Talking about relationships

What type of person do you go for (what kind of person are you attracted to)? If you hit it off with someone then you immediately like and become friendly with them. When you talk in a way that shows them that you are attracted to them and you try to make them attracted to you, you chat up that person. You pair off with someone when you start a relationship with them.

As you can probably guess, in English we have plenty of expressions we use to talk about relationships. Below are some that may be new to you although we may have looked at them in previous activities.

Relationship Phrases

fall for someone - to fall in love with somebody

fit in - to be accepted by a group of people

get along - to have a friendly relationship

ask someone out - to invite someone to go on a date

go out with someone - having a romantic relationship with someone

pick up - a way of talking which suggests that you are attracted to somebody and want them to be attracted to you

fall out - to quarrel with somebody and damage the relationship

falling out - (noun) argument

Agony Aunt Activity

To help you learn today's phrases here's a quick activity. Phyllis, an agony aunt, is replying to a letter she received. Fill in the gaps in her replies with the correct words.

An 'agony aunt' is a newspaper columnist who answers questions and offers advice on personal problems to people who write in.

Dear Doreen,

Your letter about your office party is typical of many I get. Everybody tries to hit it _1_ with somebody new, and a lot of the evening is spent in picking _2_ people in the hope of finding a good relationship. But be careful. You could end up with a reputation for flirting and then the really nice guys will be too nervous to go _3_ with you or even ask you _4_ on a date. Good luck at the party, I hope you meet someone who falls _5_ you. Remember, you have see your workmates every day so the most important thing is to make sure you all get _6_. The last thing you want to do is fall _7_ with a coworker because of something that was done and or said at the party.

Relax and enjoy it.

Phyllis

Now complete the letter with the correct missing words:

• Missing word 1 is:
  
  in
  off
  out
  
  
• Missing word 2 is:
  
  off
  up
  out
  
  
• Missing word 3 is:
  
  out
  along
  on
  
  
• Missing word 4 is:
  
  out
  on
  up
  
  
• Missing word 5 is:
  
  out
  on
  for
  
  
• Missing word 6 is:
  
  along
  out
  up
  
  
• Missing word 7 is:
  
  in
  along
  out