Advanced English Conversations (2) - Robert Allans, Matt Edie, A. Mustafaoglu 2020

Set 87 - people are so self-absorbed

Diana: What is something other people do that bothers you?

Michael: People talk obsessively and excessively about themselves. My best friend, Kay, got this new girlfriend who I wanted to meet! I noted some narcissistic comments from her but ignored them since we’d barely met. It was like word vomit, I got maybe 2 full sentences in edgewise. This girl thought so highly of herself that she couldn’t not brag about every single accomplishment she’d made since her birth. Thank goodness they’re not together anymore.

Sarah: Well. I hate asking for advice and not taking it. Or asking for an opinion and not being able to take criticism.

Jessie: On the flip side, I hate when I ask someone a yes or no question, and they answer with some long, drawn out story.

Tony: Those who bring others down to make themselves look good are the worst. I also can’t stand those who disrespect things that don't belong to them. We should be trying to leave things better than we found them but instead people are so self-absorbed. What about you Sam?

Sam: People don't have humility. They don't admit when they are wrong. They refuse to change and better themselves as a person since they always point the finger at the other.

Vocabulary;

narcissistic: (adjective) having too much interest in and admiration for yourself.

get a word in edgewise: to manage to say something when other people are talking and ignoring you.

think highly of: to have a very high opinion of somebody/something.

take criticism: to be able to handle criticism or accept it.

on the flip side: another aspect or version of something, especially its reverse.

drawn-out: lasting or seeming to last longer than is necessary.

bring someone down: to depress someone; to cause the failure or defeat of sb or sth.

self-absorbed: (adjective) self centered; preoccupied with one's own feelings and interests.

humility: the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance.

point the finger at: to accuse someone or apportion blame.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. When Mary paused in her monologue, I was finally able to get a word in .......... about my own weekend!

2. The stock market crash really brought .......... my small business. When people stopped having a disposable income, they were reluctant to buy my cute crafts.

3. Henry is so self-.......... it’s a miracle anyone bothers with him at all.

4. Now, I'm not pointing the .......... at anyone in particular, but someone here has been stealing food from the communal refrigerator.

5. They might be very rich, but it wouldn't hurt them to show a little ..........

6. We had another ..........-out discussion after the meeting ended.

7. I'll have to work really long hours and be away from my family for long stretches of time, but, on the .......... side, I'll get the opportunity to travel around the world.

8. Why do you put everyone down and yet you don’t .......... any criticism. That’s ridiculous!

9. Somehow I doubt the mayor will think too .......... of an article exposing all of his financial details.

10. .......... people have a hard time seeing another person's point of view.

1. edgewise 2. down 3. absorbed 4. finger 5. humility 6. drawn 7. flip 8. take 9. highly 10. Narcissistic