The Fluent Mind ESL Podcast

Situation:You're running late for an important meeting and are desperately searching for a parking spot. As you turn into a crowded parking lot, you spot an available space. However, another driver is also eyeing the same spot and begins to approach it from a different direction. You speed up and manage to get into the spot just before the other driver can.Now, you're left wondering if you might be perceived as the jerk in this situation. What's your take on it?Transcript:00:00:00JackYou're listening to the A-Z English podcast.00:00:13JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and today I have another episode that I like to call. Am I the jerk?00:00:24JackSo here is the situation.00:00:27JackYou're running late for an important meeting.00:00:30JackAnd are desperately searching for a parking spot.00:00:34JackAs you turn into a crowded parking lot, you spot an available space.00:00:43JackAnother driver is also eyeing the same spot and begins to approach it from a different direction.00:00:51JackYou speed up and manage to get into the spot just before the other driver.00:00:58JackNow you're left wondering if you might be perceived as the jerk in this situation.00:01:05JackWhat's your take on it?00:01:09JackWell, here's my take.00:01:12JackIn my opinion.00:01:16JackA parking lot.00:01:18JackIs a jungle.00:01:24JackThat means it's the rules of the jungle.00:01:28JackWhoever gets there first gets the spot.00:01:33JackThat's how I feel about it.00:01:37JackIn English we say.00:01:39JackBy hook or by crook.00:01:44JackYou get the spot.00:01:45JackOK, now there are a couple of.00:01:48JackWhat we call.00:01:49JackIn English caveats, OK, exceptions to the rules.00:01:55JackOne exception would be did you do something illegal?00:02:00JackIn order to get the spot, for example, did you drive the opposite direction down a one way lane?00:02:10JackOK, so if you if you went in the opposite direction of a one way lane where you broke the law.00:02:19JackIn order to grab that space then I would say yes, you are a jerk. But if you followed the rules and you got there faster.00:02:33JackOK.00:02:35JackThen it's your spot.00:02:38JackIt doesn't matter if someone else eyed it first. If you get there first, it is yours.00:02:47JackThe rules of the jungle apply.00:02:52JackNow here's another exception I would say.00:02:56JackIf the other car.00:02:59JackWas just waiting for a car to pull out.00:03:05JackAnd so that car stopped.00:03:09JackPut put the blinker on.00:03:12JackAnd was just waiting for another car, the car to pull out so that he or she could take that spot. And then you zoomed in and took it away, stole it. Then yes. You are a jerk in that situation because the other car was there first.00:03:34JackI consider whoever is there first.00:03:37JackIt's their spot, OK?00:03:41JackThose are the rules of the parking lot. It's a jungle out there, especially in a in a busy city like where I live.00:03:49JackYou have to. You have to be quick. You have to be smart. You have to be ruthless. OK, ruthless.00:04:00JackWhich means sometimes almost cruel.00:04:03JackIn order to get a spot.00:04:07JackAnother expression we use in English is nice guys finish last.00:04:14JackOK. Nice guys, finish last.00:04:18JackIf you let everybody that's looking for an open spot go first, you will never find a spot. So if you get there 1st and you can fit your car in there.00:04:32JackIt is your spot, even if the other person saw it first. Doesn't matter because your car got there first. OK, if you got there first.00:04:45JackIn my rule book, it is your spot and no matter what the other person says.00:04:52JackIt doesn't matter. You followed the rules, the rules of the jungle and you got there first. You were the Wildcat and the other driver was your prey.00:05:04JackOK, OK. And so you win and sometimes you win, sometimes you lose in a parking lot situation and everybody has to just accept that that's the way it is. Everyone's fighting for a free parking space.00:05:25JackAnd if your car gets there 1st and you didn't break the law, you followed the rules. You know you didn't, you know, run over 5 people in order to get to the spot as long as you followed the rules and you didn't, you know, hurt anybody or put anyone in danger.00:05:44JackYou were driving safely, but you got there more quickly.00:05:49JackThen I believe that is your spot and you are not the jerk.00:05:56JackSo that's my opinion. Let me know what you think. Send us an e-mail at at OC englishpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment on our website A-Z englishpodcast.com.00:06:10JackYou can join our WhatsApp group by clicking the link in the show notes, the show description or you can also join our WeChat Group and with that said.00:06:20JackWe will see you next time drive.