不只是簡報演講才需要「說一個好故事」說服人，專家發現，懂得講自己的生命故事，能創造生活的幸福感，也可能在感情相處趨於平淡時，幫助雙方找到共同前進的方向。進入本文前，請先想想如何表達以下單字：
(A) 賦予力量
(B) 乏味
(C) 撥出時間
People have loved to tell stories (1) since the dawn of language. What you might not know is that research has shown that the way people construct their personal stories has a large impact on their physical and mental health. Sharing stories with your partner encourages deep communication and is (A) empowering, says Kari Winter, a historian and literary critic at the University at Buffalo.
自從有語言以來，人們就喜愛說故事。你可能不知道的是，研究顯示，人們建構自己故事的方式，會對身心健康起巨大影響。水牛城大學的歷史學家兼文學評論家卡莉・溫特說，和伴侶分享故事能促進深入的交流並賦予自己力量。
As the spark in a relationship fades away, the conversation often becomes (B) mundane. Psychologists state the importance of continuing to tell each other stories in order to help you (2) bear in mind why you were attracted to each other in the beginning. Also, it helps you get through the tough times together.
當感情關係中的火花逐漸冷卻，兩人的對話往往變得平凡乏味。心理學家強調，持續說故事有助於提醒雙方當初為何互相吸引，而說故事也能幫助你們共同度過艱難的時刻。
Here are six tips for using storytelling to maintain the bonds in your relationship:
1. Remember the basics of a story: The emotions and lessons of the story should be authentic, and the story must have a structure and character development.
2. (C) Set aside story time: Really take time to talk about meaningful things.
3. Start with your “firsts”: Such as your first date, first kiss, how you first met, etc., because those are happy memories.
4. Tell stories of the past, present and future: Highlight great memories of the past to reconnect, tell a story of a current challenge to illuminate what's important to you, and talk about a story of a future event to visualize what you want for your relationship.
5. Include your emotions: Show you emotions rather than telling them.
6. Practice - (3) start off with something simple.
以下是用故事來維持關係的六個技巧：
1. 記得故事的基本要素：故事中的情感與啓示必須要真實，而故事必須有結構、有角色發展。
2. 特別空出說故事的時間：真正花時間來談有意義的事情。
3. 從你們的「第一次」開始說起：例如第一次約會、第一次接吻、第一次的相遇等等，因為這些是快樂的回憶。
4. 訴說過去、現在、未來的故事：從過去美好的回憶重新建立連結；談談現在遇到的困難，了解什麼對你而言是重要的；刻劃未來的故事，讓你對這段關係的期待變得有畫面。
5. 帶入自己的情緒：表達你的情緒，不只是敘述情緒。
6. 多練習：從簡單開始。
In addition to those six tips, Dr. Winter also suggests the three Rs: Reflect on the events. Refine what they meant to you. Read. Furthermore, “Learn from the masters,” she says.
除了這六個技巧，溫特教授還建議3個R：Reflect 省思發生的事件；Refine 從中提煉他們對你的意義是什麼；Read 閱讀。此外，「向大師學習」她說。
口語字彙
1. Since the dawn of 自…以來
Dawn 是黎明的意思，黎明是一日之始，這個片語就有”自…..以來”的意思。
People have pondered the meaning of life since the dawn of civilization. 人類自有文明以來，就一直思考著生命的意義。
2. Bear in mind 惦記，放在心上
想到記，很多人就會用remember，但bear in mind雖然也是記著，但與記憶無關，是惦記著，放在心上。
You better bear that in mind when you make a decision. 你做決定時最好把這件事放在心上。
3. Start off 從…開始
Start off就是start的意思，用片語表現，更口語，更有節奏感。
We should start off the day by doing some workout. 我們應該從做些運動開始這一天。 | 
