Then you should definitely get one.You will be glad once you have it！ A： 那就该买个啊，你不会后悔的。
3.异地分居
A： Hi，Lisa，the other day I saw you with a tall guy.Who is he？ A：嘿，莉萨，那天我看你和一个高个儿的男的在一起，他是谁啊？ B： Oh，that's my boyfriend Paul. B： 哦，那是我男朋友保罗。 A： Really？ I didn't know you have a boyfriend！ You kept the secret so well. A：是吗？我都不知道你有个男朋友！你这秘密保守得太好了。 B： Not really.I didn't try to keep it a secret.You didn't see him before because he doesn't live here.He works and lives in Nanjing. B：没有啊。我没想保守秘密。你以前没见过他，是因为他不住在这里。他在南京工作。 A： Oh，I see.You two make a cute couple！ A： 噢，我知道了。你俩真是天生的一对！
4.传授方法
A： How long have you been together with John？ A：你和约翰在一起多长时间了？ B： Three years and ten days. B：3年零10天。 A：Wow，that's amazing.You know not many people can have such a long relationship，even when they live near one another.How do you maintain yours when you are so far apart？ A：哇，太神奇了。你要知道即使往得很近也不是很多人能保持这么长时间的一段感情。像你们俩这么天各一方，是怎么做到的？ B： I think the most important thing in a long distance relationship，as in all other relationships，is trust and faith. B： 我认为和其他恋爱一样，在异地恋中最重要的是信任和信心。 A： Yeah.Do you feel lonely when you need a hug and he is not around？ A： 是啊。但当你需要一个拥抱而他不在的时候，你会不会觉得孤独呢？ B： Not really.We stay connected all the time. B： 不会。我们一直保持联系。
5.来信
A：Hi，Mary，here is a letter for you！ A：嗨，玛丽，这儿有你一封信。 B： Thank you. B： 谢谢你。 A： Whose letter is it from？ A： 是谁写来的？ B： Room 201，Hangtian Building，Guangzhou.Oh，it's Jack！ My boyfriend. B：广州航天大厦201室，噢，是杰克！我的男朋友。 A： Does he often write to you？ A： 他经常给你写信吗？ B： Yes，almost one letter each month. B：是的，几乎每月一封。 A：You are so happy. A： 你真幸福。
6.想念
A：Although New Year is coming，it's hard for me to be happy. A：虽然新年快到了，我还是不能快乐起来。 B：What do you worry about？ B：你在担心什么呢？ A：Oh，I am missing my girlfriend. A：噢，我在想念我的女朋友。 B：You can telephone her and talk with her on the Internet. B：你可以打电话给她，也可以上网聊天。 A：That helps a little，without her I can't do anything. A： 没有，没有她在我身边我什么也做不成。 B： You're over. B：你完蛋了。
7.打电话诉说
A：Hello，this is Jack speaking. A：喂，你好，我是杰克。 B：Hello，dear.This is Mary.I miss you！ B：喂，亲爱的，我是玛丽，我想你！ A：I miss you，too.We haven't seen each other for six months. A：我也想你啊，我们已经半年没见面了。 B：Do you know something？ You fill my days with sunshine and happiness. B：你知道吗？你让我每天都觉得充满阳光和快乐。 A：Me too.Thank you，darling.Have I told you that I love you recently？ You're in my thoughts every minute of the day，in my dreams every hour of the night. A：我也一样，谢谢你，亲爱的。最近我有没有告诉你我爱你？白天分分秒秒你在我的思绪中，夜里时时刻刻你在我梦里。 B：You have made me happy. B： 你已经使我感到幸福了。
8.未来
A：How often do you reunite with Johnson？ A：你和约翰逊要多久团聚一次呢？ B：As often as we can arrange，usually once a month. B： 我们尽量多安排见面，通常是一个月一次吧。 A： Oh，that's not bad at all. A：哦，这很不错。 B：Yeah，so before we miss each other too much，we meet again. B：是啊，还没有来得及太想念对方，就又见面了。 A：Have you guys talked about your future？ I mean you two can't be apart forever. A： 那你们谈过将来吗？我的意思是你们总不能一直异地恋下去吧。 B： Of course.I will go to Beijing to get a job after I graduate next year.Johnson has more or less settled there. B： 当然不会。明年毕业后我会去北京找份工作，约翰逊在那已经差不多安定下来了。
