【英语时差8,16】不为他人著想的宠物饲主真讨厌

 Dear Annie: My husband and I recently retired¹ to a large community where many of the folks own pets. Cat owners permit their cats to jump all over their kitchen countertops and even the table. Dog owners allow their animals to scratch your legs and get hair all over your new outfit², and all they say is, "He'll calm down after awhile," which never happens. And some of their homes smell. We want to make new friends but need them to understand we don't enjoy their dogs jumping all over when we arrive with dishes in our hands. If I owned a dog, I would absolutely be considerate enough to put the animal where it won't disturb anyone when guests come. Where is common sense these days? — Anonymous³ Dear Anonymous: These people love their pets and consider them part of the family and may not realize that others may take a different view of the animals. You need to be very direct: Tell these people their animals make you uncomfortable and ask that they please put them in another room. If they are unwilling⁴, the only way to maintain a friendship is to socialize outside their homes.

1 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

2 outfit   

n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装

参考例句：

• Jenney bought a new outfit for her daughter's wedding.珍妮为参加女儿的婚礼买了一套新装。
• His father bought a ski outfit for him on his birthday.他父亲在他生日那天给他买了一套滑雪用具。

3 anonymous   

adj.无名的；匿名的；无特色的

参考例句：

• Sending anonymous letters is a cowardly act.寄匿名信是懦夫的行为。
• The author wishes to remain anonymous.作者希望姓名不公开。

4 unwilling   

adj.不情愿的

参考例句：

• The natives were unwilling to be bent by colonial power.土著居民不愿受殖民势力的摆布。
• His tightfisted employer was unwilling to give him a raise.他那吝啬的雇主不肯给他加薪。