We can make mistakes at any age. Some mistakes are about money. But most mistakes are about people. "Did Jerry really care when I broke up with Helen?" "When I got that great job, did Jim, as a friend, really feel good about it?" "And was Paul friendly just because I had a car?" When we look back, doubts like these can make us feel bad. But when we look back, it is too late. Why do we go wrong with our friends? Sometimes what people say hides their real meanings. And if we do not really listen, we miss the feeling behind the words. When someone tells you, "You're a lucky dog!" Is he really on your side? If he says, "You're a lucky guy!" that is being friendly. But "a lucky dog"? There is a bit of envy (嫉妒) in those words. What he may be saying is that he does not think you deserve your luck." Just think of all the things you have to be thankful for" is another phrase that says one thing and means another. It could mean that the speaker is trying to get you to see your problem. But this phrase contains the thought that your problem is not at all important. How can you tell the real meaning behind someone's words? One way is to have a good look at the person talking. Do his words fit the way he looks? Is what he says shown by the tone of voice? His posture? The look in his eyes? Stop and think. The minute you spend thinking about the real meaning of what people say to you may save your another mistake.