While Andrew was getting ready for work one Friday morning, he announced to his wife that he had finally decided to ask his boss for a salary raise. All day Andrew felt nervous and anxious as he thought about the upcoming showdown. What if Mr Larchmont refused to grant his request? Andrew had worked so hard in the last 18 months and landed some great accounts for Braer and Hopkins Advertising Agency. Of course, he deserved a wage increase.
The thought of walking into Larchmont’s office left Andrew weak in the knees. Late in the afternoon he was finally courageous enough to approach his superior. To his delight and surprise, the ever-frugal（一向节俭的）Harvey Larchmont agreed to give Andrew a raise!
Andrew arrived home that evening—despite breaking all city and state speed limits—to a beautiful table set with their best china, and candles lit. His wife, Tina, had prepared a delicate meal including his favorite dishes. Immediately he figured someone from the office had tipped her off!
Next to his plate Andrew found a beautiful lettered note. It was from his wife. It read: “Congratulations, my love! I knew you’d get the raise! I prepared this dinner to show just how much I love you. I am so proud of your accomplishments!” He read it and stopped to reflect on how sensitive and caring Tina was.
After dinner, Andrew was on his way to the kitchen to get dessert when he observed that a second card had slipped out of Tina’s pocket onto the floor. He bent forward to pick it up. It read: “Don’t worry about not getting the raise! You do deserve one! You are a wonderful provider and I prepared this dinner to show you just how much I love you even though you did not get the increase.”
Suddenly tears swelled in Andrew’s eyes. Total acceptance! Tina’s support for him was not conditional upon his success at work.
The fear of rejection is often softened and we can undergo almost any setback or rejection when we know someone loves us regardless of our success or failure.
小题1:What was Andrew’s plan that Friday?
A．To request a wage increase from his boss.
B．To get a job with the Braer and Hopkins Advertising Agency.
C．To celebrate his success with his wife at home.
D．To ask his boss to come for dinner.小题2:On his way back home, Andrew _________.
A．felt weak in the knees
B．was punished by the traffic policeman
C．was too anxious to share the news
D．couldn’t wait to enjoy a meal小题3:Which of the following statements about the story is FALSE?
A．Andrew was afraid that his request would lead to disaster.
B．Andrew had worked very hard and done his part for the company.
C．Andrew’s boss agreed to his request.
D．One of Andrew’s colleagues had told his wife the good news.小题4:Why did Tina prepare a grand dinner for Andrew that day?
A．She was confident of his getting a pay raise.
B．She meant to show her support whatever the result would be.
C．She believed that her husband was the best in his company.
D．She wanted to express her gratitude for his devotion to the family.小题5:We can conclude from the text that ______.
A．we should never be afraid to ask for what is due to us
B．work hard and you will be rewarded
C．many fears turn out to be unfounded
D．unconditional love brings courage and strength
