By Rachel Mitchell Text Copyright 2018 by Rachel Mitchell

Get-together [Noun] (an informal social gathering in which people meet each other; reunion).
We usually have a family get-together at Christmas.
Hold conversations [Verb] (to have conversations).
Students who are at an intermediate level should be able to hold conversations on a variety of topics in English.
Rather than just talking to people you know, you should be able to hold conversations with new people.
Relatives [Noun] (the members of your family, such as an aunt, uncle, cousin, and so on).
I have relatives in Boston. We rarely visit our relatives.
Loved ones [Noun] (people that you love, usually members of your family).
After the accident, hundreds of people phoned the emergency helpline to know if their loved ones were alive.
People scatter ashes of their loved ones at amusement parks.
Affection [Noun] (a gentle feeling of liking or loving someone or something).
He had a deep affection for his parents. Children need lots of love and affection.
Come up to me [Verb] (to approach someone).
An old man came up to me and asked for $10.
I came up to him and asked him for a light. Unfortunately, he doesn’t smoke.
Calm someone down [Verb] (to make someone less angry).
I set the table and calmed him down about the sauce.
She was smiling at me, a smile which calmed me down instantly. Talking to him calmed me down.
Optimistic [Adjective] (be positive, confident and hopeful about the future or the success of something).
He was optimistic about the outcome of the operation. We are optimistic about the future of the company.
Break up [Verb] (to end a relationship).
He moved away after the break-up of his marriage. She wants to break up with him.
Cheryl and her boyfriend decided to break up.
Look at/on the bright side [Expression] (to think of the advantageous/positive/good things).
I always try to look at the bright side of every situation. Take a look at the bright side of education.
Pessimistic [Adjective] (to think of the disadvantageous/negative/bad things).
He’s pessimistic about his chances of finding a good job. Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future.