Transitions in Life

On this episode, I chat with an American woman living in Germany about life changes.

English Level: B2 🇺🇸🇨🇦

Show Notes:

1. Introduction (0:21)
2. Talking about transitions (1:20)
3. Transitions in relationships (3:15) (27:20)
4. Educational transitions (5:30)
5. How our parent’s experiences shape us (11:11)
6. Attitude of gratitude (18:30)
7. Germanisms (19:30)
8. Listening (24:25)
9. Advice for those going through transitions (36:00)

Vocabulary Words:

1. Transition (noun): Umstellung
2. Outlook (noun): Einstellung
3. Consistent (adj.): konsequent
4. Distinct (adj.): verschieden
5. Tangible (adj.): greifbar
6. Gratitude (noun): Dankbarkeit
7. Generous (adj.): großzügig
8. Atypical (adj.): atypisch

Phrases to Remember:

1. granted…: admittedly; it is true (used to introduce a factor which is opposed to the main line of argument but is not regarded as so strong as to invalidate it).
2. soul searching: deep and anxious consideration of one’s emotions and motives or of the correctness of a course of action.
3. to lean into something: To embrace; to experience fully or respond to wholeheartedly.
4. to come as a shock: big surprise
5. to rack up: accumulate or achieve something, typically a score or amount.
6. to get wrapped up: fully involved or interested in (something)
7. to go through the motions: do something in a perfunctory way, without any enthusiasm or commitment.
8. roll with it: To adapt to a situation despite unexpected circumstances or challenges.
9. to touch base: briefly make or renew contact with someone.

Mistake to Avoid:

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Comprehension Questions:

1. How many years did Ashley’s father-in-law work at the same company?
2. What are the two guarantees when you get married to someone?
3. What did Ashely originally study?
4. Where did she meet her husband?
5. (True of False) The experiences of Jorge’s parents affect the way he lives.
6. How does Jorge relate the game of poker to life?
7. How does an attitude of gratitude help us?
8. What did the Turkish man do when Jorge got out of the car?

Answers

Question to consider:

Have you gone through any major transitions in your life? How did you manage it?

Links:

• Ashley on LinkedIn
• Small Talk episode
• Most Common Mistakes Germans Make in English
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