Section 1 discusses relationships and includes exercises matching phrases about relationships and their definitions. Section 2 covers ending relationships and includes exercises filling in phrases about breaking up. Section 3 poses discussion questions about ideal relationships, marriage, divorce, and custody issues.

1. B2, EOI CARTAGENA
Isabel Bastida & Ana Mena

2. THREATS FOR RELATIONSHIPS

3. 1. RELATIONSHIPS
1 Put these in the right order. Then complete the sentences:
a) Paul and Amber decided to __________________ after only 6 months of dating. They’ve
been happily married ever since.
b) He decided to _________her _________ on a date to a fancy restaurant.
c) After a few drinks, Paul got the courage to approach Amber and __________________.
d) Paul chose a romantic weekend in Paris to __________________ to his girlfriend. To his
delight, she accepted.
e) I think it’s about time for you to __________________. You’ve had your fun in life!
f) After only a few weeks the couple started to ____________. They see each other almost
every day now.
g) I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. How long have you been __________________?
h) If you really _____________________ Mary, work up the courage and let her know!
Tie the knot
Chat someone up
Have a crush on someone
Settle down
Go steady
Ask someone out
Go out with someone/ date someone
Propose

4. 1. RELATIONSHIPS
A
Blind marriage
Starter hearts
Lonely bar
Lifelong date
Soul commitment
Singles mate
B
Eligible other
Significant office
Arranged Right
Mr ceremony
Registry bachelor
Civil marriage
2. Match the definitions. Take turns to give a definition and
guess the expression.

5. 1. RELATIONSHIPS
3. Try to explain the meaning of the expressions in your
column.
A
Have an affair with someone
Think the world of someone
Be on the same wavelength as sb.
Have a crush on someone
Flirt with someone
B
Hit it off
Be infatuated with someone
Have a fling with someone
Be seeing someone
Be unfaithful to someone

6. 1. RELATIONSHIPS
4. Complete the sentences with the appropriate phrasal verb.
a) I didn’t use to like Emma but she’s beginning to grow _____ me.
b) Who was that girl you were chatting _____ in the bar last night?
c) Tom fell _____ _____ Alex and now they’re not speaking.
d) They had a terrible row last week but I think they’ve made _____ now.
e) I’m not sure Jill will ever get _____ Paul. He meant the world to her.
f) Chris and Jennifer have split _____. I thought they were getting on well.

7. 1. RELATIONSHIPS: IDIOMS
Match the idioms with the definitions:
1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
2. Birds of a feather flock together.
3. To rob the cradle.
4. To know someone inside out.
5. If you make your own bed, you have to sleep on it.
6. To two-time somebody.
A. They are very similar in many ways, so they naturally spend time together.
B. To cheat on their partner by having a romantic relationship with another
person at the same time.
C. To have a romantic relationship with someone who is much younger than
yourself.
D. To know a person very well.
E. When someone is not with us, we love them even more.
F. If you create a situation, its your responsibility to solve it.

8. 2. ENDING
RELATIONSHIPS
1. Complete the sentences with an expression from the table
below.
a) Eve was very unhappy in her relationship. In the end, she decided to ___________
her boyfriend.
b) The couple ___________ last year. They don’t even talk to each other now.
c) John may seem bossy, but it’s really his wife that ___________ in their relationship.
d) Ben ___________ his fiancé at the office party. However, the couple made up a week
later.
e) Their marriage has ___________ for a long time. I think they are going to get a divorce
soon.
f) After ___________________, some people need time to _______________.
g) We never really had much in common, so over time we just ___________
split apart-- dump – wear the trousers – cheat on - grow apart - split up – be on the rocks– get over

9. 3. DISCUSSION
-What’s an ideal relationship to you?
-Do you believe in love at first sight?
-Do you know anyone who has had an arranged marriage?
-Do you think getting married means giving up freedom?
-How long do you think couples should know each other before getting married?
-Why do couples sign a pre-nuptial agreement?
-What are the most common reasons for filing for divorce?
-Which of the grounds for divorce below are most/ least understandable?
unequal burden of housework - adultery – boredom -
physical abuse – lack of physical intimacy
-What happens at the end of a custody battle?
-What can happen during an acrimonious divorce?
-Is it possible to have an amicable divorce?
-What usually happens if a parent refuses to pay maintenance for their children?
-What do you think of the divorce laws in your country?
-Why do people continue to get married these days?

10. 3. DISCUSSION
-What’s an ideal relationship to you?
-Do you believe in love at first sight?
-Do you know anyone who has had an arranged marriage?
-Do you think getting married means giving up freedom?
-How long do you think couples should know each other before getting married?
-Why do couples sign a pre-nuptial agreement?
-What are the most common reasons for filing for divorce?
-Which of the grounds for divorce below are most/ least understandable?
unequal burden of housework - adultery – boredom -
physical abuse – lack of physical intimacy
-What happens at the end of a custody battle?
-What can happen during an acrimonious divorce?
-Is it possible to have an amicable divorce?
-What usually happens if a parent refuses to pay maintenance for their children?
-What do you think of the divorce laws in your country?
-Why do people continue to get married these days?