While Bill was getting ready for work one Monday morning, he announced to his wife that he had finally decided to ask his boss for a salary raise. All day Bill felt nervous as he thought about the upcoming showdown. What if Mr. Smith refused his request? Bill had worked so hard in the last 12 months and managed to win a contract that was hard to get for Procter& Gamble. Of course, he should get a salary raise.
The thought of walking into Mr. Smith’s office left Bill weak in the knees. Late in the afternoon he was finally brave enough to approach his superior. To his delight and surprise, the mean boss agreed to give Bill a raise!
Bill arrived home that evening---despite breaking all city and state speed limits---to a beautiful table. His wife, Alice, had prepared a fabulous meal including his favorite dishes. Immediately he figured someone from the office had told her the news.
Next to his plate Bill 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 Alice was.
After dinner, Bill was on his way to the kitchen to get dessert when he noticed that a second card had slipped out of Alice’s pocket onto the floor. He bent forward to pick 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 how much I love you though you did not get the increase.”
Suddenly tears welled in Bill’s eyes. Total acceptance! Alice’s support for him was not conditional upon his success at work.
The fear of rejection is often softened and we can face almost any difficulty when we know someone loves us regardless of our success or failure.
What was Bill’s plan that Monday?
A.To request a wage increase from his boss. |
B.To get a promotion. |
C.To celebrate his success. |
D.To ask his boss to come for dinner. |
On his way home, Bill was .
A.excited | B.relaxed | C.nervous | D.puzzled |
We can conclude from the passage that .
A.unconditional love brings courage and strength |
B.work hard and you will be rewarded. |
C.many fears turn out to be unfounded |
D.we should never be afraid to demand what is due to |
Which of the following statements about the passage is FALSE?
A.Bill was afraid that his request would be refused. |
B.Bill had worked hard and done his part for the company. |
C.Bill’s boss agreed to his request. |
D.One of Bill’s colleagues had told his wife the good news. |