跨国恋情
跨国恋和跨国婚姻现象的产生最早可追溯到奴隶制社会，而真正意义上的跨国婚姻却产生于封建制社会。
随着中国对外开放的深入，世界在逐渐了解中国，中国人也在逐渐了解世界。外国人走进了我们的生活，有的甚至成为了我们生活中的一分子。人们在惊叹这一段段不寻常的爱情的同时，却忽视了背后的酸甜苦辣和欢乐痛苦。由于文化的差异、婚姻的观念完全以及成家的目的各有不同，在恋爱婚姻中演绎了一幕幕悲喜剧，跨国恋、跨国婚姻并不完全像我们想像的那么浪漫、那么甜蜜。
典型对话
1.与老外谈恋爱
A： Hi，Sally，I always see you together with Brian.What's going on with you guys？Are you in a relationship？ A： 嘿，萨莉，我总见你和布赖恩在一起，你俩在做什么呢？是不是在谈恋爱啊？ B： Well，it's complicated.We've been seeing each other for more than half a year now，but the relation between us is never clear cut.Sometimes I feel like we are boyfriend and girlfriend，but more often than not I think we are still in the friend stage.It's really hard to define where we are. B： 嗯，这比较复杂。我们在一起也有半年多了。但关系从来没太确定过。有时我觉得我俩像是男女朋友，但更多时候我想我们还是处于朋友阶段。要说我俩现在是什么关系还真挺难的。 A： I see.What do you think of being in
volved with a foreigner？ You know many girls in China wouldn't even dream of seeing a foreigner.They certainly think of it as crazy！ A：我明白了。那你是怎么想的，与一个外国人交往？你要知道在中国许多女孩做梦都不会想到自己能见到一个外国人。在她们看来，这一定很疯狂！
2.命中注定
A： I never thought I would date with a foreigner before I met Paul. A：在遇到保罗之前，我从来没想过会和一个外国人约会。 B：Yeah，it is all about destiny.But have you ever thought about the fact that foreigners don't just come to China for no reason at all？ B： 是啊，这就是命中注定的。但是你有没有想过，外国人是不会无缘无故地来中国。 A： Yeah，I know.Paul is still trying to find what he wants to do in his life.I know he won't stay here forever.But I don't know about what I want either. I know I like him.And I feel happy to be with him. A： 嗯，我知道。保罗还在确定他自己想做什么。我知道他不会永远待在这里的。但我也不知道我现在想要什么，我只知道我喜欢他。而且和他在一起我很开心。 B：I see.It's important that you two can be happy together，in the meanwhile，trying to find out what you want to do with your life.I wish things can work out with you guys. B：我明白了。两人在一起开心很重要，同时，你们也在试着弄清楚自己到底想要什么样的生活。希望你们一切顺利。 A： Thanks. A： 谢谢。
3.希望早点见面
A： Sally，I think you are a great girl.I had a great time with you. A： 萨莉，我觉得你是个很优秀的女孩儿，和你在一起我很开心。 B：Thanks，I enjoyed our time together too. B： 谢谢，和你在一起我也很开心。 A：I am going to miss you so much.I don't want to go back to my country tomorrow.Oh，I am stupid.I could have asked to stay here longer.But who would have known I would meet the most wonderful girl in my life？ A：我真的会很想你的。我真不想明天就回国。哦，我太傻了。我应该申请在这儿再多待一段时间。但有谁会想到我能在这里认识我生命中最不可思议的女孩儿呢？ B：Thanks Frank，you really flatter me.I am going to miss you too.We have shared some very beautiful moments together and long lasting memories.Let's keep in touch after you get back to your country. B：谢谢你，弗兰克，你真的是过奖了。我也会想你们。我们一起有这么多美妙的时刻，都会成为我们永恒的回忆。你回国后，我们要常联系。 A： Of course we will.Actually I am already planning my next vacation.I wish to see you again soon. A：那是当然的了。其实我已经在为我的下一个假期作安排了。我希望能早点见到你。
4.距离不是问题
A：The distance between our countries is so far. A：我们之间的距离太遥远了。 B： No，believe it or not，it's not that far.By plane it's only about ten hours' flight. B： 不是这样的，不管你信不信，真的不太远。坐飞机的话也就只有十个小时。 A： Oh，I thought it would take more than twenty hours. A： 哦，我还以为要二十多个小时呢。 B：No，not that far.Mary，I have a question，but it's hard to ask it out loud. B： 没有那么远。玛丽，我有个问题，可是真的很难说出口。 A：It's okay.You can ask me any question. A：没关系，你问我什么问题都可以。 B：Thanks.Mary，what do you think of having a foreign boyfriend？ B： 谢谢。玛丽，你觉得找个外国男朋友怎么样？ A：I've never thought of that.I think it can be interesting. A： 我从来没考虑过。我觉得会很有意思。
5.确立关系
A： Jessica，I've never met a gril like you.You are like my dream come true. A：杰西卡，我从来没遇到过像你一样的女孩。你就是我梦中要找的那个女孩子。 B： I am deeply impressed by you too.Brain，there's something about you that distinguishes you from the other people.I know you were different the moment I saw you. B：我也被你深深地吸引了。布莱恩，你有一种与众不同的气质，我第一眼看到你时，就知道你和别人不一样。 A：Jessica，I don't know if it's proper to ask.Jessica，do you think we can be together？ A：杰西卡，我不知道现在问这种问题合不合适。 杰西卡，你觉得我们能在一起交往么？ B：Oh，yes！ Brain，I like you so much. B：当然我太高兴了，布莱恩，我很喜欢你。
七年之痒
“七年之痒”是个舶来词，意思是说许多事情发展到第七年就会不以人的意志出现一些问题，婚姻当然也不例外。结婚久了，新鲜感丧失。从充满浪漫的恋爱到实实在在的婚姻，在平淡的朝夕相处中，彼此太熟悉了，恋爱时掩饰的缺点或双方在理念上的不同此时都已经充分地暴露出来。于是，情感的“疲惫”和厌倦使婚姻进入了“瓶颈”，如果无法选择有效的方法通过这一“瓶颈”，婚姻就会终结。
典型对话
1.担心分居
A：Hi，lady，what's wrong？ You look quite down. A：喂，女士，你怎么了？看起来很失落。 B：Yeah，I am feeling terrible.It's just that my husband and I don't talk to each other any more.It's been this way for a while.I am afraid that we might become separated soon. B：是啊，我很难过。不知道怎么的，我丈夫和我不说话了。我们俩这个样子有一段时间了，我很担心过不了多久，我们就要分居了。 A：That's not good.What happened？ A：那可不太好，怎么了？ B： I don't know how we got here.Before we had been arguing a lot about every little detail，then both of us felt tired and become fed up with all the fighting，then we stopped talking all in all. B：我不知道怎么就变成现在这个样子了。以前我们关于每一件小细节都要吵架，再后来就都对争吵感到疲倦了，最后就不说话了。
2.婚后生活
A：Do you still love your husband？ A：你爱你丈夫吗？ B： I don't know any more.I did love him，otherwise I wouldn't have married him in the first place. B： 我现在不知道了。我确实爱过他，不然的话我最开始也不会嫁给他。 A：Has your married life always been like this？ A：你婚后的生活一直是这个样子的吗？ B：No.The first couple of years into our marriage，things were great.We were not rich at the time，but we were so happy.We did things together，we talked and laughed.However，things changed before long. B：没有，结婚头几个月一切都很好，当时我们不富裕，可是却很开心。我们会一起做事情，一起聊天，一起笑。可是不久后事情变了。 A： Well，I think if you want your marriage to survive，you need to talk with your husband.You know guys are not good at conversations，so women should always initiate the talk. A： 哦，我觉得如果你想让婚姻继续的话，必须和你的丈夫好好谈一谈，要知道，通常男的都不擅长谈话，所以女的就应该主动提出谈话。 B：Yeah，I will do that.I am really desperate to get things working again. B：好的，我就这么去做。我真的很希望事情能够变好。
3.出现第三者
A：Have you heard that Lisa and Bob divorced？ A：你听说莉萨和鲍勃离婚了吗？ B： No way！ I always thought they would be the last couple to divorce.How could this ever have happened？ B： 绝不可能！我一直以为他们俩最不可能离婚呢。这怎么可能呢？ A： I was also astonished when I learned the news.Lisa and Bob are such a perfect match.They both are smart，attractive and funny.And they were so much in love.I could never imagine they would get divorced. A：我听到这个消息时也很震惊。莉萨和鲍勃是如此完美的一对。两个人都很聪明，很有魅力，也很风趣。而且他们那么深爱对方。我怎么也想象不到他们会离婚。 B：I know.So what happened？ Was there someone else？ B：我知道。到底发生了什么？是有第三者吗？ A：Seems that way. A： 好像就是那样的。
