The moment

Oliver and Fatima are finishing their first dinner together at a noodle place in Singapore. It's gone well. Oliver wants the night to keep going, but Fatima has an early meeting. Listen for how she says no to dessert without saying no to him, how he takes it, and how he asks before a goodbye hug.

The conversation

OliverFatima
  1. Oliver
  2. Fatima
  3. Oliver
  4. Fatima
  5. Oliver
  6. Fatima
  7. Fatima
  8. Oliver
  9. Fatima
  10. Oliver
  11. Fatima
  12. Oliver

Words to know

want to do something that's suggested

start going home

casual: this is my stop, door or car

casual for "yes, I'll do that"

the plan is fixed; here it's also a small joke

Check yourself

1Why does Fatima say no to dessert?
2How does Oliver handle the goodbye hug?
3What does Fatima mean by "Dessert next time, I promise"?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Fatima and practice saying no to more time kindly, warm first ("That's sweet") and then clear. Round three: mute Oliver and practice taking a no well and asking before a hug. Say "No problem at all" so it sounds relaxed, not disappointed.

  1. OliverI'm really glad you picked this place. The noodles were incredible.
  2. FatimaMe too. I've been wanting to try it since it opened in March.
  3. OliverI'm not quite ready for the night to end. Are you up for dessert somewhere?
  4. FatimaThat's sweet, but I've got an early meeting tomorrow, actually. I should head home soon.
  5. OliverNo problem at all. Can I walk you to the station, at least?
  6. FatimaI'd like that. It's only about ten minutes from here.
  7. FatimaThis is me. Thanks for tonight, Oliver. I had a really great time.
  8. OliverSo did I. Would it be OK if I gave you a hug goodbye?
  9. FatimaOf course. And text me when you get home, OK?
  10. OliverWill do. I'd love to do this again, if you're up for it.
  11. FatimaI'd love that too. Dessert next time, I promise.
  12. OliverIt's a date. Get home safe, Fatima.

Say it today

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