Breaking Up
Diego, Mexico
I would rather break up with someone because I like to be in control of things, so if someone breaks up with me, I wouldn't be in control of things, so that would change the status quo, and yeah, I would like break up with that person instead of that person breaking up with me.
Lia, Indonesia
I would rather have someone to break up with me because I know that if they break up with me, I can handle it quite good I guess, but if I break up with them, I just don't want to hurt their feelings.
Christophe, Belgium
I think I would prefer to break up with someone because if somebody breaks up with you, you just feel horrible. You feel like you're worth nothing, and you're completely alone in the world, so I would prefer to take the initiative by myself and not feel so bad about it.
Katia, Mexico
I would rather have somebody else to break up with me, but then of course, the situation, if it's different, and I have to do that step, then I'm willing to do that.
Tom, U.K.
I would rather have someone break up with me than break up with someone else because after you break up, people are always asking you, why? what happened? And if you can blame it on someone else, rather than making it look like you were the bad guy, it's so much easier.
Jess, U.K.
Ooh, that's a tough question. I think either way. If you break up with someone or they break up with you, it's not a pleasant experience, so I can't answer that. I'd rather not break up with anyone at all.
the status quo
That would change the status quo.
The 'status quo' talks about an existing situation or normal condition. Notice the following:
- It wouldn't affect the status quo.
- The government has attempted to maintain the status quo.
hurt (someone's) feelings
I don't want to hurt their feelings.
When we 'hurt someone's feelings' it means that we make them feel sad. Notice the following:
- She really hurt his feelings.
- Sorry if I hurt your feelings.
take the initiative
I would take the initiative.
To 'take the initiative' means to make decisions and take action without waiting for others to tell us what to do. Notice the following:
- You need to take the initiative and end the
relationship.
- I took the initiative and broke up with him.
a tough question
That's a tough question.
A 'tough question' is a difficult question to answer. A tough question can also be one we don't want to answer because it's an emotional issue. Notice the following:
- Do I like being single? That's a tough question.
- Whether to break up is a tough question.
not a pleasant experience
It's not a pleasant experience.
An 'unpleasant experience' is not enjoyable, usually because it is uncomfortable in some way. Notice the following:
- Breaking up was not a pleasant experience.
- Being single again is not a pleasant experience.
Vocabulary Quiz
tough • pleasant
