Words to know

have far too much work or too many things to do

find time for someone in a busy schedule

agree to do more than you can manage

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

AmeliaJun

Practice · 3 min

Take Jun's part first, then Amelia's. Jun lists his week fast, almost proud of it; Amelia gets shorter and flatter each time: "Okay. Wednesday?" "Thursday, then." Soften your voice on "I'm not angry. I just miss my friend."

  1. AmeliaJun, finally. You're a hard man to find these days.
  2. JunI know, sorry. I'm completely swamped at the moment.
  3. AmeliaThat's fine. Let's get dinner this week. When are you free?
  4. JunMonday's my running club. Tuesday I'm helping my cousin with his website.
  5. AmeliaOkay. Wednesday?
  6. JunWednesday I promised to walk my neighbor's dog. She's in Berlin.
  7. AmeliaThursday, then.
  8. JunI'm volunteering at the library. And Friday is my Spanish class.
  9. AmeliaJun, can I say something? You've said you're swamped since June.
  10. JunHave I? It doesn't feel that long.
  11. AmeliaIt's October. I've been trying to fit into your schedule for four months.
  12. JunWow. I'm sorry. I think I've taken on too much.
  13. AmeliaYou say yes to everyone. Except the people who want to see you.
  14. JunThat's fair. And a bit painful to hear.
  15. AmeliaI'm not angry. I just miss my friend.
  16. JunOkay. The website can wait a week. My cousin will survive.
  17. AmeliaSo Tuesday?
  18. JunTuesday. And I'm putting it in my calendar right now, with an alarm.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.