Home Online English Tutorials

Personality

Joyce: What’s the deal with Jim? Why is he so moody all the time?

Lisa: I don’t know. I think he is maybe just an angry person.

Joyce: Yeah not like you, you are so laid back.

Lisa: I know! I’m just really easy going; I think it’s because I don’t let the stress of the world get to me.

Joyce: Yeah, perhaps Jim is just highly strung and that is how he reacts to stress, by getting angry.

Lisa: Yeah, that sounds like a plausible explanation

Joyce: What about me? I would say that I am pretty outgoing and bubbly.

Lisa: Really? I would have thought that you are more shy and reserved

Joyce: Really? Wow, I never would have thought that about myself. I guess when I’m around people that I don’t know I tend to go into my shell.

Lisa: You’re bubbly and outgoing with me, that’s for sure, but not with others. You are definitely shy around Jim.

Joyce: Yeah that’s true.

Lisa: Are you blushing?

Joyce: No

Lisa: You always did pine after uptight guys

Joyce: He is not grouchy. He’s just a bit highly strung and that is just fine in my books.

Glossary

Laid back The term “laid back” is often used to describe a person who has a mild and easygoing personality. It can also be used to describe a place or situation (e.g. a laid back atmosphere) that is quiet, relaxed or casual.

Easygoing - Someone is easygoing if they take things as they come and do not usually worry or stress about things.

Highly strung – Used to describe a person that worries or stresses about everything, or is quick to get angry or take offence.

Outgoing - Someone who is outgoing is very confident and happy with how they are. These people tend to be open and friendly

Bubbly – Used to describe someone who is very energetic and happy.

Shy – Used to describe a person who avoids situations with lots of people, or shows signs of anxiety in crowds.

Reserved - Used to describe someone who is quiet and shy, or unlikely to offer their opinion.

Grouchy - Someone is grouchy if they are a grumpy person that quickly finds the bad in situations. Often scowling or in a bad mood.

Go into my shell - A figure of speech. Just as a turtle puts its head into its shell when it is in a situation that makes it uncomfortable, so too do people “go into their shell”, this is when a person becomes quiet, shy and reserved.

Blushing - When someone’s cheeks go red because they are embarrassed.

In my books - This means: that’s ok with me. I feel that this is in line with what I think and believe.

What’s the deal? = Wha t’s up with that? What’s the problem?

What’s the matter? Why is it like that?