A

I didn't know how to say no, and was afraid to tell people what I wanted. Instead, I got myself tangled (¾À½áµÄ) in a web of obligations, anxiety, and white lies.

The worst thing was that I didn't even realize what I was doing. I thought I knew how to say “no”— but couldn't remember the last time I had. Like a lot of people, I just wanted to be accepted, appreciated, loved—and that the only way to get those things was to put everyone else's needs before my own.

I never seemed to have time for things I really wanted to do. I'd like to learn Spanish, write more fiction, and travel. These aren't huge, unrealistic goals. And yet, my people­pleasing ways dramatically cut into my free time to pursue these desires.

But recently, I decided I'd had enough. As an experiment, I began standing up for myself, even at the risk of alienating (ʹÊèÔ¶) myself from everyone and having my entire life come crashing down around me. Several days ago, a good friend asked me to go for coffee at 5 p. m. I was planning to hit the gym and then binge—watch Mad Men for the millionth time. I said, “Sorry, I've got things I want to do tonight. ” She said, “That's fine. Maybe another time.” It was all so painfully simple that I wanted to cry.

Saying “no” is so much easier. If someone asks me to do something I have zero interest in, I'm polite but honest. “I'm sorry, I don't think that's really for me.” The words slip out my mouth faster than some other lame excuses.

Learning how to say “no” has added several extra hours to my days, days to my weeks, and what feels like months to my years. I no longer have to back­burner my plans to help friends with their job search, or set aside a weekend to read a book draft by someone I barely know. Saying “no” has set me free.

1£®Why was the author afraid of saying “no”£¿

A£®She didn't want to tell lies.

B£®She wanted to make more friends.

C. She wanted to please everyone.

D. She was always willing to help others.

2£®What was the bad point of being afraid of saying “no”£¿

A£®She alienated many friends.

B£®She was kept busy all day long.

C£®She felt depressed now and then.

D£®She had no time for her own hobbies.

3£®What was her friend's reaction when she said “no” to her?

A£®Angry.  B£®Painful.

C£®Natural.  D£®Disappointed.

4£®How did the author feel after she had learnt to say “no”£¿

A£®Relaxed.  B£®Lonely.

C£®Confident.  D£®Lost.