Friend strains to forgive and forget insult

source of story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/tribu/askamy/

Dear Amy: How do you handle it when a "friend" insults you publicly? handle insult vtr publicly vtr (deal with) (with words) adv (in public) , () , ()

Recently, my friend and I were part of a group working together at church. When I showed enthusiasm for something that we were doing, she stated, "Little things please little minds." recently adv enthusiasm n state= say please vtr (in the recent past) , (passion, interest in sthg) , (make happy) ()

I was quite embarrassed to have that comment made in this circle of people whom I enjoy and respect. embarrassed comment n respect vtr adj (feeling ashamed) , (remark) , , , (person: esteem) ()

My instinct is to withdraw and to be quiet so I won't be insulted again. Although I want to forgive and forget, to preserve the "friendship," I don't want to be treated this way. How would you handle this situation? instinct although withdraw preserve n conj vi vtr (innate impulse) (though, even though) ~, ~ (draw away) , , () (maintain) , ()

Sensitive Friend

Answer the following questions in complete sentences using the words in the parentheses.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Why does she find it hard to forgive her friend? (her friend/ insult/ publicly) When was she insulted? (during/ group task/ church) Why was she insulted? (show enthusiasm/ the task) What does it mean when somebody says little things please little minds? (simpleminded/ get happy/ easily) 5. Why was she embarrassed? (comment/ made/ publicly) 6. Who heard the comment? (people/ whom/ enjoy and respect) 7. What did she do when she was insulted? (withdraw/ become quiet) 8. Why did she withdraw? (not want/ be insulted again) 9. What does she want to do? (forgive and forget) 10. Why does she want to forgive and forget? (preserve the friendship) 11. Why is she having second thoughts about forgiving and forgetting? (not want/ be insulted again)