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-am-i-the-jerk-for-taking-a-parking-space/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here are some major historical events that happened on December 29th:1845: The United States annexes the Republic of Texas, which had gained independence from Mexico in 1836.1890: The Wounded Knee Massacre occurs in South Dakota, USA, marking the end of the Indian Wars on the American frontier.1934: Japan renounces the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and the London Naval Treaty of 1930, leading to an arms race and increasing tensions in the Pacific.1940: During World War II, the Second London Naval Treaty is signed by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, regulating submarine warfare and limiting ship tonnage.1972: Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashes in the Florida Everglades, resulting in 101 fatalities.1975: A bomb explosion at LaGuardia Airport in New York City kills 11 people.1989: Czech writer and dissident Vaclav Havel is elected president of Czechoslovakia, marking the end of 41 years of Communist rule.1992: Fernando Collor de Mello, the first democratically elected president of Brazil in 29 years, resigns amidst corruption charges.2001: A fire at the Mesa Redonda shopping center in Lima, Peru, kills at least 291 people and injures more than 200 others.2003: The fourth-largest inland oil spill in U.S. history occurs when a storage tank ruptures in the town of Lockhart, Texas, releasing approximately 460,000 gallons of crude oil.These events span different time periods and regions, reflecting the diversity of historical occurrences on December 29th.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-december-29th/Social Media:WeChat account ID: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Go the extra mile: To make a special effort or go above and beyond what is required.Example: The tour guide went the extra mile to ensure that we had a memorable experience during our vacation.A stone's throw away: A very short distance.Example: The hotel is just a stone's throw away from the beach, so we can easily walk there.Catch the travel bug: Developing a strong desire to travel.Example: After her trip to Europe, she caught the travel bug and started planning her next adventure.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-idioms-related-to-travel/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here are a few notable occurrences that happened on December 28th:1832: John C. Calhoun became the first Vice President of the United States to resign, stepping down over differences with President Andrew Jackson.1846: Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted to the United States.1895: The Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumière, held the first public screening of films in Paris, marking the birth of cinema.1912: The first municipally owned streetcars began operating in San Francisco.1945: The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.1973: The Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.1981: Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American "test-tube baby," was born in Norfolk, Virginia.2000: U.S. retail giant Montgomery Ward announced it was going out of business after 128 years.Remember that these events are just a selection, and there may be other, less widely known events that also occurred on December 28th throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-december-28th/Social Media:WeChat account ID: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The hosts discuss getting into the holiday spirit, including seeing lights and decorations, hearing Christmas music in stores, and the commercialization of Christmas. They share different ways to get into the holiday spirit, such as playing Christmas music and creating a festive atmosphere. Listeners are asked to share how they get into the holiday spirit and an advertisement for holiday meals and ingredients from Bakers grocery store is included.

