1 . The Four Worst Car-Buying Mistakes

Here’s your crash course on what to keep in mind so you don’t end up paying more than you should for a new or used vehicle.

Mistake 1: Skipping the mechanical check

All new cars generally have to pass an inspection before they leave the lot.     1    , it’s suggested finding a local mechanic to conduct a prepurchase inspection before you complete the deal of buying a second-hand one.

Mistake 2:    2    

Car dealerships have been known to throw a bunch of extras onto a purchase once you’re signing papers. You can decline any of these items if they aren’t yet installed. And remember,   don’t give money for a test drive, ever.

Mistake 3: Skipping the things that do make sense to buy

The one thing worth buying from the dealership is brake replacement, which ensures your brakes are working properly. Whether you want to buy common add-ons such as roof racks and winter tires is a matter of personal preference.     3    .

Mistake 4: Regretting after signing the contract immediately

    4    .We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you usually have few options if you change your mind post-purchase. The best course of action is to do your research, think carefully and be sure a car is the right fit for you before signing on the dotted line.

Green hands are likely to make these “big mistakes” when buying their first car.       5    . So, watch out for and avoid them!

2 . There are few things more comforting than a hug. It’s a gesture that makes you feel loved, supported, and safe.    1    In fact, for some, even a simple touch on the shoulder can cause them great discomfort. In the event that this is a person close to you, you may have even felt rejected by their attitude. Knowing the reasons behind their behavior will help you understand them. Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes.

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A study has discovered that the degree to which we show physical affection and are comfortable with it depends on how we were raised.    3    However,as a matter of fact, some people who grew up with a lack of physical affection may later try to makeup for it. They’re the ones who always take the initiative and kiss and hug those close to them.

Low self-esteem and insecurity

    4    In fact, it’s been proven that the most insecure people generally feel threatened by being close to others. By marking and keeping their distance, they feel more in control of the situation. In fact, it means they avoid feeling vulnerable. Furthermore, they feel like it saves them from rejection or an emotional bond that’s too intimate.

Trauma (创伤)and abuse

Lastly, if individuals suffered physical abuse in their past, it is highly likely that they may reject any forms of physicaI contact. This rejection is often a result of the deep-seated fear and distrust that has developed within them due to their previous experiences. Indeed,traumatic events and negative experiences, such as physical violence or abuse, can generate a great fear of establishing physical closeness with others    5    

3 . A young woman was sitting next to her mother on the train; she was about 20 years old. Both of them looked tired but _________. The young woman was looking_________from the train’s window. Suddenly, she shouted, “Mom, look! The trees are behind us!” Her voice was so_________ that everybody on the train heard.

Mom smiled. But a young couple_________ nearby looked at the young woman’s behavior (行为) with pity. “Poor young woman. There must be something wrong with her_________ ,” they thought. About a quarter later, the young woman_________again, “Mom, look! The clouds are running with us!” Mom_________again. And she seemed very happy with the young woman’s words. _________ , the couple couldn’t help asking the old woman,   “Sorry if We offend (冒犯) you. But why don’t you _________your daughter to a good doctor?” The old woman smiled and said, “We have just come from a ____________.” “Then you should go to a(n)____________one. Because it seems that your daughter’s situation hasn’t____________,” said one of them. They felt so sorry for the old woman.“No, ____________ , I’m very happy with the treatment (治疗),” said the mother, “My daughter was blind from birth. Today, she is seeing the world for the____________ time.”

Every person has a story. Don’t judge people before you really know them, ____________you’ll be surprised at the truth.

6 . You may have wondered why there are fish tanks (鱼缸) at many doctor’s and dentist’s offices. Actually these medical professionals are trying to keep their working areas less stressful (有压力的) with the help of fish tanks. Because of the soft bubbling (冒泡声) from the fish tanks, their patients are expected to feel less nervous or worried when staying there.

The sound of running water can make people feel relaxed. For this reason, places where water keeps running are often considered good choices for people to have deep thoughts and stay relaxed in mind. Even a small tabletop fountain (喷泉) can make a workspace more relaxing. Unlike loud noises, repeated natural sounds remind that everything is OK. “These slow but soft sounds are just the ones that bring us no harm,” said Orfeu Buxton, a professor at Pennsylvania State University. “It seems like they are saying, ‘Don’t worry; don’t worry; don’t worry.’”

Besides bringing a sense of peace to your indoor space, a fountain can also prevent noises from coming inside. I recently had a small indoor fountain for my workspace. I enjoy the fountain even when I’m not working at home.

If you want to have an indoor fountain too, there are plenty of wonderful ones on sale, which may cost you a lot. You can try making one yourself, using some inexpensive materials, like I did. And you will always keep it around — 1,000 doctor’s offices can’t be wrong about the relaxing effects of running water.