【英语时差8，16】对生日期待太多

 Dear Annie:

I will be 40 this year and really want to celebrate this milestone¹ in my life. In the past, my husband has told me he needs plenty of notice to plan something special for my birthday, but we've never done much.

Six months before my birthday, I asked him to plan a party for me. He said he thought it was a great idea and would take care of it. Well, Annie, it's only one week until the big day and he hasn't planned any kind of party. I am crushed².

I never ask this man for anything. I am the cheerleader, the cook, the laundress and the nurse. I wasn't asking for an elaborate³ event, just 30 people or so.

If I want the party now, I'd have to plan it myself. I am so hurt. Am I wrong? － Doesn't Matter AnymoreDear Doesn't Matter:

Your husband likely had no idea what to do or where to begin. He was overwhelmed⁴ by the need to make it special－so he procrastinated⁵.

Unless he's planning to surprise you, your expectations may have been unrealistic. He needed guidance. Do something less grand for this birthday and plan a party for your 45th. Be sure to give him a guest list and some practical suggestions.

1 milestone   

n.里程碑；划时代的事件

参考例句：

• The film proved to be a milestone in the history of cinema.事实证明这部影片是电影史上的一个里程碑。
• I think this is a very important milestone in the relations between our two countries.我认为这是我们两国关系中一个十分重要的里程碑。

2 crushed   

a.压碎的，倒碎的

参考例句：

• The car was completely crushed under the truck. 小轿车被卡车压得完全变形了。
• The box was crushed when the car ran over it. 汽车辗过箱子时把它给压碎了。

3 elaborate   

adj.详尽的；复杂的；vi./vt.详述；详细制订

参考例句：

• You understand the situation;I needn't elaborate any further.你对情况是了解的，我不必再进一步详谈了。
• He made an elaborate hairstyle.他做了一个复杂的发型。

4 overwhelmed   

[ overwhelm ]的过去式

参考例句：

• She was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt. 她感到愧疚难当。
• If (one was) overwhelmed by passion, it could lead to serious blunders. 当感情完全淹没理智时，就可能铸成大错。

5 procrastinated   

拖延，耽搁( procrastinate的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• She procrastinated her return. 她拖延了归期。
• He procrastinated until it was too late to do anything at all. 他因循坐误，一事无成。