Here are some historical events that occurred on December 27:537: The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, was inaugurated by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.1703: The Great Storm of 1703, one of the most severe storms in the history of the British Isles, made landfall. The storm lasted until December 28, causing significant damage and loss of life.1831: Charles Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle, beginning his famous journey that would later contribute to the development of his theory of evolution.1904: The play "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" by J.M. Barrie premiered in London.1927: Kern and Hammerstein's musical play "Show Boat" opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City.1945: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was created with the signing of an agreement by 29 nations.1968: Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, returned safely to Earth.1985: Palestinian guerrillas opened fire at the El Al ticket counter at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport, killing 16 people and injuring 99.2001: The People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States.2007: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide attack.These events span various centuries and regions, showcasing the diversity of historical occurrences on December 27.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-december-27th/Social Media:WeChat account ID: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This podcast discusses significant historical events that happened on December 26th, such as the Battle of Trenton, the discovery of Radium, Winston Churchill's address to Congress, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack share their lists of items they need when they are traveling. What items make your trip more comfortable when you travel?Transcript:00:00:00JackYou're listening to the A-Z English podcast.00:00:14JackWelcome to the agency English podcast. My name is Jack, and today I'm here with my co-host, Social and social. What are your when you fly somewhere, what are your necessities like? What are your travel necessities? What must you have when?00:00:31JackYou get on that plane.00:00:33JackTo make the the.00:00:34JackThe trip the the most comfortable it can be.00:00:38XochitlUM.00:00:40XochitlYou know Jack.00:00:42XochitlI'm kind of like just to suffer.00:00:43XochitlThrough the flight kind of person, I'm.00:00:45XochitlNot really picky.00:00:49XochitlMy trip, but I guess a couple things I absolutely have to have are a cell phone, obviously for entertainment purposes my earphones so I can listen.00:01:04XochitlTo music or what?00:01:06XochitlAnd uh, a book or like my laptop just so I can read or just do some work or like something while I'm on the plane. And I always take try to take something to cover up like a a hoodie, a jacket, a shrug because it gets really cold on an airplane.00:01:26XochitlAnd UM.00:01:28XochitlI remember this one time. I was like, I traveled in a T-shirt and I was absolutely freezing my arms off and.00:01:39XochitlI was. I was dying. It was so cold.00:01:43XochitlAnd I asked the lady, hey, can you can I can I get a blanket because they give them pants and she said no, that's only for first.00:01:50XochitlClass and there.00:01:51XochitlWere literally no passengers like on this plane. It was just like me and like two other people I don't.00:01:56XochitlKnow why there?00:01:56XochitlWere so few.00:01:57XochitlPeople, but they wouldn't give me a blanket.00:02:00발표자UM.00:02:02XochitlBut you just I, you know, I don't really like the whole first class distinction anyway. It's just so stupid and.00:02:10XochitlThat jerk behavior made me like it just made me so mad, but I was like, I'll never get on an airplane without something to cover up because I was literally so cold I had to put my arms inside my shirt.00:02:20XochitlBecause I just couldn't handle how.00:02:21JackYeah, I was going to ask you, did you do the old inside the shirt move? Because that's pretty much all you can do at that point. Otherwise you're just going to be so uncomfortable.00:02:31XochitlYeah, it was bad. Like my fingers were like stiff from how cold it was.00:02:35JackWow. Yeah, that's terrible. And I can't believe they wouldn't give you a blanket. That's nuts.00:02:41XochitlYou throw these out anyway. Come on, just give.00:02:43XochitlMe one or whatever like.00:02:44JackI think I've.00:02:45JackTaken I've stolen like 20 of them by now, you know.00:02:50XochitlI