If you are a new-comer to the USA, you may find that your name is hard for the local people to pronounce. It often brings inconvenience and even causes some troubles. 【小题1】 Here are some practical suggestions for you.

Make your name easier

When you are applying for a job or attending a presentation, write down the phonetic spelling next to your name. This will make your name much easier. From my own experience, my new friends find this method useful. When they see “Ilincha [ee-lean-ka]”, they can follow the guidance correctly. 【小题2】

Act in a right way

If your name is being mispronounced, never remain quiet or question why they can’t pronounce it correctly. 【小题3】. Instead, you can behave politely by offering the right pronunciation to your friends. Just politely show them how to say your name right. And then, you can even start interesting conversations about the meaning of your name.

【小题4】

Remember, you shouldn’t change your name to fit in. Take me as an example. People often ask me if I have a nickname, or if they could just change my name into something easier. But I hold to my ground. I would be true to myself and say, “No, I would prefer to be called [ee-lean-ka] as this carries great meaning for mne.”

【小题5】. We should all love and celebrate each of our names. Therefore, be proud of your name and speak up for yourself.

How to Communicate as a Family

In today's busy world, many families struggle to see each other. That does not mean that our need for family has decreased. Most of us still long for a united family.【小题1】. Below are tips on it.

Use effective communication skills

Each member of the family should feel important and valued. 【小题2】. In order for your family members to hear your needs, you have to express them. Be polite but honest with your family during discussions.

Listen intently

【小题3】. Your family members will feel loved if their point of view is heard and respected. Avoid talking over your family members, and instead, listen to what they are saying.

Show appreciation for each other

Taking family for granted is easily done.【小题4】. Make it a point to tell each family member that you are thankful for them, and that you enjoy being a family.

【小题5】

Everyone in your family is not going to agree on every issue. As a family, you have to be flexible and accepting of each person's point of view. Avoid arguing over little things such as who should take the trash out; instead, make a conscious effort to divide responsibilities and privileges （特权）fairly.

When friendships fall apart, it can feel like it’s impossible to repair them. 【小题1】 However, some can be saved. If you’d like to restart a long lost friendship, here is a four-step plan.

【小题2】

Start by calling or writing a note to communicate one message: “Our friendship is valuable to me, and I miss you. Is there any way to settle what stands between us?” This simple step is a way to open the doors to reconciliation (和解). Set the ground to see if your friend is willing to seek solutions as well.

Forgive as best you can.

It’s tough to let go if you’ve been wronged. Feeling the need for revenge (报复) is natural. However, the problem with revenge is that it could become a bad cycle. How can you stop this? By forgiving. 【小题3】 The problems that cause the breakdown of a friendship are not one person’s responsibility. Keep this in mind, and you will be well on your way to forgiveness.

Find out the problem.

Finding out what went wrong is important. Don’t pretend there is no problem. 【小题4】 If a friendship can’t survive such a conversation, that may be a sign that it ought to end.

Rebuild respect.

The final step is to rebuild respect. 【小题5】 Highlight those you like best about them. Next, you need to admit your mistake. Take ownership, and ask for forgiveness. If you do this, then mutual (相互的) respect is almost certain.