The moment

Sofia and Arjun have been friends since college, and now they both live in Toronto. They're having lunch when Sofia starts smiling at nothing. She has news about someone from her pottery class, but she's scared to do anything about it. Listen for how Arjun pushes her a little, then stops before it becomes pressure.

The conversation

SofiaArjun
  1. Sofia
  2. Arjun
  3. Sofia
  4. Arjun
  5. Sofia
  6. Arjun
  7. Sofia
  8. Arjun
  9. Sofia
  10. Arjun
  11. Sofia
  12. Arjun
  13. Sofia
  14. Arjun

Words to know

be attracted to someone, usually early and lightly

I'm excited; give me all the details

stop thinking about something and continue with life

feel sorry later that you did or didn't do something

don't make it serious or heavy

I'm about to do something a bit scary

Check yourself

1Why is Sofia worried about asking Daniel for coffee?
2What does Arjun mean by "Coffee, not a marriage proposal"?
3What does Sofia decide in the end?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line in the gap. Round two: mute Arjun and say his lines. Give "No way. Tell me everything" real energy, rising on "way." Round three: mute Sofia. On "What if he doesn't feel the same way?" let your voice drop a little at the end; that's what nervous sounds like.

  1. SofiaArjun, can I tell you something? You have to promise not to laugh.
  2. ArjunI promise. Although you're already smiling, so this must be good.
  3. SofiaOK. I think I have a crush on someone from my pottery class.
  4. ArjunNo way. Tell me everything. What's his name?
  5. SofiaDaniel. He's funny and kind, and he's terrible at pottery, like me.
  6. ArjunThat sounds perfect. Have you two ever talked outside of class?
  7. SofiaA little. We got coffee once, but the whole group was there.
  8. ArjunSo why don't you ask him for coffee, only the two of you this time?
  9. SofiaWhat if he doesn't feel the same way? Class would be so awkward.
  10. ArjunThen it's awkward for a week, and you move on. But what if he does?
  11. SofiaHmm. I guess I'd regret it more if I never asked him at all.
  12. ArjunExactly. Keep it light, though. Coffee, not a marriage proposal.
  13. SofiaFair enough. OK, I'll ask him after class on Thursday. Wish me luck.
  14. ArjunGood luck. And I expect a full report by Friday morning.

Say it today

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