Lesson 7: Low Self-esteem
I feel like I don’t measure up to you!

I can talk about low self-esteem.

INTRODUCE

Even the most confident person can sometimes have self-esteem issues. When this happens, it’s good to talk about it with friends who can support you.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. To put on weight means to gain weight.

     

    I noticed that I’m putting on weight lately, so I decided to cut back on bread and sugar.

     

     

    2. To feel good about oneself means to have self-confidence and high self-esteem.

     

    I didn’t use to feel good about myself, but now, I’m confident about my appearance and love taking photos with my friends.

     

     

    3. To measure up means to be good enough, or to be as good as someone/something else.

     

    I feel like I don’t measure up to my friends. They’re all successful businesspeople.

     

    II. What would you say to the following people? Use the expressions above.

    a friend who’s gained

    some weight

    a friend who’s thinking of

    joining a beauty contest

    a friend who just lost his job

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When a vowel is in an unstressed syllable, it’s often pronounced as /uh/.
Phrase Example

feel good about

/ feel good uh-bout /

I / feel good uh-bout / myself!

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Saori is visiting Catherine to see her new baby.

Saori:

I was so worried about you. You sounded so anxious the last time we talked. How are things going?

Catherine:

Better than before. Riho-chan only woke up twice last night.

Saori:

That’s good, but why do you look so down? Is everything okay?

Catherine:

Not really… To be honest, I feel like I don’t measure up to you! When you were pregnant, you and I would joke about what a bad mom you might be, but as soon as Aoi-chan was born, you became this amazing mother. You even got your slim figure back right away!

Saori:

Catherine, you’re worried about your weight? You still look fine! And besides, it’s totally normal to put on weight with pregnancy, and it can take time to lose it again.

Catherine:

I know, but I just feel so uncomfortable… I mean, I used to feel good about myself, but now, I can’t even look at myself in the mirror.

Saori:

You know what? You’re probably just feeling overwhelmed now that you have Riho-chan. All of the stress from a little baby can make you feel really negative. Why don’t you write some affirmations on your mirror to remind yourself to stay positive?

Catherine:

Saori, you know I’m not into that kind of thing.

Saori:

It can’t hurt, though! I recommend this one: “I am a beautiful mother.” Write it over and over until it covers your mirror!

Catherine:

I’d rather just cover my mirror with a cloth so I don’t have to see myself! (laughs)

TRIVIA

Affirmations are positive statements designed to motivate and inspire people. In the US, people with low self-esteem are sometimes recommended to write them in a diary or even on their mirrors. Some common examples of affirmations include:

  • I am beautiful.
  • Everyone loves me.
  • I can and I will!

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Rephrase the sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

put on weight
feel good about oneself
measure up
  1. You should have high self-esteem. You’re amazing!
  2. Sam doesn’t think she’s good enough compared to the other candidates.
  3. I think Jade has gained a few kilos. Is she still going to the gym?

STEP B EXERCISE

Complete the dialogues using the expressions in parentheses. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

1.

Tutor: I hate Brad! He thinks he’s so special, and he acts like he’s the most handsome man in the world!

Student: (feel good about oneself)

 

2.

Tutor: Why aren’t you eating any chips?

Student: (put on weight)

 

3.

Tutor: Hey, you seem kind of sad. Is everything okay?

Student: (measure up)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend has been feeling down recently. Find out what’s wrong, and give him/her some advice.

Today's Expressions

  • put on weight
  • feel good about oneself
  • measure up

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

CONFIDENCE
2

MEASURING UP
3

COMPARING PEOPLE
1

CONFIDENCE

  1. Do you think having confidence is important in Japanese society?
  2. Why do some people have more confidence than others?
  3. How do you gain back confidence once you’ve lost it?
  4. Are there any situations when having confidence is bad?

2MEASURING UP

  1. Do you always measure up to your expectations of yourself?
  2. Have you always measured up to your parents’ expectations of you?
  3. What do you do when you don’t measure up to people’s expectations of you?
  4. How do you feel when people don’t measure up to your expectations of them?

3COMPARING PEOPLE

  1. Do you compare yourself with others?
  2. Why do so many people compare themselves with others?
  3. Have you ever been compared to someone else?
  4. Should parents compare their children?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about low self-esteem.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK