[originaltext]W: Hey, Jimmy, a couple of us are going to Sam’s Bar after work.

W: Hey, Jimmy, a couple of us are going to Sam’s Bar after work. Care to join us?
M: Oh, um… thanks for the invitation, but I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll take a rain check (改期).
W: But you took a rain check last time!
M: Yeah, I know. I’m just not so fond of bars.
W: Well, how about joining the company picnic next Saturday? We’re playing beach volleyball and you could join our team! Come on! It’ll be fun!
M: Um… you’re so kind. But I’m really not sure if I’ll be able to make it.
W: Hey! I’ve got a perfect idea! We’re making plans for a dinner appointment with all the department heads this Sunday. You should definitely come!
M: Uh, I really appreciate what you are trying to do, and I don’t mean to be a wallflower. I’m just a bit shy. Plus, I really don’t like loud bars or clubs.
W: Let me tell you a secret. I hate bars and clubs too! You know, I’m not such a big fan of company events myself. But in today’s society these are the ways we connect. Social networking (社交网络) has boosted my career in so many ways.
M: Such as?
W: Well, take last week for example. I was at a club where I saw a guy I hadn’t seen for a long time. He starts talking about his friend who is looking for a computer programmer.
M: And you got the job?
W: Yeah! The next day his friend called me and yesterday we signed a contract. I’m going to be setting up their company’s website, and the money is pretty good.
M: Yeah, I can sort of understand your point. But how do I overcome my shyness? I’m just not very good with people.
W: I was super shy for years! Then one day I finally realized that the world isn’t looking at me.
M: What do you mean?
W: In other words, sometimes we feel shy because we think people are looking at us and judging us. But in reality, that’s almost never the case. When you are walking down the street, do you judge the people you see?
M: Not really. Maybe only if they’re wearing something really weird.
W: Right! So it helps to remember that others are usually not judging you.
M: Yeah, that does sort of help. Thanks! I’m going to make a greater effort to network and overcome my shyness. And yes, I’d love to join you at the bar this evening, and I’d be happy to play volleyball for your team next Saturday. I’ll even come to dinner this Sunday!
W: That’s the spirit!
M: See you later!
1. What will the woman do next Saturday?
2. Why does the man refuse all the invitations?
3. What does the woman say about company events?
4. What did the woman get after going to a club last week?
5. Why do people feel shy according to the woman?