Lesson 1: Breaking Up
I love you, but I’m not in love with you anymore.

I can listen about and understand a break-up.

INTRODUCE

You can comfort a friend who has just broken up with someone by listening to him/her.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.

    1. When you say it’s not working, it means that you tried your best, but your relationship is still broken.

     

    We fight every day. Sorry, but it’s not working anymore.


    Q:     If you were in a broken relationship, what would you do to fix it?

     

     

    2. When you say it’s not you, it’s me, it means you’re taking the blame for the break-up.

     

    It’s not you, it’s me. I don’t think I’m ready for a serious relationship.

     

    Q: Would you ever take the blame for a break-up? Why or why not?

     

     

    3. When you say I love you, but I’m not in love with you, it means you care for the other person as a friend, but not as a romantic partner anymore.

     

    I love you, but I’m not in love with you. Can we just be friends?

     

    Q: Would you still consider your ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend to be a friend? Why or why not?

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

Words that show contrast are often stressed.
Phrase Example

It’s not you, it’s me.

/ it’s not YOU, it’s ME /

It’s not / YOU /, it’s / ME /.

I love you, but I’m not in love with you.

/ I LOVE you, but I’m not IN LOVE with you /

I / LOVE / you, but I’m not / IN LOVE / with you.

UNDERSTAND

LISTENING

Kelsie is on a business trip in France. She’s in her hotel room listening to a voicemail from Charlie.

TRIVIA

The phrase we have to talk (話がある) may be a good or bad thing in Japanese, but in English, it sounds very serious. If someone says this to you, it usually means that something is wrong and the other person needs to have a serious discussion with you in private.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Choose the sentences that best complete the speeches.

1.

It’s not you, it’s me. _____.

  • You’re not trying hard enough in this relationship.
  • I’m not trying hard enough in this relationship.

 

2.

It’s not working. _____.

  • Maybe we should think about breaking up.
  • I’m so happy!

 

3.

I love you, but I’m not in love with you. _____.

  • You’re like my sister.
  • You’re like my enemy.

STEP B EXERCISE

Rephrase the underlined sentences using the expressions in the box.

I love you, but I’m not in love with you.
It’s not you, it’s me.
It’s not working.
Tutor:

Why are you breaking up with me? Did I do something wrong?

Student:

I’m the one to blame.

Tutor:

What happened? Don’t you love me anymore?

Student:

I care about you like a friend, not a partner.

Tutor:

You’re joking, right?

Student:

I’m really sorry… You’re a great person, but… Our relationship isn’t fixable.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You were hanging out with your best friend when you got a voicemail from another friend, Amanda. Listen to Amanda’s message. Then, tell your best friend what it was about.

Today's Expressions

  • It’s not you, it’s me.
  • It’s not working.
  • I love you, but I’m not in love with you.

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

BREAKING UP
2

GETTING OVER A BREAK-UP
3

COMFORTING OTHERS
1

BREAKING UP

  1. What are some good reasons for a break-up?
  2. In your opinion, what’s the proper way to break up?
  3. How do people in Japan generally handle break-ups?
  4. Do you think break-ups are always sad?

2GETTING OVER A BREAK-UP

  1. Why is it difficult to get over a break-up?
  2. What’s the best way to get over a break-up?
  3. Is it okay to be in a new relationship a few days after a break-up?
  4. Who's more helpful when getting over a break-up, friends or family?

3COMFORTING OTHERS

  1. Are you good at comforting others?
  2. If your friend called to tell you that he/she had just broken up with someone, what would you say?
  3. What can you do for a friend who has broken up with his/her partner?
  4. If you saw a couple break up and one of them was left alone, crying, would you say something to him/her?

FEEDBACK

I can listen about and understand a break-up.

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