know a lot.00:02:50JackLike when I'm all over my house.00:02:51발표자Of places.00:02:53XochitlYeah, I know it's crazy airlines. They get cheaper and cheaper every like the flight gets more and more expensive, but the airline itself cuts costs every possible way every year.00:03:03JackYeah, the the seeds get closer together and just slowly, all this stuff is happening and yeah.00:03:08XochitlThat's spring beans. Yep.00:03:13JackMy travel necessity is the same. I I have to have a hoodie like I always travel with a hoodie no matter what. Because like you said, if you get cold, I just throw the hoodie up over my my head and cinch it down and just kind of disappear into my clothes. I don't. Does that make sense?00:03:33XochitlYes it does.00:03:33JackIt's like it's like a shield, you know? It's like I don't wanna deal with I I don't wanna be sitting next to somebody. I'm already cramped in there. I have to have my phone. I have to have headphone.00:03:46JackI am because I you. I will listen to podcasts. That's my, you know, as a podcaster, I'm also a huge podcast fan. I probably listened to 15 or 20 different podcasts, a lot of true crime. And so I'll have a whole bunch queued up for a flight, and I'll kind of listen to them.00:04:08JackThroughout the flight at certain times.00:04:10JackTo just kind of.00:04:12JackKill that you know, because I'm usually flying 1516 hour flights. Right. I'm going back to America from South Korea, which is on the other side of the of the.00:04:22JackEarth. So it's really a long flight and you, I need those little treats. That little podcast episode.00:04:23발표자Right.00:04:31JackAnd here and there to to keep me sane. I also will bring a neck pillow. I find that because otherwise your head is kind of is not. It's kind of like a bobble head. Your your head is kind of loosey Goosey.00:04:51JackSo when you fall asleep.00:04:53JackSitting up your head will kind of like your neck will kind of like snap. You know one side or the other, but a neck pillow will.00:05:02JackKeep your your.00:05:03JackNeck stationary, so you can actually sleep with your your. You could sleep sitting up and so I think the neck pillow is a really is a really.00:05:13JackA big one.00:05:13JackFor me, so neck pillow electronic device. I usually don't mess with my computer because I'm too tall.00:05:20JackAll, and there's no way I can get my computer on my lap and comfortably use my computer so.00:05:27XochitlWhy don't you just put it?00:05:28XochitlOn the tray table in front of you.00:05:29JackBecause because my knees.00:05:31JackAre so tight that I can't get the tray table to go flat.00:05:35XochitlRight cause you're like 6 like.00:05:37JackI'm 68 well.00:05:39JackI I shrunk I'm 6-7, I just got measured and now I'm I'm shorter than I was before.00:05:45XochitlThat's insanely tall anyway 6.00:05:47JackYeah, 6-7 is still. I'm still a giant so.00:05:50JackI can't even get the tray and if somebody moves their chair back in front of me, forget about.00:05:55JackIt they're gonna.00:05:56JackBreak my computer. You know, it'll get, like, smashed, like a like a sandwich. So.00:06:04JackYeah, I mean, those are the, those are my, those are my big ones. You know I I gotta have, uh, I gotta have an electronic device to play with and I've gotta have my neck pillow and my hoodie and comfortable shoes that can be slipped off and on easily, you know. No boots.00:06:24JackI would never do that on a.00:06:26JackRight. I don't know how do you feel about taking shoes off on a flight? Are you anti that or?00:06:34XochitlIt's like I would if it weren't, I would if it weren't like I don't agree with doing it, but I wish like I kind of wish I could. I don't know how to explain this. It's like I feel really.00:06:50XochitlLike ohh God, how do I?00:06:53JackLike impolite or or like that, like poor etiquette.00:06:57XochitlWould feel like such.00:06:58XochitlLike a like a jerk. And it would be gross like to to just like, have my feet out. But if it were for my own comfort, I would definitely like take my shoes off and then just like cross my feet if there's no one else. Like next to me in any of the seats. Then I do like I sometimes will take my shoes off and just like cross.00:07:16XochitlMy feet in.00:07:18XochitlCross my legs.00:07:19JackYeah, I would never put my feet up on anything with my, with my socks or anything like that or God forbid, my bare feet. You know that, I mean.00:07:27발표자Oh, God no.00:07:27JackThat's they're so, you know, people clipping their.00:07:28XochitlThat's nice.00:07:30JackNails on the flights