Comfort zone
| Rob: | (ON PHONE) OK Helen, sounds interesting ... I’ll be right over. Bye! Helen has something interesting to show me, so I’m off to see it now.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) |
| Rob: | Err, hi Helen. |
| Helen: | Hello Rob. Welcome to my comfort zone. |
| Rob: | Your what? |
| Helen: | My comfort zone. I’ve made a very comfortable area for relaxing in. Don’t you think it’s relaxing Rob? |
| Rob: | Well yes. Nice cushions, a very cosy sofa and soft lighting—but Helen, why did you want to show me this relaxing and comfortable room—are you up to something? |
| Helen: | No! You said we were doing a programme about comfort zones—so I decided to make one. |
| Rob: | I see. Well we could describe this room as our comfort zone but usually the term refers to how someone feels. |
| Helen: | Oh! So it’s not just a place, but a state of mind. |
| Rob: | Yes. If someone is in their comfort zone, they feel secure and comfortable, they might even feel in control. Maybe these examples will help to explain more ... |
| John isn’t going for the promotion—he wants to stay in his comfort zone and doesn’t want the extra stress. | |
| Jane stays in her comfort zone when booking her holiday and will never travel overseas. | |
| Rob: | So those examples describe people who are happy doing something they’ve always done. They feel safe and secure. |
| Helen: | It sounds like a nice place to be. |
| Rob: | It is but it can also imply you won’t take risks and move out of your comfort zone ... |
| Helen: | ... into your un-comfort zone you mean or your non-comfort zone? |
| Rob: | Exactly. Listen to these examples ... |
| Sally is dressing outside her usual comfort zone; have you seen the dress she’s wearing tonight?! | |
| Bob’s working outside his comfort zone by agreeing to run the accounts department. | |
| Rob: | A comfort zone can also describe the ideal temperature of a room. It’s just the right conditions to feel comfortable in—not too hot, not too cold. |
| Helen: | Well Rob, I think we’re in just the right comfort zone now. |
| Rob: | We are but come on, let’s step outside and get some fresh air. |
| Helen: | Sorry Rob, I’m staying in my comfort zone. Mmm, it’s so cosy and I feel so secure here and anyway, it might be raining out there. |
| Rob: | You don’t take any chances Helen! Oh well, see you later. Bye. |
| Helen: | Bye! Oh this sofa is so comfortable, mmm ... |