Marina: Can you close the window, Jacob? It's rather cold today.
Jacob: I'm busy. You can do it yourself if you want.
Marina: Fine, I'll do it. You are being selfish, as usually.
Jacob: I'm not selfish. I'm just saying that I'm busy at the moment. If you don't like my character, you can find someone else who will do Maths homeworks for you.
Marina: Are you trying to say that I'm stupid and lazy? I can do my homework myself. You don't have to help me at all. I thought we were friends and friends are there to help each other. I've also helped you with lessons of French. Have you forgotten already?
Jacob: No, I haven't. I'm thankful for all your help but you don't have to remind me about that every time we quarrel.
Marina: Well, obviously we have different characters and views on life. Fred would never refuse to help when he was asked.
Jacob: Who is that Fred? Is he your new classmate?
Marina: Yes, he is a newcomer from Wisconsin. He is a nice, polite and hard-working guy with good manners.
Jacob: You've just described an ideal guy. He must be really smart if he won your trust so quickly.
Marina: He is. Moreover, he is honest, kind and rather friendly. We became friends the first day he arrived. He never refuses to do homework together or to do a favour when he's asked.
Jacob: How about Leslie? Is she still your friend and homework buddy?
Marina: No, we broke up. She turned out to be rather selfish, arrogant and bad-tempered.
Jacob: At the beginning you said she was very nice, intelligent and reliable. Don't you remember?
Marina: Well, yes I thought she was nice. At first she seemed to be shy and clumsy. She was also a newcomer last year. I just wanted to help her to adapt to new surrounding.
Jacob: And what? Did she change so quickly?
Marina: I guess I needed a year or so to see how obnoxious she can be. Some people are nice only on the surface, you know.
Jacob: I know what you mean. I just want to say that this Fred can also turn out to be nice at first sight. You need some time to understand what kind of people are you dealing with.
Marina: We'll see. In my opinion, this guy is rather considerate. Last weekend I asked him to accompany to the gym and he didn't refuse. Then I asked him to look after my turtle when we were away, he also agreed. If I asked you to do something, that would take ages.
Jacob: Oh well, I'm not saying I'm perfect. At least, I'm sincere. When I don't like something, I tell it straightaway without trying to seem nice.
Marina: That's not a bad quality, but you could try to be more understanding and compassionate sometimes.
Jacob: I'm trying to be understanding. However, each time I agree to do something for you, you become officious. You start being bossy and rude.
Marina: Really? I've never noticed it.
Jacob: That's the point. People don't usually see their own problems with character and don't want to accept their faults.
Marina: Well, you should have told it before. I would try to be more considerate.
Jacob: Now you know. It's time to work on your character. I'm glad I'm not the only imperfect human being.