英语博客：ESL Podcast 729 – Being Blunt and Stubborn

　　Simone: So, what did you think of Bruce? Isn’t he great?
Dirk: Well, he’s certainly direct and forthright¹ with his opinions. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who speaks his mind the way he does.
Simone: Yeah, isn’t that great? I’ve never liked a guy who straddles the fence or has namby-pamby opinions. I’ve always liked guys with strong opinions.
Dirk: Well, there’s strong and there’s pigheadedness. Don’t you think?
Simone: What?! You think Bruce is pigheaded, just because he doesn’t budge² when other people try to sway him? I think that’s an admirable trait.
Dirk: I think being blunt can be admirable under the right circumstances, but being stubborn as a mule³ can make it hard on other people, don’t you think?
Simone: No, I don’t. Other people can pull their punches if they want to, but a man who’ll speak up about what he believes in and stand by it is a real man to me.
Dirk: I can see why you two make a perfect couple. I hope never to be on the wrong side of an argument with either one of you.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 forthright   

adj.直率的，直截了当的 [同]frank

参考例句：

• It's sometimes difficult to be forthright and not give offence.又直率又不得罪人，这有时很难办到。
• He told me forthright just why he refused to take my side.他直率地告诉我他不肯站在我这一边的原因。

2 budge   

v.移动一点儿；改变立场

参考例句：

• We tried to lift the rock but it wouldn't budge.我们试图把大石头抬起来，但它连动都没动一下。
• She wouldn't budge on the issue.她在这个问题上不肯让步。

3 mule   

n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人

参考例句：

• A mule is a cross between a mare and a donkey.骡子是母马和公驴的杂交后代。
• He is an old mule.他是个老顽固。