不同的国度，不同的文化背景，对友谊有着不同的理解。
Steven and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at an American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordon. He wanted to learn more about American culture and hoped that he and Steven would become good friends. At first， Steven seemed friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Some- times he offered to study with Yaser. Heeven invited Yaser to eat lunch with him.
But after the term was over， Steven seemed more distant. The two former classmates didn’t see each other very much at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steven. Ste- ven didn‘t seem very interested in talking to him. Yaser was hurt by Steven’s change of attitude.“Steven said we were friends，” Yaser complained，“ and I thought friends were friends forever.”Yaser is a little con- fused. As a foreigner， he doesn ‘t under- stand the way Americans use the word“ friend”in a very general way.
They may call both casual acquaintances and close companions“ friends”. Thesefriendships are based on common interests.
When the shared activity ends， the friend- ship may change. Now as Steven and Yas- er are no longer classmates， their“friend- ship” has changed. In some cultures. friendship means a strong life- long bond between two people. In these cultures friendships develop slowly， since they are built to last. American society is one of rapid change. Studies show that one out five American families moves every year. American friendships develop quickly， and they may change just as quickly. Peo- ple from the United States may at first seem friendly. American often chat easilywith strangers. But American friendlinessis not always an offer of true friendship. After an experience like Yaser’s people who‘ve been in this country for only a few months may consider Americans to be changeable. Learning how Americans view friendship can h e l p non-Americans avoid misunderstanding. It can also help them make friends the American way.
