地道美语听力练习:和家人相处问题多

Oscar:So you're back from your mother's birthday dinner. How was it?

Priscilla:Same old, same old.

It isn't a family gathering without a major meltdown or blowup.

Oscar:Yikes, what happened?

Priscilla:You know how it is.

It starts out with bickering and somebody taking offense at some slight or dig, or bringing up some old grievance.

Oscar:Well, that happens in most families.

Priscilla:Yeah, but in mine, they often turn into screaming matches.

We all raise our voices and somebody always storms out.

Oscar:Even at your mother's birthday dinner?

Priscilla:The occasion doesn't matter.

My mother tries to be the peacemaker, but it doesn't take much for tempers to flare.

Oscar:That never happens in my family.

Priscilla:What?! Your family doesn't fight when it gets together?

Oscar:No, we try to sweep things under the rug and put on a brave face.

Priscilla:What happens when you get mad at each other?

Oscar:Nothing.

Priscilla:What do you mean nothing?

Oscar:A lot of our family meals are eaten in stony silence.

Priscilla:Wow, I think I prefer our knock-down, drag-out fights!