and.00:07:32JackAnd all kinds of just nasty stuff, you know, I mean, people, the bad behavior that I've seen on flights is ridiculous.00:07:42JackI do think I think I have slipped my my shoes off UM a few times and just crossed my feet like you said, kept them under the, you know, the.00:07:52JackHeat, but generally speaking I I guess I don't really do that that much. I usually just wear really comfortable shoes.00:08:01JackSo I don't have to.00:08:03XochitlYeah, I wear comfy shoes too, but then, like, sometimes your feet get hot or, like, get just uncomfortable for some reason. And I just, like, take my shoes off, but obviously not like if I knew my feet smelled bad or something, but thankfully they don't stink. And then I just would slip my feet off, slip my shoes off sometimes, but I definitely don't really do that anymore. I think when I was younger.00:08:03발표자If you have that here.00:08:23XochitlLike when I was a kid, I would.00:08:25XochitlDo it more.00:08:25XochitlOften because I just really hated the sensory feeling of like wearing shoes.00:08:31XochitlBut as I've gotten older, I'm kind of over it, so I'm OK with that, but.00:08:39JackAlright, well, I think we had good, good, we.00:08:42JackHave a good.00:08:42JackList I think.00:08:45XochitlYeah. Well, tell us listeners, if you've ever been on a flight, let us know what your flight essentials are. If you haven't, then let us know what your travel essentials are. Leave a comment down below on our website AZ English podcast.00:08:58XochitlDot com shoot us an e-mail at at ozenglishpodcast@gmail.com or join our WhatsApp or WeChat Group and we will see you guys next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-what-are-your-travel-necessities/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Explore historical events that occured on December 25th, including the first recorded Christmas celebration, the crowning of emperors and kings, a successful crossing of the Delaware River, the end of the War of 1812, a fire in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Christmas truce during World War I, the resignation of Mikhail Gorbachev, and the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami.

Dear Xochitl and Jack,I hope this email finds you ASAP. I find myself in a bit of a sticky situation, and I'm desperately seeking your wisdom to get me through this unexpected conundrum.So, I'm currently on a Christmas date with my incredible boyfriend at this insanely fancy restaurant. The ambiance is magical, and he just surprised me with an unbelievably expensive Christmas present. I'm talking about jaw-dropping, multiple-times-more-expensive-than-what-I-got-him kind of surprise.Now, here's the kicker—I had to excuse myself to the bathroom not once, but twice to collect myself. I didn't want him to see the internal struggle I'm going through right now. I'm genuinely touched by his generosity, but it caught me off guard, and I'm not sure how to handle it.Should I give him the gift I got for him, even though it feels like pocket change compared to what he gave me? Or should I come up with some elaborate excuse to avoid the whole exchange and prevent any awkwardness?I'm typing this from the bathroom on my phone, and I can feel the seconds ticking away. Your advice means the world to me, guys. I need to make a decision, and fast!Sincerely,In a Holiday Gift QuandaryTranscript:00:00:00JackDear Jack.00:00:04JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today I have a dear social and Jack e-mail from one of our students. Actually, this is a a text message. I don't think we received it in time to help this person, but.00:00:22JackWe can try to give them a little help.00:00:25JackAfter the situation, so let me let me read the e-mail here really quickly and then you'll understand what I'm talking about. Dear, social and Jack, I hope this e-mail finds you well. I'm in a bit of a pickle and could really use your wise counsel on how to navigate through a delicate situation and for our listeners.00:00:46JackThere, when you say in a bit of a.00:00:47JackPickle means I'm.00:00:49JackI have a problem. I'm in a pickle. I have a problem.00:00:54JackLast night, my boyfriend and I went out for a special Christmas dinner at a fancy restaurant. Everything was going well and the atmosphere was perfect.00:01:04JackHe surprised me with an extraordinarily expensive Christmas present and I was truly taken aback by his generosity.00:01:15JackThe thing is the gift he gave me is many, many times more expensive than the one I got for