Daily English 707 - Looking Back on One’s Life

Complete Lesson

Not a member? Join now.

Dialogue/Story

Slow Speed begins at: 0:58
Explanation begins at: 2:32
Normal Speed begins at: 16:12

Nick: I’m turning 40 this year and what do I have to show for it?

Danielle: Actually, you’ve accomplished a lot. Do you know what your problem is? Your expectations are too high and your goals are unattainable for most people.

Nick: Not for me. They shouldn’t have been. I had my life all planned out and nothing is turning out the way it should.

Danielle: I would never have pegged you for someone with regrets about how his life has turned out.

Nick: But I was supposed to make my first million dollars by the time I was 30. By 35, I should have met someone and settled down, maybe had a child or two. None of that has panned out.

Danielle: You have lots of friends and a full life. Maybe things didn’t turn out the way you had imagined, but wouldn’t you say you were generally content?

Nick: I was before I started thinking about my upcoming birthday.

Danielle: Then stop thinking about it. Too much brooding could definitely lead to regrets – not to mention premature aging!

Category: About You | Daily Life