4.七年之痒
A： That's unfortunate.It's so sad that happy endings don't exist and realities are always cruel. A：很不幸。美好的结局是不存在的，现实总是很残酷，这真让人难过。 B： Yeah.Marriages nowadays are getting more frustrating.People used to say in marriage，there's a seven year itch，but now they talk more about the three year pain. B：是啊。现在的婚姻越来越让人感到灰心。人们以前说结婚有七年之痒，现在却越来越像是三年之痛了。 A： What's a seven year itch？I've never heard of them before. A：什么是七年之痒呢？我从来没有听过这些说法。 B：Well，these are terms people generally use to refer to the loss of freshness and excitement as the years of their marriage wear on.It used to be seven years when people felt the itch to start doing something new. B：哦，人们通常都会用这些词来表示随着结婚时间的延长，新鲜感和兴奋感就会消失。以前是第七年时，人们心里会发痒，想做点新事情。 A： I see.It's still sad to see couples split. A： 我知道了，可是看到夫妻分离还是很让人难受。 B：Yeah，people should be serious when they get married. B： 是啊，人们应该以认真的态度结婚。
拜见父母
在国内，女婿和岳父岳母的关系都很微妙，要处理得当，得下点儿工夫。去拜见准父母大人有五点需要注意的细节：①注重仪表、装束；②手勤、眼勤、口勤；③礼多人不怪；④豪爽不浮夸；⑤和女友保持恰当距离。而西方人的礼数也大同小异，他们第一次登门会见女友父母通常也带上礼物，像红酒，水果篮、曲奇饼篮或一些饭后甜品，或带上一些花、草之类的摆设。
典型对话
1.第一次拜见岳父、岳母
A： So，what was it like when you met your parents in law for the first time？ Were you nervous？ A： 你第一次见你的岳父岳母是什么样子的？你紧张吗？ B： Of course I was a little bit nervous，but not too much.They are both nice people.I was teaching in an university and we had an apartment，so things were not too bad back then. B：我当然有一点儿紧张，不过不太紧张。他们人都很好。我当时还在一所大学里教书，我们在自己的公寓，所以那时候情况还不太差。 A：So he must have been very satisfied with you I guess？ A： 那我猜他一定对你很满意了吧？ B：I think I made a good impression.My mother in law liked to travel.She is dead now but she traveled a lot and came to Switzerland quite often. B： 我觉得我给他留下的印象还不错。我的岳母喜欢旅行，她现在已经去世，不过她生前经常旅行，也经常来瑞士。 A：Oh，that's really nice and rare.In my country，it's always difficult to have a good relationship with one's mother in law. A：哦，那还真不错，很少见。我在的国家，女婿和岳母搞好关系总是很难。 B： Same here，but I was a lot more nervous when I met the parents of my first girlfriend. B： 在这里也是一样的，可是我见第一个女朋友的父母时，要紧张的多。
2.不满意
A： My girlfriend's parents are not satisfied with me. A： 我女朋友的父母对我不满意。 B： Oh，why？ B： 哦？为什么？ A：Well，they were both professors.I think they wanted their daughter to find someone better than me，someone with a better family background. A： 他们都是大学教授，我觉得他们希望自己的女儿找到比我更好的人，一个家庭背景更好的人。 B： Oh，yeah？ B：哦，真的吗？ A：Yeah.My dad was a businessman，but they didn't like business people，because they considered them as less educated.You know they thought themselves to be more refined and thereby were picky about taste.For example，in their house，I wouldn't drink beer. A：是的，我的父亲是一个生意人，可是他们不喜欢生意人，因为他们觉得生意人没有文化。要知道他们觉得自己很有修养，很挑剔我的品位。比如说，在他们家，我一般都不会喝啤酒。
3.留下好印象
