dignified - adj. serious and somewhat formal

court - v. to act in a way that shows that you want or intend to get married

encourage - v. to make someone more determined, hopeful, or confident

committed - v. willing to give time and energy to something

informal - adj. having a friendly and relaxed quality

positive - adj. good or useful

ironic - adj. strange or funny because a situation is different from what you expected

contest - n. a struggle or effort to win or get something

decade - n. a period of 10 years

stabilize - v. to stop getting worse