However seemingly boring, the choices we make in social activities almost always depend on those with whom we’re dealing. If we’re out of work, for example, and meet someone for the first time, we would tend to act differently if we believe he or she is a potential (潜在的) boss. We’d probably be more attentive, keep longer eye contact, choose our words a little more carefully, speak with increased confidence, and so on. With good friends, or perhaps those who don’t have high respect, our conduct would almost certainly be less respectful. Who the receiver is and, or rather, the status (地位) level that we attach to him or her, affects how we express ourselves.
Our feelings about the use of laughter and humor will also depend on those with whom we’re relating. Their status will help direct the course of activities. We feel more comfortable expressing laughter in the presence of close friends than near a scientist or a leader.
Not only will we adjust our direction of conversation based on others’ status, but also on their emotional state or mood at the time of the exchange. If friends are celebrating their job promotion, we’re going to be more comfortable laughing with them than under more typical conditions. If they’re dealing with a job loss, we’ll probably avoid drawing attention to their job.
As social animals, we’re born with an ability to “read” the status and the emotional state of others. This is true even when dealing with strangers. Most of the time their clues are nonverbal (非语言的), many being realized subconsciously (下意识地). For example, expensive clothing or watches might show their financial status; something about their facial expressions or willingness to make eye contact can suggest their mood.
This will lead us to the next, and maybe most important question: What is the nature of the relationship between the sender and the receiver or receivers? The answer directly affects our ability to understand who someone is and how they are. This will be the topic I deal with beginning with my next chapter.
【小题1】What does the example in Paragraph 1 suggest?| A．Shared respect is the basis of friendships. | B．The choices we make are of great importance. |
| C．Social activities are affected by status. | D．Communication is easier between equal partners. |
| A．A potential boss. | B．A newly married friend. |
| C．A recently-promoted leader. | D．A prize-winning scientist. |
| A．By observing how they dress. | B．By asking about their wish to talk. |
| C．By focusing on their conversational clues. | D．By understanding their body language. |
| A．An official report. | B．A philosophy magazine. |
| C．A textbook. | D．A social science book. |