A： We were both always uptight and stressed when visiting my girlfriend's parents. A：见过我女朋友的父母以后我们都需要去放松一下，因为和他们见面的时候我们总是很拘谨很紧张。 B：Yes. B： 是的。 A：It was.So I tried very hard to make a good impression on them.They were okay with me，though I think they wanted someone that could talk about arts，museums，etc.However，my interest was in politics and economics.But we didn't get married anyway. A：是很有意思。所以我很努力想要给他们留下一个好印象。他们对我还可以，尽管我觉得他们希望他们的女儿找一个能够谈论艺术、博物馆等等这样的人。可是，我的兴趣在于政治和经济。不过不管怎么样，我们最后都没有结婚。 B： Things don't always work out.I think your marriage with Jenny is very successful. B：不是所有的事情最后都能够成功。我觉得你和珍尼的婚姻很成功。 A： Yeah，indeed.I think maybe Jenny and I are more fit. A： 是啊，的确如此，我觉得也许我和珍尼更合适。
4.不想去岳父岳母家
A： I am thinking of visiting my parents during this coming weekend.We haven't seen them for a while. A： 我在想这个周末去看我的父母，我们有很长时间都没有去看他们了。 B： Oh，no，can I not come with you？ B： 哦，不要，我能不能不和你一起去呢？ A： Why？ What's your problem？ A： 为什么不呢？你有什么事吗？ B： You know your mom has never been quite happy when I am around，and I always feel awkward around her too.Could you just say hi to them from me and tell them I have to work extra hours during the weekend？ B： 你知道每次我在的时候，你妈妈都不是很高兴，而且我在她旁边自己也觉得很尴尬。你能不能就代我向他们问声好，跟他们说我这个周末要加班？ A： I don't want to do that. A：我不想那样做。
5.保证下次一起去
A：We will have to have dinner with your mother right？ A： 我们要和你妈妈一起吃晚餐对吗？ B： Of course. B： 当然了。 A： I don't want to eat with Mom.She always talks things over at dinner.I think she must consider it the biggest mistake of her life to marry you to me. A：我不想和你妈妈一起吃晚餐。她总是喜欢在吃饭的时候讨论事情。我觉得她一定认为把你嫁给我是她这辈子最大的错误。 B：Oh，it's not like that.you know Mom.She says harsh words，but her intention is good.All she wants is for us to be happy. B： 哦，不是那样的。你知道妈妈的，她就是刀子嘴，豆腐心。她唯一希望的就是要我们幸福。 A：Well，I don't think it serves her end to criticize me all the time.I really don't want to go there.It's been a disaster for me every time we visit them.I promise，I will go with you next time. A： 哦，我可不觉得总是批评我能够达到那样的目的。我真的不想去那儿，我们每次去看望他们对我来说都是一场灾难。我向你保证，下次我会和你一起去的。
6.投其所好
A：I don't want to go to your parents' home. A： 我不想去你父母家。 B：But Mom will be very unhappy if you don't come along，so next time she will surely take it out even more on you.I think you'd better come with me. B： 可是如果你不一起去的话，妈妈会很不高兴的。所以下次她对你发脾气肯定会更厉害。我觉得你最好和我一起去。 A：Oh，god！ A： 啊，天啊！ B： I have an idea.We've got to do something to turn her attention away from you.The other day Dad told me over the phone that Mom has developed a love for porcelain recently.We can get her some porcelain in the department store. B：我有一个主意了。我们要做点事情来转移她对你的注意力。前几天，爸爸给我打电话时说妈妈最近迷上了陶瓷。我们可以去商场给她买一些瓷器。 A： Well I don't know.If the porcelain works，I'd rather get everything they have in the department store. A： 哦，我不知道。如果瓷器能起作用的话，我宁可把商场所有的瓷器都买下来。 B： We'll see. B： 看看再说。
老夫老妻
对老夫老妻来说，家尤为重要，金窝、银窝，不如自己的草窝(There's no place like home.)。家是一个人成长的地方，也是一个人一生之中的避风港。个人的性情、人格奠基于家庭，家庭生活能影响一个人的一生。家人是一生中最亲密的人，所以要彼此关爱，互相扶持。
典型对话
1.真正的感情
