Language barriers. Culture shock. Homesickness. These are the things you might worry about before departing to study abroad. But for me, returning home proved the hardest of all.After the life-changing experience of a year abroad – constantly meeting new people, having new experiences and gaining independence – coming home can feel like I’d taken several steps backwards.At first, I allowed myself the pleasure of everything I had always loved about being home: days spent sitting around with cups of tea and books, relaxed walks and home-cooked dinners. But once I recovered from the jetlag (时差综合症), I found myself strangely lacking energy and motivation. I felt constantly restless and slept very little.Why was I lacking emotional interest? I realized that I had done two things while I was away: I had idealized (使理想化) home in my mind, and I’d expected everything to remain exactly the same while I was gone. When I got back and the reality fell short of these ideals, I experienced what I’d call a reverse culture shock.The idea might seem a bit exaggerated, especially for exchange students who have only spent a year or less away from home. But as you immerse yourself in a new culture, you quickly adapt to a different way of life. Meanwhile, everyone at home changes. It was like waking up from a strange dream, where everything was almost the same as I remembered, yet a few details weren’t right. Some friendships had drifted apart while others had become closer together. In addition, I felt as if I’d changed too.1. Why does the author say "coming home can feel like I'd taken several steps backwards"?A. Adjustment back to home life is challenging.B. There is no more freedom to enjoy in life.C. Life has been all about eating and drinking.D. It is painful to go through the recovery from jetlag.

Language barriers. Culture shock. Homesickness. These are the things you might worry about before departing to study abroad. But for me, returning home proved the hardest of all. After the life-changing experience of a year abroad – constantly meeting new people, having new experiences and gaining independence – coming home can feel like I’d taken several steps backwards. At first, I allowed myself the pleasure of everything I had always loved about being home: days spent sitting around with cups of tea and books, relaxed walks and home-cooked dinners. But once I recovered from the jetlag (时差综合症), I found myself strangely lacking energy and motivation. I felt constantly restless and slept very little. Why was I lacking emotional interest? I realized that I had done two things while I was away: I had idealized (使理想化) home in my mind, and I’d expected everything to remain exactly the same while I was gone. When I got back and the reality fell short of these ideals, I experienced what I’d call a reverse culture shock. The idea might seem a bit exaggerated, especially for exchange students who have only spent a year or less away from home. But as you immerse yourself in a new culture, you quickly adapt to a different way of life. Meanwhile, everyone at home changes. It was like waking up from a strange dream, where everything was almost the same as I remembered, yet a few details weren’t right. Some friendships had drifted apart while others had become closer together. In addition, I felt as if I’d changed too. 1. Why does the author say "coming home can feel like I'd taken several steps backwards"? A. Adjustment back to home life is challenging. B. There is no more freedom to enjoy in life. C. Life has been all about eating and drinking. D. It is painful to go through the recovery from jetlag.