The moment

Mia and Eric were roommates in college. Now Mia is married, and they're catching up over dinner in Toronto for the first time in a year. Mia starts with Eric's knee injury, but Eric has bigger news, and a worry about it. Listen for phrases from across the unit: health, dating, proposing and the wedding itself.

The conversation

MiaEric
  1. Mia
  2. Eric
  3. Mia
  4. Eric
  5. Mia
  6. Eric
  7. Mia
  8. Eric
  9. Mia
  10. Eric
  11. Mia
  12. Eric
  13. Mia
  14. Eric
  15. Mia

Words to know

walking with sticks after an injury

hope for something for a long time

start talking about a topic

in a relaxed way that doesn't seem planned

Check yourself

1What is Eric worried about?
2Why does Mia mention Bella's sister's wedding?
3What does Eric decide to do?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line in the gap. Round two: mute Eric and share his news yourself; let "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about" slow down, because it's the turn in the conversation. Round three: mute Mia and give the advice. Then tell a partner or a mirror one piece of real news from your own life in three sentences.

  1. MiaSo how's the knee? Last time I saw you, you were on crutches.
  2. EricMuch better, thanks. I'm running again, trying to get back in shape.
  3. MiaGood. And are you still seeing that architect? Bella, right?
  4. EricWe've been together for two years now. Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about.
  5. MiaWait. Are you about to tell me you're popping the question?
  6. EricMaybe. I've bought the ring. But I'm not sure she wants a big wedding.
  7. MiaWhy? Have you two ever talked about it?
  8. EricNot really. I want something small, maybe city hall and a nice dinner.
  9. MiaAnd you're worried she's dreaming of three hundred guests and a string quartet?
  10. EricExactly. Her sister had a huge wedding in Nairobi, and she loved every minute.
  11. MiaLoving her sister's wedding doesn't mean she wants the same one.
  12. EricThat's true. So what should I do?
  13. MiaAsk her, casually, before you propose. It has to be personal, remember?
  14. EricYou're right. I'll bring it up this weekend, very casually.
  15. MiaVery casually. And when she says yes, I expect to be invited.

Say it today

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