A：I've never believed that there is the true love in this world，but the marriage of my aunt and uncle makes me believe it. A：我从不相信这个世界上还有真正的感情，可是我姑姑和姑父的婚姻使我相信了这一点。 B：What is the difference？ B：有特殊之处吗？ A：The letters between them are so moving.When my uncle passed away，my aunt secluded herself from the world and removed to a small village. A：他们之间的书信是那么感人。姑父去世之后，姑姑就隐遁尘世，迁居小山村。
2.别胡思乱想
A：John，if you continue with your fasci
nation in dying，it's beginning to fizzle my good humour. A：约翰，你要是再在那儿胡思乱想死呀死的，我可就没有那样的好脾气了。 B：Eh，not fascination，it just crosses my mind now and then. B：不是胡思乱想，只是偶尔浮上心头。 A：Every ten minutes？ Don't you have anything else to think about？ A：每10分钟就偶尔一次？难道你就没有别的事想吗？ B：I think it's quite interesting. B：我觉得挺有趣的。 A： Well，why stop again？ Why don't you take your dive and get it over with？ A：好呀，为什么停下来呢？你为何不跳下去，一了百了呢？ B： Leave you alone with your grandson？ You must be mad. B：留下你和你孙子在一起吗？亏你想得出来。
3.生日宴会
A：Oh，my God.They are here.Now I've nothing and undressed.I look like an old character. A： 天啊……他们到了，可我还没有换衣服呢。我看上去像个老东西。 B：You are an old character. B：你本来就是个老东西。 A：Oh，no. A：啊，去你的。 B：If you want certain change，you'd better go upstairs. B：你觉得该换衣服就快上楼上去换啊。 A：Be nice to them. A：你对他们客气点。 B：Sure.I'll explain the risks they've had to be late on an old man's birthday party. B：当然啦。我会向他们说明，在老人的生日宴会上迟到，该担多大风险。
4.和气相处
A：It seems I won't take part in any course of that sort of celebration. A：看样子我的生日宴会是不值得庆祝的了。 B：But I want this to work out and make our little girl see she is welcome.That's all，what a good line if we could all get on along this time. B：我无非是想让我们的小女儿感到她是受欢迎的，别无他意，如果咱们大家这次都能和和气气地相处，该多好啊。 A：Em.Where the hell are they？ I'm getting old every minute. A：哼，他们倒是来不来，我可分钟都在变老。 B：They said they'll be here when they get here. B： 他们说一会儿就到这儿来了。 A：That's what they said？ A：他们是这么说的吗？ B： Yeah. B：对。
5.最后一代
A：What will we do with grand children. A：咱们有了外孙怎么办？ B：Sit them on the knee.The last of Wang，you know.And the end for the damn good name. B：放在膝头上玩呗，你知道，咱们是王家的最后一代，挺好的一个姓，从此就断了。 A：Yeah，and we gotta take it out in strong health. A：是啊，咱们要体体面面的退场了。
6.幸福的中年夫妻
A：There's something over there. A：那儿有什么东西。 B：Where？ B：在哪儿？ A：In the woods. A：在树林里。 B：A couple of people？ B：一对儿人吗？ A：No， a couple of antelopes.Of course a couple of people. A：难道会是一对羚羊，当然是一对儿人了。 B：They are nice middle aged couple，just like us. B：他们是一对幸福的中年夫妻，就像我们一样。
7.不是中年人
A： Middle aged means in middle，middle of life.People don't live to a hundred and fifty. A：中年意味着在中间，一生的正中间，谁也活不到150岁。 B：Oh，we are the part on the edge of middle，that's all. B：哦，我们是在中年的边缘，如此而已。 A：You know，we are not middle aged.You're old，and I'm aging. A： 你知道，我们不是，我们不是中年人，你老了，我也不年轻。
8.我忘了他们叫什么花了
A：Someone is at the door！ A：有人敲门。 B：It's me，old fool！ B：是我，老傻瓜。 A：Oh，look at you！ A：嘿，瞧你。 B：Oh，look at me.Quite a sight，aren't I？ Oh，Bob，it's so beautiful. All patch of little tiny flowers are over body of old celar hole.Eh，I forgot what they are things.Well，won't help me with the dust covers？ B： 哦，瞧我。不像这个样子，对不对？啊，鲍勃，这儿多美啊！古老的地窖的洞口覆盖着的一片小花，唉，我忘了它们叫什么花了，好了，愿意帮我收拾一下这些遮尘布吗？ A：I don't have anything else to do. A：我正无事可做呢。 B：Come on. B：来吧。
