even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
authenticity; credibility
going on and on (about inconsequential things); talking nonsense; idling away the time; dawdling
roundabout; indirect; circuitous; ignorant (of the world)
leaving everything to someone else
opposite effect; adverse effect; backfiring
to stare at each other; to lock eyes with
any kind of; every; whatsoever; whatever
axis; shaft; center; centre; stalk; stem
impressions; thoughts; feelings; opinions
uncertain; unreliable; inauthentic; insecure
chaos; confusion; disorder; chaotic; confused; uncertain
too much for one to handle; beyond one's capacity; unmanageable; uncontrollable; incorrigible; obstreperous
to dig your own grave; to bring calamity upon oneself; to put your foot in it
to refuse; to decline; to deny
cheap-looking; tawdry; insignificant
superficial; half-hearted; shallow
evening; night; dinner; evening meal; counter for nights
pretending not to see something; turning a blind eye to; burying one's head in the sand
to take for granted; to assume; to pretend (to be); to pose (as); to go through with (what one decided to do); to persist in doing
temporary; provisional; fictitious; assumed (name); hypothetical; theoretical
around the clock; day and night
threat; menace; coercion; terrorism
idea; notion; sense (e.g. of duty); resignation; preparedness; observation and contemplation
astonished; shocked; amazed; astounded; aghast
cultivation; refinement; culture; education
judging from; on the basis of; from the point of view of
incomprehensible; mysterious; inexplicable; inscrutable; enigmatic; baffling
carefree; free from worry
to let something (or somebody) go past; to do too much
to take pride in; to pride oneself; to be proud of
to strain; to stretch; to string up; to cover over (e.g. with tiles, ice, etc.)
chic; smart; understanding; considerate; familiar with worldly pleasures (esp. sexual relations, geisha districts and red-light districts)
disposition; inclination; characteristic; sexual disposition; fetish
being somewhat excited (agitated)
gender; distinction of sex; sex
general idea; concept; notion
formidable enemy; strong enemy; tough enemy