him.00:01:24JackI'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I excused myself to the bathroom a couple of times during the evening to collect my thoughts. I didn't want him to see that I was struggling with this.00:01:38JackUnexpected turn of events. Now I find myself confused about what to do next. Part of me feels I should give him the gift I got for him, even though it's not as good as the one he gave me. On the other hand, I'm afraid that it might make the situation.00:01:58JackAwkward or hurt his feelings. I genuinely, genuinely appreciate his thoughtfulness and generosity, and I don't wanna do anything that might over shadow the joy of the moment.00:02:10JackSo social and Jack, I'm turning to you because I respect your opinion and would love to hear your perspective on this matter. How should I handle this delicate situation without causing any discomfort or making him feel like he went overboard? Thank you so much for your time and guidance. Sincerely caught in a gift.00:02:37XochitlThat can happen.00:02:39XochitlAnd I think it's OK I think.00:02:41XochitlA lot of there are a lot of factors to consider. One does he make significant?00:02:45XochitlGently, more money than you or like, do you. Are you having any financial struggles or anything? Because in that case I think it's perfectly excusable. And he'd probably understand and expect that you won't be giving him some lavish gift.00:02:59XochitlTwo, how thoughtful was your gift? Maybe it wasn't as expensive, but was it something that you put a lot of thought? And.00:03:09XochitlLike energy and effort into? Because if so, then I believe that he would appreciate it. Anyway. Things don't have to necessarily be equal in monetary value as long as they're equal in thoughtfulness. I think that's enough.00:03:24XochitlAnd three, I would say just have a conversation say, hey, look, I really, I appreciate your gift. I'm feeling kind of embarrassed because for XYZ reason, I didn't really go all out for you this year and I wasn't expecting such a thoughtful and expensive gift from you.00:03:42XochitlUM.00:03:45XochitlYou know what can I do to make make it up to you? Like maybe think ahead of time and try to. If it wasn't a very thoughtful gift, try to get him a more thoughtful gift, even if it's not an expensive gift or you know, as we know, I'm a huge proponent of the experienced trip or whatever. So you could plan some kind of.00:04:06XochitlIt doesn't have to be a trip or anything, but just some kind of.00:04:09XochitlMemory. Beautiful memory experience that you guys can do together.00:04:16XochitlThat I think would be equally as thoughtful.00:04:19XochitlJack, what do you think?00:04:21JackI'm going to go.00:04:22JackTake a little bit of a different.00:04:23JackAngle here I think.00:04:26JackMaybe this is an old fashioned viewpoint, but I think men like to.00:04:33JackEmpress to Woo, Woo is like attract, you know, so.00:04:38JackI think.00:04:40JackYou know I.00:04:40JackI don't think he's. I don't think he's measuring. You know what I mean? I think if it were between, like 2 friends and one friend spent $100 and the other friends spent $500, then that's an awkward situation because you, you're. There's a miscommunication there. Like, it's not.00:05:00JackYou know what, I.00:05:01JackMean you're not spending this the same thing?00:05:04JackBut even then it could be it could.00:05:05JackBe because one person makes a lot more.00:05:07JackMoney and so.00:05:08JackSo you know, they felt like I could be more generous and I don't expect anything back. And so I would say if you know.00:05:15JackIf he's your.00:05:15JackBoyfriend. He he loves you. I don't think he's really concerned about how much you paid for it. I think like what you said. It's the thoughtfulness that went into the gift, you know?00:05:30JackIf he's really into gaming and you got him a game that he really wanted, yeah, it might be a fraction of the price of what the thing that he bought you.00:05:43JackI mean if.00:05:44JackHe wants to splurge and spoil you. I think you know, like, let him and don't feel.00:05:50JackGuilty about it?00:05:52JackThat's my feeling. I I don't think she needs to feel like.00:05:58JackShe's her gift is somehow below. Yeah. Giving him, like, I would just give the gift. I I think not giving him anything would be worse because it would be kind of like I don't even. I didn't even think about you. You might mention something.00:06:03JackThree-year.00:06:10XochitlRight.00:06:17JackAnd say like.00:06:18JackI'm a little bit embarrassed.00:06:20JackThis is no nowhere near.00:06:22JackAs