VIP Class Notes (Jesse) [W]

Speaking of marriage, people tend to think that the key to a successful marriage is that husband and wife are like-minded. They should have similar tastes of food, music and books, they should have alike opinions on issues, and even have similar life experiences. This might be true, but what shall we do if our partner is quite opposite in terms of character? My husband and I are not very much alike, he prefers practical things like digital products while I am into sentimental things like flowers and ornaments. We had tons of divergences when we renovated our apartment. Furthermore, giving gifts is never his forte that he can never figour out what I really desire, although his sincerity of trying to find a perfect gift is very touching. But we still respect each other. I think the secret of a good marriage is accepting the differences between each other and never trying to change your partner.

Speaking of / In terms of / When it comes to / On the subject of / When considering marriage, people tend to think / it is said / it is commonly believed that the key to a successful / lasting / enduring marriage is that husband and wife are / the couple is like-minded / are often on the same page / have a lot in common. They should have / they should share / it is important that they have similar tastes in food, music and books, they should think alike on issues, and even have comparable life experiences / backgrounds / life history. This might be true / right / factual / the case, but what should we do if our partner / significant other (SO)  is quite different in terms of character? My husband and I are not very much alike, in that he prefers practical things like digital products / electronics while I am into sentimental things like flowers and ornaments. We had tons of divergences when we renovated our apartment. Furthermore, giving gifts has never been his forte in that he can never figure out what I really desire, although his sincerity of trying to find a / the perfect gift is very touching. We still respect each other even though we have so many differences at times. I think the secret of a good marriage is accepting each other’s differences and never trying to change your partner.

Vocabulary

if i saw a product once i could draw it out – i could draw it 

i used to be able to do sth

important / crucial / imperative / critical 

in that = and by that I mean / which means / so

it’s the thought that counts 

my life experience is comparable (able to be compared because of similarity) to yours

they should think alike 
they are alike 

groundbreaking (adj) – very new / totally changes the market or industry

the taste of this food is good
i have a good taste in food 

difference of opinion
eg. we have a difference of opinion