Ex. 1. read the text and find russian equivalents or explain the following phrases: in the company of smb; develop into mutual trust; share attitudes and values; gain confidence; more secure; exclusive relationship with smb. how we choose our friends a survey conducted by a telephone helpline in the usa found that young people today rely less and less on their families and more and more on their friends. why so? a friend is a person you know and like well. how do we choose our friends? the words friend and free come from the same root word suggesting that the main thing in a friendship is the freedom to be ourselves in the company of another person. most friendships begin with shared interests or activity which gradually develop into mutual trust, openness, affection and loyality. we like people who share our attitudes and values. when someone agrees with us or makes the same choice that we have made, we gain confidence in our own views. there is also a tendency to enjoy the company of people of the same economic status and level of education. most young people say that they have a main group of about fifteen close friends, not just one or two best friends as was the case long ago. having a close group of people than to have exclusive relationship with one person. friends share problems, gossip, jokes, concerns and hobbies. this is all young people need and long for.