今天我所讲的美德是体贴.The virtue in question today is about care and empathy (注：“体贴”无法以单一英语词汇形容,要看情况而定）
体贴在现代汉语词典中的意义是 The definition of empathic concern in modern Chinese is
对别人的心理或情况进行了解并予以关心和照料,the care and attention rendered towards others upon understanding his feelings and circumstance
细心揣度别人的心情和处境,给予关切,照顾.delicately conjecturing and offering concern afterwards
事实上,In reality
一个体贴的人,an empathetic person
在日常生活中往往能更快地获得大家的尊重,earns the respect of others quickly
在一个团队抑或是一个集体中,within a team or organization
体贴的人也是必不可少的.an empathetic character is indispensable
有这么一个故事：There runs such a story
一户人家在过年前准备糕点,A family was preparing pastries before New Year
忙了大半天总算大功告成,eventually completing the colossal task
媳妇把它放在厨房的地上晾干.the daughter-in-law airs the pastries on the kitchen floor.
没想到先生回来,一不留神,一脚踩到了糕点.The husband returns home oblivious to the pastries,stepped onto it.
先生缩回沾满糕点的脚后,很难为情地对四周一脸惋惜的家人说：Retracting his foot in embarrassment,he apologized profusely
“非常抱歉,我实在太不小心了!” for being exceptionally careless.
他的妹妹立即接腔说：His sister interjected offering an escape,
“是我不好!刚刚我进来时也差点踩到,当时我如果把它移开就好了.” "I could've moved it when I sidestepped it earlier on"
在旁的媳妇连忙说：The onlooking wife interrupted hastily with yet another self-blaming excuse
“哎呀,是我不对,糕饼做好,我应该拿到合适的地方晾干,就不会发生这种事了.” "I should've placed the pastries in a better place to air and all these could've gone away"
这是婆婆也说话了：Now,is was mother's turn
“原本厨房的灯事开着的,我为了省电才关起来,反而造成更大的损失.” "I though turning the lights off could save us some energy,look at what happened!"
没想到这是公公也开口拦下了这个错误：Finally,Father stepped in
“不不不!我进厨房很多次了,早改想到有人进来会踩到糕饼,我事先做一些防范就好了!” "I should've foreseen this getting in and out of the kitchen and did something"
一个人踩到糕点,One family member commits a mistake
全家都争先承认自己的疏忽,the entire family stands ready to admit it upon themselves individually
那种互相体谅,彼此关怀的情谊,好 令人感动啊!It is truly touching upon appreciating the sympathy,care and understanding demonstrated between them.
至于糕点能不能吃,似乎已经不是很重要了.As to the pastries,it is no longer material.
如果先生一踩到糕点就破口大骂：Had the husband vociferated after ruining the pastries
“怎么搞的,是谁把东西放在这里?”
你想事情会如何收场?what would you think the ending be?
我们大多数人在异乡为生机奔波操劳,Most of us are engrossed in the ruse of daily living
常常很浮躁很苦闷.enduring pent up frustrations.
其实我们改变不了生活境遇,We can't change the environment
却完全可以改变自己的心态,不是吗?but,instead,are in full control of our attitude.Isn't it?
因为那样不是向生活妥协,It is not about compromising towards life
只是为了让自己过得轻松一点,快乐一点.but to lavish ourselves a composed and relaxed,happier life.
这就是体贴的真正意义.Such,is the true essence of empathy and care.