Some British and American people like to invite friends for a meal at home. You should not be upset if your English friends don’t invite you home. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you!

Dinner parties usually start between 7and 8 pm and end at about 11pm. Ask your hosts what time you should arrive. It’s polite to bring flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine as a gift.

Usually the evening starts with drinks and snacks. Do you want to be extra polite? Say how much you like the room, or the pictures on the wall. But remember –it’s not polite to ask how much things cost. In many families, the husband sits at one end of the table and the wife sits at the other end, they eat with their guests.

You’ll probably start the meal with soup or something small, then you’ll have meat or fish with vegetables, and then dessert, followed by coffee. It’s polite to finish everything on your plate and to take more if you want to. Did you enjoy the evening? Call your hosts the next day, or write them a short “thank you” letter. British and American people like to say “thank you, thank you, thank you” all the time!

One key to getting along well with people is knowing when to say you’re sorry. But it’s hard to apologize.【小题1】 Sometimes we just don’t know how to do it. Here are some tips that may make it easier to say you’re sorry.

【小题2】 The first step in apologizing is to admit to yourself that you have offended someone. And then it’s important to let the person you hurt know that you didn’t mean to do harm. At the same time, you must show that you take your mistakes seriously. Recognize that your actions caused a problem for the other person.

Show your regret. The other person needs to see that you have suffered, too.【小题3】 For instance, “I felt bad the minute I told your secret. I am ashamed of myself.”

Repair the damage.【小题4】 If you damaged someone’s property, offer to fix it. If the damage isn’t so obvious, ask, “What can I do to make it up to you?” There may be nothing concrete(具体的）you can do, but the offer must be sincere. “I’ll try to keep my mouth shut in the future. Meanwhile, let me buy you a cup of coffee.” Another way to repair the damage is to send a note or a small gift.

Use good timing.【小题5】 For example, if you bump(碰撞）into someone, say you’re sorry right away. Don’t wait until the next day to apologize. However, if you have done something more serious, like insulting (侮辱）a friend, your apology should be more thoughtful. A quick apology might seem insincere. Take the time to sit down, look the person in the eye, and apologize honestly.

Remember, it’s not about who “won” or “lost”. It’s about keeping a strong friendship.

Having a roommate can be one of the best experiences in college or, easily, one of the worst. It all depends on whether you have a good relationship with your roommate or not. Follow the advice to avoid the common mistakes that turn good roommate relationships bad.

◇ 【小题1】

Communication is key. If something happens, sit down with your roommate and have a face-to-face conversation. I’ve seen roommate relationships fall apart because something happens and instead of talking to each other, the two start complaining about their roommates behind their backs. 【小题2】

◇ Don’t expect to be best friends.

Some roommates become the best friends, and some don’t. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your roommate, especially when you first meet. 【小题3】 And if your roommate doesn’t end up being your best friend, don’t worry.

◇ Ask before you take.

This applies (适用) to food, clothes and anything else. If you want to keep a relationship going, show your roommate that you have respect for what is his or hers by asking first. 【小题4】

◇ Clean up after yourself.

This should be done without saying. Don’t be lazy. Or, at least, don’t bury your roommate in your clothes and garbage. Most people I’ve come across in college are dirty and untidy. 【小题5】 But putting your stuff in order will help you avoid conflict.