Dear Emma,

    Your problem is like a circle. The harder you study, the less time you have to make friends and the less friendly you look to your classmates. The fewer friends you have, the harder you study to make {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(you) feel better.

    Try to break this bad circle. Perhaps you are afraid of meeting new people, because you are too shy or too serious {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(begin) a conversation. You are not. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(someone) has a fun side to his character. Push your shy side away and {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(给……看)your classmates how much fun you can be.

    Look at your classmates. Try to find out {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(是否) or not there are any people with whom you feel you have a lot in common .

    First, smile at your classmates. Do this as often as you can, until your classmates become used to your smiles and smile in return.

    Next, talk to your classmates. Do this {#blank#}6{#/blank#}classes or during your lunch break. You may find {#blank#}7{#/blank#} easier to start by talking to people when they are {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(lonely).

    Perhaps you could ask a classmate about your studies. They are likely to respond (回应) in a very positive way. People like to feel important and helpful. {#blank#}9{#/blank#} must be someone else in your class who is also quiet. It might be easier to try to talk with him or her.

    Your problem is mainly about confidence. Smile first, talk next and {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(slow) you will make friends. Once you have more confidence, you can make as many friends as you want.

Editor

I was looking through my old photos last Sunday. One photo {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(catch) my eye. In the photo, I was sitting in a chair, hugging Duke, my best friend in the whole world.

    Duke was an interesting name for such {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(an) little dog. But he was my friend from the moment I could walk. He stayed with me in that chair when I read {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(book). When I went outside {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(play) games, he would drive our cats up to the trees and then walk off feeling proud of {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(him). When he was hungry, he would carry his food dish in his mouth and drop {#blank#}6{#/blank#}at my mum's feet. When I was sick, he refused to leave my bed until I got {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(well) than before.

I learned a lot from Duke. I learned that a short sleep at noon could be good {#blank#}8{#/blank#}you. I learned that the simplest dinner can be delicious {#blank#}9{#/blank#}you eat it with great enjoyment. I learned that life can be good when you live it with love and joy.{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(sad), I also learned that life is short, especially if you are a dog.

    To me, Duke is like a teacher who has taught me how to love and to be loved.