you know, expensive as what you got me. And he might say. Yeah, I know. I know. We, we we discussed you know only $100 but I love you. I wanted to do something special for you. And so I think it's OK to spoil each other in a relationship sometimes. I just don't think it's OK to spoil someone.00:06:42JackAnd then expect to be spoiled back.00:06:45JackAnd and and have hurt feelings when you when it doesn't.00:06:45XochitlRight, right. Like you're.00:06:49JackHappen, you know.00:06:51XochitlRight, right. Like he he probably or we're.00:06:54XochitlHoping he gave it to her.00:06:57XochitlWithout expecting anything in return, like he didn't give it to her to get something equally as amazing back, he did it for her because he wanted to make her happy. And in that case, yeah, I don't think she has to worry about necessarily matching his gift dollar for dollar or, you know, effort for effort as long as.00:07:06JackRight.00:07:17XochitlYou know you.00:07:19XochitlYou're trying on your end, UM, and that and that will happen over a long term relationship of time together there's sometimes where, for example, with my boyfriend last Christmas.00:07:28XochitlMiss my gift was.00:07:32XochitlMore thoughtful than his. And then for our birthdays this year, his gift was more thoughtful than mine for his birthday.00:07:40XochitlSo it's just you.00:07:41XochitlKnow it's where you're never gonna meet each other.00:07:43Xochitl100%.00:07:44XochitlRight where you're at.00:07:46XochitlEvery single holiday, because sometimes you have more money, sometimes you have less money. Sometimes you had other expenses that month.00:07:52XochitlUM, sometimes you had other family obligations or expectations, or friend expectations or obligations, and just whatever can happen. There are a lot of different things that can come in the middle and you are just rarely.00:08:06XochitlYou know, be exactly eye for an eye like a relationship isn't transactional in that way.00:08:13JackShould never be transactional exactly, and if he has a temper tantrum, then this there's that's a red flag in the relationship.00:08:24JackThe fact that she's so worried about it, I mean, it makes me think that they're kind of newly dating, so they're kind of figuring this stuff out a little bit. So he's trying to impress her and she's, you know, kind of on not, I don't wanna say defense. So, but you know what I mean? Like, he's pursuing her. But they did say their boyfriend and girlfriend.00:08:43JackSo they are.00:08:43JackA couple they must have been dating for.00:08:45JackWhile I.00:08:46XochitlRight.00:08:48JackI I just.00:08:48JackI really don't see any problem with this at all, as long as her gift is is thoughtful, I don't really think the price is the is the most important thing. I think the thought the thought behind it is what really matters and and he must understand.00:09:00XochitlRight.00:09:05JackHow much money she makes, she must know.00:09:08JackWhat kind of money she makes, and maybe he makes a lot more money. And in that case, then he could probably has the has the freedom to spoil her with nicer gifts and he.00:09:20JackProbably wants to.00:09:21JackDo that because he loves her. So I would say don't feel guilty. You're this is. You're letting your own self esteem.00:09:28JackKind of get in the way of enjoying this and I would say just relax, take a deep breath, give him your gift, accept it graciously and enjoy the night. And. And don't ruminate about about it, because it's just gonna ruin your evening. So that would be my advice.00:09:48XochitlYep, I definitely agree. Listeners, what would you do if you were in this situation? If you were in a pickle like this? Tell us what would be your reaction? What would be your response and what would you do to remedy the situation? Or do you think it's not a problem at all kind?00:10:04XochitlOf like Jack and I.00:10:06XochitlThat as well, let us know in a comment at A-Z englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com or shoot us a message on our WhatsApp.00:10:17XochitlGroup or on our WeChat group. And if you have an question that you would like to ask us or some advice that you would like to get from us, make sure to shoot us an e-mail about that as well. Again at A-Z, englishpodcast@gmail.com and we will talk to you guys.00:10:33XochitlNext time bye bye bye.00:10:34JackBye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-dear-jack-28-in-a-holiday-gift-quandary/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fluent-mind-esl-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy