Feifei Hi Neil. Nice shoes!
Neil Really, Feifei? I’m not sure about them.
Feifei They look cool. Orange is very… original!
Neil You’re just being nice. I’ve decided buying orange shoes was a bad move. I look stupid.
Feifei Were they expensive?
Neil Very expensive.
Feifei You know what? I think you’re suffering from buyer’s remorse!
Neil I suppose I do regret buying them.
** Feifei** ‘Buyer’s remorse’ is our phrase in this The English We Speak. It’s a particular kind of regret people can feel after a big purchase like a house or a car. They feel they’ve made a bad decision.
Neil Yes, that sounds right! Have you ever felt it?
** Feifei** Yes, after I bought my new bike. Thankfully, the feeling passed. I love my bike now. Listen to these examples.
Examples
A: I made a terrible decision buying this house. It’s in a bad location and it needs a lot of repairs. What was I thinking?
B: Sounds like buyer’s remorse, my friend. Relax. The repairs aren’t serious and it only takes five minutes to get to the train station.
A: Lovely new car!
B: Thanks, but I’m feeling terrible buyer’s remorse right now. It was so expensive. What if I lose my job?
A: Why did I order lobster soup? Your potato soup was half the price, and it is tastier.
B: I know the feeling – I always order the wrong thing then get some serious buyer’s remorse. Let’s share.
Feifei You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. The expression we’re looking at in this programme is ‘buyer’s remorse’. So, Neil. Feeling any better now?
Neil You know, the funny thing is, I bought these shoes to cheer myself up!
Feifei Oh, a bit of retail therapy, was it? Buying something to make yourself feel happier. It doesn’t always work!
Neil Sadly not.
Feifei Hey, aren’t they running shoes?
Neil Yes.
Feifei Well, how about this for a crazy idea: go for a run in them! That will make you feel better.
** Neil** You’re probably right, as always, Feifei!
Feifei And by the way, I do think they look great. Orange suits you.
** Neil** Oh, thanks. I guess they are pretty… unique.
Both Bye.